Underway with Glitters of Gold

Now that the initial task of getting the Ecclesiastical Embroidery Design for the Easter Set Pulpit fall has been accomplished and the laid threads of the Italian stitch seem to suit the area selected, it is time for the next experiment in stitching.  I am pretty confident this should work, but there are a few things still to consider.

For instance, which of the gold threads in the drawer are best suited for this stitching?  The area is rather small, so the gold thread to be used for couching the Soie Ovale must be very fine. It must be pliable and bend easily.  And naturally it must be beautiful. That is a rather odd thought. One might ask, “Aren’t all gold threads beautiful?” Of course the answer is, yes………….most are beautiful.  There are, however, certain gold threads that are VERY beautiful.  Let us save that topic for another day, when I can pull out some of the treasures from the drawer and show you.

For now, when it comes to selecting goldwork threads for two separate areas of the project, I am looking at several options. The first is Imitation Japan Thread which can be couched down for use on the cross arms. The threads being considered are the T69, T70, T71, and T72 as well as the K1, K2, K3 and K4 as pictured in the photo above.

A new source for Imitation Japanese Gold threads just came up a few months back that has different sizes for the thread.  The samples I have are sizes 9 and 12.  These new threads can be purchased in very large hank quantities for a reasonable price. These are the traditional choice of gold threads used for couching.  A decision has to be made on which of these to use. I will have to make it soon as a rather large amount will be needed to stitch the cross arms.  Right now, the thought is to do a basket weave with the gold thread over very fine baby cord.  To know which thread will offer the best results will take testing on a sample.

The other threads in this photo are a silk thread from Tyre which were ordered from Thistle Threads. This is a wonderful thread for use in couching goldwork.  It is very fine, has a lovely sheen, and sews beautifully.  This is the perfect thread for use with the Gold Elizabethan Twist. The Elizabethan Twist is a very fine and delicate gold thread. It is very flexible, and it shimmers. It is made from a percentage of real gold, and is lovely to work with.  The spool was ordered through Hedgehog Handworks.  It is listed on their website as being sold by the yard. By making a special request, the large spool was available which keeps the thread neat and tangle free.

Once this church embroidery project gets a little further down the road, other gold threads such as pearl purl, check thread, and gold twist may also find their way into the project.  Time will tell.  Now on to stitching with gold! Later this week, I hope to give an update on the Purificator design and transferring it to the linen. And of course, I must try to get an evening with The Tale of Two Lambs Project to keep them moving along. Thanks for stopping by.

Solo Dei Gloria

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