Working with *Variegated Threads*

Techniques used: Painted, Pieced, *HUG Stitch*
 
When I want a watercolor effect while doing hand-embroidery in my work I choose variegated threads. For this project I chose Lana Aurifil Thread , which is a 12 weight thread made from 50% wool and 50% acrylic fibers.

Oh, how much I love to work with these textured strands. They come in 12 different color combinations. For my samples I used number 8004.

Since I used double strand, and the thread changes color at different intervals I prepared and cut the strands beforehand. I tried to obtain a close color match of the second strand after the loop (where my sewing needle would be) as you can see from the picture above. 
This picture also shows hand embroidery that I called *HUG Stitch* technique. I'll teach this at this year's Houston International Quilt Festival.

More details to come as we approach the festival date.