1/16/15 Back to the learning curve on the new bigger hooped machine. Tried a 69,000 stitch design when already tired and had to really hunt up the colors, going through three brands and cross referencing to get colors right. At step 8 of 11, I saw I was on step 8 of 14, so I had written down colors for the wrong design. Had to back up to step 6 , where they began to differ (about 20,000 stitches) and change up colors. Then, the last 12,000 stitches were, you guessed it, metallic gold thread. Aargh! So, I sat and played with metallic thread (uncurling it) for about 45 minutes, broke five times. I know I will never stitch THAT design to sell, only for someone besides me that I love a lot. It did turn out really beautiful, but may be a one time stitchout. Daylilies and clematis.

Glad you were able to salvage it...along with the packing peanut, make sure you are using a Topstitch needle or an Embroidery needle...these two are actually the same...the needle eye is twice the size of a Universal or standard needle...makes it so much easier to embroider anything especially with metallic threads...

Here is a post that I made with photo from long ago about gold thread. I've been doing it this way for years and I no longer have fear or dread from metallic thread!
Scroll down to the bottom on the link below and you will see my post with a picture.

1 comment

by rescuer 17 Jan 2015

That comment of yours deserves its own post. It will be easier to find again -- if I only need to click on your name to find your amazing trick.

I'm glad you persevered and finished the design in spite of the difficulties. The trick I use which has never failed me is to use a thread stand with metallic threads. The added distance the thread has to travel seems to make a difference. I am also careful to buy a high quality metallic thread. Don't give up on the design. Write out the list of colors and threads you used and it will be a piece of cake to stitch it out again.

Sound like a nice big design have you put up in projects yet.. Marian

It sounds quite challenging! I can't imagine a design that large. I've used metallic thread a couple of times and evidently wasn't holding my mouth either time so have put any designs with it on a back burner for now. Hope you like the design now that it is stitched out. hugs

2 comments

by graceandham 16 Jan 2015

Try substituting Robison Anton's 14 Karat Gold or 24 Karat Gold (regular old normal thread, but a great look).

by Leaha 17 Jan 2015

Thanks I'll have to try that. :)