Now if there's anything I don't need in life then it's more thread. I've gallons, yards, oodles and more threads - BUT.
Lately there's been a lot of talk about the Ankars method of tatting and I've watched all the 'goings on' about it. I've not been tempted to try it, though as the thought of SEWING ON the beads after the tatting is done is an anathema to me. Don't ask me why as I can't explain it but I really, really don't trust beads sewn onto tatting. Well, that's got that off my chest!!!
I've seen the talk of using polyester thread for Ankars and again I held back as I have a dread of polyester thread. I bought some years ago and it was awful. It fought me at every twist and turn and in the end I gave it all away cause it was just tooooo darn slippery. Ever met an eel? Well it was worse than that. Well, I guess so but I've never actually met an eel really.
Anyway, reading all the comments about Edda's polyester thread on Facebook gave me the urge to try some for 'regular' tatting (not Ankars) so I ordered some. Below are the two colours I chose in Penny 30. Here's a link to her shop - which is actually easy to use and if you get stuck (like I did!) Edda is always around to help.
So, my verdict on this thread? I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. It's tame and easy to use. I like the thickness of this size 30 which will make lovely handkerchief edgings and motifs.
More on Edda's threads tomorrow.
It's wonderful to have a critique of this thread for regular tatting! - I've been wondering about it too. Like you, I avoid anything which requires beads to be sewn on afterwards, in fact I don't really tat jewellery apart from the odd piece here and there - and I do love edgings! Is that 20 metres written on the card? - I wonder how many you'd need to complete an edging.
ReplyDeleteIt's better than 20, Maureen - it's 120. Looking at it there's oodles on the spool to make at least a hanky or two.
DeleteIt is pretty!
ReplyDeletewell I have not been thrilled with polyester thread as well, but do own some :) those are beautiful colors you ordered too.
ReplyDeleteJust this morning I sewed down a bead to a 3D pendant ;-P My excuse - it wasn't Intended or planned as a pendant, just turned out that way. But needed something in the center, so had to sew the bead. Sometimes, sewing does help, if one is not prescient enough.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting thread & lovely colours ! Will be looking forward to your projects with it :-)
Okay, you've convinced me to place an order and try tatting with it. Not going to hand dye it though - I looked up dyeing polyester and the process is too difficult for me.
ReplyDeleteOh, I may have to break down and try it. All I've used is some thick upholstery thread (Tex 70). It tats ok, but is very, very stiff.
ReplyDeleteThe Penny 30 is by far my favourite thread. The 20 gives a bit bulky results for me, but with the 30 the ds have a nice finish. The only "but": the patterns have to be well tested. It is hard to "fix" or "to block" if the lace does not lay flat. This thread does not need any stiffening (if worked correctly...) And one really must take in consideration the S of Z twist if the picots are a must.
ReplyDeleteSo it's z like embroidery thread? I've worked with both s and z, and it's very different.
DeleteSo it's z like embroidery thread? I've worked with both s and z and they are so different to work with.
DeleteNo, it's more like a size 30 thread, actually. I've never tried the s and z thing. I just wind the shuttle and 'go'!!! Must try it one day, though!
DeleteI prefer the 30 too, Corina. The 20 is, as you say, a bit bulky but I've yet to size it against a Lizbeth 20. That's the next thing on my 'to do' list!!!! Again - must look into the s and z thing - never noticed it in the past 57 or whatever years so it's about time I did try it out!!!!
DeleteJust ordered some Penny 20 from Italy - can't wait!
ReplyDeleteAbout time you lot tried Edda's Penny thread. Been tell yers for long enough how great it is...
ReplyDeleteAnd yer gets plenty for your money and postage is cheaper from Italy to the UK. Colours are great too!