Variegated threads can be tricky. The color changes attract attention away from the pattern. If you have an intricate pattern don't put variegated thread in it.
I did a small 's Gravenmoerse pattern with variegated thread and the pattern was very hard to see among the different color shades. Yet, if you use the variegated ONLY on the cloth stitch trail of a pattern, it can be exquisite. My friend did that on a scarf pattern and it turned out a prize winner. The length of the thread in one color before it changes makes a big difference. I have been making roses with a pricking that is all half stitch. It's the shaping of the rose after the lace is done that makes this rose nice. Since there is essentially no 'pattern' in the lace, there is a lot of scope for using variegated threads. I made some with the variegated only on the passives, on both passives and worker, and just on the worker. This was larger scale thread...DMC Cordonnet 30. The color changes were many inches apart on this intended-for-crochet thread, but worked out fine in this case. I particularly liked using a solid color in the passives and the variegated (say...red and white) for the worker. Each color would do 8-12 rows before changing. This was enough space that it looked like whole petals alternating from lighter to darker. I acquired a spool of thread with color changes every half inch or so. A bookmark made of it was disappointing. The constant change of color distracted from the pattern. The solid color bookmark of the same pricking was much more attractive. When a variegated thread is mixed with a solid color, the eye blends them. Change one of the threads, and you get an entirely different look. In general, I suggest keeping a thread that changes color limited to a simple area of the item, such as cloth stitch sections. This will let the color be the star of the show without competing with an intricate pattern at the same time. Also, different types of lace will respond differently to being made with variegated threads. Experiment a bit, but be aware that some things will not work out as well as hoped. Then again, some of them will be absolutely amazing. Alice in Oregon -- expecting record high temp of 96+ degrees fahrenheit tomorrow. Rather a shock after below normal temps all spring. But it's only for 4 days and then the cool returns. ----- Original Message ---- From: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Any hints about using variegated thread successfully? I've been using some Valdani thread as workers in a piece of Torchon and it's comming out in regular stripes - not the effect I wanted at all. Other times I've used it and the patterns been completely lost and a mess. What's the trick? - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
