I often get phone calls from customers struggling with using metallic threads in their needlework. So when Margaret from Majorca rang me I gave her all the hints I could think off for making it more manageable.
These included:
- use short lengths
- don't use the thread that has been in the eye of the needle, it may be worn
- stich slower, don't pull the metallic thread through quickly
- fasten the thread to your needle with either a loop or a single knot
- only use enough strands that will pass evenly through your fabric
- dampen the thread before stitching, or run it through beeswax
However nothing seemed to ease the frustration for Margaret and the air went a pretty shade of blue!
Not long after this call, Margaret was on the phone again. This time she was much happier, between them Margaret and her husband had come up with a solution that enabled her to finish stitching Pearl. my 1920's blackwork lady.
They had realised that maybe it was the high humidity that was causing the trouble (60-65 percent) so experimented with separating the metallic thread into strands, soaking it in water, then laying the strands in a baking dish and popping them in the freezer!
Each time she needed the next length she went to the freezer, took out just one strand and quickly went back to her stitching. Planning out the journey she was going to take beforehand helped her to use the strand quick enough so that it only just began to defrost as she was finishing it off. Then back to the freezer for the next bit.
Apparently this experiment worked a treat and her design is now finished and Margaret is delighted with the end result.
If you live in a humid area this may be something you would like to try? Do let me know if it helps.
