Tutorial: Make your own variegated yarn & thread with Inktense - adapt to other paints - slow stitch

[@sallyjohnson1566]

darn, wish I had seen this before ordering expensive variegated thread! Thanks for the tip

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

It's a bit of a game changer, isn't it? 🤗 cheers, Christine 💙🧵🪡

[@cathyrobins7535]

Hi Christine I have Inktense blocks and made my own sprays,I cut a little piece of my block crushed it till tiny or grate with a fine grater then put in a small craft spray bottle and then fill with water and shake it works amazingly to spray fabrics,doilies,thread,done this with every colour block and now have a full set of Inktense dyes.😊

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Another wonderful idea Cathy! Thanks so much for sharing 🤗 love this community cheers, Christine 💙🧵🪡

[@lindamitchell-fox1926]

You can do this is the small squeeze bottles that have the tiny cap on them.

[@janetslater1592]

BRILLIANT!!! Can’t wait to get started.😊🎉

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Thanks so much and have fun! 🤗Cheers, Christine 💙🧵🪡

[@CazkiwiNZ]

I’ve now done this a couple of times on acrylic yarn after this video… and I LOVE the results of my candy floss coloured yarn now! ❤ I’m a fan!

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

So happy you love it as much as me! They are my favourite threads to stitch with now 🤗 cheers, Christine

[@rachelknight6028]

I'm so glad I found this video. I'm currently crocheting tea towel tops in 4 ply cotton, but can't find the exact shade of varigated blue/white that I really want. (Capri blue). Now I know what to do. Thank you. 😊

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

You are so welcome - I hope you have fun creating your own variegated yarn. Just make sure the Inktense is fully activated with water and if any residue remains after drying then give a quick gentle rinse in water.

[@dagmarleuenberger-swift8646]

Hi Christine, I just loved this video….. thanks so much for sharing your technique with us. I went down to my studio. I used my watercolour paints, my watercolor inks and my alcohol, inks,. I experimented with distress ink I had on my desk as well, and I am pleased to say they turned out really well. They are just drying on the rack. I will post them on my Instagram and link it back to your videos so thank you very much.❤️🇨🇦

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

So very happy you have had fun with this idea and taken it in a whole range of directions! I’ll really look forward to seeing your IG post as I’m very curious to see how the different products worked. You make such beautiful stitcheries so I’ll look forward to seeing your new threads feature in those too. Cheers, Christine

[@tamaraburger2008]

Just did some of these a few days ago. So fun

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

So happy you had fun with this 🤗 cheers, Christine 💙🧵🪡

[@CraftyLinnieP]

WOW!! What a great idea. I have to get my inktense blocks out and give this a try. Thank you for the tutorial. These threads are all beautiful. 💕❤️🙂

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Thank you Linda my friend - have fun as this is such a great way to create affordable and beautiful threads. Cheers, Christine

[@laverywendy]

I tried this immediately after watching your video and I am absolutely thrilled with the results. I have a small tin of blocks and one of coloured pencils as well as two small paint sets (all Derwent Inktense) and they all work beautifully especially the pencils. I love variegated thread and have some beautiful hand dyed ones but I love the intensity of the Inktense colours. Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@cinderknave]

How did you use the pencils please

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

So very happy to hear how wonderfully you have found this Wendy - have fun creating many gorgeous totally unique threads. Cheers, Christine 💙🧵🪡

[@laverywendy]

@@cinderknave because the thread was wet I was able to rub the pencils across the skein which activated the Inktense. On some threads I found it worked better than the brush, but you use the edge/side of the pencil not the point. If the thread is not too wet you may need to wet the pencil.

[@cinderknave]

@@laverywendy that’s great, thanks so much😁👍🏻

[@kerrigraafmans9993]

A wonderful assortment of colours Christine. I also think it overcomes a problem that i find with most bought threads in that the length of each colour in varigation is way too long. I love seeing a short colour change for some project. Problem solved thank you Christine.

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

I’m the same Kerri - I’m often after the rapid change of colour. Have fun playing 🤗 cheers, Christine 💙🧵🪡

[@cynthiaeastman7456]

The yellow pink orange is my favorite!

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Thanks Cynthia - it’s hard for me to choose my favourite but that one is definitely striking. Cheers, Christine 🧡

[@janetnash]

Christine what an absolutely amazing idea, will definitely be having a go. Love your elephant embroidery 💕

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Thank you Janet - it is a wonderful way to make beautiful and fabulously useable threads. Great gifts too 🤗 love sharing the joy cheers, Christine 💙🧵🪡

[@KoolKookyKreatures]

Love this Christine. I will definitely be giving this a go :) ❤

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Thanks Tori - it is so much fun! Candy coloured threads 💙🧵🪡

[@snoppynewall4922]

You made that look so easy and so much fun, great idea ❤

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Thanks Karen! It’s so much fun! Cheers, Christine

[@andreasteven986]

A great idea, very clever! Thank you for teaching us how to do it🤗

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Thanks so much Andrea - it is a joy sharing my creative adventures 💙🧵🪡 cheers, Christine

[@carriep.8997]

this is fascinating. I love variegated thread so I see trying this in my future. Thanks for sharing,

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Thanks Carrie - it’s a lot of fun to create and the finished threads are really lovely 🤗 cheers, Christine

[@lindaherrington6291]

So cross with myself for missing this demo and chatting to you all, especially when my shopping errand was fruitless. I was a little concerned whether the colour would be absorbed by all the threads in the skein but they look great and it's such an easy process. I predict a run on white threads 🤣

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Thanks Linda - we missed you and sorry to hear your shopping trip wasn’t fruitful. The great things is white thread is very readily available. Cheers, Christine 💙🧵🪡

[@LoralynnAnn]

What a fantastic idea! Now I just have to figure out where I put my inktense pencils! 💕

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Hope you can find your pencils - they make such lovely threads 💙🧵🪡 cheers, Christine

[@lesleynitschke4858]

sorry couldn't make it for the live but I'm so happy you've done this video as I've been looking for ages for something like this and I reckon this is the first one :D

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Thanks Lesley - it is such fun and I see many more of these in my future 🤗 cheers, Christine 💙🧵🪡

[@lesleynitschke4858]

@@createandcraftwithchristine Hi Christine, I've got some silk ribbons that I purchased for this purpose so when the next botanical beauty drops I'll be doing threads and ribbons as well your have some lovely colours in that awesome huge set I could only do the 24's but I got blocks and pencils, wish now I got the bigger set in blocks only but oh well they all have a purpose and get used lol

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

I’m sure you can get all the colours you need by mixing up the colours you have. Can’t wait to see what you create! Cheers, Christine

[@artyfartyannie]

Love how you're making the absolute most out of your inkktense blocks Christine, using them in all different ways. I'd never thought of doing this before but definitely goign to try it. I have you chatting away for company while I tidy my shamefully messy craft room :)

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Thank you Annie - I have so many ideas for the inktense - and it’s great to combine them with things I already have in my craft room to create exciting new things. I best be off to bed so I can join your live in the morning!

[@artyfartyannie]

@@createandcraftwithchristine coming to the end now, I was just thinking "do a rainbow doa rainbow!" and you did! They look amazing, cannot wait to try this - I might even try colouring my own threads for my CIJ to match my moodboard .... thanks again for the inspiration Christine, sleep well and hope to see you later at the live - if we can get back into this room by this evening! :)

[@colleenclelland8384]

Love your idea with Inktense blocks , going to use my fabric in slow stitching sky and water scapes . I have a daughter also named Emily Rose .

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

So happy you like this idea and lovely to hear of another Emily Rose💕💐

[@fabulousjaxx]

ooh I love that idea I'm thinking of painting silk fabric and silk and ribbon

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Lovely to see you here fabulous JP. Yes most definitely! I’m still trying to track down an affordable bulk supply of white silk ribbon for embroidery. Cheers, Christine

[@fabulousjaxx]

@@createandcraftwithchristine love to see your videos Christine I'm a bit late to the party though but better late than never

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

It’s always party time in my craft room! 😆

[@miemieskeepsakes]

What an amazing idea Christine!! I am definitely going to try it!!! It’s genius!!💐💐Marnel

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

So happy you like this idea and will be creating your own 🤗 cheers, Christine

[@ValitasCreativeDesigns]

Oooooooo I’ve been wanting to get some intense colours, what a great project👏🏼❤️

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

They are so great to use on fabrics and threads! I’ve seen some online secondhand for good prices in case you want to check those out (at places like cash converters)

[@JuanettesCraftingCorner]

Fantastic video, Christine. Thank you for the hint and inspiration.

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Thank you Juanette - a great way to expand your thread collection 🤗

[@willowhilldesigns7]

Hi Christine, what an absolutely wonderful idea and tutorial! I will definitely give this a try. TFS! xx Becca

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Such a lovely thing to do to bring new life to plain threads and have customised colour selections. Cheers, Christine

[@willowhilldesigns7]

@@createandcraftwithchristine Yes, and the opportunity to customize the colors as you like is wonderful!

[@elizabethroe9655]

Love this idea- and another great use for the intense inks. I have the pans, so it should work the same with your method. Want to try a raspberry orange combo

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Oooh that sounds delicious! And a lovely colour combo! Cheers, Christine 🧡💕

[@jean3690]

What a great idea thank you for sharing 😊

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Thanks so much Jean - have fun playing 🤗 cheers, Christine

[@cherynmawdsley4508]

Ok Christine that was fun….not sure if I enjoyed this more than the Ort balls.. thanks for sharing. Love that the skills you teach are practical and add to my stash…

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Thanks Cheryn it’s fun sharing these ideas that I enjoy so much too 🤗 cheers, Christine

[@craftycalley]

Fascinating. What a good idea. Thank you.

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Thanks so much 💙🧵🪡 cheers, Christine

[@MyMeriArt]

This is awesome! I gotta try it🌷🌷🌷

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

The results are so wonderful and the process is fun too 🤗

[@cynthiaroberts7809]

Lovely!

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Thanks Cynthia 💙🧵🪡

[@terribradburn6685]

Great tutorial!

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Thank you Terri - have fun with this one. Cheers, Christine 💙🧵🪡

[@Gothlite-i1l]

"Balls and skeins are considered ready for immediate use. All you have to do is locate the end of the yarn, cast it onto your needle, and begin knitting, whereas yarn purchased in hanks must be rewound, typically into a ball, before it is ready for use." ~ Martha Stewart, no less. Hmm, I'm wondering if Sharpie's would work?

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

I say play and see what happens 🤗

[@oermama]

Thank you for sharing your experiment, it’s gorgeous and I can’t wait to try it too, first thing tomorrow, I’ve got some white embroidery floss. ❤ I had some variegated hand dyed floss, but it wasn’t colorfast 😢 and the good ones are so expensive.

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Have fun! 💙🧵🪡 cheers, Christine

[@debnelson6661]

I think it might really be interesting with one half inch between one inch areas of color

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

What a fun idea to try! Cheers, Christine 💙🧵🪡

[@evocationart8370]

Love this I have lots of neutral thread which I will dye like this so thank you ! I have subscribed ❤

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

So happy to have shared a useful idea. Look forward to hopefully seeing some of your creations too! 🤗

[@carolentringer8836]

Terrific tutorial. Such a fun project. I’m curious as to the cards you will make. Will you consider showing how you do your cards? Thanks!

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Thanks Carol. I made a card for my dad here as a fabric postcard (but using existing threads I had): kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5nEYo1phNNnhdkfeature=shared Hope that is of interest. Cheers, Christine 💙🧵🪡

[@beyesh3760]

❤ When I got my inktense yrs. ago I debated on the blocks versus pencils😂 I got the pencils. Love them, I will have to try this with them. I was 🤔 wondering if I wanted the multi shades of 1 color. What would happen if I left on the ball. 🤔 I also 🤔 if I could do the same idea but use my alcohol inks instead. Have to try it out. Great inspiration as always. 😊😊❤❤

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Yes, definitely have a play! Look forward to hearing how your experiments go. Cheers, Christine 💙🧵🪡

[@bestcrossroad]

2nd time missed live. Fell back to sleep after giving the cats their early breakfast and waiting for 6 am. Even the cats went back to sleep🤣😅. I love this technique, Christine! You could customize the colors to your own fabric and the Inktense colors are so vibrant. Does the thread stiffen up a bit when they are dry? Perhaps not, but there’s always thread conditioner if they do. Thank you for a wonderful tutorial. Beautiful colors! 🌷tess

[@brendaguerin5423]

According to Marion of" Marion's World" inktense does not change the texture on fabric, so I would think it would not on the threads

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Thanks Tess - we missed chatting with you for sure but glad you got some needed sleep 💛 The great thing is that the Inktense doesn’t make the thread at all stiff - unlike an acrylic. Cheers, Christine

[@bestcrossroad]

@@createandcraftwithchristine wow! That’s good news! I have the Inktense pencils, I’ll look for some white embroidery thread and will try. I love how you color yours, very cheerful colors! Thank you💗.

[@brendaguerin5423]

In a hank, the yarn is rolled into a big circle then folded into itself. In a skein, the yarn is rolled into a loose, oblong-shaped twist.

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Thanks for solving my terminology query 💙🧵🪡 cheers, Christine

[@brendaguerin5423]

@@createandcraftwithchristine I was not sure either and you triggered my curiosity, so💚💛💙I looked it up lol

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

I love how we all share knowledge and I love learning 💙

[@dennypondaview]

What fun ive used my alchol inks too but ill bust out the inktense ..thanks

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

So happy you will be giving this a go Denny - I think you’ll enjoy the process and finished product 💙🧵🪡 cheers, Christine

[@dennypondaview]

@createandcraftwithchristine our son bought me all my inktense blocks and pencils about 8 years ago ..I love them I just need to use more often lol isn't that the way thanks

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

@@dennypondaview so happy of this inspires some more play, what a lovely gift from your son

[@sylviaback3420]

Fascinating wonder if I can use white DMC threads

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Thanks Sylvia - yes, this would work with any sort of thread unless it has some sort of coating that stops the water penetrating. Cheers, Christine

[@carpediem.9]

Really pretty, however I have a question have you tried colouring other plant fibres with these and especially fibres to crochet garments with? Will the ink/paint wash off if used for crocheting garments? :)

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

I haven’t yet tried this technique on other fibres nor washing the threads. Regards, Christine

[@carolynmcfetridge5026]

How fun

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

It really is! 💙🧵🪡 cheers, Christine

[@andreals3922]

Hi Christine, have you tried washing these yet? I know they are supposed to be colourfast, I'm interested in whether they actually are in practice or perhaps fade?

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Hello - I don’t tend to wash my slow stitch pieces so I can’t really confirm how these go if regularly washed. I can do an experiment though and report back. Cheers, Christine

[@andreals3922]

@@createandcraftwithchristine That would be great, thank you!

[@donnasmalley1284]

Have to try this as the variegated threads are not variegated enough or close ,is the cotton mercerised ,

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

It’s definitely great being able to custom design to your tastes. Have fun! Cheers, Christine 💙🧵🪡

[@cosia5072]

I don't know these coloyrs. Could you please give a bit more information about them? Maybe the brand or a link?

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Hello - these are Derwent Inktense Blocks. Cheers, Christine 💙🧵🪡

[@giadagiada50]

If I use them to embroider a tablecloth then, when I wash it, does it lose its color?

[@brendaguerin5423]

it says it is colour fast on the add

[@margaretquinton1501]

I have used inktense to paint pics on fabric that I've washed normally dozens of times. I use textile medium or aloe vera instead of water, then ironed the fabric which I believe sets the dye. I assume the same would be necessary for dyeing the cotton yarn. It definitely worked for me. Some of the items have been washed many times over several years and are still just as vibrant in colour. 😊

[@giadagiada50]

@@margaretquinton1501 Thanks, now everything is clear, I will buy Inktense

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Thanks - yes, as long as the inktense is fully activated with water (I don’t use other mediums as water works fine for me ) then it should be colour fast even when washed. Cheers, Christine 💙🧵🪡

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Great to hear your experiences too @margaretquinto1501

[@lisamoseley9914]

Is the color permanent?

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Hi Lisa - as long as the inktense is fully activated with water and then allowed to fully dry (some iron/apply heat also) then it will be colour fast. Cheers, Christine 💙🧵🪡

[@reneerails]

Pins and needles....

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Excited too! 💙🧵🪡

[@BarbraBarbour]

Beware, this is fun to do, but results in an inferior product. Inktense is not as permanent on fabric as you might hope, and threads colored in this manner leave colored dust around the needle hole when you use the threads.

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Thanks Barbara - so far I haven’t encountered this issue with the threads I created. Perhaps because the blocks have less wax added than the pencils and also my pigment was fully wetted so no residue left on. Will report back if I encounter any issues. Cheers, Christine

[@patvalenzuela5105]

😊

[@patvalenzuela5105]

Procion cold watercolor dyes work really well for fabric, permanent ( wear gloves also permanent on hands).

[@BarbraBarbour]

I’m not talking about the pencils. I also use the blocks.