How many of you out there use the DMC conversions for patterns where there is Weeks Dye Works, Crescent Colours, or Gentle Art Sampler Threads called for?
Looking at all of the Lizzie Kate patterns I have, I am seriously considering using DMC to save some $$$. And when I really look at some of the ones I've stitched with the overdyed threads I can't tell that much of a difference.
And when I add up the cost, well....I did one pattern that called for 8 overdyed threads, which equals $16 at most places. 8 skeins of DMC costs $3.52!!! A large difference. And especially large when you add it up over a few patterns. I could be buying more patterns or fabric with those $$$, you know?
So, I'm curious as to what you all do.
In peace, love, and stitches,
Danielle
16 comments:
I usually use DMC threads mainly to keep the cost down and because there is not always a lot of difference once stitched.
Hey Danielle!
I have the same problem you do. I do use DMC conversions instead of the overdyed quite a bit. One thing I do when I see a pattern that has an overdye that I just can't do without using ,then I use that one,and the rest DMC. I had a pattern once that would have cost $42 in floss alone , had I not decided to use DMC! FYI; some DMC conversions list 902 as a good match for Weeks Lancaster Red , whereas I think DMC 221 matches better. Just have to use our own judgement sometimes.
My nearest LNS tells me that as of yesterday, most overdyes are shooting up in price. They have decided to keep the same price until June 1st. So I think that would be a good shop to go with for overdyes, at least until June since everyone else is going up. You can find them at: Ceciliassamplers.com .Get on their mailing list. They have special sales quite often. Like this past weekend, Margaret had a special sale just because her new granddaughter was born! I know you like LHN about as much as I do. Once in a while she will run a sale on buy two LHN patterns and get one free. It's really helpful to be on the mailing list to find out when this occurs.
Didn't mean to write a book! lol
When the pattern calls for Kohl, Onyx, or Whitewash - I always use DMC instead. Some BC and L*K patterns use so few stitches of the hand-dye it just doesn't make sense to pay the money. If there are many stitches and I like the way the model looks - I'll use the called for floss.
I usually look over the pattern to see how much of a color is used. For example, I wouldn't buy a $2 floss if I only needed it to do two stitches, i use dmc, but if say, it was to use for a bigger area and the floss variation would be noticeable (and pretty) I would use it. So I mostly end up mixing and matching dmc and hand dyed thread in a project.
I buy the overdyed. Unlike you, I think it does make a difference. And since I never use a whole skein of overdyed, I save it for the next project. Fabric costs way more than the floss, and in some cases, the pattern costs more too. Floss is the cheapest thing we use! (Especially when you consider that you almost never use a whole skein.)
It really depends on the project for me, but I have used the DMC conversion more than not. I feel some things look good with overdyed threads and some look prettier with DMC (I love Anchor floss too!).
I always use a DMC conversion. I do think sometimes the hand-dyeds look better, but I'm not all that particular. I like the DMC look also and I have fun picking colors. The expense of the fancy threads just doesn't make sense for me. Plus I have to order them all on-line --- total pain.
Up until recently I always used the hand dyed. But on one of my last big projects, I got to hating WDW Mascara. It knotted and shredded terribly. So, I am for certain using DMC 310in it's place.
Also, I have acquired a lot of leftover hand dyed floss that I can use on smaller projects.
When I want to start stitching something and don't have the over-dyed available I always use the DMC conversion. Lately I have been checking how many stitches are used of the overdyed. If its too few on to DMC. All thread prices will be increasing so DMC is most likely going to be my first choice. I will also use a mix of overdyed and dmc especially if there is a large overdyed area and I want the shading.
I use overdyed in larger stitched piece if I want that varigated look, otherwise I love DMC.
It really depends on the pattern for me. If I don't think it's going to make a difference or if it's too costly, I'll use the DMC :o)
unless i order it with the chart, I use DMC as all those specialty threads are almost impossible to get in Australia, and if you do you are looking at well over $5 each for them.
so good ole DMC for me ...
God bless DMC, lol! Like others, it depends on the individual project and if the visual effect of over-dyed really makes a difference.
I usually use DMC for my LK...I think they "pop" a little more and just seem to suit her designs better than using the hand-dyed threads. On some designs, if there is a huge variation in the thread color, I will use the other.
For me the use of overdyed has to make or break the project. For use on small projects where your not able to see the color changes, is it really worth the cost?
The fabric also comes into play. If I choose fabric that has a bunch of color changes, using overdyed fibers may be overwhelming and get lost in the fabric.
I usually use the overdyed threads, since I have a good collection and like Anna says, the leftovers get kept and used for another project. If I don't have the suggested overdye and it's only used for a few stitches, I use DMC or try to find a substitute in another overdyed brand.
I'm also lucky that my ONS, The Patchwork Rabbit, sells the main overdyed brands by the yard, so I can buy a small amount if it's a colour I wouldn't normally use but really need for a particular design.
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