Sliver metallic threads

Maybe it means what many say on here about metallic thread, that you have to place it in a 'jar' or something, some distance from the machine, in order that any curl is dissipated before it arrives at the machine? . In message , Leslie & The Furbabies in MO. writes

check your thread too, I know some are like that, but I'm not sure all or, or at least they are wound from two such strips.

I'm using Robison & Anton and I'm using it as normal, not even with a metallics needle, it has snapped a few times, but something like 5 on the whole quilt top, I get my top or bottom thread snapping a few times in that amount anyway, it's just this combo of metallic and invisible means it's always the top.

Anne

Leslie, I've used tons of Sliver and LOVE it. I have no clue what they mean about unwinding. I put on my regular thread spindle, use a metallica needle, and have never had a problem. It often does make a difference in which direction it unwinds coming off the spool, but I can never remember the right way--just turn it over if it doesn't work the first time. Whatever you do, DO NOT unwind it and" leave it in a heap". Sew a little slower than normal, and have fun with it. Gen

Hi Leslie,

I use a lot of Holoshimmer by Sulky and it is the tinsel ribbon metallic type you're talking about. I have found that it needs to unwind from a horizontal position. I have a Janome 6500 and which has a vertical thread holder with thread guides suitable for cone thread but not metallics. The specialty threads usually get hung up on something from this position. I tried working with a dowel and make- shift holder and it didn't work for long because the dowel kept following off the holder. I have since bought the ThreadPro thread stand...it has a cone holder and a horizontal bar. Though I think they're overpriced for the materials used, it has worked perfectly for me. I've been quilting with Holoshimmer for the entire border of a large wall quilt without any problems. I have also been using an embroidery needle and only had a couple of breaks.

I hope this helps.

Renee

That makes me smile. It seems to me that Leslie's Furbabies have a great fondness for carrying away carefuly selected pieces of her projects. Just imagine a nice heap of metallic tinsel and some furbabies giving it a fun rootle. No, Leslie, let's just picture it but please don't try it. Polly

As others have posted, the thread needs to be some distance away from the sewing machine so that it has time to unwind and the static has time to dissipate before the thread enters the threading mechanism of your machine. I don't use a special needle when working with metallics because my machine does not like them -- heaven knows why but nothing seems to work in my machine but a regular ordinary sewing needle! Someone else mentioned using a horizontal spool bar. My machine has a horizontal spool bar and my multi-spool holder has vertical spool bars. If one gives me problems, I just use the other. I can "jury rig" a horizontal spool bar that is a fair distance from my machine if that is needed. I poster in another thread about putting the spool in a cup and setting that away from the machine. If you end up using something like this, you can make the whole thing unwind either horizontally or vertically. If vertical, just tape a paper clip tp the edge of the cup to act as a thread guide. To make a horizontal spool set up away from your machine, slip something like a skewer, piece of wire coat hanger, etc. through the hole of the spool, lay it across the top of the cup with the spool suspended inside the cup, tape the skewer thingy to the cup and you're good to go. Just make sure to set the cup at a level with the top of your sewing machine if possible. CiaoMeow >^;;^<

PAX, Tia Mary >^;;^< (RCTQ Queen of Kitties) Angels can't show their wings on earth but nothing was ever said about their whiskers! Visit my Photo albums at

I use Superior's metallic threads and have never rewound them.

Debbi in SO CA

Leslie & The Furbabies > I bought some gorgeous threads that look like the tinsel for your

I love sewing with metallic threads, and, like Debbi, use Superior's and have never rewound them. They're just beautiful. I do, however, use a metallic needle and I sew much more slowly than normal. Let us know how it goes and good luck!

Patti in Seattle snipped-for-privacy@SPAMyahoo.com (Debbi=A0in=A0SO=A0CA) wrote: I use Superior's metallic threads and have never rewound them. Debbi in SO CA

I just finished using some of this; when I went on line, it said to use it vertically; so I did. Now, I realized almost at the end that I'd forgotten to thread it through the little extra guide on the machine for the vertical spool holder -- I had it going straight to that spot in the back top of the machine where the horizontal thread goes to first. It worked perfectly, so maybe my error kept me out of trouble.

susan kraterfield see my quilts: members.cox.net/kratersge

The lamé threads are beautiful. No you do not want to unwind-rewind them. The do tend to have a lot of static, and this is one of those cases where the farther from the machine you can get the thread the better. Also, the thread needs to come off the spool "flat" not twisted. The easiest way I have found is a horizontal spool adapter on a cone thread stand. The spool is horizontal and the thread comes straight up to the guide at the top of the stand. The it travels a fair distance over (and slightly down) to the machine. Skip the last thread guide, the one just above the needle to help reduce tension a bit more. A bit of felt saturated with TriFlo or Sewer's Aid, stuck right where the thread comes over the edge of the machine case to the needle will also help reduce friction. As I said I love these threads. The opalescent is my favorite. It is so neat to use in so many ways.

Pati, > I bought some gorgeous threads that look like the tinsel for your