Thread, thread

[cacunn]

Well, you learn something new every day. You know why I went with the cotton-poly Dual-duty stuff?

.....'cause Frostline includes it with all their kits!.......or used to, anyway.

So I'm not the only one that used these kits to learn to sew. I don't remember the name of the company, but, I made a down jacket, a down comforter that I still have, and a travel bag I still have it but after 30+ years the water proof coating has started to come off.

They were great kits, I will have to look at the other companys other there for new stuff.

[James MacMillan]

So I'm not the only one that used these kits to learn to sew. I don't remember the name of the company, but, I made a down jacket, a down comforter that I still have, and a travel bag I still have it but after 30+ years the water proof coating has started to come off.

They were great kits, I will have to look at the other companys other there for new stuff.

I have a couple of frostline packs that still seem to be holding up. -because of this thread I did a little research. Check this out. Looks like they are still in at least partial business.

[cacunn]

I have a couple of frostline packs that still seem to be holding up. -because of this thread I did a little research. Check this out. Looks like they are still in at least partial business.

The article indicated that Frostline has changed hands a couple of times and may be trying to reestablish its self. There are a couple of other companies list that have similar items:

http://www.oregonphotos.com/Essay-on-Down.html

[ThreadBbdr]

Wool is a little stretchy, too, so I'm guessing that polyester might be a better choice than cotton for the same "give" factor.

I did find a lot on the Internet about the deterioration of silk fabric and thread over time. So, I don't think you want to put a lot of work into a kilt and have the silk thread rot on you.

So, I think 100% polyester for wool or poly-wool mix is the best.

The problem with the deterioration of silk is mostly seen in silk fabrics from the 1800 to very early 1900s (and inexpensive silks to this day). The manufacturing process changed to add metal salts to the fabric as it was finished. A "moderately" weighted silk fabric can have up to half its weight be the salts! These salts (often tin phosphate/ sodium silicate or tin chloride) increase the density of the cloth, improve the hand/drape, make it rustle and enhance the surface shine.

The problem is that over time, the salts change the chemical composition of the silk protein and make it brittle. I've seen c1850 crazy quilts where the cotton and wool patches and the silk embroidery threads are still pristine, but the silk dress fabric patches have literally shattered underneath the embroidery. You guys may see this in old bonnet cockades and ribbons.

Plus silk sewing thread is almost impossible to find, most silk thread these days is meant for embriodery, not sewing. One more thought on poly thread, though. It doesn't hold up as well to high heat as threads made of natural materials, so use those press cloths!

Barb - I hadn't thought about the 'give' factor! Again, a plus for the poly thread. So Gutterman's or Mettler for me.

[string]

I use coats and clark for basic stuff, but I also have linen thread for the next set of 18th century stays I make. That is all handwork though.

[Scratchy's Lass]

Poly-wrapped cotton doesn't work well for me...it shreds and kinks in my machine due to differing fiber content.

ACK! I have this problem constantly, whether it's on a sewing machine or by hand, and totally irrespective of what type of fabric, etc. Makes me crazy (and grumpy!!)

Like another poster mentioned, I just assumed it was something *I* was doing 'wrong', or perhaps the tension settings on the machine(s) (one down here, one in Flag) were wonky.

Nice to know the wrapped thread issue is more likely the cause..... gonna avoid that stuff whenever possible from now on!
m

[Barb T]

The problem is that over time, the salts change the chemical composition of the silk protein and make it brittle.

Wow!! Fascinating! I love this forum.

[kfreeouf]

Joann's has Gutermann on sale 50% off April 13-19. I have no commercial interest in Joann's. Just passing along the savings.
Semper Fi,
Keith

[Pleater]

With the two type thread you might have problems if the needle you are using is too small, so that actually passing it through the eye puts so much pressure on the outer layer that it is being skinned off as it goes.

For silk thread, try a bridal suppliers. The colour range might be limited but you can darken it with tea or coffee, (and I think beer, but I have not tried that just read of a silk dress being stained by beer) or even a permanent marker to a shade where it will not show on your kilt, just run the marker over it a couple of times before threading up or wind the thread into a small skein (series of loops) around something like a cereal box, secure the ends and tie it together loosely in several places to stop it tangling, remove it from the box carefully - destroy the box rather than drag the threads, then drop it into a bowl of strong tea or coffee. As long as the thread is darker in shade than the fabric it should not show up even if it is a different colour.

A lighter shade of the same colour will show up far more.

[MacHummel]

I am with Steve and Barb i only use Guttermann on my kilts.