[Caitlin]

Dearest Knotty
My Point? I am still trying to answer your direct comments.

The second half of her sentence is she dosn't recommend using silk. The original knotting pro on this forum has spoken. She doesn't use silk, but she thinks you should use silk if you love it.

I love it that such a pro says that!!!!

So, hon, such a statement encourages me to continue experimenting with non-slk, because I don't like the elasticity of silk for beading & stringing. It stretches. That is what silk thread does, but its memory is short and it doesn't spring back after stretching.

I am sorry she didn't mention drape but I venture the thread she uses drapes sufficiently or she wouldn't use it.

So while we may not have uncovered Paspaley's secrets yet, we have discovered that Bernadette prefers KayGee Thread over silk. IMHO, Bernadette's opinion is the opinion of a professional full time pearl knotter and it is to be trusted.

[GemGeek]

Originally Posted by Caitlin Williams

Hi Blaire
Here is a thread with most of my suggestions for stringing with silk. I only rarely have to ream.....Below is essentially the same suggestion.

Thanks Caitlin! I'll go back to the drawing board and see if I can make the thread fit the pearl, instead of the other way around.

[Bernadette]

Aww shucks Caitlin

The Kaygee thread does come in many colours beige brown green red - pretty much anything you would want to use.

My comment which mentioned silk - was as Caitlin interpreted - you can use silk - or rayon or nylon or cotton or whatever - its not the material thats key to hidden knots - its purely a technique.

The only reason I am "cagey" when it comes to certain techniques - is that I had to learn these the hard way, ie trial and error (sometimes lots of error) - even had close colleagues slam the door on sharing the inner secrets of knotting. (Yes I am slightly bitter and twisted but dont hold that against me) Maybe one day when I am not working commercially I'll spill my guts on techniques - or perhaps you can trick me into it on here

One supplier you may want to try for Kaygee thread and I have no relationship with them except as a customer - is benjaminscrafts (Australian based) . They do have a web site.

Regards
Bernadette

[Caitlin]

Here is the page at Benjamin's crafts with beading string. It looks like it is cotton....