Garden Path - Introduction - Part V

Thread Auditions

I am almost ready to begin some actual work on this project. The major thing that needs to be done is to chose a thread color for all the background quilting. My options are, from left to right as seen below, are: (all thread Superior, except that giant cone, which is Madeira) Metallic - light gold, Glitter - Gucci Gold, Glitter - Gold, Bottom Line - Yellow, Nature Colors - Lemon Ice, the giant Madeira - some sort of yellow, and Glitter - Pearl.

The first three threads are metallic/glittery, the next three are various weight of shiny rayon or triolobal polyester, and the last is glittery. In the photo below, you can see the samples stitched out with the two Glitter golds on on the left, then the Metallic, then Pearl and the rayon/polys in order shown above

There actually is one that I am going to use. While all of these threads work on some level, there are a few considerations regarding thread choice.

First, as you know, I do love a glittery thread. Almost all my projects have glittery threads in the backgrounds. Second, most of garments are evening or special occasion type ensembles, for which glittery threads are a good choice. On the other hand, third, this ensemble really isn't a evening ensemble. I'm imagining it more of a day time, afternoon garden party type of ensemble. Hence, I think that maybe toning down the glittery thread might be appropriate. I do realize that these days, sparkly things are worn at any time of day. Fourth, *not* using sparkly thread is outside my comfort zone, and it is good to stretch a bit. Fifth (and last), there will be sparkly thread, beads and sequins in the flowers. Since the focus of the outfit is the flowers, I think that keeping the main portion of the quilting more neutral will help keep the focus on them.

I know, I know, it is *only* thread. So why all the fuss? Because to me it is important and the quilting makes up a great portion of the ensemble. I like this sort of thing - picking through all the details, envisioning the final result in many venues, and then seeing it come to life. So what did I pick? I'll tell you tomorrow. Hint: it is not glittery.

I'm still musing about the "perfection" discussion. I'll post on that soon.

Q/A: I've got quite a few backlogged, so I'll try to answer a few today. First, MaryPat R wanted to know, "How do you decide which of your ensembles to enter into the various shows?" Well, that depends on what garments are home, meaning not already in a show, and what shows that garment has already been in. There are other rules for the Mancuso shows (Mid-Atlantic and Pacific International) that prohibit winning garments from competing in other Mancuso shoes. That's actually nice, because it gives more people a chance to get a ribbon. I do keep track in a spreadsheet. How else did you expect that I keep track?

Second, from Mary (Sewfast) , "So when are you coming out with YOUR book about the great techniques you employ???" I've actually been asked this several times on different occasions. I suppose I'll answer it now. I would not be comfortable writing a book just yet. I think I need more experience at this point. It also would depend on when and if a publisher showed interest in what I do and thought my material would sell. As it is, you're getting almost all the good stuff for free! The downside, of course, is that you have to dig through the posts to find specific information and it isn't organized nicely like a book.

Third, from LindsayT regarding my daughter's dress, "How much wear will she get out of it? I ask because my daughter wants me to make some dresses for her, which I'm happy to do, but there's always a strong chance they'll sit in her closet." Oh, how I know that feeling. I've made many, many lovely things only for them to sit in the closet. She only has four church dresses for any given season. She does rotate through them, which means that some will probably get worn more than others, but at least she has a choice. Four seems to be a good number, she has a choice, but is not stuck wearing the same thing every other week. I'd at least make your daughter one or two. If she wears them and wants more then great, if not, not such a big loss.

Parting Shot: As Requested. Here is my daughter in the aqua dress with a crinoline. She's wearing my standard one, rolled up a little, as she's still a little shorter than I am. You wouldn't believe it, but I think in a year, she'll be as tall as I am. You can't tell from the photos as there usually isn't any reference point in them, something that my dear brother, the archaeologist, would not approve of.