I use this method but only for the length of strand that I'm going to use - because I only do bobbin lace with embroidery floss, linen and/or cotton (never embroidery, I don't like it), I cut off a generous 2-armslength 6-ply strand, isolate one ply and gentle tug it from the mass, allowing the other 5 strands to bunch in a loose rosette, and yes, like Janice mentioned, within the closed hand. I stop from time to time to straighten the rosette or else I'll get knots. Repeat for the remaining strands. I learned the hard way that pulling two strands together almost always results in knots and a frayed temper (mine), so best when wanting two plies to recombine them afterwards. I store the separated strands in small ziplock bags if they aren't going onto bobbins right away.
The DMC mouliné metallise skeins separate almost willingly into strands. I tie a small firm overhand knot at the ends of the strands asap, to prevent the single strand from coming apart. On Feb 19, 2008 11:55 AM, Janice Blair <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I was taught to separate six stranded embroidery thread the following way: > > Unwind the skein along the floor, or down a staircase, or in my case, hang > it over the second floor balcony in my family room. Hold one end of the > skein loosely in the palm of your hand with the ends between your thumb and > first finger. Take one single thread end and pull on it. You can wind this > onto a card. The other threads tend to bunch up under your closed hand and > occasionally you will need to straighten it out. Once you have done one > thread you can continue to do as many as you need for your purposes. > > -- Bev (near Sooke, BC on beautiful Vancouver Island, west coast of Canada) - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
