My current car project is this heart of hearts (designer unknown). Because I’m using stash threads, I changed the pink colors. The lighter pink hearts are stitched in an even lighter shade of pink, see below.
Of course that made picking a thread for the background a problem. If I matched the color on the canvas it would cause the lighter pink hearts to fade into the background, ruining the design. If I went with a similar shade of green, I would have the same problem with the light green hearts. If I went with a very dark color, I’d have coverage problems.
I could use pink but in a slightly different color family. That would save the fading problem, but I love the bright and limited color palette, so that won’t work.
In desperation I pulled out white Nordic Gold, one of my go-to threads. I’m stitching using Skip Tent. So far it’s perfect. Because the thread is translucent it allows the color on the canvas to show through. Because it’s sparkly, it sets of the hearts nicely. Because it’s an open stitch it works really well as a background.
Is it any wonder this is my favorite thread these days?
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
page pond says
I’d love to see a pic of the Nordic Gold being used and hope to see the finish product! Thanks for the idea!
Maralee Lombardo says
Why would you not show the heart in progress with some background stitches in your favorite thread? Would like to see what it looks like.
Janet M Perry says
I’m planning on posting a picture of the results when I’m further along, probably next week or the week after. Right now there just isn’t enough done to show up because the background areas are so narrow.
Happily, I have lots of time to stitch this morning so I may get plenty done.
Keep stitching,
Janet
Deborah Blakely says
Thank you for all of your wonderful posts. They are so informative!
Janet M Perry says
You’re welcome!
Keep stitching,
Janet