Curious About Metal Threads? UPDATED

We aren't exactly ignorant of the beauty of metal threads used in goldwork here in Chilly Hollow but we haven't taken a class ever so it is great fun to learn more about how these threads are used.  Kathy is making a sachet and using metal thread embroidery for the holly leaves at the base.  It's fun to watch her use a piece of check like a flexible bead to make the holly outline.  She gives us tips on working with Benton and Johnson's check, too.
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2010/12/10/green-check-holly-how-to/

If you are curious about Benton and Johnson threads, here is their website.  Check is listed under Wire Threads, but don't skip Embroidery Threads.  That's where coloured twist lives and coloured twist is one of my favorite threads EVER!
http://www.bentonandjohnson.com/

One of the mysterious topics related to goldwork is the use of beeswax to condition the thread that is used to attach the metal threads (or beads for that matter).  I've never known exactly how to properly wax my threads but Mary Corbet Tells All right here.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2010/12/beeswax-for-needlework.html

On another topic altogether, the end of December marks the end of the tax year for Americans.  Whichever side of the debate on extending the Bush tax cuts you are on, most of us can reduce our tax burden by charitable donations.  These have to be done by the end of December to count toward the 2010 tax return we'll be filling out in early 2011.  If you want to make a charitable donation but have no idea where, Tricia Nguyen has an idea.  Give money, even a little money, to museums so they won't be placed in the position of having to sell off important parts of their collection to keep their doors open.  Let me turn Blog over to Tricia so she can explain this better than I ever could--
http://thistle-threads.com.mytempweb.com/blog/index.php/2010/12/sampler-sale/

UPDATE:  Here is a series of articles about the Benton and Johnson factory and how their metal threads are made.  Fascinating!
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2010/10/25/benton-and-johnson/

http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2010/11/04/benton-and-johnson-2-drawing-the-wire/

http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2010/11/12/benton-and-johnson-3-purls-and-bullions/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow