Baroque Silk is a lovely and versatile 3-strand silk from The Pure Palette, find them through Dream House Ventures. Each strand is also pliable with three two-ply strands.
Each skein has 15 yards in it. There currently (September 2016) over 100 colors.
The label says that you can use it as is on 13-mesh and that it should be plied for 18 mesh.
While almost all silk has some shine, I really love the look of this thread. The shine is gentle but, I think, very rich looking. The lovely colors, which are very rich solids, add to this look. The colors and luster of the thread also do a great job of enhancing the texture of your stitches. Because of this, textured stitches are a better choice than Tent for this thread.
Unlike many other silks, this silk is easy to use. According to the manufacturer it does not twist as you stitch. I have found this to be the case when using it. It’s very easy to thread because it does not fray or splay at the end. If you have hesitated about using silks, this is a good place to start.
I have a nice stash of this lovely thread and have been using it for many backgrounds recently. I have used both 1- and 2-strands on 18-mesh canvas. The picture above is a single strand on 18 mesh. As you can see the coverage is excellent. The stitch, Ashland from a Julia Snyder book, has both Oblong Crosses and Mosaic Stitches in it. This thread is flat enough when plied that the crosses don’t sit much higher than the Mosaics. That makes it outstanding for layered or mixed stitches.
I suggest that you try both 1 and 2 strands on a doodle canvas to see which you prefer on 18-mesh canvas. I would repeat the process with 2 and 3 strands for 13 mesh.
I’ve stitched with it enough now that I have working guidelines. I’m using a single strand unless the stitch is straight or has stitches longer than 3 intersections. The rest of the time I’m sticking with one strand.
Although the thread is easy to separate into strands or even into the strands within the strands, it can be a bit tough to get going. I usually roll the end of the thread between my thumb and forefinger to splay the end. Grasp the strand/ply and pull straight out; it separates easily.
You cannot keep this thread inside the wrapper very easily. When I open a new skein I always have a zipper bag for it. I pull off the wrapper, fold it, and put it in the bag. Then I untwist the skein enough (they are very tightly twisted) just enough to find where the knot ties the two ends together. I cut that, but I don’t untwist.
Untwisting at this point can leave you in a mess because the thread is doubled before it is twisted. I untwist just enough to find the knot and cut all the way across one side there. Then I check to be sure all threads are cut before putting them into the zipper bag. This has worked reliably for me.
Easy-to-use and beautiful to see, Baroque Silk is a real winner.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
Susan Kimble says
I’m interested in baroque patterns for needlepoint. I’d like a free catalog with baroque patterns for needlepoint. Thank you
Janet M Perry says
I’m sorry, this isn’t the kind of designs I do.
Keep stitching,
Janet