Hi Marilyn,

Varigated thread can be used with discretion in bobbin lace.  If you have
an intricate design, then NO.  The thread varigation will detract from
the design, or hide the design completely.  However, if you have
something without a design, then varigated thread can add spice to the
project.

I have a simple rose pattern that is made in one piece, sort of a
horseshoe shaped piece.  It's done all in half stitch, so no design in
the lace.  It is pretty done in a varigated.  It is exceptionally pretty
when done with all the passives in a solid color and only the worker in
the varigated.  Especially when done with crochet thread size 30 where
the color changes are far apart.  Each shade clumps together and looks
like a petal.  When rolled up into a rose, the color changes add
dimension.

Another time a varigated thread works is in a wide cloth stitch trail
through a Torchon pattern.  The special thread must be added at the start
of each trail, and thrown out at the end, but the result is lovely.  The
normal worker thread just becomes an extra passive in the trail, and then
picks up it's duties at the end of the trail.

Experimenting is the only way to see if a varigated color will work in a
particular pattern.   Don't be shy about throwing out some thread, or
cutting off a project after a couple inches, if it doesn't look right to
you.  Learning what not to do is as important as learning what to do. 
And a bit of experimenting may turn a so-so pattern into a work of
delight.

Alice in Oregon -- where we set an all time "cold" temp for a high for
the day.  And this is supposed to be summer.

Jun 16, 2010 04:31:19 AM, [email protected] wrote:

  >Is there a variegated thread that is suitable for bobbin lace
  making? I have been
  >looking, but I really haven't found anything. I know there is some
  Hardanger
  >thread #5 that comes in skeins, but I thought I would rather have a
  ball of thread
  >like #30 Cebelia. If anyone knows of any would you please let me
  know? thank you.
  >Marilyn from SW MN

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