Threads Review. DMC and Cantu

I tested two different threads, and two different styles of bobbins on these free egg Idrija Lace patterns by Tina Koder Grajzar created for the Festival idrijske čipke - Idrija Lace Festival

The left side egg, the flowery one, is made with DMC Cordonnet Special no 70 which tested at the same wraps per centimeter as the Idrija 30 thread. Designed for crochet rather than bobbin lace, it is a firm thread, maybe too round to create the blending of the fibers in the trails, the individual threads were noticeable compared to the Idrija thread which snuggles up nicely and leaves few gaps.

The Cantu thread making the leaf design egg is one often used for tape laces. Made by Coats, it tested at the identical 30 wpc. The twist on this thread is the opposite way, which meant it should have been wound onto the bobbins anticlockwise and the cross twist cross would be worked as twist cross, twist. I wound clockwise and used ctc as I normally do, the threads wanted to either undo from the bobbin, or didn't release to let out more thread. Again, not as willing to sit without space, being a slightly rounder thread.

I also experimented with the bobbins on the left, about the same size, maybe a little heavier than the 13.5cm Idrija bobbins I like to use but, despite the decorative turning on the whole length of the handle, they worked well and reassured me that it is not vital to have the correct bobbin for each style of lace (just an excuse to get more bobbins!)

The pattern is available on the Idrija Lace Festival facebook page Festival idrijske čipke - Idrija Lace Festival