Capturing the true color of things...and new HDT!

Not all computer monitors are equal. When it comes to displaying color, three different monitors can display three different shades of the same color.

This has always been the challenge with capturing the true colorways of my hand dyed threads.

Fortunately so many of my customers have reported that their threads are even prettier in person.

However recently I had one customer who reported that the thread she received was very different than what her computer showed...and the way she described what she thought she was getting was very different from the original. It was clearly a case of a bad monitor or improper settings. Anyhow, in the end I helped make this customer happy.

But all this got me to thinking how important it is to do the very best that I can when photographing. Of course I will never have control over other people's computer monitors but I can at least do my best from my end.

I've tried all kinds of things. Scanning (usually bleaches out the object), photographing in sunlight, shade, under photography lamps....you see where I am going with this right? ....and on top of all that some colors really trick your digital cameras, for example, shades of red and purple in particular.

Well, I am not saying I solved this problem but I do think I have achieved at least a big step forward.

I don't know why I didn't think of it before....anyways, I decided to photograph the threads under my OttLite (which I love BTW) and I am very please with the results.

It's the truest representation to date....o.k. I'll shut up now and just show you.

This picture makes me very happy because (on my monitor) it not only matches my thread exactly but it also shows the fine quality of the thread. Is this silk or is this cotton? It sure is shiny right?

I think this is the first time a picture I have taken has shown the true sheen of my hand dyed Hakelgarn 6 cord threads (my personal favorite). So to answer the question...it is indeed cotton.

..and this leads right into the question of quality. To caveat this I have to admit I have become a total thread snob so what I write here on out is not meant to put anyone or any other thread down, it is meant to educate. Just like monitors, not all threads are created equal.

I started tatting with the two and three cord threads and for most of my tatting life those are what I used...I mean that is what is sold at craft stores and they are fairly cheap (for good reason).

I was very content with those threads because I didn't know any better. Then thanks to YarnPlayer, I was introduced to her hand dyed threads and she uses 6-cord threads to boot...so I was just astounded the first time I tatted with it.

I think hand dyeing improves the strength and feel of any thread but it truly does justice to the 6 cord thread.

If a tatting pattern is designed well and you use a 6 cord thread you rarely (in my case NEVER) have to block your piece. That is how strong and sturdy these threads tat up. I always describe them and tiny shiny little ropes. Besides, we all know how much time goes into tatting so why not use the very best thread to start with?

So if you have never tatted with a 6 cord thread I highly encourage you to try, but beware you might become a thread snob too! Next time you buy thread be sure to know what you are buying. Handy Hands top end threads are 6 cord for example. ...and of course all my hand dyed cotton threads are 6-cord.

If you are a winner in one of my weekly giveaways, you are likely to get one of the very threads I have been speaking of.

....and if not, you can always check out my Etsy Shop...LOL!

BTW the thread on this post is called Vinyard and is newly listed.

...oh and thank you thank you OttLite!