Ann The Gran Community

What designs are best to use with varigated thread?  I bought some on a whim and now don't know exactly what to do with it.  It's in many shades of blues and blue greens.  Thanks, Sandy

I might use these colors in a water design of some sort.  I love varigated thread, but have the same issue, where do I use it?  This might also look good in a grassy design, after all, not all grass is green.

When I used these types of thread, I felt the colors became choppy and certainly followed the stitching format to a "T."  I don't use them much, but do use them as one of several colors in the same palette. 

I did find that I really liked using them in names and words, unless there is a lot of white or very light between the colors, depending on background color.  If that is the case, it makes the lettering look odd and can be difficult to read.

I work at using colors that are very defined in relation to the background.  A yellow to a dark color can be really outstanding.  However, a yellow to a light color can disappear.  One problem is denim, it can lose dark colors or light ones depending on the denim color.  I once tried a black design on a dark denim and was less than pleased with the results. 

Pat

Hello everyone!

I like using the variegated on borders most often!  Sincerely, Lollie in Oregon

Hello Sandy.

I have used varigated embroidery thread on outline designs; no fill.  One instance were tropical designs; fish, palm trees, deserted island.  I chose a tropical color varigated thread; pinks, lime, orange, turquoise and embroidered onto a black umbrella.  It came out pretty nice. 

I particularly love varigated thread for free-motion quilting (100% cotton varigated) on my quilts.

Try it - have fun!

Joan/NJ

These are great ideas.  I love the umbrella idea the best. 

Where is the photo?  Show me the photo! LOL

I am planning an umbrella Blog in the future.  I want to hear more about yours. 

Pat

Hi Pat,

Most of my embroidery projects are gifts (in fact, must start doing for me!!!!??).  The umbrella went to my mother-in-law for Christmas.  She lives in FL so felt the tropical colors and designs were well-suited.  No photo sorry.  I do take photos of my quilts but not of my embroidery projects.

Doing an umbrella was interesting.  Held my breath each time I went to do another design.  Bought a good umbrella too so reallllllly held my breath!

It worked out well.

Joan/NJ

Hi Sandy,

I am starting to see a few designs out there that are specifically for variegated threads. I sometimes use them for leaves ,water,grassy stuff and fish as well.As always do a test sew to see what looks best.Flowers are nice with variegated,especially roses,if it is a nice design. I just played around with some just to see how it would sew out,depending on the design itself,it generally came out pretty well.

I did a t-shirt with my variegated thread and tried to post a pic in projects but it wouldn't let me.  I had just post a pic of my lily towel, so maybe you are limited to one pic a day??? 

No there is no limit per day that I know of,I would try again and see if it will go through.

Mac-There is no limit.  See my link and check if you are doing it right. 

There is a "Save" at the bottom of the page, perhaps you did not scroll down to see it.  That is a common error.

You can place the photo in this thread by selecting the icon between the 'tree' and 'smiley face' and double clicking on your photo. 

I am using this photo because I have been reading "The Secret" which says to visualize what you want........ (you cannot see me, but like Chevy Chase looking at the Grand Canyon in "Vacation," I am doing the head nodding to see it again and again!) LOL

Pat

I've used them with FSL to make bookmarks.  They turn our beautifully and are great to add to get well and birthday cards.

ok, is the photo here? 

I did go to the Photos and did not see it. 

Did you print out the directions before trying them?  Sometimes there is a miscue in that.  I could have made an error in my instructions as well.  I did try the instructions and they worked for me. 

Did anyone else try my instructions?  Did you have trouble or success?  ATG wants everyone and anyone who wishes to post a photo of a project or problem to be able to do so.  Don't give up, I want to be sure you are getting the right info and all the help you need.

If you think of something that does not make sense to you, please do let me know.  The written word can sometimes be a gremlin and I don't mean that car!

Pat

When I tried to upload my photo I got this message:

This photo cannot be uploaded due to the image quota applied to this gallery.

It isn't that important to me to post it but would like to know what I'm doing wrong, since I managed to post my pics of the towels.  Thanks, Pat, I did use your instructions and still couldn't get it to work.  Even waited a day just in case it was a case of gremlins in the computer.  No luck.  I resized the photo to a 'small' and still not working.  Oh, wellllll!!!

Please try again, macsandy. We have a 50-photo limit applied in this gallery but we have changed the setting. You should be able to upload new photos now.

BB