Embroidery thread saves the day

Jana

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Aug 12, 2000
Posts
2,396
Loc
Mansfield, Ohio
I had to mount some fine linen hankies for a shadowbox and needed some colored thread to blend in. For the white ones I used 100% cotton thread, but didn't have the right color for the pink one.

Then it hit me. I have a stash of my mother's embroidery floss. She had all sorts of colors. I took all the skeins to work and found just the right color pink.


I separated one strand and ran it through some Thread Heaven (thread strengthener and protectant). The floss is strong and soft enough not to damage the linen.

I'm hoping a textile conservator (Rebecca?
help.gif
) thinks the Thread Heaven is okay to use, because it sure works like a charm.

I'm a happy camper to have found such a treasure trove of cotton thread. What a geek! :D
 
Well Jana--I have used it often! It is great, however I have never heard of Thread Heaven!
Now I am worried about all those shadowboxes might not be as strong as I thought!!
Can you tell me more about this product and where you get it?

Thanks
Elsa
 
Oops, I quoted that incorrectly. Thread Heaven is a thread conditioner and protectant.
Hi Elsa,

I think you can get it at quilt and bead shops. I got it at a craft store. It is packaged in a tiny (1" cube) ultramarine blue box. I really like this stuff.

Here's one link I found on a Google search:

http://www.notions.fabricstodyefor.com/sewing/thread_heaven.htm

It's manufactured by Adam Beadworks, P.O. Box 2476, Guerneville, CA 95446, 707-869-2556.
 
Sounds like like works like a charm. No way to tell if it does any long term harm or not. I couldn't find a MSDS to see what ingredients are in it, but did get this: http://www.sonic.net/~adambead/health_and_safety.html

so we know it's not toxic anyway! Is it like beeswax?

You're using such a small amount I wouldn't get too worried, but is would be interesting to know. They may let you know what it is if you e-mail them with concerns (at bottom of linked page).

I just wrote them, we'll see what they say.

Rebecca
 
Here is their reply. I'm wondering if it's a silicone substance. I haven't had a chance to check the test sites they give. It would be interesting to check with whoever is using it at the Smithsonian.

Happy Reading:

Thread Heaven is a chemical compound and its unique formulation has been patented by our company. The specifics of the formula, and the process used to produce Thread Heaven are carefully protected by us. However, from you question, I think you are interested in the characteristics of the compound, i.e., the substance we call Thread Heaven, not in the materials used to produce it because, as I'm sure you know, once chemicals are compounded the reactions often result in materials that behave very differently from the individual characteristics of the materials involved in the formula.
So let me reassure you about using Thread Heaven (I'll just call it T.H.) in your work with information about the characteristics of the product itself.

The most important thing to know about T.H. is that it is an inert molecule... it simply does not react to anything. This is why it doesn't melt, freeze, mold, degrade, etc. Therefore, a coating of T.H. protects the "encased" thread from UV ray, mold, mildew, temperature variations, humidity, and virtually all other environmental hazards and pollutants.

Additionally, because it is inert, it doesn't react with dyes or pigments, so it will not cause any loss or change in color . Instead, by protecting the thread from UV and moisture, it actually helps stabilize dyes that may otherwise be prone to bleed or fade.
We are often asked how T.H. will react with a specific type of thread or fabric, but as you can see, the question is rendered moot by the very nature of the product... its inability to react.

Perhaps equally important in your work may be the fact that the shape of the T.H. molecule allows it to move through fabric with a remarkably reduced friction ( or "drag" as it is often called). This in turn means that the stress on delicate, and perhaps degraded, fabrics during the conservation processes will be greatly reduced.
Of course, the caveat here is that T.H. will only protect the areas on which it is actually used so, over time, the untreated portions of a piece will probably degrade more rapidly and this may be a consideration in some cases.

The above information is a very brief summary of the results of hundreds of hours of testing by us and by independent agencies. For a synopsis of these test and a list of testing agencies and labs, please visit our website here: http://www.threadheaven.com/testing.html and here http://www.threadheaven.com/health_and_safety.html. Also, I strongly recommend you read the information on the "About the Product page as I think it may answer most other questions you may have.

Thread Heaven is already being used by restorers at dozens of museums, historical societies, etc., including the Smithsonian.
If the above info encourages you to try using T.H. in your work, please let us know and we will send you a sample in exchange for your written (email) evaluation and comments.

Thanks for your interest in our product.
Roni Hennen, Partner
Adam Beadworks
 
Back
Top