After a couple of days struggling with this "BULL" pattern by Christel Weidmann, I have thrown in my hat on this project. Now, it has nothing to do with the pattern; I don't think I've ever let a pattern get the best of me. Nope, it's the darn thread! Now I know there are a lot of Lizbeth thread fans out there but I am not one of them. I tried it when it first came out hoping that it would be a good replacement for Flora and I wasn't impressed with the quality back then. I decided to give it another chance with this pattern because I wanted a black and white bull and I happened to have some black and white Lizbeth on hand.
"RUBBISH and FRUSTRATION" she shouted from the roof tops.
This thread split on me more than a dozen times. ...hmmm maybe I got two bad batches in a row? It's a bummer because I certainly do love the available colors in this line.
Lucky for me I can dye my own thread which I have never had split on me, but it certainly is a lot of work for just one pattern.
On to something more pleasant:
I have just one week left to finish tatting for the State Fair and I still have several animals left to tat.
...So back to work I go!
12 comments:
I used to think Lizbeth was the best thing since sliced bread, but I'm becoming more and more of your opinion. Too bad, since they have such gorgeous colors.
A few months ago, I had a ball so bad I absolutely couldn't use it, and Handy Hands replaced it for me. Barbara told me at the time that the factory was getting a new machine that would help to improve the spinning quality. I don't know if that's up and running yet, but I sure hope it works.
You sound like you're feeling a bit more energetic lately. That's great to see!
Well, I've mentioned plenty of times my frustration with the Lizbeth thread - splitting, knots and slubs. I use it for small projects but would never invest in it for a large one. I actually just bought several balls on clearance for less than a $1 each but I consider it my practice/sample maker thread. And yes, you are lucky you can dye your own thread, but as you said, it's not always convenient or efficient to do so.
I've only used Lizbeth 1 time... it was just a sample, but I did like it for tatting.
It seems that I've been reading lately, of all the defects this thread brand is having (or has had)... I had been thinking to buy an actual lot, but now I'm not so sure I want to.
I do, however, want to try your thread. The problem is... trying to decide which color to get first!!
I really like the Hen - the color is perfect and it's just so cute!
Take care,
You are preaching to the converted here!
I have been bleating and moaning about this thread from the beginning and felt like I was the only one in Tat-land having a terrible time with it.
No longer do I feel foolish about my experiences anymore, as I am noticing a lot of dissatisfaction about poor old Lizbeth.
You are indeed lucky you dye your own.
Fox : )
I share everyone's concern,another concern of mine is, how do I tell if I am purchasing old batches or new? I am aware of Barb's quick response and eagerness to exchange the thread, but I have purchased the thread at vendors at various tat days and even a ball at Hobby Lobby. I'm wondering if the problems everyone is having is with balls remaining from the old batch or new?
I love your farm animals! I was looking for my copy of the book yesterday, but had to give up. My sewing room's just too messy. If I'd only spend about two hours in there, I'd be in good shape. Hmm... I guess I have no excuses!
I'm sorry to read that you're having trouble with the Lizbeth. HDT will always be my favorite, but I like using the Lizbeth for making samples before possibly ruining my luscious HDT. I have not had any problems since the initial shipment, which Barbara replaced. I guess I just got lucky.
LadyShuttleMaker,
I have to agree with you. I don't know what all the hype was. Cause it's not on the balls flat but spinned on there which adds to the problem of winding it on your shuttle. You can't unwind it from the ball either..unless you want to pertend you are a cat playing with thread. Sorry but I can tell this when looking at thread on balls. Yes, the colors are lovely. But I am more happy with what some call "Cheap" thread than that stuff. I use it cause I don't waste thread. But I'm looking for other thread to try as well. I have gotten some flora thread & just like the Lizbeth thread it has came on the ball retied too. So I'm still looking for better thread to really enjoy using. So far I've gotten some of yarnplayers & like it. Plus use my "Cheap" thread as well.
As for the "Bull" pattern, no you are right it didn't get you. It's just not the right time for you to make him. Maybe it's so he don't get with Besty & have babies..LOL! Relax & breath. It will work right when you try it again later.
Your animals will be lovely. Mother Goose will look lovely in your baby's room so she can be read all those stories at bed time.
Love your farm animals. I have the book, but haven't been brave enough to try any of them yet.
I'm sorry too that you are having problems with Lizbeth. I must be one of the lucky ones; I have yet to have a problem with it. Did you buy it from a local store? I've been wondering if many stores still have to old batch of thread in stock.
Those are amazing! :)
Sorry to hear that you are having problems with the Lizbeth I dont seem to have any! Anyway your farm animals are so cute. I too have the book.
I've only had one slub in a ball of Lizbeth, and I was able to cut that away very carefully, with really sharp scissors. It reminds me of the old Coats thread we always used to buy in Australia - very similar, rather coarse 6-cord, and that does split if you have to manhandle it - it's just the nature of the beast. Bit of Thread Heaven fixes that very easily.
Lizbeth is not the best quality thread, it's made in China, and just doesn't have the same sheen as my very favourite Anchor Artiste which is almost twice the price, but it's fun to use, the colours are fantastic, and wonder of wonders, it's now easily available here, since Crochet Australia has begun to stock it. I've been lucky enough to have been given a sample of the size 80 to try, and I absolutely LOVED that!
Guess I should throw my hat in the ring of not being overyly impressed with Lizbeth. Yea, nice thread, but I tend to go for the really fine threads and until they come up with something of that thread that is size 100 or more, I will just deal with the 4 balls I currently own. Not going to spend too much on something I don't feel comfortable tatting with. It does have it uses. Great for test tatting or designing something I want to be in a smaller scale. :-D
Cute animals!
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