SimpsonFrances

Try Blendables. I forget who makes them!

BuzzinBumble

I've had the same disappointments with variegated thread too. Thanks for the heads up about King Tut being more subtle! Also, Meyert, that is a good tip about using it for decorative stitches!

QuiltE

I believe Blendables is the Sulky line

SueSew

Thanks for the tip! I now can feel less guilty about it sitting in the thread drawer! Although I think I'll try the Tut recommended above...

maviskw

I bought a huge cone of variegated thread (very expensive) and didn't like it for the reasons stated above. The different shades were too far apart. So I have been using it for piecing and on bobbins.

Now I am going to use the suggestions on this board and use it for decorative stitching where the thread sort of piles up more. A buttonhole stitch around an applique might be a good place for it. ? ? ? ?

MarthaT

I had a customer send a cone of variegated thread for possible use in hand quilting her quilt. The colors in it went perfectly with her quilt. I had never used variegated thread for hand quilting, so I was excited to try it. Since very little thread shows and the stitches really show up most as the puffs of fabric between the stitches, I found the variegated thread did not make a "statement" at all. Some of the colors blended into the fabric completely and "disappeared", and some of the colors showed up nicely or even too much. Not a very pleasing look. I was thankful she also included solid colored thread as an option!

BellaBoo

I use the variegated thread for blanket stitch and machine applique.

ShirlinAZ

I love variegated threads, especially King Tut. I like Aurifil also. I do agree that not every project will look good with variegated. It's just another color selection to make.

MarleneC

I've watched videos where the quilter will stop and pull the color they don't like through the needle until they get to a color they like but when doing a large quilt this could be very irritating.

ArchaicArcane

Some of the LQS around here carry it, of course it's expensive this way.

You can buy direct from Superior too, shipping to Canada gets expensive fast though (one of their try me samplers is about $28 to ship - making the $55 package about $85 with exchange and shipping.)

If you can, go in with a friend to get a few things, it will average out lower for shipping. The other thing I'm about to do is set up an account with them and start bringing it in in larger quantities. My cousin wants some, I'm going to be needing more, and I can just make the rest available to customers if they need it while they're here.