I remember making a mistake when machine embroidering, I didn’t remove those stitches, I started over. Starting over with a machine embroidery pattern means waste, wasted: thread, fabric and stabilizer; not to mention time.
I cheerfully started on the Owl after making the decision to use the long and short satin stitch. I chose, for the owl’s breast feathers two different shades of white. I am using the DMC brand: B5200 and S5200.
What is the difference? With “B” 200 and “S” 200? DMC Cotton Floss “B” is 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton a good thing! It is a pure white. Snow White, which is a brighter, cooler-toned white than the standard DMC Blanc. The "B" itself isn't a thread type, but a specific color within the standard cotton line. Whereas, “S”200 is 100% rayon, has a smooth silky feel with a satiny shine. The “B” floss is much is easier to work with. Yes, the Satin floss is challenging to work with but the look is worth it.
About one hour into the project, I didn’t like the way things looked. I put my work down, some times walking away is the best solution to a problem, at least temporarily. I came back the next day and decided I had to undo the stitches! It is one thing when a sewist takes a seam ripper and removes a few stitches, by hand stitched or machine but embroidered, oh my! I have even un-stitched stitches done by a sarger and not ruined the fabric, that ain’t easy. I struggled undoing my stitches because I was not sewing neatly, more on that another time. I took my time, using my embroidery scissors and tweezers successfully undoing each stitch.
I remember listening to an embroiderer stating: Before beginning a major project do a practice project first, using the same fabric and thread and stitch. Of course I did not do this. After all, I have embroidered an owl before, not the same pattern . I was trying to get this done before Christmas, it is just a part of a project, I was thinking I don’t have time, yet I had time to undo stitches.
I repeated this error, having to undo stitches a few more times before I discovered my problem.
LESSON: The type of thread and the number of thread is important. The design space in this project is limited and the required needle work for is delicate, the eyes in particular, thus the number of threads and type of thread will influence the results. The project will either look sloppy or it will reveal the intended results.
Written by Marsha L Floyd
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