For me, it's all about the color.  I don't notice much of a sheen difference either.  Although lots of people say that they do.  So if I were going to stitch a Chatelaine, I'd probably use DMC for all the solid colors and then I'd use HDF silks for the variegated ones (if they have a decent match). 

Vanessa

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Mira UFOs: White Christmas (color conversion), Rose of Sharon (over 1), Autumn Maiden (from Maidens II), Athena, Poppy (over 1), and 2007 Christmas Tree, Angel of the New Dawn, Ella,Spring Topiary Fairy (left side).