If you teach, they will create

A letter from the Caribbean island nation of Dominica, West Indies

She went from making things to making things happen. Judy Joyce, the founder of American Traditional stencil company (now called Momenta), retired from her industry job some time ago and joined the Peace Corps. She continues to lead a creative life, including teaching crafts and embroidery to children. We love working with Judy and were inspired by the photos she sent recently after we donated some thread for her classes. We asked her to share details of the photos that inspire all of us to reach, teach, care, and share.

Judy writes,

The photos are from a 4-H workshop in Delices, Dominica, W.I. We had 26 youth ages 9-13 try their hand at crocheting. We used large plastic hooks from Coats and Clark and the colored shiny threads from Kreinik. We were making chains. Only two girls had tried crocheting before. The youth here do not have adults to teach them crafts.

I have always been "crafty". As a child, I made and sold knitted and crochet slippers, bags, woven pot holders. In high school I made and sold beaded jewelry, sewed clothes and paintings. In college, I had a route in the dorms selling jewelry each week. Then I started my own business making stencils and selling to stores around the world. I taught all over the world, appeared on numerous TV programs and authored several instructional books.

In 2008 I joined Peace Corps and was sent to Dominica to develop Eco Tourism. I spend most of my time with youth of all ages in 4-H, religion, teen groups, high school libraries, primary school arts and crafts and neighborhood youth. I'm hoping to get several trained and excited about making souvenir crafts.

I love what I do. It's challenging to think up and organize crafts each week for 67 youth. Donations from friends and businesses has helped a lot. Doug's threads were great. I used them on journals a few times and yarn dolls.

If anyone is interested in Peace Corps they can always email me or check on Facebook.

Thank you!

Blessings,
Judy Joyce (Barker)
American Traditional/Momenta

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How-to: 10 Tips for Beading with Kreinik Threads

Earrings and necklace as seen in "Betsy Beads"

"Threads become the backdrop for fun, elegance, or a bit of glitz." - Brenda Franklin

"Betsy Beads" is the new hit book from XRX Books (http://www.knittinguniverse.com/Beads) featuring stunning bead knitting projects, including the design in the photo shown here. It isspreading interest in bead knitting, one of the most beautiful ways you can use your knitting skills for creating intricate jewelry and accessories. Search "Kreinik" on http://www.ravelry.com and you will find additional bead crochet and bead knitting designs, all stunning and most — surprisingly — easy to make. Do you want to learn how? This blog will give you 10 Tips for Beading With Kreinik Threads.

You may not think that the thread shows much in beading, or matters much, but it does. We asked designers what they thought of Kreinik threads, and they offered helpful tips to share with you. Whether you're getting into bead crochet, bead knitting, surface embroidery, or other types of beadwork, Kreinik metallic and silk threads offer some benefits that you just can't get with other threads, such as:

1. 200+ colors from which to pick — "For beaded embroidery, the thread color should match the fabric or the beads," notes designer Kim Kotary. With the large range of Kreinik shades, you can find a color to match any bead.

2. Did we mention 200+ colors: With such a wide range, you have more complementary color choices when working a design where the thread shows around the beads. "Kreinik threads are SO PRETTY," says designer Vashti Braha.

Bead Stew "Fire Walk with Me" by Earth Faire

3. Metallics add elements of light to designs — "it catches the light" says designer Maria del Pinto, and it complements the color depth of dichroic and Venetian glass beads, for instance. "Metallic threads add a wonderful shimmer to the beaded knit," notes designer Brenda Franklin. She adds that a transparent bead on a metallic thread will have the shimmer and glow you look for in a silver-lined beads (lined beads often have smaller holes and lose their glow). Designer Betsy Hershberg says Kreinik Cable in particular "is a great choice for a true metallic jewelry look."

4. Kreinik metallic braids, cables, and ribbons are strong: Brenda Franklin notes in her book Beaded Knits Vol. 1 that "glass beads add weight, so the thread that is used for beaded knits must be able to support this extra weight." Brenda often uses Kreinik #8, 12 and 16 Braids for her projects. Vashti Braha uses the metallics "when I need just the right way to feature a dichroic glass pendant. Kreinik stands up to the kind of metallic color depth, and the sheer weight of the glass pieces."

Reversible Bracelet by Brenda Franklin

5. Kreinik silk threads are strong. Silk is natural and one of the strongest fibers you can find. Betsy Hershberg had this to report after trying Kreinik Silk Serica for projects in her book, Betsy Beads: "The silk is a joy to knit/bead with. I'm not sure if I can accurately describe one of its favorite qualities for me as a knitter, but it has to do with a certain amount of "stickiness" it has that allows it to hold for a very even tension i.e., the stitches stay the same size rather than slipping as a rayon thread might. And don't even get me started on the color range..... I am thrilled to have discovered it." About Silk Serica, she adds, "I just love the sheen and the hand of the silk and it stands up really well to the friction of being strung with quite small beads. The stitch definition is beautiful. And it is SO strong!"

6. Kreinik threads are flexible, won't kink: From Earth Faire, a bead and jewelry kit company, "These are very easy threads to use -- unlike most metallics, I haven't found in these a tendency to kink -- they lie smoothly and work well with just about all of the size beads that we use."

7. Kreinik metallics are hand and machine washable: Cotton threads tend to stretch, but with the Kreinik metallics, "stretching when wet is not an issue," notes Earth Faire.

8. They come in a variety of weights/sizes: About Kreinik Tapestry #12 Braid, for example, Vashti notes, "This thread seems to bridge sizes #10 and #20 cotton threads." Kreinik has six sizes of metallic braid, two sizes of metallic ribbon, and three sizes of silk thread, which means you can pick from several options to either match bead sizes or to create your own yarn/thread by combining with other thread types. Some of the thinner threads, like Kreinik Blending Filament, Very Fine #4 Braid, and the Machine Sewing Threads work well as carry-along fibers.

9. You can get thread in a variety of spool sizes: Since Kreinik makes their own threads, we can spool or cone any amount. Working on a large project, for instance? Choose a 50m cone, or special-order a custom size. The standard Kreinik spool sizes - from 10m to 20m on a spool — are ideal amounts for most jewelry projects.

10. Kreinik threads are available in stores or from online sources: that means you can always get what you want. Visit the Store Locator on http://www.kreinik.com, or buy online at http://www.kreinikmall.com.

Examples of what you can make:

• Beaded earrings
• Beaded brooches
• Beaded necklaces
• Beaded ornaments
• Beaded pendants
• Beaded purses
• Beaded socks
• Beaded embroidery
• Beaded trim for garments, home decor, fashion accessories
  

What to use

METAL/STEEL HOOKS AND NEEDLES:
Consensus among bead knitters/crocheters is that metal hooks and needles work better than plastic or wooden ones. From designer Maria del Pinto: "You need a metal crochet hook because the plastic ones have surfaces that catch the threads which can ruin the finished look of a piece." Gwen Blakley Kinsler, founder of the Crochet Guild of America, adds, "Depending on the thread, I use a steel hook, sizes 6, 7 or 8."

KREINIK METALLIC THREADS:

• Fine #8 Braid is great for crochet and fine needle lace work, and works well with size 11 seed beads.
• Fine #8 Braid is frequently used by Earth Faire for beaded jewelry: "We have been using this thread with many of the Jewelry patterns from Brenda Franklin (see their "Jewelry Creations"  on www.earthfaire.com web page). The color and sheen is fabulous and the hand as one works with it is extremely pleasing."
• Tapestry #12 Braid is another favorite: "it is slightly heavier than the Fine Braid but we like its strength and it works with all but the tiniest of beads (and even sometimes with those)," notes the team at Earth Faire.
• Medium #16 Braid: "Very firm knit structure, very strong braid that will support larger beads well," reports bead knitting designer Brenda Franklin. Some of the high lustre colors can be rough against skin, however.
• Heavy #32 Braid and the 1/8" Ribbon are thicker metallics, both equivalent to a fingering/sock yarn, a Light Sport Weight and a size #5 cotton crochet thread, according to Vashti. Beads: "6/0 E-beads" aka "large seed beads" work with this size, but these thicker threads can be rough against skin.
• Blending Filament is a soft, thin, tinsel-like thread. Rather than using the filament to string beads, we recommend that you use filament as a carry-along thread, worked with another thread type at the same time. It will add a subtle metallic shimmer.
• Fashion Twist and Fine Twist: These two Kreinik Machine Sewing Metallic Threads are thin enough to use as a carry-along thread in bead knitting and crochet. They are strong, but also anti-microbial, offering added hygienic qualities for beaded garments. See the HeartStrings Fiber Arts knitting pattern #S33 "Glitz and Beads Socks" here: http://www.heartstringsfiberarts.com/s33.shtm with video tutorial here: http://jackie-es.com/the-designing-day/a-fashion-twist-with-kreinik-metallic.php

Spyro Gyro earrings by Brenda Franklin

KREINIK SILK THREADS:

• Silk Bella: "Wow, this is like tatting thread," notes Vashti, ".5mm hook seems just right. I guess equiv. to #40 or #50 crochet thread."
• Silk Serica creates soft but strong stitches. "Silk Serica is fabulous with the beads," notes Gwen, "size 8 or 10 or larger [bead] is recommended because it [Serica] is thicker."
• Silk Serica or Silk Bella offer a smooth thread for handling delicate beads like pearls.
• Silk is a natural animal fiber, so silk thread complements creations with natural stones.

BEADS:

• pearls
• natural stones
• semi-precious stones
• glass: dichroic, Venetian, Czech, Delica, seed beads
• crystal beads, Swarovski and other
• sterling silver, gold, gold-filled, metal beads
• bugle beads

Where to get more information or inspiration

BOOKS:

• Betsy Hershberg, Betsy Beads, XRX Books
• "Kreinik threads could be used in place of any others these authors recommend," notes Gwen Blakely Kinsler: Bethany Barry's book, "Bead Crochet" Interweave 2004, Susan Lutz Kenyon, "Beaded Beauties to Crochet" by Leisure Arts, 2004, "Crochet with Beads" by Hazle Shake , Design Originals,2 005, Lily Chin, "Knit and Crochet with Beads"
• Brenda Franklin, "Beaded Knits Jewelry and Accessories" volumes 1, 2 and 3.
• Beading on Fabric by Larkin Jean Van Horn from Interweave Press

WEB SITES, BLOGS, and DESIGNS:
http://www.crochetqueen.com/
http://designingvashti.blogspot.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qu_hL2hOBhs
http://www.necklaceart.com
http://www.bfdesigns.on.ca/INDEX.HTM
http://www.heartstringsfiberarts.com/s33.shtm
http://jackie-es.com/the-designing-day/a-fashion-twist-with-kreinik-metallic.php
http://earthfaire.com (look for the Bead Soup kits)
http://store.vogueknitting.com/p-489-beaded-top.aspx
http://www.knittinguniverse.com/Beads
http://www.studiobknits.com/
http://www.myrawood.com/

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Not your grandma's needle case

Want something distinctive? Make it yourself! Customize it with your own colors and put your unique spin on it.

That is the mantra of DIYers everywhere. Crafters and needleworkers have been expressing themselves through thread colors, stitches, patterns, and finishing ideas for, well, forever. So when we saw this unique twist on a needle case by designer Brenda Franklin, we asked if we could share it with others to inspire them (and maybe show off the cool use of one of our threads). She said yes, so we are "pinning" this on our blog-board as One Creative Concept.

Here's the story about the needle case from Brenda:

"It is a test tube, with the warp glued onto it and the threads, in this case a variegated silk and [Kreinik] ombre twined around the case. I did a variety of patterns with the weaving, which you can see detailed in the close up jpg. It probably took 4 to 6 hours to do…I did a beaded edge at the top of the weaving as I finished off the warp threads and did a peyote stitch to bead the cap with beads that reflected the colours of the threads used."

Super creative, Brenda, and quite gorgeous! By the way, Brenda is a Canadian cross stitch designer who also creates bead knitting jewelry and patterns. Check out her web site here: http://www.bfdesigns.on.ca/

Have you created something unique lately with Kreinik threads? We would love to see it! Email us at info@kreinik.com or post to our Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/Kreinik.Manufacturing.Company

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Spring scissor sale and a thing or two about storks…

Retailers will be interested to hear that Kreinik is currently running a spring scissor sale on gold-handle stork and lion's tail 3 1/2" embroidery scissors (contact Kreinik Customer Service for details). These are Premax brand, made in northern Italy, featuring the ever-popular, nature-themed handles.

If you are a stitcher, now is the time to get extra pairs of these handy tools; just tell your retailer how many you need. You may want a separate pair of scissors in each project bag, or want a little gift for an Easter basket, spring luncheon, or Mother's Day present. Kreinik offers these with plain edge or a serrated blade (better for cutting metallic threads).

You have probably seen a pair of stork embroidery scissors in your grandmother's sewing basket or in antique stores. The pattern seems to be timeless. It is probably the most popular pattern of scissor sold today. We started wondering why…Is it because we love birds? Or is the nature-theme just "cute"? Where did the "stork" theme come from?

Mythology and folklore going back to Ancient Greece, Egypt, Biblical times, and Chinese dynasties all connect the nesting, protective, graceful characteristics of storks with motherhood, babies, and deeper beliefs of things like "transporting souls". Cartoons, greeting cards, and children's books today continue to show storks delivering newborns to happy parents. Most of us see a stork image and immediately think of babies.

The stork pattern was apparently first used by a savvy tool maker in France who crafted umbilical clamps for midwives in the 1800s; he connected the maternal symbolism of a stork with a tool used in childbirth.  We found one web site with a fascinating article about the origin of stork scissors, including photos of these early tools. The photos show how the medical implement evolved to become a more refined sewing scissor. Check it out here: http://www.creweljewels.com/Stork-Scissors-s/81.htm.

Stork scissors seem to be a creative connection from century to century. The theme embraces the past (we even found stork scissors sold on a company selling to living history re-enactors) and today's manufacturing makes them refined for our times.

Did your grandmother have a pair of stork scissors? Do you have a pair?

About Kreinik's stork scissors: http://www.kreinik.com/kshop/product.php?productid=17269&cat=398&page=1

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Which scissors should you use with metallic threads?

 Word on the street is that metallic threads can dull your scissors, so you should always keep a separate pair of "metallic only" scissors, labeled as such. Is this true? As a metallic thread maker, we can officially say "Yes."

Metallic threads are denser than other types of thread and will dull a plain blade faster. We recommend using a serrated-edge scissor for your metallics. This means that the edge has high points and tiny ridges - like teeth - to "grab" your material as it is cut. It will help you control the cut, give you a strong cut, and make you happier in general. Anything that makes life easier makes us happy, right?

Think of it this way…Whether in the kitchen or in the woods, you want to use a plain blade for some things and a serrated blade for others. A serrated-edge blade, for instance, is often used to cut dense materials like rope, canvas, vines, leather, or other thick, fibrous material. In the kitchen, use a serrated knife to cut tomatoes, celery, bread, or other fibrous foods. Choosing the right tool for the job makes the job easier and the result better.

In your sewing or needlework basket, you may not need to write "only for metallics" on the blade, but it is a good idea to mark the serrated scissor in some way to differentiate it from smooth-edged scissors. You can usually feel the serrations, but if you need a quick, at-a-glance marker, engrave a "S" or put a small red dot on your serrated pair. Here at Kreinik, we use a S in our item codes to indicate a serrated edge.

What about sharpening a serrated-edge scissor? Well, the good news is that serrations tend to stay sharp longer and may not require sharpening as frequently as a plain edge. Since the serrated scissor is not smooth, the serrated portion of the blade will stay sharper for a longer time because the entire blade is not coming in contact with the surface to be cut. So if you use your serrated-edge scissor for cutting metallic threads, you should be fine for many years.

Kreinik carries scissors of all shapes and sizes in straight-edge and serrated blades. You can get small embroidery scissors or large dressmakers' shears with serrated edges. So as you buy scissors, consider what you want out of a scissor, how you will be using it, and what you will be cutting.

Check out the scissor pages here for more information and scissor photos: http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Premax-R-Scissors/

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Pat Winter Quilted Make-A-Pen

Love what Pat Winter did with the Kreinik Make-A-Pen. She created a crazy quilt insert to go inside the Kreinik pen. Project instructions available in her Winter Issue of Gatherings online magazine:  Click here to see details.

See the Kreinik metallic threads?!

Click here to visit Make-a-Pen web page.
Get this product through needlework stores or www.kreinik.com.

Makes a great gift. Also memory craft (use scraps from a loved one's closet or sewing chest).

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Hot House Petunia Designs

While on the road in Nashville for the TNNA Nashville show we had a visit from Susie Porter of Hot House Petunia Designs.  Susie was showing off her catalog of fun punch needle charts she is selling through Cross My Heart Ltd.

Here are just two of her designs...

Hearts Desire #PN02
This cute design uses Kreinik Blending Filament in color # 032 Pearl to make a scrumptious cupcake.   Need another reason to buy this chart?  A portion of the profit from the sale of this chart will be donated to breast cancer research.

 

Snow Birds #WM03

This design features a cute cardinal and bear enjoying the snow unlike some other snow birds we all know hiding out down south.  This design also uses Kreinik Blending Filament in color #032 Pearl.

To buy these charts or any of Hot House Petunia Designs visit Cross My Heart Ltd located at 1141 Kenny Centre Mall, 43220-4036, Upper Arlington, OH, USA - Phone:  614.442.0820.  Visit them on the web at:  http://crossmyheartltd.com/cmh/about

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