Well, what I learned is next to nothing. It seems to me that white thread is only safe to use on non-dyed projects, yet I know that has to be wrong. Is it maybe that I'm using waxed thread? I have never used non-waxed thread for hand stitching. I did do a project using the "sail needle". But there, you produce a machine-like lockstitch and don't drag long lengths of thread through the stitching holes. I'm not proficient with the "stitching awl" and don't think it is a good alternative to saddle stitching anyway. My project didn't look so good when finished! The dilemma remains.