Thursday, January 28, 2010

In need of a DMC floss card....picture one or swatch one?

Here's is my progress on Jane Austen and Me, The Emma Project, by the Sampler Girl, so far.
I actually stitched the heart on the right during the surgery, the rest afterward in waiting.
I know I'm talking to experts on stitching so I thought I would gather your thoughts about DMC swatches. I frogged the blue color out twice because I had pulled out 2 blues on my thread card and forgot which one went where during the waiting room changes and all yesterday. And, my thread jar could be smaller if I could identify what number DMC it is.

you can see that it's a beautiful card, but I'm having trouble with frequent color changes and keeping them nice and neat....to say the least.

Which leads me to the question to stitchers.......have you ever used a DMC Thread Card, Swatch card? If you have, do you use the actual thread swatch card (which is not made anymore) or the picture one which is only a laminated picture?
I'm looking at getting one so I can best identify and substitute threads or subb some overdyed threads sometimes.
There is a great difference in price from the actual swatch threads on a large card to a picture of each color on a swatch card. Any experience with those?
Jennifer

9 comments:

  1. Opt for the actual floss card not the picture. Yes it is an expense but worth it in the long run. I worked in a needlework shop for 19 yrs and that was the easiest as you can have thread to thread. Also easier to match the overdyed with.
    I also should purchase one!

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  2. Funny you should ask about the DMC card.......I just purchased one directly from DMC and it is the one with actual pieces of DMC inside it. I've seen the laminated one at Michael's and I knew that it wasn't for me. I have to "see" and "touch" my fibers! I haven't used it yet, but I have many plans for the card. I have a Sampler Girl pattern that I'm going to convert to Belle Soie, so the card will come in handy for that.

    If in doubt I would recommed spending the $25 for the swatch one. I'll be happy to give you more details if you want them.

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  3. I never use the floss cards that come with kits. I find them difficult to use. I just take the floss from the kits and usually put them on floss bobbins.

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  4. Yes, I'm looking on EBay this morning and watching two of them. One is buy it now and one I'm bidding on, but I think I agree I will spend the extra and get the actual thread swatch.

    Jennifer

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  5. I would get the floss card and the not the picture card. I have the floss card from years ago and it didn't cost me that much - I think I got it from Joanne's. But I think the only one you can get cheaply is the picture one. I really need a new one with all the updates in it. But definitely get the one with the actual floss in it.

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  6. I have the actual floss card and I love it. The picture one isn't for me. I like the real thing and I know that printing alters colors.

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  7. I echo that you *need* the one with the actual threads on it. I have an older one which doesn't have the new colors on it but I like it because it has lengths that are only attached on one side (I've seen some where the thread is wrapped around a cardboard type spool) because you can lay the thread on your fabric and get a good idea of the color. Good luck in finding one. As to using the floss cards, I use the Floss Away bags and love them because shorter lengths that are still usable can be put in the bag for another time.

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  8. Like the others said. The one with the real floss. I have one and use it quite often.
    Crossing fingers that you'll win the ebay auction.

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  9. I have an actual floss card and use it ALL THE TIME; when I want to change colors so I can compare the color "families" and the ranges from dark to light....do not waste the money on the laminated one!!

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Comments are welcome at the homestead at any time! I appreciate your time out of your day to stop and say hello!!
I hope you find some useful information and gentle inspiration for your day.
Jennifer