If you were learning silk shading embroidery, one would assume that you would use silk thread to stitch with, right? If you went off to a class to learn this, and completely ignored the requirements list and brought a supply of crewel wool instead, do you think you would get the right effect?
You wouldn’t get the feel for how silk stitches. You wouldn’t get the feel for how silk strands entwine and mix in the shading. You wouldn’t get the smooth sheen of the silk threads all working together.
Sure, the crewel wools could provide similar colour gradations, but they would be fuzzy, and most likely thicker than the silk threads, meaning scale would be different too.
Have I made my point? You can’t just substitute a different thread for the one you are meant to be using, as you will not learn how its really meant to look or work.
So, why do people think that they can use coton a broder, pearl cotton, candlewicking cotton, silk thread, or just about any other thread you could care to think of for Mountmellick embroidery?
Mountmellick embroidery traditionally uses white cotton matt thread. It is finely twisted and lovely and soft. It has no shine. It has no fuzz.
If you want to learn the correct technique, you use the correct materials. The right tools for the job.
Otherwise, why bother?
It really annoys me that for some reason, while people wouldn’t think of using crewel wool for silk shading, they think that its ok to use any old thing for Mountmellick embroidery. Its not right, and if its not white, cotton, matt thread, its not Mountmelllick embroidery that you are doing.
I acknowledge that Mountmellick embroidery supplies are not as readily available, but they are available, and they should be used. To make life easy for you, you can find them here.
Ok, now I will step down off my soapbox. Here endeth the lesson.
White Threads is the blog of Yvette Stanton, the author, designer, publisher behind Vetty Creations' quality needlework books and embroidery products.
Yvette,
Have just checked your Mountmellick supplies page. Really like the way you propose several different packages of supplies, from the most complete package containing your book, (an excellent idea for those who would just be beginning to learn Mountmellick) to “per item” choices of threads and material.
Learning Mountmellick embroidery is definitely on my list of techniques to try, and having a package of materials already prepared would be a huge time-saver, not to mention that all the materials you offer are “authentic” Mountmellick.
I so agree with you Yvette – Mountmellick is so beautiful and the results with the correct materials can’t be beaten. I love working Mountmellick and whenever I give gifts (using the patterns from your book!) the recipients are really appreciative. I also photocopy the first four pages of your book (hope you don’t mind!) explaining the history of Mountmellick and enclose it with my gift. This is also greatly appreciated and often revives memories of something that “mum” or “gran” “used to have”.
On another note, really enjoy reading about your overseas adventures.