Cross-Stitching

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shadow-dyed threads
Sun, Apr 12, 2015 10:21 AM
Posted by Pauline
I have a cross stitch project from a 1994 book, using DMC 'shadow-dyed' cotton thread. The shade hasn't been given and I'm still trying to find locate this exact thread.
When I do find it, can anyone let me know if the stitching is done 1 cross at a time, or 1/2 stitch one way and returning to make the cross? Any help will be much appreciated. Thanks
  • Hide Replies
    Reply from Linda Kramm
    Thursday, April 23, 2015 1:07 PM
    I haven't heard the term "shadow-dyed" in a long time but check out the DMC website. If shadow-dyed thread looks like variegated or overdyed (as in Weeks Dye Thread), then YES you stitch one full cross stitch at a time. Go to top
    • Reply from Pauline
      Friday, April 24, 2015 6:03 AM
      Hi Linda, so good of you to reply & to answer my question on the actual way of stitching the crosses.
      However, I now realise that I made a mistake!
      The Name Picture sampler is to be worked in space-dyed thread. Sorry to have wasted your time.
      I'm using the Country Christmas cross stitch book by Brenda Keyes - page 97.
      There is a site BrendaKeyes@TheSamplerCompany.com & I will contact them with my query
      I have written to DMC for advice regarding space-dyed thread and awaiting their reply.
      One way or another I mean to stitch this sampler with our new Granddaughter's name before my eyesight fails!
      Many Thanks, Regards, Pauline Go to top
    • Hide Replies
      Reply from Pamn
      Thursday, June 18, 2015 3:33 PM
      Hi there, Pamn here. "Space dyed" is the equivalent of "variegated" floss. This is not to be confused with DMC's "variations" floss and pearl cottons. Nor is it the same as "overdyed" floss. The difference being in the way the colors are applied to the thread (and the resulting effect). Linda is correct in that you complete one stitch at a time as you go.
      Also, remember to pair your threads up when stitching with two or more stands. (This means that with two strands, you cannot do the "fold the thread in half and use a loop start" method. Just make sure that the "needle end" of the thread is the same for both strands. Also, if your needle end is from the "light end" of the strand, make your next needleful from the "dark end" of the strands. This is not necessary, but your finished piece will have a more uniform look to it. The whole blending process that goes on in the eye is much smoother.

      Live long and prosper, Pamn. Go to top

      • Reply from Pauline
        Monday, August 31, 2015 8:43 AM
        Hi Pamm - I'm so sorry not to have replied to you from so long ago. Various family health problems meant that stitching was put on hold, but now I'm ready to start again.
        Thank you for your very helpful reply. I have now tried a few of the Variations Floss & finally settled on Fuschia 4211. A few sample tests shows it to be rather nice on on 36 Count cream Edinburgh. I now have to work out the stitches on graph paper - that'll take me a long time, but I'm really looking forward to stitching again.
        Again, Thanks to you and Linda for getting me started. Kind Regards, Pauline. Go to top