Hello Barb,

The other supply items that you mentioned in your post are Mill Hill Beads and Kreinik threads. These are used in this design as well as the DMC Floss and Caron floss.

As far as the Caron Watercoulours, they are a three-ply hand-dyed pima cotton. It has a silky sheen, especially when used with long, flat stitches. Separate the plies and use one or more in the needle according to the pattern directions. One ply is about the same weight as a #5 pearl cotton or six plies of cotton floss or one ply of persian wool.

As for the Waterflowers, they are single strand hand-dyed cotton. It has more of a matte finish when stitched. Use one or more strands as required by the ground fabric. One strand is approximately the same weight as flower thread or Medicis wool. It is between a #8 and #12 pearl cotton in weight.

As for Waterlilies, they are twelve-ply hand-dyed variegated silk. It gives a subtle sheen when stitched and has particularly good light reflection qualities. Use a single ply for very fine work or as many plies as necessary to suit stitch and ground fabric.

I got the above information directly from the Caron website. I have never personally worked with any Caron floss so I had to look up this information. Hopefully, some other stitchers on here who have worked with Caron threads will respond with some helpful tips for you?!

Hope this helps somewhat?! Thanks.

~Kristi @ ECS

Barb, Isn't Kristi just the best??!! I am not sure you know this but you can click on the menu to the left of this screen....go into "beads and charms"...go to Mill Hill....you can see the actual colors. Also, the the Kreinik "filaments" or "braids"...same thing....click on floss & thread and choose Kreinik. You can see a close up of the actual colors. It may also help you understand the number range for the colors! The 32 count Jobelan by Weichelt is an even weave. You can check out the Caron Collection and find the information on the twisted flosses. This is a very extensive website....just start searching and you will get all of your answers!! Hope this helps. (I am not an employee....just a Stitcher)!

P.S. I googled Black Licorice thread in the search box to your left....It is a Black floss from: The Gentle Art collection which you can buy right here!!

Thanks for the heads up about the website, Kristi! Haven't figured how to print from my Kindle...yet...so knowing the "where" is very useful! :) Great job! :)

Jersey, you're pretty special to us, too! :)

Thanks Kristi for the information regarding those specialty threads! I haven't worked with them (yet) but it's good information to know when I do begin!

Thanks VCESS....when I first discovered this website, I was amazed at the "gamut" of information I could explore. The menu to the left of this screen seems so "small" compared to the "huge" doorway it opens!!

Ain't it the truth!!! :)

Thank you, everyone, for clarifying the needed material. It's such a joy to be able to reach out to other stitchers and to Everything Cross Stitch, a dedicated website with outstanding customer service. I can always count on the Chit Chat Message Board for trusted guidance. Being a stitcher for the past 39 years, I still have questions and have learned a lot through the support of all you dedicated stitchers. I try to stitch a little every day for "Stitching Mends The Soul." I wish everyone a glorious day! Barb

One other concern, in the past I have used the Kreinik thread and experienced quite of bit of frustration with it breaking. I even used Thread Heaven for protection and still had issues. I was using short lengths for I read that it would be easier to work with. Does anyone have any suggestions about this before I order it for the pattern?

I have the collection of the DMC Diamant Metallic thread which is a really JOY to work with! A single thread is equal to 2 strands of regular DMC floss so it probably would be to thick to use.

I also have DMC Antique Effects E310 black. There are several strands to the twisted floss so are you supposed to separate the strands or not?

Thank you!

Barb, I have used Kreinik for many years and have never had a problem. I am very "gentile" when I use these threads. I use full lengths....when I am bringing the thread up from the bottom, I let it "ride" on the forefinger of my left hand until it comes into place. Same thing going from the top to the bottom. I insert my needle down and let the threads "ride" on my forefinger until I have pulled it down and gently "snug" it into place. If you really like the DMC thread.....use it!! There are no "stitching police" that will show up at your door!!! I read the description of both of the threads you mention (on this website) and they both say they are six ply and can be separated down to one strand if necessary for use. I think you should use your "mind's eye" to determine how thick these stitches should look. Good luck!!

I agree that "stitching mends the soul". I have friends/family who tell me they could NEVER do this craft because they don't have the patience. I tell them...."I do it because it TEACHES me patience!"