Which thread work should I start out with first IT or ITR??

If I had to do it over again I'd start with the IT method taught by Jon LeClair in his book "The Art of Invisible Thread" or video/DVD "Who's Afraid of Invisible Thread". Before learning the LeClair method I had spent a lot of time and $ on ITR's and did become fairly proficient when them. Even so I now use the LeClair method 90% of the time.

You can check out Jon's website at
http://www.leclairanimator.com/

Bill Beach

Good advice, above. I say break in on LeClair and take it further if you find it necessary.

2nd & 3rd! Good advice!
Learning on LeClaire's (an excellent teacher) method will prepare you for other methods. If you reverse learning the techniques you might find it difficult to switch. Additionally with LeClaire's method you will become sensitive to the boundaries of the IT. Just take it easy, be delicate and be slow when beginninng.

Ok thanks everyone. I will try to order "Who's Afraid of IT" asap.

Thanks all

Michael Ammars videos all three they will teach you every thing you need to know about elastic,wooly,s and all the different types or itr's and hook ups I highly recommend them I wish I bought them instead going the hard way and learning on my own you will learn much faster with them don't limit yourself with one hook up

Threadz,

I am familiar with 3 different hook-ups, LeClaire's, Floating Dollar, & Peki. What does Ammar have to offer beyond these and would I have to purchase all 3 DVD's? Buying all 3 is has been the biggest obstacle for me with Ammar.

I say go IT first to get used to dealing with the thread. Once your comfortable then consider and ITR but chances are you won't even want one.

I started with IT I've never really had a use for a ITR. I bought "the source" from Steve Fearson's website and that's where Ive got most of my IT. I also have Michael Ammars thread video. I am looking into getting Who's afraid of invisible thread. What all do you get taught in that though?

I've never really got on with itr's I prefer making my own large loops and keeping them round my neck and small ones for my wrists, then ya have to different hook ups.

It all depends on what you want to do..the effect you are trying to create.

thanks
mike

There are several different threads out there that will work. Which one is the best?

Whats the difference between IT and ITR?
can spectators really see it?
and how much does it cost?

L7, 'it' usually comes wraped on a card and you gotta strip it yourself which is a bit tricky at first but you get the hang of it eventually.'ITR' is a tube like gimmick that holds one long line of prestriped 'IT' I've never really got on with em but still persist every now and then.

You can see it if your in strong light but there are different type's thicker thinner etc, If you keep the lighting behind you and have the spec infront of you it should be cool.

The cost varies from dealer to dealer but its not very expensive.

Hope that helps mate.

I have any interest in doing magic with IT. After doing a search at the Café, I came across a couple of posts that recommended "Art of Invisible Thread" by Jon LeClair.

I then found a website, http://www.daytonamagic.com, that had it on there product list at a very reasonable price. I placed an order through their site, but I did not get a confirmation notice. I then called and was told they had not received my order. Therefore, I ordered it by phone.

A week went by and I still had not received a confirmation or had my credit card charged. I called again and was told that the book was no longer in print. They apologized for the inconvience.

I really am not criticizing. It is only the first time I tried to deal with this dealer. However, I would like to know if what they told me is true. Is "Art of Invisible Thread" no longer available dealers? Are there any other sources from whom I may be able to purchase the book?

Any available information will be greatly appreciated.

I have delt with Daytona Magic many times, both by mail and in their store, with no problems. I believe what they say about the book being out of print is true. You could do a google search for other dealers who may still have some in stock, but I would give them a call to confirm stock before ordering.

Or, just go with the video or DVD "Who's Afraid of Invisible Thread" with is still readily available.

Bill Beach

Try Jon LeClair's site: http://www.leclairanimator.com/products/index.cfm

-e-

Thanks for the advice. Before I make a decision, does anyone have an opinion on which gives better instruction for a beginner at thread work, LeClair's book or his DVD? Or should I get both?

Eagerly awaiting everyone's opinion!

I started with the video (before I had a DVD player), then got the book for some additional information. Actually the video/DVD covers almost everything, if I had to choose between the two that's the one I would take. It begins with Jon performing most of the effects in a real life restaurant situation.

Bill Beach

I'd recommend you buy some IT and play with it and learn how to float a card or levitate a borrowed bill for example. By that time you'll come to know if you need an ITR or not.