On the Ninth day of Christmas . . .

[HJ Hess]

Today is the ninth day of Christmas, January 2, 2010.

A friend asked about thread preferences for Tatting, which made me think: What are your preferences for Tatting?

Do you use size 10 crochet, or size 5, 8, or 12 perlé? Cordonnet, 3-cord, 6-cord? What about size 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80? Have you ever used size 100 or greater? Size 160?

Cotton, silk, wool, synthetic, or other? What about non-traditional tatting fibers? Quilting thread? Ribbon? Metallic? Single or multi-ply wool? Embroidery floss? Rope, twine, or cord?

Do you prefer threads manufactured in a specific country? If yes, which country?

What about certain Manufacturers: DMC, Coats & Clark, Finca, Ören Bayan, Anchor, Altin Basak, among some? Is there a Manufacturer you prefer above all? Why?

What about specialty Hand-dyed threads? Is there any specific type you enjoy?

Are there any colors you favor? Solids, ombrés, multi-colored, or variegateds? Cool blues, greens, violets? Warm reds, yellows, oranges? Neutral tones, jewel tones or pastels?

What do you prefer to Tat with?




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[Vanessa]

I really love the Altin Basak, particularly the size 30.

I don't particularly like using DMC Perle because it tends to split when I unpick my work. Pity, because it comes in a nice range of colours.

This year I'm going to try a size 80 thread to see what it is like. Not sure what pattern to choose yet.

[carolivy]

I love thread, period! I use any that comes to hand. I don't have a preference as to size or brand, but I DO prefer colors! Unless of course I am making Snowflakes...then I like using white. I like trying new (and unusual...at least I think so) threads. Right now, I'm using a Single Strand of DMC Light Effects Embroidery floss to do some Tatted Jewelry. I have some plans on using some Machine Embroidery Floss to try and tat with...it is about a 120 size. :-O I have over 30 different colors (some mixed and some ombres too) that I bought for Card Embroidery. I'm thinking this would make interesting jewelry too. lol

[Little Bell]

HJ,
Your questions is one I've never been able to think of much. See where I live you are lucky to find thread to make stuff with. For the only way you do that is to go to bigger cities. The town I live in don't have a craft store at all. However through the years of working with thread, I have done alot of things with thread that most wouldn't think or expect possible. Which you can tatt with all of it too. Just some work better than others. So thinking out of the box has been fun on one hand. It also is why I have had no choice but to use any thread I could get & be happy with it. Now you all are teaching me that there are many different brands of thread made. Which might sound crazy since I learned how to make my own thread out of stuff most don't expect possible. But it's all good to keep learning for one never knows all the answers or about everything. Thankyou very much!
Blessings,
Little Bell

[Deann]

Wow! So many questions. I guess I have not ventured out much. I tend to use DMC and really like the smaller thread (80-90) I don't think I have ever used over 100. Something to try. I did order some thread from another country and am thinking I might try to work on that a little today. I have used some of the larger crochet thread for Christmas ornaments in the past. I am thinking I may use more of this this year as when my Mom went to be with sweet Jesus she left large boxes of thread, mostly white in this type, and much variety in regular knitting thread. Am anxious to try some of the silk thread and some of the smaller also.

[Deann]

"Which might sound crazy since I learned how to make my own thread out of stuff most don't expect possible" Little Bell would you elaborate on this alittle. I am interested in knowing some of the different things you have used.

[AnneB]

Thrads I've used - um...

I have used thick thread (usually used for knitting) and I have used sewing thread (no idea what size it was, probably 100 or thinner). I prefer DMC 80. I like Ören Bayan 20, but not the 70/80 version. I have used Mölnlycke a lot, but the production have sadly stopped. I only hope I have enough for the centre piece I've started. I have used DMC perle (8), but only because it is available locally and come in a variety of colours. New favourite is Lizbeth 20 and probably 40 (have got some Lizbeth 40, but have not tested it yet).

Colour? Yes please

[Little Bell]

well, how about cotton from a cotton tree, or dog hair or grass or bark. Yes, there are many things that thread can be made out of that most don't expect. Or how about using bailing twine or tatting with macrame thread. Sounds rather crazy but you know what it works great! Thread to me is an endless aray of possiblitles. Just have to know how to do it & what can be used. Just like dyeing is a wide range of things too. Not what you was expecting now is it? But it's all true. Sure you have wool from sheep & other animals as well.
Blessings,
Little Bell

[Little Bell]

I forgot you can use milkweed for silk too. After all in world war 2 that's what parachutes was made of. Cause it can get wet & don't fall apart. Plus it attracks butterflies to enjoy too. Like I said you just have to know what can be used & how to do it.

[TattingChic]

I like 'em all! I honestly don't have a favorite, but I do have a favorite in a given moment! I tat with whatever I'm in the "mood" for! I also tat with whatever color, type of thread or size of thread I think will be best suited for the project at hand.