> So long as the winder is > aware of the amount of tension they are putting on the thread, and with > practise, there will be some consistency. Yes with practice tension on a winding does become more even. I know that I usually knit or crochet to the stated tension if I'm using the same yarn and needles/hook, and I think that I probably use a fairly average sort of tension when making windings.
> Also I think I am right in saying > that Brenda does more than one for each thread, and the final figure is an > average. Yes - if it comes out the sime first two times that's it, but if it varies sometimes needs four or five wrappings to get the final/published figure. > > but NO book or chart will completely replace working a sample, There's so much more to a thread than just the thickness. Direction and firmness of spinning, fibre content and various treatments that the fibres may or may not have had during the thread manufacturing process. > > So, particularly if you are about to start a large project, even if you > have bought a pattern and the recommended thread, please take an hour or so > to > work a small sample of something like a cloth stitch diamond and a little > ground; this you can unpin and have a sample to handle as well as seeing > what it looks like, to decide if it is the right thread for you, Jane Atkinson's new book 'Contemporary Lace for You' has a very simple diamond and ground pricking in graded sizes from 3mm between foot edge pins to 10 mm between pins which she uses for sampling threads. It is surprising sometimes just how much variation in the density of pinholes some threads can take. There will always be an optimum pin density for any given thread, but spread the pinholes out for a lighter airier look and crowd them in for a heavier, denser appearance. Brenda in Allhallows www.brendapaternoster.co.uk - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
