We have drawn our giveaway winner! Congratulations to Karen MacDuff, get in touch with me at sarahhomfray@blueyonder.co.uk so I can get your threads on their way to you. Thank you to everyone who took part, your comments were excellent, I enjoyed reading them and I loved the poems especially! Keep watching for more giveaways in the future, we've got some good ones planned! x
There are too many comments to check them all for me, so I don't know or somebody mentioned it. Though I sew a lot with linen thread, and you have to wax that, because the fiber is quit rough, the wax makes it smoother. It is to protect the thread itself, so it doesn't wear out so fast by it's own roughness. That is at least what I as told. It makes the thread a lot stronger. If it is a smooth thread, I don't think it needs waxing. Today I got a huge box full of embroidery things, that I bought second hand from a lady that quit her hobby. It holds alot of different thread, including silk, so I am again very grateful to learn from you! It also has a hoop that is big enough to fit me through, so I hope it will let me work on a dress or bodice. It is a lot of vintage, like some thread still has the guilder mark on them, (I'm Dutch), and there is a magazine from 1968! 😁 Nostalgia, I am from 1965. I am blown away with how much the box held, and the high quality of it all! Over 100 skeins of DMC thread, and other good thread, linen, tons of stuff. There are things in the lot, that I have no clue what they are for.. I feel I don't ever have to buy anything again. And I got all of that for 60 euros.. They really did me a huge favor. I'm very excited about it! I hope you will teach me...lol Much love! And thank you so much!!! ❤🤗
Love this video! In 2016 I found a massive stash of Filoselle silk - hundreds of colours - in a thrift store. I was almost in tears as I stood in line to pay for it. From the labels I could date it to the 1920s. It is all just as vibrant and strong as any new silk I have. Interesting, thinking of your last video about colour, there was no black or white in the entire collection.
@@kimberlybauder2905 It was very emotional. When you find something like this in a thrift store there is usually a very sad story behind it. I wrote a Post on my Facebook with a photograph if you want to see it - just scroll through the photo section and open the photo to read my Post.
Embroidery was my first attempt at needlework, lead to sewing, at the age of 5 years. Hopefully I will celebrate my 80th birthday this year. I simply love your videos, you are such a talented artist and teacher. Your instructions prove there is always something new to learn, no matter what level of experience you have achieved. I must confess I have never used silk thread. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, quite inspiring. I am determined to create a new design using silk threads, thanks to you. Wishing you continued success.
As a confirmed and card-carrying thread experimenter and hoarder, I have had the pleasure of trying out stranded silk, and enjoyed it. And yes, your hands must be silky smooth. For the price you must be sure what you’re going to use it for. Not just a dish towel, for sure, but perhaps a Christmas ornament! Thanks for the demonstration of each type--very helpful as always, Sarah.
There is a further difference in silk threads ,the really silky smooth shiny threads are filament silk wound in long continuous threads from the cocoon, they can be twisted or flat, eg deveres silks ,soie oval, soie de paris .The other silk threads eg soie d Alger, gobilin are spun silks ,spun from much shorter silk broken filaments ,these tend to have a lustre rather than a shine and tend to be easier to use as they are far less likely to catch on one's hands . I started stitching with silk threads about 4 years ago ,determined to master flat silk while my eyesight could still cope ! A few tips I have learned along the way You really really really need to look after your hands ,gloves for housework and gardening Use a good magnifying light Teach yourself to hold yr needle by the eye to stop the thread from sliding and catching The fewer threads in the needle the better the outcome ,I usually use 2 or 3 of deveres or pipers finest silk .Splitting a deveres 60 and using 2 ,3cor even 4 threads gives better results ,and the reel lasts a very long time Right needle right thread size A mellor or in my case a large darning needle is to be recommended but the more practiced you become the easier it all is Flat silks work best using mostly satin stitch and long and short stitch Once you have mastered the handling of the silks d see the really beautiful results you won't want t to go back to cotton You are at risk of becoming addicted !
Sarah, I’ve been intimidated by using silk threads but in your usual way, you make the process look SILKY SMOOTH ! Your explanation of the various types of thread was the most informative and easy to understand that I’ve heard. Thank you so much for all you do😘
As a total beginner knowing nothing I stupidly started with silk floss... probably the worst for a beginner! I got in a right muddle I did manage to make a pansey to some degree with a lot of mess and muddle but approximately a pansy lol. I had no idea what I was doing. It was difficult but I had never embroidered or hand sewn before ..I got a set of colours online and the shine is just amazing. Just a shame that I was such a ham fisted person! I have not even had much success doing the large cotton threads. I just am not good with delicate things. Best stick to felting cos I can't go wrong there. If I am messy it just makes it more interesting😂
I've been embroidering for 57 years. I've learned so many things from watching you, and inspired to try things I've never done before. You're such a joy to listen to with your silky smooth voice. It would be a thrill to meet you someday.
One of the many things I appreciate from your teaching is that you do such a good job of pointing out remedies to potential things that might result in frustration and giving up like the hint to make sure your hands are in good shape and silky smooth when using silk threads. It does help to know these suggestions from the start.
Watching your channel is a high point of my embroidery journal. There’s nothing like starting a new hobby at 63. Now I need to work on getting my hands “silky smooth “!
I’ve been intimidated by the price point and the difficulty of working with silk threads, and your video has given me some confidence that I, too, can work with a fiber that is so silky smooth.
Actually I remmeber the first time I ever did embroidery I bought silk floss cos I had no idea how delicate and difficult it would be. In the end I vaguely remember using wax on the floss to keep it from fluffing...my hands are sort of rough.. you don't realise how rough your skin is untill you use silk floss. It just snags ..I would use sugar and olive oil to scrub the hell out of my hands which helped a lot. It was a bad idea for a beginner. I managed a vague shape of a pansy with lots of mess and muddle and then gave up on embroidery altogether.
I have been embroidering since I was a child. When I was about 13 was given a set of SILKY SMOOTH sewing threads by a retired dressmaker. She used them for darning and reweaving clothing. I used them for embroidery. It took me a long time to figure out that I needed to use 2 strands, as it was so thin ( and I was young!). However, the result was lovely and I use silk thread on items that I want to be very special. I do, on occasion, use wax to tame my silk.
These threads all look so beautiful! Not only are they silky smooth, but they also require one's hands to be silky smooth in order to effectively work with them. One thing that I found particularly helpful was to treat my hands to a sugar scrub before spinning or stitching with silk. It helps to gently exfoliate my hands, and I never have an problem with the silk snagging on my skin. It leaves the hands wonderfully smooth without the use of any creams that one wouldn't want to bring into contact with embroidery threads or fabrics. Thank you for bringing these various types of silk threads to our attention and to demonstrating their use. I especially appreciate your warning of the shelf-life of vintage threads and the wisdom of checking the thread strength before embarking on a significant project that incorporates older threads. 💖
Hello! Another fun chat to listen to while I hand quilt! I just want you to know how much I enjoy your channel's content. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead! Thank you for sharing this video and your time.
Loved the look of all those beautiful threads. Wish I could feel those silky smooth ones. I went to our fabric shop a week ago. They had very little hand sewing threads. I left disappointed they didn’t have more.
I have started embroidering again since my children flew the nest 🪹 . It was something I remember being fairly good at as a young person 🧒 before school exams took over. Nice to get back to it after all these years 👵🏻. Good for making meaningful presents 🎁 . Love your very accessible videos from which I have learnt so much ❤️🙏🏼😊. I would love to give silk embroidery a go with those gorgeous SILKY SMOOTH embroidery threads 🧵 - they look like they are a challenge to use but they would make very special gifts 🎁
Thank you for sharing that while hand lotion may make our hands silky smooth, it’s best not to put lotion on before stitching with these threads. Another great video!
I didn’t know there were so many different silks, I actually use the dampening with water on cotton floss most of the time it helps to get it nice and straight and prevent knots, we all want that silky smooth stitching experience.
Thanks Sarah, Absolutley need SILKY SMOOTH hands for handling flat silk. Managed my first 2hrs of a Japanese silk embroidery class dealing with fuzz!! Olive oil & sugar scrub to helps smooth rough skin. 😀
Loved seeing all the different threads in action! It’s so hard to guess what each thread is going to be like from just a photo or written description, but this makes my clicky fingers want to buy some silks to play with! Of course, my cat will make sure everything is silky smooth with his furtastic additions.
I can't believe a silk how to video came out! The other day I was just thinking about getting a silk embroidery kit because I was wanting to try out some new threads but I was a little apprehensive because I worried it might be "to different" or challenging for me. So thank you for giving us this video. Also super excited to try some silky smooth thread!
Sarah thank you for this video. I've learned so much from you, especially gold work, and your shop was invaluable for supplying the materials. At present I am using my stash of silk threads collected over the years, many vintage from charity shops and donated by friends clearing relatives' hoards. I appreciated the clarification of many issues encountered, they certainly do behave differently. I place lavender bags in my thread boxes to deter unwelcome visitors and ensure there are always SILKY-SMOOTH threads for me to use. Happy Sewing. Valerie
Great video!!! Funny thing, I was watching this video when I went to bed last night. Trying to stay awake to finish. Yep, I fell asleep half way thru. But you were in my dream last night Sarah!!! True story! How's that for a good comment!! Love video. Love your channel. Love the SILKY SMOOTH silk thread. Austin,TX USA
Thank you Sarah, as always you make a complicated subject easier to understand, and I'm glad it's not just me that likes to just have threads to stroke them!
Hello Sarah, I have been working with silk threads for years to highlight my embroidery. I am now looking to work a full piece with silk. Thanks for your videos I look forward to each one.
I didn’t realize all there is to know about threads!! After watching your video on silk threads, I tried out my few silk threads...and, it wasn’t until I cut shorter lengths that my stitching design became Silky Smooth! I/we am/are very grateful for your teaching!!! 🙏
Karen the computer picked you, congratulations, you have won our silk threads!!! Email me at sarahhomfray@blueyonder.co.uk with your address details so I can get your threads on their way to you...
I enjoy working with stranded silk floss. Your tips will help me improve my stitches. Thanks for informing me that using un-stranded silk gives Chinese painted embroidery it’s beautiful sheen. I wondered why it looked so different from my stranded silk work. I hope I am fortunate enough to try out different silky smooth floss. Thanks for another great video.
I'm lucky that my local embroidery shop has lots of selection in silks. Actually, it's been a little intimidating, but with the info from your video, my next visit will be silky smooth!
Hi Sarah, I inherited my late Mum's collection of embroidery threads, and think there are silks amongst them. I am inspired by your video to have a go with these silks to make something in her memory ❤️ . Thank you for all you wonderful ideas xx
We are very fortunate in Aus to have several places to buy silky smooth, locally hand-dyed variegated silks. I've only used stranded silk in a couple of cross stitch projects so far but I would love to try some different types from the other side of the world in embroidery
I am stitching with my favourite thread as I watch and listen, Pipers floss, I love that thread. When I first bought it I thought I'd made a mistake, it was difficult to use and only because of trial and error it is now a dream to work with. What a great video, Thank you.
Thank you for this lesson! I have purchased a variety of hand dyed silk threads and ribbons and have been shy about using them. You make it look silky smooth and easy! Just the encouragement I need!👍
I really enjoy working with silk... when I can afford it! Most of my silk threads have come from charity shops or car boot sales, although I have also bought recycled silk batts and spun my own threads/yarn with the fibres, which offers another level of challenge! Not a process I would describe as silky smooth! The results were so gorgeous that it was worth the hassle, though!
I just did a little test project with some silk threads from my stash the other day and you’re right. Your hands must be silky smooth to use them without throwing your hoop! Great video, as always!
A couple of days before I intend to 'bust out' my silk threads on an embroidery, and if I've been gardening, I give my hands a good scrub with oil and sugar (yep!). It's fabulous for exfoliating those rough edges and makes my hands feel silky smooth... after a thorough wash of course😊. Thanks for another wonderful video Sarah 👏👏💜
I will be asking about hand smoothing remedies on the community page Jane soon so hopefully you could elaborate on this process there (a few people are mentioning this so now I'm intrigued!)! x
I’ve not tried embroidery with silk yet, but I am slowly spinning up some pure silk on one of my drop spindles. It’s slow going, and definitely not a silky smooth process 😆. But I’m definitely familiar with the silk fibres sticking to everything!
A woman called Jo once plotted, To embroider with cotton and was besotted. But with threads silky smooth, Would she find her groove, Or would she soon shriek, “get knotted?” Thank you for yet another wonderful video, Sarah and Jonathon.
I've only ever worked with wool, linen, cotton and ofcourse synthetic fibres. This video couldn't have come at a better time as I'm planning on embroidering a medieval dress for reenactment using silky smooth silk threads. Thankyou so much for all your help and knowledge!
I am so appreciative to you for this video. I have not tried embroidering with silk but I am starting a class in about a week in which some of the threads are silk, so with the tips I got from you today, I'm hoping for some beautiful, silky smooth results!
Silk is such a beautiful fibre and the threads you have demonstrated are just divine. But my hands are rough and gnarled so I'll need to work on them to make them silky smooth enough to not catch on any of these fabulous threads.
Than you Sarah for your comprehensive and silky smooth presentation of these fibers. I bought some ‘au vera soie’ from Paris a couple of years ago and I am still gathering my strenght to use it - in some Christmas decoration hopefully.
This video is as usual really useful and clear. I’ve been embroidering with silky smooth thread for about a year but I have still a lot to learn. Silk can be tricky and you indeed need smooth skin otherwise it can become chaotic. I’ve only been working with “perlé” silk so far and I’d love to try the threads you’ve presented in this giveaway ! Thank you Sarah for your precious advices
Loved to see all the threads. The hardest to work looked to be the flat silk and the wetting of the threads to work. I’d imagine if that thread were brown, it would look like silky smooth chocolate…yum 😋 🙏🏽🙋🏻♀️👍🏽Mia
Wonderful informative video on the silky smooth threads. I'd love a kit that combines all the threads so I could use small samples to see which ones to buy to use on my own designs.
This was so cool! I’ve been wanting to embroider my whole life and now that I have time and money for it it’s been so nice to be able to watch your videos. They make learning all the different things very accessible and easy. I tend to feel overwhelmed when learning how much I still have to learn but you lay out everything very clearly and in a way that doesn’t feel intimidating or make my eyes glaze over.
AWESOME !!! Silky smooth 😘I've watch a few artist use silk in videos and they do stitch with it more delicately 😍It looks interesting to stitch with Thanks for the tutorial and the many different types with us and the offers 🤩
I really like your videos even though my hobby is needle lace. You do make a lot of great videos and I get many ideas and information on threads, needles and designs. I want to make a really silky smooth lace and I am already making samples. I have found people selling probably their grand mother's old threads and I am using pure silk for machine embroidery. I believe it is the one you call flat silk as it is not twisted at all and it is on a spool. Very good idea to use a damp towel. I have been using some bee's wax as it does straighten the thread a bit and keeps the threads stuck to each other.
Sarah, Your lovely demonstration of using the different kinds of silk threads 🧵 was silky smooth. I have really learned a lot from your wonderful videos. Thank you so much for your generosity and amazing tutorials. Mona from Saint Louis
A silky smooth lesson on silk threads.....although probably not as silky smooth as ginger cat's fur feels when petting him on a bad day. Each lesson I learn different ideas of how to utilize threads and am looking forward to using a spool of silk for lettering in the future. I will be using the paper towel trick along with the mellor
I love to wear silk tops. Also have used silk ribbon to embroider with, it is a silky smooth product but have noticed threads and yarns less processed seem a bit sticky. Enjoyed seeing the various weights and twists. Thank you 😊
Thank you for the video on silk threads. I've used silk blend threads but never a 100% real silk. It was great to see some various kinds. To me, the really shiny ones are just too shiny and look a bit out of place on an embroidery. I think in general I prefer all natural fibers in most of my fiber crafts. The mandala design is very pretty! Thank you! Looking forward to stitching that in some silky smooth thread.
Thank you Sarah. I rarely use silk because I've found it difficult to embroider with. After watching your wonderful video I'm confident to give silk another go. I love the silky smooth look of the flat silk and admired your skill in embroidering with it. I didn't realise there were so many different types of silk.
Sarah I have learnt so much about silk threads today - you are so knowledgeable and I’m so appreciative for your videos! Thank you so much! Hopefully I’ll get to experience stitching with silky smooth silks in the near future.
I'm using very thin silk thread for a project and ran into lots of problems with the thread. Your video was very helpful and gave me a number of ideas to try to resolve the issues, thank you!
Love this video, thank you so much for making things so clear and understandable. Having watched your video I am now hoping to produce silky smooth embroidery with my silky smooth hands 😊
I have built up a very small stash of silk threads ready for retirement but I have been nervous to start with the new thread and the best way to use them. Your video has given me confidence to understand the best way to use the threads for a silky smooth result.
Hi Sarah, I have enjoyed your lovely video on silk threads, you explain things very clearly. A few years ago I was given some embroidery threads and amongst them were a couple of cardboard reels of silk thread, I know what you mean by being careful using them with rough hands, I just picked them and started to use some and it really frayed and went all fluffy, so that put me off using it. I personally find the stranded cotton much easier and cotton perle threads much easier to use, but it will all depend on what type of embroidery you are doing. Thanks again for the video.
I love your videos, and this one about silky smooth threads was no exception. I've recently gotten back into embroidery and hoping to improve my skills.
Sarah, As ever, I have enjoyed this video and learned loads. As a newbie, I am continuously surprised by all that one can due through this medium. I would love a chance to use these threads, so I am throwing my hat in the ring. I appreciate that you are doing your part to fight toxic masculinity by making me type the phrase, “silky smooth”. I have used that phrase exactly no times in my life and I am glad to leave the phrase for others to use for the remainder of my existence. [Being a male nurse learning embroidery, toxic masculinity has not been too much of an issue.] I hope to be part of the ‘inner circle’ soon and I look forward to participating in the community. Again, so blessed by the work you and your husband do!
Wonderful video! I so enjoy learning from you! I have been shopping silk threads for months, so these insights into the various types of silk thread is invaluable! SILKY SMOOTH stitching from here. 😉 P.S. I recently started Hardanger embroidery again because of your videos. Thank you!
Hi thank you by the way I got my embroidery kit that I ordered the tools came in I also enjoy your video on the silk threads learning how to use the different types of silks having fun.
Love the silk demonstration. You make it look so easy. I have some hand dyed silk thread that I bought for the lovely color, but have been too timid to try. (I am a very novice embroider.) Perhaps I can find some courage now 😬. (lol)
A little tip - use a emery board to un-rough your fingers it really does help, I do a lot of hand stitch and most annoying when your hand get a bit rough and threads stick to your fingers. I acquired some threads from a friend and I did the pull test, some are silk and surprisingly they are all as strong as some I have bought recently. It really is about how you look after your thread, keep them dry and in an airy cupboard.
I’d love to have some of these silky smooth threads for a linen top I’m making myself- I think some silk embroidery around the neckline would look fabulous.
I bet Ginger cat feels silky smooth too😉. I love stitching with silk because I like the feel of it. I started doing my Blackwork with it and moved on from there. Au vers au soie do a wonderful Advent calender that I have been getting as a Christmas present to build up some stash. Wonderful colours. Also the American Waterlilies series of overdyed silk threads are very lush. I buy a few from time to time and put them aside 🤣🙂 you never know what you will need 🤣
Thank you for the great video! I have only used silk for hand applique on a few quilts. It seemed to be nice and strong for as thin as the thread was and hid wonderfully. I have used rayon for embroidery which is silky smooth and shiny, which is what I was going for. However, I am intrigued by the use in vintage themed items. Time for me to pick up some silk. Cheers!
Sarah, thanks so much for the video. I tried DMC satin floss. It was like sewing with live eels in mating season. That was before I knew what a mellor is. Looking forward to trying silk floss because it is so SILKY SMOOTH!
I am new to embroidery and I am really enjoying your videos. Thank you for introducing me to these silky smooth thread. I don’t own any just yet. Thank you!
This was very informative. I do find using silk or even "silk like" threads very intimidating and at times a frayed mess....I guess you could say things didn't turn out silky smooth ..lol
Oh! Would love to test doing some silk smooth embroidery. Although cotton threads are lovely, this is just a completely diffrent level. But I do hope you get used to it quite fast, don't want to waste to much to learning...
I enjoyed today's topic, I have a small stash of Kreinik Silk Mori- it's beautiful and silky smooth.... I have been hesitant to try considering scarcity and expense. I do agree with you regarding wax usage...I only wax the whole thread when I work on beading project to keep the thread from twisting and knotting. I have recently learned that ribbon and threads in silk or cotton, take dying very well from Alcohol Markers. I am a multi crafter- knit crochet, bead, papercraft, sew and embroider, so I am always glad to hear about products and materials that can be used for all the many things I enjoy doing.
I just have one chart that I kitted with silks by Dinky Dyes, mostly because it only had a small amount of colors. I was so happy to see your video on❣
We have drawn our giveaway winner! Congratulations to Karen MacDuff, get in touch with me at sarahhomfray@blueyonder.co.uk so I can get your threads on their way to you. Thank you to everyone who took part, your comments were excellent, I enjoyed reading them and I loved the poems especially! Keep watching for more giveaways in the future, we've got some good ones planned! x
There are too many comments to check them all for me, so I don't know or somebody mentioned it. Though I sew a lot with linen thread, and you have to wax that, because the fiber is quit rough, the wax makes it smoother. It is to protect the thread itself, so it doesn't wear out so fast by it's own roughness. That is at least what I as told. It makes the thread a lot stronger. If it is a smooth thread, I don't think it needs waxing. Today I got a huge box full of embroidery things, that I bought second hand from a lady that quit her hobby. It holds alot of different thread, including silk, so I am again very grateful to learn from you! It also has a hoop that is big enough to fit me through, so I hope it will let me work on a dress or bodice. It is a lot of vintage, like some thread still has the guilder mark on them, (I'm Dutch), and there is a magazine from 1968! 😁 Nostalgia, I am from 1965. I am blown away with how much the box held, and the high quality of it all! Over 100 skeins of DMC thread, and other good thread, linen, tons of stuff. There are things in the lot, that I have no clue what they are for.. I feel I don't ever have to buy anything again. And I got all of that for 60 euros.. They really did me a huge favor. I'm very excited about it! I hope you will teach me...lol Much love! And thank you so much!!! ❤🤗
I love the education on these silks? it helps to know what to expect when using them? it also helps to just practice before applying them🥰
Love this video! In 2016 I found a massive stash of Filoselle silk - hundreds of colours - in a thrift store. I was almost in tears as I stood in line to pay for it. From the labels I could date it to the 1920s. It is all just as vibrant and strong as any new silk I have. Interesting, thinking of your last video about colour, there was no black or white in the entire collection.
And you made it up to the register without fainting?
@@kimberlybauder2905 It was very emotional. When you find something like this in a thrift store there is usually a very sad story behind it. I wrote a Post on my Facebook with a photograph if you want to see it - just scroll through the photo section and open the photo to read my Post.
Omiword... They're gorgeous! What a treasure you found! I would sitand stare at them occasionally.
@@kimberlybauder2905 I do!
This is how I know they are in the right hands. You know how utterly glorious they are.
Also, I'm torn up with pure jealousy. LOL
Embroidery was my first attempt at needlework, lead to sewing, at the age of 5 years. Hopefully I will celebrate my 80th birthday this year. I simply love your videos, you are such a talented artist and teacher. Your instructions prove there is always something new to learn, no matter what level of experience you have achieved. I must confess I have never used silk thread. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, quite inspiring.
I am determined to create a new design using silk threads, thanks to you. Wishing you continued success.
You may be my heroine -- 75 years of sewing - your work must be wonderful!
That's awesome. My grandma taught me to embroider at 8 yrs old. I'm 66 now. I still LOVE it!!!
You didn't say SILKY SMOOTH!!!
Thank you Flora, you are an inspiration too!
As a confirmed and card-carrying thread experimenter and hoarder, I have had the pleasure of trying out stranded silk, and enjoyed it. And yes, your hands must be silky smooth. For the price you must be sure what you’re going to use it for. Not just a dish towel, for sure, but perhaps a Christmas ornament! Thanks for the demonstration of each type--very helpful as always, Sarah.
Yes I agree with you, keep your stranded silk for something special. It is nice to have some top quality threads in your stash.
That's funny!! Yes, I buy beautiful threads and hoard them too. We can't help ourselves!!!
There is a further difference in silk threads ,the really silky smooth shiny threads are filament silk wound in long continuous threads from the cocoon, they can be twisted or flat, eg deveres silks ,soie oval, soie de paris .The other silk threads eg soie d Alger, gobilin are spun silks ,spun from much shorter silk broken filaments ,these tend to have a lustre rather than a shine and tend to be easier to use as they are far less likely to catch on one's hands .
I started stitching with silk threads about 4 years ago ,determined to master flat silk while my eyesight could still cope ! A few tips I have learned along the way
You really really really need to look after your hands ,gloves for housework and gardening
Use a good magnifying light
Teach yourself to hold yr needle by the eye to stop the thread from sliding and catching
The fewer threads in the needle the better the outcome ,I usually use 2 or 3 of deveres or pipers finest silk .Splitting a deveres 60 and using 2 ,3cor even 4 threads gives better results ,and the reel lasts a very long time
Right needle right thread size
A mellor or in my case a large darning needle is to be recommended but the more practiced you become the easier it all is
Flat silks work best using mostly satin stitch and long and short stitch
Once you have mastered the handling of the silks d see the really beautiful results you won't want t to go back to cotton
You are at risk of becoming addicted !
Sarah, I’ve been intimidated by using silk threads but in your usual way, you make the process look SILKY SMOOTH ! Your explanation of the various types of thread was the most informative and easy to understand that I’ve heard. Thank you so much for all you do😘
As a total beginner knowing nothing I stupidly started with silk floss... probably the worst for a beginner! I got in a right muddle I did manage to make a pansey to some degree with a lot of mess and muddle but approximately a pansy lol. I had no idea what I was doing. It was difficult but I had never embroidered or hand sewn before ..I got a set of colours online and the shine is just amazing. Just a shame that I was such a ham fisted person! I have not even had much success doing the large cotton threads. I just am not good with delicate things. Best stick to felting cos I can't go wrong there. If I am messy it just makes it more interesting😂
I've been embroidering for 57 years. I've learned so many things from watching you, and inspired to try things I've never done before. You're such a joy to listen to with your silky smooth voice. It would be a thrill to meet you someday.
One of the many things I appreciate from your teaching is that you do such a good job of pointing out remedies to potential things that might result in frustration and giving up like the hint to make sure your hands are in good shape and silky smooth when using silk threads. It does help to know these suggestions from the start.
All learnt the hard way Karen!
Watching your channel is a high point of my embroidery journal. There’s nothing like starting a new hobby at 63. Now I need to work on getting my hands “silky smooth “!
I’ve been intimidated by the price point and the difficulty of working with silk threads, and your video has given me some confidence that I, too, can work with a fiber that is so silky smooth.
Actually I remmeber the first time I ever did embroidery I bought silk floss cos I had no idea how delicate and difficult it would be. In the end I vaguely remember using wax on the floss to keep it from fluffing...my hands are sort of rough.. you don't realise how rough your skin is untill you use silk floss. It just snags ..I would use sugar and olive oil to scrub the hell out of my hands which helped a lot. It was a bad idea for a beginner. I managed a vague shape of a pansy with lots of mess and muddle and then gave up on embroidery altogether.
I have been embroidering since I was a child. When I was about 13 was given a set of SILKY SMOOTH sewing threads by a retired dressmaker. She used them for darning and reweaving clothing. I used them for embroidery. It took me a long time to figure out that I needed to use 2 strands, as it was so thin ( and I was young!). However, the result was lovely and I use silk thread on items that I want to be very special. I do, on occasion, use wax to tame my silk.
These threads all look so beautiful! Not only are they silky smooth, but they also require one's hands to be silky smooth in order to effectively work with them. One thing that I found particularly helpful was to treat my hands to a sugar scrub before spinning or stitching with silk. It helps to gently exfoliate my hands, and I never have an problem with the silk snagging on my skin. It leaves the hands wonderfully smooth without the use of any creams that one wouldn't want to bring into contact with embroidery threads or fabrics. Thank you for bringing these various types of silk threads to our attention and to demonstrating their use. I especially appreciate your warning of the shelf-life of vintage threads and the wisdom of checking the thread strength before embarking on a significant project that incorporates older threads. 💖
Hello! Another fun chat to listen to while I hand quilt! I just want you to know how much I enjoy your channel's content. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead! Thank you for sharing this video and your time.
Loved the look of all those beautiful threads. Wish I could feel those silky smooth ones. I went to our fabric shop a week ago. They had very little hand sewing threads. I left disappointed they didn’t have more.
I love silky smooth threads! I think silk is a beautiful thread and it looks so fun to work with!
I have started embroidering again since my children flew the nest 🪹 . It was something I remember being fairly good at as a young person 🧒 before school exams took over. Nice to get back to it after all these years 👵🏻. Good for making meaningful presents 🎁 . Love your very accessible videos from which I have learnt so much ❤️🙏🏼😊. I would love to give silk embroidery a go with those gorgeous SILKY SMOOTH embroidery threads 🧵 - they look like they are a challenge to use but they would make very special gifts 🎁
Thank you for sharing that while hand lotion may make our hands silky smooth, it’s best not to put lotion on before stitching with these threads. Another great video!
I didn’t know there were so many different silks, I actually use the dampening with water on cotton floss most of the time it helps to get it nice and straight and prevent knots, we all want that silky smooth stitching experience.
Thanks Sarah, Absolutley need SILKY SMOOTH hands for handling flat silk. Managed my first 2hrs of a Japanese silk embroidery class dealing with fuzz!! Olive oil & sugar scrub to helps smooth rough skin. 😀
Loved seeing all the different threads in action! It’s so hard to guess what each thread is going to be like from just a photo or written description, but this makes my clicky fingers want to buy some silks to play with! Of course, my cat will make sure everything is silky smooth with his furtastic additions.
I can't believe a silk how to video came out! The other day I was just thinking about getting a silk embroidery kit because I was wanting to try out some new threads but I was a little apprehensive because I worried it might be "to different" or challenging for me. So thank you for giving us this video. Also super excited to try some silky smooth thread!
Sarah thank you for this video. I've learned so much from you, especially gold work, and your shop was invaluable for supplying the materials. At present I am using my stash of silk threads collected over the years, many vintage from charity shops and donated by friends clearing relatives' hoards. I appreciated the clarification of many issues encountered, they certainly do behave differently. I place lavender bags in my thread boxes to deter unwelcome visitors and ensure there are always SILKY-SMOOTH threads for me to use. Happy Sewing.
Valerie
I haven’t had much experience with silk threads. I do love the silky smooth feel of them. I hope to do more stitching with them in the future. Linda
Great video!!! Funny thing, I was watching this video when I went to bed last night. Trying to stay awake to finish. Yep, I fell asleep half way thru. But you were in my dream last night Sarah!!! True story! How's that for a good comment!!
Love video. Love your channel. Love the SILKY SMOOTH silk thread.
Austin,TX USA
Thank you Sarah, as always you make a complicated subject easier to understand, and I'm glad it's not just me that likes to just have threads to stroke them!
Hello Sarah, I have been working with silk threads for years to highlight my embroidery. I am now looking to work a full piece with silk. Thanks for your videos I look forward to each one.
I didn’t realize all there is to know about threads!! After watching your video on silk threads, I tried out my few silk threads...and, it wasn’t until I cut shorter lengths that my stitching design became Silky Smooth! I/we am/are very grateful for your teaching!!! 🙏
Karen the computer picked you, congratulations, you have won our silk threads!!! Email me at sarahhomfray@blueyonder.co.uk with your address details so I can get your threads on their way to you...
I enjoy working with stranded silk floss. Your tips will help me improve my stitches. Thanks for informing me that using un-stranded silk gives Chinese painted embroidery it’s beautiful sheen. I wondered why it looked so different from my stranded silk work. I hope I am fortunate enough to try out different silky smooth floss. Thanks for another great video.
I love working with silky smooth threads. Thanks for the tip about using a layering tool. I have one and never used it now I know how.
It’s always fascinating to listen to you discuss the different threads these silky smooth threads would be wonderful in my collection .
I'm lucky that my local embroidery shop has lots of selection in silks. Actually, it's been a little intimidating, but with the info from your video, my next visit will be silky smooth!
Hi Sarah, I inherited my late Mum's collection of embroidery threads, and think there are silks amongst them. I am inspired by your video to have a go with these silks to make something in her memory ❤️ . Thank you for all you wonderful ideas xx
That would be wonderful Clara...
We are very fortunate in Aus to have several places to buy silky smooth, locally hand-dyed variegated silks. I've only used stranded silk in a couple of cross stitch projects so far but I would love to try some different types from the other side of the world in embroidery
I use beeswax when im sewing with silk threads. It keeps everything packed together quite nicely. Another great video Sarah, thank you.
I am stitching with my favourite thread as I watch and listen, Pipers floss, I love that thread. When I first bought it I thought I'd made a mistake, it was difficult to use and only because of trial and error it is now a dream to work with. What a great video, Thank you.
Thank you for this lesson! I have purchased a variety of hand dyed silk threads and ribbons and have been shy about using them. You make it look silky smooth and easy! Just the encouragement I need!👍
I really enjoy working with silk... when I can afford it! Most of my silk threads have come from charity shops or car boot sales, although I have also bought recycled silk batts and spun my own threads/yarn with the fibres, which offers another level of challenge! Not a process I would describe as silky smooth! The results were so gorgeous that it was worth the hassle, though!
I just did a little test project with some silk threads from my stash the other day and you’re right. Your hands must be silky smooth to use them without throwing your hoop! Great video, as always!
A couple of days before I intend to 'bust out' my silk threads on an embroidery, and if I've been gardening, I give my hands a good scrub with oil and sugar (yep!). It's fabulous for exfoliating those rough edges and makes my hands feel silky smooth... after a thorough wash of course😊. Thanks for another wonderful video Sarah 👏👏💜
I will be asking about hand smoothing remedies on the community page Jane soon so hopefully you could elaborate on this process there (a few people are mentioning this so now I'm intrigued!)! x
I’ve not tried embroidery with silk yet, but I am slowly spinning up some pure silk on one of my drop spindles. It’s slow going, and definitely not a silky smooth process 😆. But I’m definitely familiar with the silk fibres sticking to everything!
A woman called Jo once plotted,
To embroider with cotton and was besotted.
But with threads silky smooth,
Would she find her groove,
Or would she soon shriek, “get knotted?”
Thank you for yet another wonderful video, Sarah and Jonathon.
I would really love to try using some silky smooth silk threads, they look so beautiful x
Watching you stitch with these threads shows the silky smooth texture of the threads and the sheen of, in particular, the flat silk.
I've only ever worked with wool, linen, cotton and ofcourse synthetic fibres. This video couldn't have come at a better time as I'm planning on embroidering a medieval dress for reenactment using silky smooth silk threads. Thankyou so much for all your help and knowledge!
I am so appreciative to you for this video. I have not tried embroidering with silk but I am starting a class in about a week in which some of the threads are silk, so with the tips I got from you today, I'm hoping for some beautiful, silky smooth results!
You are a pro Jean!!
Silk is such a beautiful fibre and the threads you have demonstrated are just divine. But my hands are rough and gnarled so I'll need to work on them to make them silky smooth enough to not catch on any of these fabulous threads.
Than you Sarah for your comprehensive and silky smooth presentation of these fibers. I bought some ‘au vera soie’ from Paris a couple of years ago and I am still gathering my strenght to use it - in some Christmas decoration hopefully.
This video is as usual really useful and clear. I’ve been embroidering with silky smooth thread for about a year but I have still a lot to learn. Silk can be tricky and you indeed need smooth skin otherwise it can become chaotic. I’ve only been working with “perlé” silk so far and I’d love to try the threads you’ve presented in this giveaway !
Thank you Sarah for your precious advices
Loved to see all the threads. The hardest to work looked to be the flat silk and the wetting of the threads to work. I’d imagine if that thread were brown, it would look like silky smooth chocolate…yum 😋 🙏🏽🙋🏻♀️👍🏽Mia
Wonderful informative video on the silky smooth threads. I'd love a kit that combines all the threads so I could use small samples to see which ones to buy to use on my own designs.
This was so cool! I’ve been wanting to embroider my whole life and now that I have time and money for it it’s been so nice to be able to watch your videos. They make learning all the different things very accessible and easy. I tend to feel overwhelmed when learning how much I still have to learn but you lay out everything very clearly and in a way that doesn’t feel intimidating or make my eyes glaze over.
AWESOME !!! Silky smooth 😘I've watch a few artist use silk in videos and they do stitch with it more delicately 😍It looks interesting to stitch with Thanks for the tutorial and the many different types with us and the offers 🤩
Thanks for all your great tips Sarah, I love stitching with silk and would love to add some new silky smooth threads to my collection.
I really like your videos even though my hobby is needle lace. You do make a lot of great videos and I get many ideas and information on threads, needles and designs. I want to make a really silky smooth lace and I am already making samples. I have found people selling probably their grand mother's old threads and I am using pure silk for machine embroidery. I believe it is the one you call flat silk as it is not twisted at all and it is on a spool. Very good idea to use a damp towel. I have been using some bee's wax as it does straighten the thread a bit and keeps the threads stuck to each other.
Thank you for so generously sharing your knowledge. I’m learning lots.
Sarah, Your lovely demonstration of using the different kinds of silk threads 🧵 was silky smooth. I have really learned a lot from your wonderful videos. Thank you so much for your generosity and amazing tutorials. Mona from Saint Louis
A silky smooth lesson on silk threads.....although probably not as silky smooth as ginger cat's fur feels when petting him on a bad day. Each lesson I learn different ideas of how to utilize threads and am looking forward to using a spool of silk for lettering in the future. I will be using the paper towel trick along with the mellor
I love to wear silk tops. Also have used silk ribbon to embroider with, it is a silky smooth product but have noticed threads and yarns less processed seem a bit sticky. Enjoyed seeing the various weights and twists. Thank you 😊
I’m very intimidated by silk so this video was very helpful and I’m looking forward to trying this silky smooth option!
Silky smooth sounds like something I would really really like to try. I have never won anything so this would make me a very happy embroider.
Thank you for the video on silk threads. I've used silk blend threads but never a 100% real silk. It was great to see some various kinds. To me, the really shiny ones are just too shiny and look a bit out of place on an embroidery. I think in general I prefer all natural fibers in most of my fiber crafts. The mandala design is very pretty! Thank you! Looking forward to stitching that in some silky smooth thread.
Thank you Sarah. I rarely use silk because I've found it difficult to embroider with. After watching your wonderful video I'm confident to give silk another go. I love the silky smooth look of the flat silk and admired your skill in embroidering with it. I didn't realise there were so many different types of silk.
Sarah I have learnt so much about silk threads today - you are so knowledgeable and I’m so appreciative for your videos! Thank you so much! Hopefully I’ll get to experience stitching with silky smooth silks in the near future.
I'm using very thin silk thread for a project and ran into lots of problems with the thread. Your video was very helpful and gave me a number of ideas to try to resolve the issues, thank you!
Love this video, thank you so much for making things so clear and understandable. Having watched your video I am now hoping to produce silky smooth embroidery with my silky smooth hands 😊
Listening to your SILKY SMOOTH and calming voice Sarah gives me the confidence to try using these beautiful threads.
Sarah’s silky smooth stitching session. Really enjoyed this video
Hi Sarah, I’m really enjoying your videos. I’ve been sewing for years but I learn something new with each video. I’m keen to try using some silk.
I have built up a very small stash of silk threads ready for retirement but I have been nervous to start with the new thread and the best way to use them. Your video has given me confidence to understand the best way to use the threads for a silky smooth result.
Hi Sarah, I have enjoyed your lovely video on silk threads, you explain things very clearly. A few years ago I was given some embroidery threads and amongst them were a couple of cardboard reels of silk thread, I know what you mean by being careful using them with rough hands, I just picked them and started to use some and it really frayed and went all fluffy, so that put me off using it. I personally find the stranded cotton much easier and cotton perle threads much easier to use, but it will all depend on what type of embroidery you are doing. Thanks again for the video.
silky smooth stranded silk, sumptuous sewing session.
I love your videos, and this one about silky smooth threads was no exception. I've recently gotten back into embroidery and hoping to improve my skills.
Another silky smooth informative video, as well as a chance to win some threads to try out.
Sarah,
As ever, I have enjoyed this video and learned loads. As a newbie, I am continuously surprised by all that one can due through this medium. I would love a chance to use these threads, so I am throwing my hat in the ring.
I appreciate that you are doing your part to fight toxic masculinity by making me type the phrase, “silky smooth”. I have used that phrase exactly no times in my life and I am glad to leave the phrase for others to use for the remainder of my existence. [Being a male nurse learning embroidery, toxic masculinity has not been too much of an issue.]
I hope to be part of the ‘inner circle’ soon and I look forward to participating in the community.
Again, so blessed by the work you and your husband do!
I was only recently thinking of trying silks and wondering where to start. Thanks for this video and the chance to win some silky smooth thread.
Silky smooth
Would love to try these. They’re beautiful. Thank you Sarah!
Wonderful video! I so enjoy learning from you! I have been shopping silk threads for months, so these insights into the various types of silk thread is invaluable! SILKY SMOOTH stitching from here. 😉 P.S. I recently started Hardanger embroidery again because of your videos. Thank you!
Another great video, Sarah. I'll add these techniques and silky smooth threads to my list for future projects.
Another informative video! Thanks so much for sharing. Looking forward to trying some silky smooth threads in the future!
This video was as silky smooth as the threads you used! 😍
Hi thank you by the way I got my embroidery kit that I ordered the tools came in I also enjoy your video on the silk threads learning how to use the different types of silks having fun.
Love the silk demonstration. You make it look so easy. I have some hand dyed silk thread that I bought for the lovely color, but have been too timid to try. (I am a very novice embroider.) Perhaps I can find some courage now 😬. (lol)
A little tip - use a emery board to un-rough your fingers it really does help, I do a lot of hand stitch and most annoying when your hand get a bit rough and threads stick to your fingers. I acquired some threads from a friend and I did the pull test, some are silk and surprisingly they are all as strong as some I have bought recently. It really is about how you look after your thread, keep them dry and in an airy cupboard.
I’d love to have some of these silky smooth threads for a linen top I’m making myself- I think some silk embroidery around the neckline would look fabulous.
You are so talented with your silky threads! I want to be like you when I grow up!😉
Silky smooth is how I describe personality!
I bet Ginger cat feels silky smooth too😉. I love stitching with silk because I like the feel of it. I started doing my Blackwork with it and moved on from there. Au vers au soie do a wonderful Advent calender that I have been getting as a Christmas present to build up some stash. Wonderful colours. Also the American Waterlilies series of overdyed silk threads are very lush. I buy a few from time to time and put them aside 🤣🙂 you never know what you will need 🤣
He does, but Pinky cat feels like Angora!!
Thank you for the great video! I have only used silk for hand applique on a few quilts. It seemed to be nice and strong for as thin as the thread was and hid wonderfully. I have used rayon for embroidery which is silky smooth and shiny, which is what I was going for. However, I am intrigued by the use in vintage themed items. Time for me to pick up some silk. Cheers!
You made that look so easy in fact Silky Smooth xxxx
Sarah, thanks so much for the video. I tried DMC satin floss. It was like sewing with live eels in mating season. That was before I knew what a mellor is. Looking forward to trying silk floss because it is so SILKY SMOOTH!
You are so funny Keenan. Have you sewn with live eels for comparison?! :D
Wow 🤩, love the threads & video! If I win, I hope the threads have a SILKY SMOOTH trip to New Brunswick, Canada 🇨🇦.
Thanks 😊
I am new to embroidery and I am really enjoying your videos. Thank you for introducing me to these silky smooth thread. I don’t own any just yet. Thank you!
These threads so silky smooth I really would like to use!
I love your videos it is very easy to learn from you.
You demonstrate well the techniques for stitching with fiber so silky: smooth the threads with a laying tool to showcase the special sheen.
This was very informative. I do find using silk or even "silk like" threads very intimidating and at times a frayed mess....I guess you could say things didn't turn out silky smooth ..lol
Oh! Would love to test doing some silk smooth embroidery.
Although cotton threads are lovely, this is just a completely diffrent level. But I do hope you get used to it quite fast, don't want to waste to much to learning...
Not only is the silk thread Silky Smooth, but also your videos are fascinatingly silky smooth too.
I enjoyed today's topic, I have a small stash of Kreinik Silk Mori- it's beautiful and silky smooth.... I have been hesitant to try considering scarcity and expense. I do agree with you regarding wax usage...I only wax the whole thread when I work on beading project to keep the thread from twisting and knotting. I have recently learned that ribbon and threads in silk or cotton, take dying very well from Alcohol Markers. I am a multi crafter- knit crochet, bead, papercraft, sew and embroider, so I am always glad to hear about products and materials that can be used for all the many things I enjoy doing.
We have a video on colouring silk ribbons with Alcohol markers Michelle!
I love your videos, always so much detail and information. Hope I can get to do some stitching with the silky smooth threads! Fingers crossed!
I just have one chart that I kitted with silks by Dinky Dyes, mostly because it only had a small amount of colors. I was so happy to see your video on❣