A Superior Perle Cotton-Finca Perle Cotton

Presencia Finca Perle Cotton is, the finest perle cotton I have ever seen-bar none. It is a long staple Egyptian cotton that comes in sizes 3, 5, 8, 12 and 16. The color selection is, by far, the most comprehensive color card in the world. Minimum color quantity is 124 colors in size 3 up to a maximum color quantity of 164 colors in size 16. Finca Perle Cotton is also available in 33 variegated colors per size (excluding size 3). Finca Perle Cotton comes in full color packs and samplers coordinated in very attractive color palettes. These samplers eliminate the need to stand in store aisles comparing hues. And if that is not enough, their complete inventory is available online at Baglady.com, their sister company.

Recently I tried Finca Perle Cotton, manufactured by Presencia Hilatures, after reading reviews on this superior perle cotton. And, let me tell you, a superior cotton it is. For starters, the manufacturer's suggested use, ranges from knitting and crocheting to hand quilting and hand applique to punchneedle embroidery and kumihimo. As an interested reseller, I received as a sample, two 5-gram balls of Finca Perle Cotton in size 5 and size 8. When I requested the sample, however, it was not my intent to write a product review. After all I had not written an article on this venue for almost a year and a product review was the furthest thing from my mind. But after seeing this wonderful thread and then using it, I just had to write.

My first project I tried to crochet a rather "cruciferous" carnation using size 8 thread for the petals and size 5 thread for edge picots. This carnation was the prototype for a new product I designed. I was unsure of what to expect. Happily, the carnation turned out beautifully! But, I must say, it was not without modest difficulty. I attribute most of the difficulty to my getting re-acquainted with crocheting (I have not crocheted in several years) and, the fact that, there was so little friction between the steel crochet needle and the perle cotton; the stitches kept slipping. And yes, I adapted to this "difficulty" reasonably well and completed the project, but I wonder, too, whether a plastic, wooden or bamboo crochet needle would have eliminated the minor learning curve? And, although I love the finished carnation, I do not feel the perle cotton lived up to its full capability when used as a crochet thread. At least--not for me it didn't.

That minor setback did not dampen my admiration for this superior thread. It had worked up so well-aesthetically-in the carnation and gauge samples in anticipation thereof, I felt compelled, repeatedly, to go back and pick them up just to admire the attributes of the thread. So I decided to attempt another project.

Next, I tried to knit the size 8-albeit on size 11 knitting needles!-as a 20 stitch swatch. I found the stitches to be too loose and abandoned that project on the second row. Once again for me, this is not where the thread shines. I, could not envision potential here, even using appropriately sized knitting needles.

My third project, I searched for a suitable ground fabric on which to test the perle cotton. I looked around for a while and could not find a project-worthy ground fabric to use. So I settled on an old, freshly laundered, flat black sheet. I single-threaded my embroidery needle with the size 8 perle cotton. Picture this; I stitched a 1/4 side profile of a Queen Anne flower lolling lazily in a breeze-nevertheless in full bloom-fastened hastily at the calyx by a few stitches: abruptly dotted over a flagellated stem--then I fell in love. This perle cotton is superb! The twist is magnificent! The shine on this thread is marvelous! It stitched like a dream! With a few whips of the needle, it lent elegance to an old, tired sheet. Oh my goodness--! This is where this perle cotton excels-by far. It's unbelievable what even a few stitches of this thread does in embroidery. I can envision this perle cotton performing excellently, in any "eyed needle" project, be it: hand quilting, hand applique, blanket stitch edging, needlepoint, pulled threadwork, punchneedle embroidery or Brazilian embroidery. I project too, it will work well in tatting, kumihimo, and in the largest size-size 3, yielding elegant results in micro macrame projects. And...believe it or not, it's not just the perle cotton, all of the Presencia Finca line has enjoyed rave reviews. I can't wait to try the Zirayon (El Molino), their high shine rayon thread spectacular for satin stitching, and Fincrochet, said to be a superior cordonnet. Now enough of me, for your information and stitching pleasure, here's other products from the Presencia Finca line you might be interest in...

• Presencia Sewing Thread,
• Finca Mouline Embroidery Floss,
• Tri-Finca Perle Cotton,
• Finca Super (coton a broder)
• Finca Crochet Cotton
• Finca Metallic
• Finca Bobbin Lace