Here's a rug just finished up by Mom. I designed it last year as I was trying to come up with a Halloween parade rug but decided to go with a smaller design. So, this will be a one of a kind rug. Mom had a vision for our Witch and wanted her decked out in purple. Nice choice! I also love the leaves and background, they are so warm.
In a different direction, I was wondering, if any of you are stitchers, your feelings on embroidery floss. I have more than 40 punch needle designs and am not afraid to admit that do not like punching with anything less than 6 strands (the horror) for a couple of reasons. First, I like a larger design. If the design is larger, then you don't lose any of the definition by using 6 strands, plus, I just like a larger design. Second, I like to use a skein of floss while I'm working, hence less threading. Third, I'm cheap. (for you serious punchers I also am almost afraid to mention that sometimes I punch on fabric other than weavers cloth......I know, I know!!) But, in the world of punch needle I have found that there is a trend to use the more expensive "hand dyed" threads. As you know you can purchase a skein of DMC floss for about .35. Hand dyed floss is about 1.80 a skein or more. While the hand dyeds give the design a more textured and primitive look, which I love, I also like the look of regular DMC and for a primitive look, I dab it with coffee. I want to offer my customers what they want, so would love to hear your opinion as a stitcher, if you would be happy to pay up to $50 for a punch kit, with the expensive threads, or if you would prefer to use DMC in a kit or on your own. Give me your thoughts.
Until next time............
5 comments:
I always love seeing a new rug coming from you two talented ladies. Your mom is a color whiz! Super rug.
Courtney
Love the rug and the colors are just wonderful. Such a happy rug! I also like the 6 strand punching and use DMC floss I just take the skein and dip it into tan rit dye and it mottles it very nicely. Have a wonderul week. Ginger
Thanks so much! I've been wanting to try using rit dye for my floss so now that I know it works I'll give it a try. It's also nice to hear from a fellow six strand puncher.
I'm also a 6 strand puncher, and generally use DMC floss. I love the look of the Weeks Dye Works or 3 strand Valdani, but if I'm punching a piece to sell, it's just too expensive to use. I've also overdyed floss. (always start with a lighter color floss, then add the darker color overdye. ie: ecru floss with tan dye, dark brown floss with black dye). I've also combined 2 or 3 colors of floss for a variegated look.
Laura
I'm so happy to hear from fellow 6 stranders, I didn't think there were any out there. :) I just tried using tan rit over ecru and at first had too much dye, and found that if I brushed it on softly it gave it a nice variegated look which is what I'm looking for. Thanks so much, you've all made my day!!
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