>>>From: Jane Viking Swanson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] I imagine I'll have to make my own varigated to get the effect I'm after but I'm wondering if there are some thicker threads (I think I'm using #80 tatting cotton, it's downstairs) with a short change in color. And what does everybody else think about varigated thread? <<<
I used variegated thread for my Chrysanthemum lace class with Cathy Belleville, and it worked beautifully! I used silk floss (Caron Waterlillies, Thread Gatherer Silk 'n' Colors, and Gloriana). There are four different variegated threads in the piece: darkish blues; two different turquoise-to-medium blue; and a medium-blue-to-lavender for the workers. The colors blended beautifully into heathery peacock-color, with lavender central ridges and picots, and contrasting edge pair (turquoise, on the petals that were dark, dark on the petal that was turquoise). I've also used variegated tatting cotton for Schneeberger, and seen other Schneeberger and Milanese done with thinner variegated threads. Again, beautiful! I don't recommend variegated for things with complex textures, like some of the fancier Milanese braids, because the added complexity of the color changes can make it look tangled instead of lacy. But for simpler braids it can be very effective. It's loads of fun to see where the colors go with variegated threads. Sometimes, you need to manipulate it just a bit with turning stitches. Jane, I don't know off-hand of a variegated tatting-weight thread other than tatting cotton. However, some tatting thead changes color more frequently than other colors. You should also consider dyeing your own. Make a loose skein of white or a light color and put it to soak in water for awhile. Make sure it's *thoroughly* wetted. You can dye it with Kool-aid powder (I actually know of a yarn company that dyes with Kool-aid!) mixed with just enough water to properly dissolve (keep it intense) or with a little more water (for pastels). Or you can use silk dyes or Rit dyes. Anyway, remove the thread from the water, pat off some of the excess water but leave it wet, and drip the dye onto it. The dye will spread along the wet threads, becoming paler at the "edges". You can drip another color in between, so it runs toward the first color and blends in the transition zone. You control how close together your color drips are, which determines the length of variegation. For example, if the circumference of your skein is one foot, you can have one (1-foot repeat), two (6-inch repeat) or more color splashes. For more gradual color changes, leave the thread in a shallow dish (porcelain, glass, enamel, or similar dye-proof material, unless you don't mind your dishes getting stained) in just enough water to almost cover it. Then when you drip dye onto the thread, some will go into the water and palely dye more thread than just where you dripped it. After it's dry, set the color with vinegar (or according to the instructions of commercial dye) and iron it. The heat further sets the color. It's loads of fun, and it gives you just the color you need for your project! Robin P. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA http://www.pittsburghlace.8m.com - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
