which metallics do you prefer and why?

AACCKKKK -- I **HATE** DMC metallics! Kreinik metallics are much easier to work with IMNSHO. I did a model piece for Stitcher's World several years ago and it required silver, gold and opalescent white metallics and they sent DMC. I let them know how much trouble the

*$(*%^ stuff was. When they got the piece back, they had to add some stuff because the design had changed. When I got paid for the work, they had included a bonus for having to work with that nasty DMC metallic. Whoever did the additional metallic stitching must have said something to the powers that be. I got a bit more $$ than I had expected and was told it was because I had to work with the *($#(*$^ DMC metallics :-)!

I also prefer Kreinik hands-down. One famous UFO in my stash is a hand towl of Christmas bells. It's not done because I decided to use DMC metallics (didn't know about Kreinik at the time) and I can do about 10 stitches a sitting then get frustrated and put it down again for another year. The wedding sampler from Stoney Creek that I started for DH and I (on hold now for other projects) uses Kreinik and has been a joy to stitch.

Barbara HJ

Tia Mary wrote:

thanks for the info. are these threads or flosses? or both? it seems like they have so many choices in weight and stuff. What do I look for to be compatible with DMC floss. I imagine that in most cases I would be adding a single strand of metallic to a single strand of a DMC color. I looked at the Kreinik site and have no idea what is what. it looks like the "very fine #4" is what is touted as "perfect for cross stitch".

and where do you buy - 2.85 seems like a lot for a spool of thread.

thanks again, kcat

I like the Petite Treasure Braids by Rainbow Gallery - they seem to have a flat 'side' that helps the threads lie neater, IMHO.

are these threads or flosses? or both

I don't think you can get Balger's anymore. So far, all I have seen in

3 or more years, is Kreinick. Frances

I used one for the first time and loved it! C

"KCat" had some very interesting things to say about which metallics do you prefer and why?:

I *hate* DMC metallics. Horrible scratchy nasty things.

Tia Mary had some very interesting things to say about Re: which metallics do you prefer and why?:

I'm glad I'm not the only one who hates that IAP stuff! It's even worse than that awful Needloft nylon plastic canvas yarn (and that stuff is VILE).

"KCat" had some very interesting things to say about Re: which metallics do you prefer and why?:

#4 would be a very fine braid (handles as a single fiber). I used a fair amount of it on a gift project, and found it quite reasonable to work with (just had to make sure it didn't kink up).

In that case, you'll want the Kreinik Blending Filament. The braid is if you're going to stitch with only the Kreinik and not adding any floss.

The BF comes something like 55 yards to the spool, so you're getting plenty for your money. The braid is (depending on thickness) only about

10 yards per spool.

Balger became Kreinik. Not sure why they changed the name.

I agree...they are my favorite metallic thread to work with by far!

Mavia

As you mentioned, if you use the Kreinik Blending Filament (BF), you combine it with floss. Number of strands depends on the fabric count and how sparkly you want the finished design. I LIKE lots of sparkle so I use 1 strand of cotton and 3 strands of BF on 14/28 ct fabric. The BF is much more reasonably priced than any of the other metallics that Kreinik puts out. If you are doing a *lot* of metallics in the design, then using floss & BF is probably the best way to go. The #4 and the Petite Treasure Braid are both nice to work with. They are more expensive so I usually save them for a "special" part of the design. I did a 25th anniversary sampler for my DSis and used regular BF for the bells, etc. I used the Treasure Braid for the numerals 2 & 5 in the center of the design because I wanted them to really stand out and be sort of highlighted without being totally different. Remember, there's nothing wrong with using more than one type of metallic in a project. If this is a design you will be selling, you can always give the stitcher options for using a selection of metallics :-). CiaoMeow >^;;^<

I can't say that DMC metallics are my favorite, but........ I have used their floss in several of my designs because they DO allow the flexibility to work with whatever number of plies is needed to get the effect you want. I've found that very helpful in working out contrasts in color schemes. The alternative would have been to purchase several different spools of metallics, which would have greatly increased my stashe.

Phyllis Maurer

And increasing your stash is a bad thing?

I haven't worked with the 6 strand DMC too much yet, but I have worked with the metallic on the spool and find it isn't too bad.

Cheryl