My hotel is purple

Russia is quite a different experience for me. The color of buildings, the gregariousness of the people, the rushing, the waiting, and the massive traffic jams—all these things make up the city that Muscovites inhabit. I just returned from a teaching trip to Moscow, and the days were as busy as the city itself.

On my final day in this cosmopolitan center, I spent 5 hours walking through the central city along the rings that make up the traffic circles. How shall I describe it? "Too many cars, park where you can, and traffic traffic traffic."  I saw the statues celebrating authors, playwrights and generals.  Remnants of the USSR are everywhere with the hammer and sickle on building and in the subways. Little stores are found in passageways under the streets and down dark staircases. There are many farmers' markets vending fresh fish, meats, honey and vegetables.  The smells of roasting food, fast food and sweets are everywhere.  

Foods are my hobby, and eating in Russia for me was a foodie paradise. I had a very special herring dish, described as "Under the Fur Coat - chopped herring covered with beets and chilled." I enjoyed salmon shashlik with fries, current/cranberry pie, pickles and more pickles and of course, what every russian consumes, Vodka.  This Vodka was cloudy and flavored with horseradish juice.  I found it to be spicy hot in flavor and quite tasty during and after the many toasts to health, business, families, our pets and anything else that came to mind.  We accompanied this with glasses of raspberry juice and mead.  I enjoyed the salmon soup, the chicken noodle and the Russian traditional soups.  I do not eat beef , so i did not have the borscht. Honey was abundant this time of year as well as a variety of teas (chi) and lots of espresso.  

Traveling to the consumer craft show, we rode by car.  A 35-minute ride took three hours down and two hours back. Since traveling overseas can be quite exhausting, the car ride was a great way to catch up on sleep.  The last day, however, i rode the subway and the train, which proved to be a better way to travel in this city.

The consumer show had crafts from all over the country, from traditional embroideries, crochet and pieced quilts to stitched and beaded icons, large origami designs, jewelry, sewing, felting, doll making, and of course decoupage.  The most amazing products were racks of decorative paper napkins.  These are purchased as inexpensive designs for decoupage. The crochet was made from very bright colors.  There were felted bags, hats and lots of slippers.  And of course there were food vendors selling traditional pierogi in the shapes of rabbits, pigs and fish.

I taught two master classes, the second being a sell-out.  Even though I spoke no Russian except Dah and Nyet we all understood each other, including a few jokes which I slipped in on Anton, my interpreter.  I introduced many ideas in stitchery that we have used and taught in the US for years.  They were a great, patient audience.  I am looking forward to returning.  First though, I want to learn the Russian alphabet.

For the photo album of Doug's trip, visit https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151029652510940.419444.104419880939&type=3

by Doug Kreinik

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Meet Doug Kreinik

Doug Kreinik with author Betsy Hershberg

Doug Kreinik is the son of company founders Jerry and Estelle Kreinik. He now owns the business and truly lives every day to share his family's passion about creativity, textiles, design, and thread-making.

He has traveled the world showing people not only how to make things with thread, but how to imagine projects transformed into personal expressions with color, texture, and dimension. He created the company motto, "Threads visualize thoughts," and loves seeing how people express their creativity through Kreinik thread.

In his 'thread seminar,' he brings hundreds of needlework models covering all ranges, skill levels, and types so that stitchers and would-be stitchers can see the possibilities of using thread, stitches and fabric. In this seminar series, he also details the ins-and-outs of thread manufacturing, adding his own personal stories that will make you laugh. We still get calls from previous seminar attendees who remember particular models or stories, and are still inspired by Doug's lectures. On a recent trip to Russia where he taught classes for Kreinik's distributor, Gela, the interpreter had to ask Doug to slow down because attendees were getting "emotional" - that is, so excited about the possibilities and what they could create with Kreinik threads, they needed more time to write things down and absorb the information. Doug is so energetic in person, making for lively and fun conversations.

Doug loves talking with people and is a good listener, hearing their stories and sharing possibilities. "Early in my career here at Kreinik," notes Creative Director Dena Lenham, "I attended a particular trade show with Doug. He was busy talking with customers while one shop owner stood in the aisle, looking our way, for a lengthy time. I repeatedly offered my assistance, saying, "Can I answer any questions...can I help you with anything...?" Finally she touched my arm re-assuredly and said, "No, honey, I just like to hear Doug talk."

You can hear Doug talk, plus ask him questions and view some fabulous needlework samples when he brings his thread seminar to the fabulous needlework store, The Needlepointer, in Everett, Washington, next week. For info, visit http://www.theneedlepointer.com/special_events.php

PS: It's his birthday next week too!

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About Balger

 “I just purchased an old cross stitch design which calls for Balger thread.  I understand that this is no longer made.  How can I figure out what to buy in Kreinik thread?”— recent email inquiry

We get these questions a lot. “Where can I find Balger?” (Pronounced Ball-Zhay) “Which Balger do I need to order?” Here is the Official Story behind that strange word associated with Kreinik threads.

“My parents liked French words, so they made it up,” says Doug Kreinik, referring to the early days (40 years ago) of Kreinik Manufacturing Company, when Jerry and Estelle Kreinik began importing and then making threads in their Parkersburg, WV home. “At the time, we were selling a French silk, so my parents thought it would be good to have a French name for the metallics.”

Unfortunately, it just confused people. “As we were going on,” Doug recounts, “people wanted to meet Mr. Balger. People were looking for Mr. Balger in Parkersburg.” In the early 1980s, a consultant brought in to help the home-based business grow into a thread factory suggested putting everything under the actual family name. As the thread sizes evolved, individual names for the threads became the standard, such as Very Fine #4 Braid and Tapestry #12 Braid, all under the Kreinik name.

So, short story even shorter, Balger is Kreinik circa 1970s. In fact, if a design or teacher refers to Kreinik as “Balger,” we can usually tell the age. Today, Kreinik is technically Balger, we just don't use that name as much anymore. If you come across a chart calling for “Balger”, it probably means Kreinik Blending Filament or Kreinik Fine #8 Braid, which were the only two metallics we made back then.

Whether “Kreinik” is easier to say than “Balger” is another question - we get many pronunciations. “Cry-neek” or “Krennick” are popular. Doug teaches people to think of it as “sad santa,” as in “Cry Nick.” Whatever you call us, we’ll answer. Thanks for buying and creating with Kreinik threads the past 40 years. We are looking forward to many more years to come…

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Frayed at the ends? That’s cool

Consider it “altered threads” — that is, intentionally fraying the end of a thread to create a unique texture. This works for making tassels, creating a fuzzy effect, replicating hair (yes, metallic hair), and other texture choices. Step one is to take your finger and tap the end of the thread to separate the strands. Alternately, you can use a straight pin or needle to gently pull apart the fibers.

If you are involved in card making, scrapbooking, collage, and other fiber art on paper, Kreinik iron-on-threads are the quickest way to add metallic thread embellishments. No stitching required. Here is how we made tassels by fraying the edges of the fusible ribbon fibers:

Fusible Tassel

1. You will need: Kreinik Iron-on Ribbon, Kreinik Press Cloth, Home Iron or Craft iron turned on to the highest heat setting, straight pin or needle
2. Cut a length of Kreinik Iron-on Ribbon. Lay thread onto scrap of cardboard.  Using a straight pin, gently comb through the ribbon to separate the fibres, creating a frayed effect.  Continue using a straight pin or an old toothbrush until both ends have been frayed approximately 1 1/4” (or desired length). Do not fray the entire piece of ribbon, just the edges.
3. Lay the ribbon onto your cardstock or page. Fan threads out with a pin until desired effect is achieved.  Press with your hot iron, using the press cloth (either Kreink’s Adhesive Press Cloth or Non-Adhesive Press Cloth) to protect your iron plate.

  

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Oh la la - French knitting with metallic threads

Do you need another gadget? Well, maybe… Take a look at this how-to video showing the newest tool from Clover.

At a recent trade show, we sat down with Carol Porter of Clover Needlecraft Inc to get a demonstration of how to use Kreinik metallic threads with their French Knitter apparatus. It seems like a marriage made in heaven - combine colorful fibers with a macrame-like tool (that will hold the thread for you), and you can create gorgeous jewelry. Add beads, and oh-my-goodness, you can really make stunning accessories.

It may take a few minutes to get into the rhythm of using the tool, but Carol assured us that once you start, you find it relaxing and "natural". Crafters, stitchers, and sewers are used to using their hands, methodically moving (as we multi-task, sometimes), and counting (let's not call it math), so there's a good chance we'll take to this. If you need to, run the video a few times to get the hang of it. You can also find the video on our YouTube channel: www.YouTube.com/Kreinikchannel.

We found that the bracelet Carol made with Kreinik 1/16" Ribbon in 026 purple was very soft. Many bead colors coordinate with Kreinik metallics naturally, so if you want to get a Clover French Knitter and start playing around, we suggest getting a spool of 1/16" Ribbon (or using some leftover material from another project).

Do you need another gadget? Maybe so — if not, we bet a teen girl in your life would love this.

The Clover French Knitter, in stores now.
Kreinik metallic threads, in stores since 1972.

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New book shows you how to make glamorous needlepoint

10 questions with designer, teacher and writer June McKnight

She has owned needlework stores, published 15 books, exhibited at needlework trade shows, and taught all over the country: June McKnight sounds like an expert to us.  We knew we could learn a thing or two about threads and stitching techniques, especially after her latest book "Bling, Glitz and Glamour for Needlepoint" was published. As Amy Bunger once said, "June answers your questions before you know what to ask." Read on to learn from one of needlework's best, June McKnight.

Q: How long have you been involved in the needlework industry? How long have you been stitching?
A: The answer to both sides of this question is the same...decades. I was born the eldest child to a Polish family in Detroit, Michigan. My Mom, aunts and grandmothers lived in close proximity so evenings were often spent stitching together. My Mom took pride in the fact that she had me embroidering by the time I was four years old.

After ten years of teaching in a secondary school in Farmington, Michigan, I decided to make my avocation my vocation and opened my first needlework store in Troy Michigan. It was called The Black Sheep and it opened in 1977 in a tiny strip mall. It was a comprehensive store including knitting, crochet, needlepoint and embroidery. When my television executive husband accepted a post at KGO‐TV in San Francisco we moved to Walnut Creek. I sold Black Sheep and later that year purchased The Golden Needle in Danville California. This shop was exclusively needlepoint. When we moved to the central coast in 1990, I sold The Golden Needle and I began a new shop in the historical Cannery Row in Monterey. This shop was cleverly known as Stitches by June McKnight.

In 1985, I got a taste of the wholesale side of our business assisting Design One, owned by Carol and Hal Shirley and later Erico with Peter and Lydia Truce. Early in 1994, I introduced my first book, Christmas Stitches to the wholesale market with the help of Erico. I have since been exhibiting at TNNA under my own banner, JUNE MCKNIGHT BOOKS. Today, I have 15 books in print. Five of them, Best Bargello, Bling, Colorful Stitches, Spooky Stitches and Christmas Medallions, are printed in full color. And I am proud to add, they are printed in the USA. The distinctive flip book format is my brand.

Q: Where did you get the idea for your newest book, "Bling, Glitz and Glamour for Needlepoint"?
A: There is a maxim in the home decorating industry that what women wear, influences how they decorate. This transition from apparel to decorating generally takes about 18 months. Early in 2011, I had the pleasure of viewing the Balenciaga exhibit at the de Young Fine Art Museum in San Francisco. At every turn the designer’s Basque heritage was evident in the elaborate braids, embroidery and beads that embellished coats, capes, dresses, hats and shoes. It was awe‐inspiring.

But glitter was also coming on strong in the everyday wear in my own community. Sequins, paillettes, jewels, rhinestones, pearls, and beads were glamorizing everything from headbands to shoes and everything in between. The world seemed ready for a little glamour on needlepoint. I was eager to speed this transition from clothing to needlepoint.

The real turning point came for me when I observed that glittery items were becoming available at our TNNA trade show in the summer of 2011. It would make no sense to encourage our customers to bling up their canvases if the glittery materials were not available. Adding to such long time exhibitors like Mill Hill and Sundance, suddenly Beadsmith, the collection and Embellishments made dye cut sequins, rhinestones, pearls, and bugle beads easily accessible. Tools and supplies that usually were available only to jewelry designers were now part of the TNNA wholesale market. The timing seemed right to launch BLING, GLITZ AND GLAMOUR FOR NEEDLEPOINT. The record breaking sales on this little book has proven my theory to be correct. Best of all, Bling has brought younger people to our retail stores and given a fresh and youthful perspective to needlepoint. It is truly not your grandmother’s needlepoint any longer.

Q: Is it a book of projects, or more of a how-to, stitch-illustration book?
A: Amy Bunger once commented about my books. “June answers your questions even before you know what to ask.” I like that quotation and it is really true. Since my formal training is as an academic, I approach every topic with a need to know every detail. I learn so much from the research I give every subject. My books are not just a study of stitches. They are a glimpse into the products and techniques that will guarantee success to any stitcher of any level of experience. I hold the hand of the beginner and I challenge the most experienced. No, these are not project books, rather they are colorful user friendly inspirations for any painted canvas that is sold on the wholesale floor.

Q: What is “bling” in needlework?
A: Bling in needlepoint is merely the substitution of a glittery product such as a bead, sequin, rhinestone or jewel for a needlepoint stitch. The embellishment can be added on top of an already stitched area or it can substitute for a needlepoint stitch. In this way, the design can come to life with more glitter and sparkle.

Q: How are Kreinik threads used in the book?
A: Kreinik Metallic threads are the perfect companion to anything glittery. There are many stitches in the book that combine both.

Q: Do you have a favorite Kreinik thread?
A: What is my favorite Kreinik Thread? That is like asking a Mother who is her favorite child. You must know that I began using Kreinik materials so long ago that it was still called Balger. In fact, I can recall the days when a designer could call out a custom blend of the filaments to make up the #8 or #16 braid! I cannot imagine a canvas that cannot be improved with a little bit of Kreinik glamour. Kreinik Manufacturing is probably one of the most outstanding wholesalers in our needlepoint industry. Their products are without a doubt of consistent quality and well worth the investment of money and stitching time. OK, enough hesitation. If you forced me to choose only one product line, it would probably be the Kreinik #8. It is so versatile. I can withdraw a single filament to create a strong couching thread. I can double it to cover a 13 mesh canvas. It is the perfect choice to create a myriad of cross stitches on petit point. Yes, if I had to choose, I probably would grab my #8 Kreinik collection first. Second choice would be the ribbon threads because they create satin and long stitches like no other product. Finally I am dazzled by the immense collection of colors that Kreinik continues to bring to market. (I am so glad that you did not ask me for my favorite color because I could not choose.)

Q: Are the techniques in the book for beginners, advanced stitchers, or all levels?
A: My books are for all. Beginners get some gentle hand holding and the more advanced are challenged to become all that they can be.

Q: What is one main tip or suggestion for someone who may be hesitant to try bling on their needlework?
A: If you have ever worn an earring, a bracelet or a necklace, you already know the power of bling. A little dash of sparkle can greatly enhance any canvas. If a person is hesitant, there are less glittery alternatives. A seed pearl can add a touch of elegance. Re‐purpose a family keepsake broach to the top of the Christmas tree on baby’s stocking and suddenly the project becomes an heirloom. Add a tiny Czech glass bead to the center of a flower to resemble a splash of dew. Remember, all things in moderation. A little twinkle can go a long way. On the other hand, consider the advice often given by Miss Piggy...”More is definitely more!”


Q: Will you be teaching some of these techniques or any designs in the near future?
A: Yes, I have been teaching the Bling techniques in California at Old World Designs in Menlo Park, Monarch Knitting in Pacific Grove and several other locations. A Bling class was offered to retailers, teachers and designers at TNNA – Columbus. Melissa Shirley and I are currently collaborating on a Bling Kitty to match our Boo Kitty. If all goes as planned, Bling Kitty will be taught in the summer trade show, 2013.


Q: Where can stitchers get more information about your books or purchase them?
A: Thought you would never ask. If you are a retailer, my books are available to the trade at www.junemcknight.com or at Unicorn Books. If you are a retail customer, check with your local needlepoint store for a copy of your favorite June McKnight book. My web site lists the retail shops that support my endeavors. Alas, I do not sell directly to retail customers because I want to support small businesses in any way I can.

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2012 Summer Vacation

Vacation is a wonderful time of the year.  Here at Kreinik we traditionally close down for July 4th week so that we can have down time to relax and recover.  The past three years my wife Myla and I have gone on driving trips to see different areas of North America.  Four years ago we went to walk on the ocean floor in the Bay of Fundy. Two years ago we sought out the source for thimbleberry jam on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan at Cooper Harbor. This year it was time to visit five states in the US that I had not seen.

We first went to the Aspen Music Festival with extended family—great fun, great food and great listening.  We saw Maroon Bells, the most famous topographical site in Colorado (twin, snow-capped peaks with a maroon hue) and attended a very wet, rainy rodeo.

We aimed the car towards Nebraska and found Carhenge, the Druid sister to Stonehenge except built with old Cadillacs and Valiants from the 60’s and 70’s.  That it was in western Nebraska where the land is very flat.

Into the South Dakota Bad Lands with its largest area of stabilized sand dunes, we meandered to Hot Springs, drank some mineral water, and viewed the local historical museum to learn about the pioneers, Custer and the Lakota Sioux.

The stone monument to Crazy Horse was stupendous, but we felt that it will be at least another 50 years before completion. Why the Black Hills were chosen for the monument on Mt. Rushmore, I have not yet figured, but it, too, was magnificent.   A side note, Mt. Rushmore was named after a New York City Attorney. Charles E. Rushmore sent out to this area in 1884 to check legal titles on properties. On his way back to Pine Camp he asked Bill Challis the name of this mountain. Bill replied, "Never had a name but from now on we'll call it Rushmore." Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Who_named_Mt_Rushmore#ixzz216EDtp2E

We went on to North Dakota.  Here we met other people from West Virginia, which shocked us and them, as it is pretty far from our home state. The city of Bowman had a museum on the dinosaurs from 650 million years ago, on local pioneers, and on the regional Indians. We like visiting museums and learned a lot about Native Americans on this trip.

Across the barren southern portion of Montana, we were surprised to find that the Little Bighorn was not in ND or WY, but in Montana.  It was amazing that Custer rode hundreds of miles on his charge to halt the Sioux.

Many recommended along the way that we enter Yellowstone via Bear Claw Pass (the northeastern entrance) - an 11,000 foot pass with lots of switch backs, precarious cliffs, Alpine lakes and breathtaking scenery.  We reached the top of the world and were even with the peaks far to the west. These glacial-capped tops were beautiful, but alas, we did not drink any of the snow melt.  Myla stepped carefully onto the glacial snow for the experience. The road high atop the park led into the plains of Yellowstone, the buffalo, waterfalls, bears and fumaroles. Traffic stopped everywhere to “photograph” buffalo roaming next to the cars. Getting “close” was not my idea of smart; we had seen photos of the animals turning and goring folks.

I always wanted to experience Old Faithful, and there it was, spouting away.  The audience of hundreds from around the globe sat patiently to watch Old Faithful do its job.  Mother Nature was applauded.  We came across hot springs, mud volcanoes, incredible rock formations and wonderful views of the history of the park system and the park rangers.  Thank goodness that park rangers are protecting the park against unthinking visitors and vandals. We were constantly reminded of the active volcano beneath our tires and feet.  It was very comforting to find that the caldera was only the size of Rhode Island.

We next drove onward through the Grand Tetons and then the high desert plains of Wyoming. I had no idea that the center of Wyoming was a massive desert. This arid desert we discovered was the Arapaho Indian reservation. In Riverton WY, we saw the bar used by the Hole in the Wall Gang and Butch Cassidy.

To get to Thermopolis WY, the largest hot springs in the world, we traveled through a gorgeous canyon where the Wind River had cut through the strata, showing hundreds of millions of years of layers that formed the mountains around us. The roads department had marked the highway with age markers along the river basin on the way to the springs.  We soaked in the springs, giving us the chance to relax in the warm sulfurous waters. A tip: if you soak in the water, make sure you bring soap.  Until the hotel in Casper, WY, we smelled like rotten eggs. One of my other goals was to visit a customer in the olive oil business in Caspar, but he was not available.  He uses Kreinik threads to decoratively wrap the necks of his olive oil bottles. Hopefully, we can visit on another trip.

Our last stop was the factory tour at Celestial Seasonings in Boulder, CO.  Two things to notice here is the dress made from tea bags and the peppermint room.  I sometimes have sinus problems and the Peppermint room was an intense jolt to my lungs.  If you like factory tours this modern facility is fascinating, and you get to test all the teas you wish.

Our trip covered 2200 miles. We tried the fare offered all though the high plains including Buffalo and Elk burgers.  I loved the tasty buffalo burger but cannot say much for the Elk.  Not being into wild game, I found the Elk to taste like sweet ground beef liver.  Check out my Yelp restaurant reviews.

Our only regret, as on the other two trips, we never spotted a moose.

Hawaii and Alaska are my only two States left to experience, and then I will have traveled all 50.  That, though, is another trip or two.

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