DMC Floche
LisaT
DH, always looking for an excuse to use a new toy, decided to use his yarn
winder to ball it up to make it easier for me to cut. (I've been using this
thing alot for cutting the thread club lengths - great thing!)
I took the kids to music lessons, and come home to find my husband pulling
out what's left of his hair, and a tangled mess of floche. He said as soon
as he untied it the stuff just snarled on him. Is it like this to stitch
with? Does it tangle up on itself at he drop of a needle? We've lost enough
hair around here as it is!
Thanks,
Lisa
emars
>
> Has anyone used this stuff?
<snip>
>
> I took the kids to music lessons, and come home to find my husband pulling
> out what's left of his hair, and a tangled mess of floche. He said as soon
> as he untied it the stuff just snarled on him. Is it like this to stitch
> with? Does it tangle up on itself at he drop of a needle? We've lost enough
> hair around here as it is!
>
> Thanks,
> Lisa
Oh, Lisa, I hope someone can help us with this. I have been
using the floche for embellishing clothes for my baby
granddaughter, and I love to stitch with it. It is by far
the sweetest-behaving thread I have ever used in a needle.
In fact, I have started using it exclusively for those
teensy-weensy doll-sized buttonholes. Also, since floche is
thicker than ordinary floss, only one strand is needed for
coverage, eliminating the need for stripping, etc. as with
double strands.
Having said that, I must confess that I really butchered one
skein trying to take it apart and wind it. I have learned
NOT to remove it all at once from the skein. The only thing
that has worked for me is to cut each end of the skein,
leaving the labels in place to keep everything corralled.
Then I very carefully and painstakingly extract one strand
at a time when I am about to thread the needle. There has to
be a better way, and if someone can clue us in, I will be
very grateful.
In the meantime, the look and feel of the stitching is
enough to keep me pulling away at that skein. Let's not give
up yet.
Emily
JDTHMLLR
Bloomingdale, IL sells partial skeins.l
Judith
Dianne Lewandowski
have to unfold it first. Slip the band around. When you need a length,
pull one out at the looped end. Cut this in half. I've tried cutting
twice, but end up with more problems than its worth. <grin>
Broder threads are handled the same way. (They're called cutwork
threads in U.S.). I use broder threads all the time. Occasionally
floche - though I like broder better. Smockers love floche as you can
iron it flat for use in picture smocking.
You'll want to slip the banded lengths into a small envelope. Office
supply stores have all sizes of brown envelopes. Or a plastic bag.
Floche also comes in smaller amounts, pre-packaged in plastic bags,
pre-cut.
Why more people aren't getting turned on to floche and broder threads is
beyond me.
Dianne
emars wrote:
>
> LisaT wrote:
> >
> > Has anyone used this stuff?
>
> <snip>
> > Lisa
emars
the loop would be much neater. I knew you would come through!
Where do you find broder threads?
Emily
Dianne Lewandowski
whitework, by the time I'm done with a skein, the band is torn up, and
if I'm not careful, I'm sittin' with a magnifying glass trying to
discern which thread is which size (see below).
You can also slip (loop) them around a cardboard bobbin through the
slits on the side. I only do this if I'm working with multiple sizes,
though.
Any LNS that carries DMC products can get you broder threads in size 12
and 16. They are called Brilliant Cutwork Thread. 12 is the largest
diameter.
I have small stocks of 35 and 40 (white). And I'm in the process
(through a distributor) of trying to import the remaining sizes 20 to
30. They are NOT the same as floche - a common misconception. Floche
is much fussier, more prone to shredding.
So, in a nutshell: broder threads come in sizes 12 through 40, divided
as: 12, 16, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40.
Only a few colors of the DMC line of floss is available in these threads
- and I'm not sure which, because I only use white. They are all
available in the European market (Italy, Germany are two that I'm sure
of).
I'm tremendously surprised they aren't more used in this country,
because it beats fighting multiple strands (for one), 2. they make far
more beautiful bullions and knots, 3. they allow a wide variety of
textures in counted or surface work, 4. They are prettier than perle
threads for "some" work and also more authentic to tradition, 5. they
are less "fuzzy" than floss or perle, 6. They are shinier than floss,
but not as shiny as perle
I tried a very small Hardanger piece with both perle and broder. The
difference is huge (in my opinion). I'm not sure which thread is
authentic to the genre, as Hardanger isn't my cause celebre.
Dianne
Karen C - California
>Why more people aren't getting turned on to floche and broder threads is
>beyond me.
Because our LNS doesn't carry them?
--
Finished 3/12/01 - Rose Snowglobe
WIP: getting my health back, Calif Sampler, Holiday Snowglobe
Paralegal - Editor - Researcher
http://hometown.aol.com/kmc528/myhomepage/profile.html
Don't risk your on-line privileges! I report all Spam.
EGNeedler
Yes. Our EGA chapter has used it in doing shadow embroidery.
Eleanor
Dianne Lewandowski
isn't the best thread to use and is tougher to handle. It creates a
padded effect which can be interesting. Using floss does not. Floche
is used because there is greater coverage, you can make your stitches
bigger, and those new to shadow work don't always have the control to
make the necessary tiny stitches and also think they need an opaque
layer on the backside. You don't - but it's hard to convince some
persons.
Shadow work is "mystery", intrigue.
Dianne
Dianne Lewandowski
(especially the finer sizes), aren't using them, so . . . .
What I'm trying to do is get designers to "insist" on using them, rather
than perle or multi-strands of thread, for more authentic embroidery,
such as Schwalm and Mountmellick, for instance. Then we can get DMC to
bring them out here. I bought up the last of the Anchor stock (size 35
& 40) a few years ago - so that's another company to go after.
The biggest problem in cross stitch designs is the limited number of
colors available. But there *are* other types of embroidery, in spite
of what so many of you believe <big grin>.
Dianne
Stefania Bressan
<dia...@heritageshoppe.com> wrote:
>I must admit, handling these skeins is a pain. When I'm doing
>whitework, by the time I'm done with a skein, the band is torn up, and
>if I'm not careful, I'm sittin' with a magnifying glass trying to
>discern which thread is which size (see below).
Not sure if floche skeins are the same of broder skeins, but there's a
trick that works well with broder skeins.
They are fold in half, and tied in one point. You have to slip it off
the label, to unfold it, and cut near the knot. You have obtained a
bunch of threads long about twice the lenght you should need.
Fold in half, re-slip in the label, and cut in the fold.
Now leave the label in the middle, join the two ends, gathering all
the threads, divide them in three groups and make a braid (not too
tight, but not too loose).
Just pull one thread near the label, and it will slip off easily.
[...]
> They are NOT the same as floche - a common misconception. Floche
>is much fussier, more prone to shredding.
Ok, now I'm confused. What is floche? Could it be what we call "cotone
lanato" that should be something like "woolen cotton"... it is rather
tickier, and yes, it's fussy, and it's used mainly for needlepoint
kits, instead of wool (cotton is obviously cheaper).
>So, in a nutshell: broder threads come in sizes 12 through 40, divided
>as: 12, 16, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40.
>
>Only a few colors of the DMC line of floss is available in these threads
>- and I'm not sure which, because I only use white. They are all
>available in the European market (Italy, Germany are two that I'm sure
>of).
IIRC, size 30 is available only in white and ecru. Size 25 is
available in various colors (not the full range, anyway).
>I'm tremendously surprised they aren't more used in this country,
>because it beats fighting multiple strands (for one), 2. they make far
>more beautiful bullions and knots, 3. they allow a wide variety of
>textures in counted or surface work, 4. They are prettier than perle
>threads for "some" work and also more authentic to tradition, 5. they
>are less "fuzzy" than floss or perle, 6. They are shinier than floss,
>but not as shiny as perle
Yes, I'm surprised too. Here broder threads are widely used for
whitework (padded satin stitch turns out beautiful), whilst stranded
cotton is used for finer linens and long and short stitch, that needs
a fine thread (usually one strand) for shading.
>I tried a very small Hardanger piece with both perle and broder. The
>difference is huge (in my opinion). I'm not sure which thread is
>authentic to the genre, as Hardanger isn't my cause celebre.
I've always seen Hardanger done with perle. Sometimes, when perle 8 is
used for kloster blocks, broder 25 can be used for bars.
Bye, Stefania
--
Stefania B. (Italy) ste...@libero.it
http://web.tiscalinet.it/angolostefania (updated 03/29/2001)
LisaT
> I have small stocks of 35 and 40 (white). And I'm in the process
> (through a distributor) of trying to import the remaining sizes 20 to
> 30. They are NOT the same as floche - a common misconception. Floche
> is much fussier, more prone to shredding.
I am confused then, the label says "Cotton Floche A Broder", what I have is
size 16.
I would have cut the ends, if left to my own devices, though I must say that
I think this winder has great potential with sturdy threads. It makes a
center pull ball, so if you only need a 6" piece, that's all you need pull,
and there is no danger of the rest snagging, as if pulled from the skein,
and it is much faster than winding bobbins. For last months thread sample
club, I cut 8' samples from 36 yard skeins, and being able to put the ball
on the floor pull up what was needed went alot faster.
Lisa
LisaT
"Dianne Lewandowski" <dia...@heritageshoppe.com> wrote in message
news:3ACF107F...@heritageshoppe.com...
> Ya don't wind floche <grin>.
Nope!! And now I have an excuse to go back to the LNS and blame my husband!!
I am relieved to hear that it is easier to work with than this experience
would suggest - it is beautiful!
Thanks!
Lisa
Dianne Lewandowski
(not to be confused with mouline, which is something akin to softly
twisted) so floche a broder probably means floche (floss) for
embroidery.
What is commonly referred to as "broder" threads (Stefanie help me out
here) - is a fairly tightly twisted thread, non divisible.
Floche is a softer thread, moderately twisted, the individual filaments
(gosh did I remember the right word) don't hold up as well.
DMC floche, which is the only floche available in the U.S. that I'm
aware, is size 25, I believe. But somehow, in the back of my mind,
there may be a size 16? I did some looking up on floche a couple years
ago - but truthfully can't remember exactly.
Dianne
Beverly W. Shimada
Perhaps, though, you could used the technique used by Jan
Walters for Coton a Broder (Brilliant Cutwork Thread). Cut the
thread at the end, then in the middle, braid ththre parts of the
thread together. Then put the ends through the middle. Makes a
nice neat package, and it is easy to extract one thread at a
time.
Beverly
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Beverly Wilson Shimada bshi...@phoenix.princeton.edu
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Princeton University Princeton, New Jersey, USA
Beverly W. Shimada
> Why more people aren't getting turned on to floche and broder threads is
> beyond me.
I love the broder threads too. I suspect they don't get used as
much in part because the color range is quite limited.
Beverly
Beverly W. Shimada
> Thank you so much. Of course cutting one end and pulling by
> the loop would be much neater. I knew you would come through!
>
> Where do you find broder threads?
>
> Emily
Herrshners carries them.
Beverly
Beverly W. Shimada
> DMC floche, which is the only floche available in the U.S. that I'm
> aware, is size 25, I believe. But somehow, in the back of my mind,
> there may be a size 16? I did some looking up on floche a couple years
> ago - but truthfully can't remember exactly.
I have some DMC "coton floche a broder" in my stash that I got at
a *very* strange LNS in Easton PA a few years ago. I'm sure it is
rather old. Two skeins are labeled 12 and one is labeled 14.
What do you use it for, Dianne? You mentioned Schwalm and
Mountmellick-anything else? And do you divide it into individual
plies or not?
Beverly
Dianne Lewandowski
several different times in different ways. I don't get it. And when I
tried it, had a worse mess <big, big grin>
Dianne
Dianne Lewandowski
If what you have is what they are producing today under the name
"floche", I believe it only comes in one size. I talked to Herschnerr's
- who insists they carry every single DMC product available - and they
had never heard of floche and were puzzled that DMC wasn't telling them
about it. Smockers use it. I could find out, easily enough, where
retailers of smocking supplies get it.
Floche is not meant for Mountmellick, Schwalm or other whitework. Coton
a broder is. They are different.
If you have either floche or broder coton, don't separate it <grin>.
Especially with floche, you'll have a mess on your hands.
To tell you the truth, I have no idea (other than smocking) what floche
is used for. But I know from using it that it would be lovely for cross
stitch - but you'll have to get used to its idiosyncrasies - and
definitely use shorter lengths.
Dianne
JDTHMLLR
where the texture, finish, and size of the thread fit with what you're trying
to do. There may be some historical forms that use it specificially, but for
me that's not too relevant unless I should want to do an authentic re-creation.
For me the bottom line is...does a thread do what I want it to do where I want
it to do it.
Judith
Di Messina
broder. I used it for a Mill Hill piece from the Joyful Santa's leaflet.
It is a letter to Santa. All the words are stitched in this floche. I
didn't have a hard time using it. I just carefully found the end, and
pulled out a piece long enough to stitch with. Although, after seeing some
of the other comments, I think treating it like a hank of Pearle cotton
might work too.
Funny thing is, I haven't seen another pattern that uses it, before or
since.
Di
By the way, the letter to Santa turned out great. I charted my kids' names
at the bottom instead of the ones that were there!
Dianne Lewandowski <dia...@heritageshoppe.com> wrote in message
news:3ACFA335...@heritageshoppe.com...
Dianne Lewandowski
two of you indicated it's a 16. I stand corrected.
It's really quote lovely but not "usual". I'm surprised more designers
haven't "found" it for cross stitch. Very shiney.
Dianne
Monique Reed
try. Didn't DMC just discontinue a whole bunch of colors, though?
Monique
Michelle Mikeska
What shops did you wind up visiting in Houston?
Michelle
Monique Reed
only, and one up in Spring. I'd have to look at the checkbook!
Monique
Mike & June Huber
floche. I saw a "new" craft thread in a mail-order catalog (Herschners?)
that looked very similar to the discontinued flower thread, though.
Wonder if it's the same thing.
DMC floche should be available for the forseeable future, especially if
other stitchers like it as well as I do. It makes wonderful satin
stitches! Try it for the klosters and buttonhole stitches in Hardanger
with 32 count linen.
June in Houston (waving!)
Dianne Lewandowski
That's readily available.
Dianne
Alison Hendon
<Hub...@swbell.net> wrote:
>DMC discontinued it's line of flower thread which is different from
>floche. I saw a "new" craft thread in a mail-order catalog (Herschners?)
>that looked very similar to the discontinued flower thread, though.
>Wonder if it's the same thing.
<snip>
Hi June, I've used some of the DMC Craft Thread. I got it at my local
craft store The Rag Shop, it came in bags of 36 skeins - Starter
colors (about 6 colors, red, white, black, turquoise, yellow...),
Pastel Colors (lavenders, pinks, blues) and Rainbow Colors (brights
like the Starter Colors but more hues). I find the thread to be about
the same size as no. 5 pearl cotton. I used the white for background
in a barrette. It isn't twisted as tightly as pearl cotton and it
doesn't have the sheen. The skeins are smaller than pearl cotton,
about 10 yards. It's not at all the same as the flower thread which
was smaller (more like no. 12 pearl cotton?) and matte, quite matte,
and tightly twisted.
My feeling about the craft thread - and it's interesting that none of
the packages show any projects STITCHED with it - tassels, braids,
etc. - is that it's cheap and it feels cheap. I will use it for small
projects on perforated plastic (like barrettes) but I prefer the pearl
cotton.
Alison
Monique Reed
where I saw it), it says they'e discontinued quite a few colors of
floche, too.
Monique
Mike & June Huber wrote:
>
Mike & June Huber
But one of the most wonderful threads for Hardanger has to be Rainbow
Gallery's Elegance (#8 silk perle) for klosters/buttonhole and Subtlety
(#12 silk perle) for the needleweaving. Wonderful to work with, and
beautiful, smooth, lustrous results!
June in Houston
P.S. How's your foray into Schwalm/Hedebo going?
Dianne Lewandowski wrote:
>
> I'll bet you love it for Hardanger, June. Have you tried broder 16?
> That's readily available.
>
Mike & June Huber
know if this is less than previously available or not. The shops around
Houston that carry it seem to only have a few of the colors. I've only
gotten white. Even with 87 colors, that's not a broad enough range for
detailed cross-stitch pictures, but it's great for stitching where many
colors aren't necessary.
http://www.dmc-usa.com/products/cross/
June in Houston
Monique Reed wrote:
>
> Yep, but if you look in the new Nordic Needle catalog (I think that's
> where I saw it), it says they'e discontinued quite a few colors of
> floche, too.
>
> June Huber wrote:
> >
> > DMC discontinued it's line of flower thread which is different from
> > floche. I saw a "new" craft thread in a mail-order catalog (Herschners?)
> > that looked very similar to the discontinued flower thread, though.
> > Wonder if it's the same thing.
> >
> > DMC floche should be available for the forseeable future, especially if
> > other stitchers like it as well as I do. It makes wonderful satin
> > stitches! Try it for the klosters and buttonhole stitches in Hardanger
> > with 32 count linen.
> >
emars
>
> know if this is less than previously available or not. The shops around
> Houston that carry it seem to only have a few of the colors. I've only
> gotten white. Even with 87 colors, that's not a broad enough range for
> detailed cross-stitch pictures, but it's great for stitching where many
> colors aren't necessary.
> http://www.dmc-usa.com/products/cross/
According to her last catalog, Martha Pullen (of Sew
Beautiful) had most or all of the 87 (?) colors. It doesn't
show up on the website
but you can order a print catalog from there.
Emily
Dianne Lewandowski
them up. Thanks for telling me about them. I don't get out much
<grin>. I love the shiney Kanagawa silks, but they're probably too fine
for Hardanger?
Dianne
Mike & June Huber wrote:
>
Beverly W. Shimada
floche listed.
Beverly
Dianne Lewandowski
to contact DMC, and were aghast when they learned there was a DMC
product that they were unaware of - since they've had a partnership with
them for over 100 years. I've been watching their catalogue and noticed
they still don't carry it - and I talked with them over a year ago. Read
between the lines for yourself - based on recent posts about DMC and its
relationship with retailers/wholesalers.
I've also been working with a wholesaler trying to get broder threads
into the country. Not much progress being made.
Dianne