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This is a 2005-release kit which I bought some years ago and have had sitting around half-completed for at least three years before finishing it off this month in a sudden fit of enthusiasm. The reason for that is that although it's a mini-kit, it's in the Advanced category, and that's in large part because of the Light Effects metallic threads.
The impression I had when I bought it was that the bracelets were brought out in part to introduce the then-new range of Light Effects threads (which were largely a re-working of the old Metallics range, and not really so new). I bought it partly because I thought the kit looked attractive anyway, and partly to try out Light Effects. I had very little experience with metallic threads at the time, and this seemed like a good opportunity to try them.
Having finally completed the kit, the threads do give an attractive effect. But my, are they the devil to work with. Thread conditioner is a must, and you really do have to use short lengths as they degrade and knot fairly quickly, although one good thing about the kit was that the threads came pre-cut to the correct length. They're springy and prone to wildly changing tension in one strand or the other in the course of a single stitch. These kits are really, really not for beginners, and don't let the apparent small size of the kit fool you into thinking it's a single evening's piece for an experienced stitcher. But used in the right way, on the right piece -- yes, these threads are worth the aggravation.
As for the kit itself, it's a narrow aida band fitted with bracelet findings at each end. All you have to do is the actual embroidery, there's no further making up required. In practice, I think the piece would benefit from having some felt or iron-on backing attached to the back, as the reverse side with the cut thread ends is going to be slightly rough against the skin, and the threads themselves would be vulnerable to wear without some protection against being rubbed. I think the kit could have been improved with the inclusion of a piece of appropriate backing material. I can't tell how robust the piece is in use as I've only just finished it, but the clasp looks to be cheap but reasonably sturdy.
I worked it without putting it into a frame, as normally I find pieces this small to be easier that way. But this piece has a particular problem -- the bracelet clasp includes a long chain for one side, which can be used to adjust the closed length to different sizes. It's a nice design detail on the finished piece, but the chain has a great talent for getting in the way and getting tangled in the thread when you're actually stitching the piece. In hindsight, I wish I'd mounted it on a small bar frame and taped the chain out of the way.
It's not perfect. But for four pounds, which seems to be the current going rate if you can find them online, I think this kit is good value for money as a way to try out a metallic threads project. It seems to be discontinued in all four colourways now, but some places still have stock.
The impression I had when I bought it was that the bracelets were brought out in part to introduce the then-new range of Light Effects threads (which were largely a re-working of the old Metallics range, and not really so new). I bought it partly because I thought the kit looked attractive anyway, and partly to try out Light Effects. I had very little experience with metallic threads at the time, and this seemed like a good opportunity to try them.
Having finally completed the kit, the threads do give an attractive effect. But my, are they the devil to work with. Thread conditioner is a must, and you really do have to use short lengths as they degrade and knot fairly quickly, although one good thing about the kit was that the threads came pre-cut to the correct length. They're springy and prone to wildly changing tension in one strand or the other in the course of a single stitch. These kits are really, really not for beginners, and don't let the apparent small size of the kit fool you into thinking it's a single evening's piece for an experienced stitcher. But used in the right way, on the right piece -- yes, these threads are worth the aggravation.
As for the kit itself, it's a narrow aida band fitted with bracelet findings at each end. All you have to do is the actual embroidery, there's no further making up required. In practice, I think the piece would benefit from having some felt or iron-on backing attached to the back, as the reverse side with the cut thread ends is going to be slightly rough against the skin, and the threads themselves would be vulnerable to wear without some protection against being rubbed. I think the kit could have been improved with the inclusion of a piece of appropriate backing material. I can't tell how robust the piece is in use as I've only just finished it, but the clasp looks to be cheap but reasonably sturdy.
I worked it without putting it into a frame, as normally I find pieces this small to be easier that way. But this piece has a particular problem -- the bracelet clasp includes a long chain for one side, which can be used to adjust the closed length to different sizes. It's a nice design detail on the finished piece, but the chain has a great talent for getting in the way and getting tangled in the thread when you're actually stitching the piece. In hindsight, I wish I'd mounted it on a small bar frame and taped the chain out of the way.
It's not perfect. But for four pounds, which seems to be the current going rate if you can find them online, I think this kit is good value for money as a way to try out a metallic threads project. It seems to be discontinued in all four colourways now, but some places still have stock.
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