Hi Bev! I have tried the Valdani thread in a smaller size, and it seemed to be a cross between slubby linen and cotton in texture. So for those who like the texture of linen AND want color in their work, Valdani would be worth trying.
But it's funny you should mention quilting. I just got home from teaching a quilting class... one of the last I'll do for a while, I think, because I've gone back to work at a "real job". After two blissfully happy years of not working at all, but staying home and making lace, bread, quilts, and all things domestic (except cleaning, of course!!), I have been seduced back to work by a very generous offer, and could not turn it down. I'm a Mental Health Therapist (LPC) specializing in work with children, and I have been hired as "the" therapist (a new position) in a residential facility for children. This is not a mental hospital for children, but is a residential center which works with kids who are not quite so disturbed. I'll be working with the kids, their families, and will have frequent contact with their teachers and the staff in their cottages. I see it as an ideal setting for changing the dynamics in these kids' lives, and I'm really excited about it. BUT... that means something has to go. I'm going to make bread tomorrow (Saturday!!) and I taught a class in quilting tonight... But I went to a lace day last weekend and have not even opened up my pillow since then. SO, I think the quilting is going to have to take a back seat. I can't WAIT for tomorrow when I can sit down at the pillow for a good long while. BUT - like Garrison Keeler, I can always bring the story full-cycle... At the class I taught tonight, there was a competent quilter who had come for the company and to meet new people of "like mind". She chatted about her other passions (miniatures and doll-houses), and then I told her about my lacemaking. She had a FIT !! She has moved from Arizona and had seen lace demonstrated out there and wanted to do it, but knew she was moving. So she was thrilled to know we had a guild, and may be joining our group!! Meanwhile, I'm winding down the quilting, breaking in a cleaning lady to do the drudgery every other week, and thinking that I'm going to really enjoy this new job - provided it leaves me with enough energy to make lace at the end of the day!! Clay From: "Bev Walker" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [lace] random lace thoughts My favourite 'new' thread is still Valdani, the hand-dyed variegated selections especially (and the size meant for machine quilting - 40/3 I think it is sized at). The Valdani is smooth and strong. The downside is, I have to get that by mail order, too, and have to be sure of the colour because there are heaps on a spool (which is good and bad - good if you want lots of it, bad if it ends up kicking around the stash, not being used - LOL!). - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
