New Kreinik Twist™

Kreinik's new metallic carry-along fiber is the world's softest sparkle. Add this 3-ply yarn to your crochet and knitting projects to make any design more interesting. Take a look at our before and after photo; just the simple addition of the metallic makes your base yarn more vibrant, with more texture, giving a touch of light and a spark of "special." It elevates projects like a shawl, scarf, hat, or sweater from drab to beautiful. And the best quality about the new Kreinik Twist™? You get the added "spice" without adding weight or scratchiness.

Available in the prettiest range of introductory colors, the lightweight metallic is hand and machine washable, and dry cleanable. Our designers found that it works best with lace-, sock-, or light-weight yarns, but feel free to experiment with it using any yarn in your stash. Even an ugly yarn can be transformed with a little metallic. 

Made in West Virginia, the new Kreinik Twist comes on 250-meter cones. It is available in Silver, Gold, Black, Chartreuse (Lime), Teal, Berry (Purple/Pink), Brown, and Red/Orange. Don't let the plain color names fool you; these are gorgeous shades that coordinate with every yarn. On the cone they look vibrant and bold, but when used as a carry-along, they add color without being glaring or glitzy, offering subtle effects. If you think metallics aren't for you because they are too blingy, this is the metallic to try now. You will be amazed at the softness and quiet elegance it adds. We're not just saying that; we've knitted and crocheted with it and amazed ourselves. This is a fun new yarn that will do wonders for your designs. The next time you are stitching a project and think "Something's missing…" this could be the solution.

The new Kreinik Twist™ debuted at the TNNA Columbus needle arts trade show June 22-24, 2013. Look for it in stores soon, or from you favorite online thread resources. You can also find it at http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Twist.html. 

The specs:

• Name: Kreinik Twist
• Description:  Soft, lightweight, decorative, metallic, carry-along thread for adding visual interest to projects
• Fiber Content: 65% polyester 35% rayon
• Yarn Weight: Lace weight, Carrying weight, 3-ply
• Use with: Lace-, sock-, or light-weight yarn
Knitting Gauge: Carrying weight (use the weight of the lace/sock weight yarn to make gauge calculations)
• Needle size: Refer to the lace/sock weight yarn to determine size
• Hook size: Refer to the lace/sock weight yarn to determine size
• Yards: 250-meter cone
• Put Up: cone
• Colors: Silver, Gold, Black, Chartreuse (Lime), Teal, Berry (Purple/Pink), Brown, and Red/Orange.
• Care: Hand and machine washable, dry cleanable. Tumble dry on low or hang to dry.
• Video:  Click here to see our Twist Video

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“Can a cross stitcher do this?”

New designs using Kreinik threads are frequently posted on our Facebook page, eliciting "oohs" and "aahs" along with "Where can I buy that pattern?" One needleworker raised a common question when she wrote, "Can a cross stitcher do this?" in response to a gorgeous Frosty Friends charted needlepoint design by Ann Strite Kurz. We asked Ann for a teacher's point of view to answer the question, "Can a cross stitcher do counted canvaswork?"

First, let's differentiate counted canvaswork from painted (or printed) canvaswork. A glance at Wikipedia notes that "Needlepoint is a form of counted thread embroidery in which yarn is stitched through a stiff open weave canvas…"

• "In hand-painted canvas, the design is painted on the canvas by the designer or painted to their specifications by an employee or contractor."
• "Printed canvas is when the design is printed by silk screening or computer onto the needlepoint canvas."
• "Charted canvas designs are available in book or leaflet form…Charted Canvas designs are typically printed in two ways: either in grid form with each thread intersection being represented with a symbol that shows what color is meant to be stitched on that intersection, or as a line drawing where the stitcher is to trace the design onto his canvas and then fill in those areas with colors listed."

In very basic terms, counted canvaswork is needlepoint done from a chart, and painted canvas is needlepoint with the image already on the canvas. Charted designs are less expensive than painted canvas, so for many people, it is an economical way to experiment with needlepoint. 

Since counted canvaswork is based on a chart, you can already see that cross stitchers would be comfortable with the format. "Some of my best [charted needlepoint] students started in cross stitch," Ann tells us, "and they have much more patience with some of the precision in my work than canvas fans who prefer the freedom of painted canvases.  The reason is that they are fluent at reading charts so they adapt well to doing texture stitches other than crosses on a grid."

Texture stitches? Now we are getting into what really separates charted needlepoint from charted cross stitch: there are many more stitches and threads used to create the stunning visual effects of charted canvaswork. "Another part of the education," Ann notes, "is learning to use a lot of today's novelty threads, but this is also part of the fun since so many special effects can be achieved with them." Charted designs can be intimidating to some because they have so many stitches and look complicated, but good charts come with detailed stitch diagrams, numbered so you can follow the sequence. You are still following a chart, still counting out rows, counting up and down, but you have added a greater variety of fibers and stitches. That is what makes the finished project so fun and exciting. If you ever made a string art design in elementary school, you know what we mean: the lines are harmonic, the colors are rich, the layers are dimensional. It's just fun to create this kind of fiber art.

If you are a cross stitcher falling in love with a counted canvaswork pattern, don't be afraid. The answer is: Yes You Can Do It. It's something different, a new way to use stitches and threads, to create embroidered pictures, and to express your creativity. Find a teacher at your local needlework store, online classroom, or through a needlework guild. Visit the Ann Strite Kurz section on www.needleartworks.com to see both her simple and her complex designs. Ann also teaches at ANG and EGA meetings in the US, so check their web sites for schedules.

Side note: Cross stitch is basically fabric embellishment technique, as stitches are created on fabrics. Needlepoint is a fabric creation technique, as stitches and threads work with an open canvas to actually create a fabric. Most often, we keep the two categories separate (technically, economically, culturally). Estelle Kreinik, however, was very fond of reminding people that the cross stitch is often used in needlepoint. Both techniques, in fact, share common threads.

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Pretty paillettes add real-metal elegance

Paillettes, or little round discs of real silver or gold, have been ornamenting clothing and fabric for centuries. You see them on costumes and gowns in museums, on haute couture garments today, and probably in the needlework projects of your stitcher friends. They are often used in silk-and-metal needlepoint projects and counted thread designs. Just Cross Stitch magazine is currently featuring them in their 30th Anniversary sampler project. As a real-metal decoration, paillettes add a level of elegance to a design, plus unique texture, a little shimmer to catch the light, and "something different" to capture attention. As needleworkers and creative people, we love details, and paillettes are about as uniquely-detailed as you can get.

A paillette is a French word that is pronounced "pie yet." Kreinik sells these real-metal spangles in gold and silver, in several sizes. Here is a page with photos and details, plus a ruler-comparison to show sizes: http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Paillettes/

Paillettes are surface embroidery embellishments, sewn onto a design using just about any thread, but the most common is silk thread. Attach one by bringing your needle up through the fabric next to the paillette (note: select a needle that will pass easily through the hole), then down through the center hole. Usually three stitches in a "Y" formation are enough to keep the paillette in place. You can top off a paillette with a bead for added dimension, or make a decorative stitch over the spangle. Apply them in clusters or singly as needed to achieve a desired effect in a design. They make beautiful embellishments for borders and backgrounds. You can even use them to replicate "realistic" texture such as fish scales. 

Kreinik's paillettes are ecclesiastical grade, which means the real metals have been processed with an additional tarnish-proof coating which extends the length of time it will remain bright. If used on a garment, go to a dry cleaner with experience in treating heirloom clothing or costumes. 

Take a look at the photos here for inspiration on where you can use paillettes in your next project. Whether you are making a wedding dress, embellishing costumes for your local theatre group, creating jewelry, or doing needlepoint, cross stitch, counted thread, stumpwork, surface embroidery, or Brazilian embroidery, you can use these real-metal decorations just as our needlework-ancestors did: to add the most elegant spangle you've ever seen.

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The quickest way to find a Kreinik color

"What color is 102?"

"Does color 421 come in Very Fine #4 Braid?"

"What shade is 2829 Seafoam?"

These questions and more answered!

The newly redesigned Kreinik website features one of the best and most useful tools for stitchers on the internet*: a Kreinik Metallic Thread Color Finder. Put a Kreinik color number in the text box and within one second you see the color swatch and know which thread sizes are available in that specific shade. 

"I need this more than you can imagine. Wonderful idea," said one needlework designer. From Facebook: "Terrific reference" and "Great help!!! Thanks…got it bookmarked!." We have been working on this tool for some time, so we are delighted that it is useful to stitchers, shops, designers, and makers. If you haven't visited the page yet, check it out: www.kreinik.com/color_selector/ 

Here's a quick tutorial on how it works:

1. Enter a color number in the text box, such as 421, 002 or 102. Search by "All Columns" for the broadest search or click on the blue arrow box to select a search by "Color Number."

a. You will see all of the thread sizes available in that color. 

b. You can sort this group by clicking on any of the column headers (the words in green boxes, such as Product, MSRP/price, etc) 

2. You can also enter a color name, such as Silver. Search by "All Columns" or click on the blue arrow box to select a search by "Color Name."

3. You can also search by color family, which is a more generic search. For example, you can search for all of the red colors, or all of the metallic colors that contain black. 

a. You will see all of the Kreinik colors containing that particular hue. 

b. Since this list will include many pages of options, you may want to organize the list by Product (thread size/weight). For instance, if you want to know all of the gold shades available in Tapestry #12 Braid, search All Columns or Color Family for "gold" (in the text box), then click on the green header "Product." Scroll through the pages to see the Tapestry #12 Braid selection.

Definitions of the Color Finder columns:

• ITEM NUMBER: The Kreinik SKU number.
• PRODUCT: The thread size/weight. Only Kreinik metallic threads are in the database.
• COLOR NUMBER: This is the color number found on the spool label, on needlework charts, and in patterns.
• COLOR NAME: The official Kreinik name for each color.
• COLOR FAMILY: Indicates the base hue.
• THREAD TYPE: The only thread type currently available is metallic. (Side note: we are working on creating a Color Finder for our silk threads.)
• SHADING ORDER: The numbers were really designed to be an internal reference system, but they also indicate a color's spot in a particular shade group.
• ADD THREAD TO CART: You can buy directly from this Color Finder chart.
• MSRP: The suggested retail price.
• COLOR SWATCH: Digital scan of an actual spool or swatch of thread.

The Kreinik Color Finder is a massive file of data, so if you come across a glitch:

1. Click "Reload Page" on your web browser to see if that fixes the problem.

2. Click "reset" on the right side of the Color Finder.

3. Or email us (info@kreinik.com) to report a problem.

Bookmark the Kreinik Color Finder page for quick access on your computer, laptop, tablet, or phone: http://www.kreinik.com/color_selector/ The search for Kreinik colors just got easier!

* We quote Janet Perry's description of the color selector tool from her recent review: http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/kreinik-color-selector/

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New Kreinik website

Kreinik is launching a redesigned web site this week, featuring major improvements and a fresh look. You will find better organization, simple design, faster search engine, easier ordering, and content updated daily. 

Five awesome features of the new Kreinik website:

1. A fresh, updated look with a simple design. We're stylin' with a crisp, clean format that is readable and usable on your tablet, cell phone, laptop, or desktop.
2. Drastically improved search engine. We could go on about how the new site has one database rather than multiples, but the bottom line is that the keyword search just got way better.
3. Metallic Color Finder. The "Find a color" button on the top right side of the page lets you search the entire line of Kreinik Metallic Threads by color number, color name, thread size, and even color family. Try this cool tool here (put in 202HL for example, and see what comes up): http://www.kreinik.com/color_selector/
4. We still have the things you love. The free projects, educational information, how-to videos, stitch illustrations, store locator, and downloadable thread color charts are still available on the new site.
5. Uncomplicated ordering. We want you to support local independent retailers if possible, but when you need to order online, the new shopping cart is streamlined. A group of mom-and-pop, dedicated independent retailers fulfill orders made through the Kreinik site, so you will be getting the Kreinik you need from people who know about the products. The new site also features the latest in payment security technology, so the transactions are secure.

Check out the new Kreinik website here: www.kreinik.com. You may need to reload your page if you have the old site bookmarked, or clear your web browser history if you have any problems viewing it on your phone, tablet or laptop. Just hit "refresh" and get ready to be re-inspired and rejuvenated by a creative new thread world. 

Just like any project, the new Kreinik website is a work in progress. We are still adding items and content. There are so many numbers, lines of code, images, words, spaces, and punctuation in our website that we've missed a few edits, no doubt. So if you notice any broken links, typos, missing images, etc — or have any questions — send us an email: info@kreinik.com. We appreciate your feedback on the new site or on any Kreinik products.

Visit www.kreinik.com and enjoy!

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New for needleworkers: a Kreinik spool needle magnet

 A needle magnet is the easiest way to keep from losing your needle. If you have ever "rested" your needle in the arm of your couch, or in a corner of your project-in-progress (making holes and/or distorting the fabric), or on a coffee table (cats: beware!) then you need to know there is a better, SAFER, and certainly prettier way to rest your needle: a magnet!

Needle magnets attach to your project and hold your needle when not in use. Don't use just any set of magnets, as some of inferior quality can leave dark marks on your fabric. Try it once and you realize how handy they are. There is no shame in having  multiple magnets on one project, holding the needle for your metallic thread, the needle for your cotton thread, etc. These tools are designed to make your stitching life easier.

Accoutrement Designs has taken needle magnets to the glamourous level. They are sparkly and pretty and come in every theme to match every passion.  Of course you need a carrot magnet for spring, a crab magnet if you live in Maryland, a sand castle magnet if you stitch on vacation, a breast cancer ribbon magnet if you are a survivor or want to remember friends, etc etc. Creator Lisa Crespo even has a a list of A Year In Magnets to really keep your needlework in-progress projects fresh and fun. We all love bling and these are fun, inexpensive ways to bring our personalities and a smile to our stitching time. Whether you are a quilter, embroiderer, cross stitcher, or needlepointer, you can use one or more of these handy tools.

A few months ago, designer Sharon Garmize recommended to Lisa that she make a Kreinik spool needle magnet. There are so many Kreinik fans and Kreinik thread collectors out there, so Lisa was  just as excited as we were about the concept. She got to work and now has a Kreinik Spool Needle Magnet! You can also wear it as pin — the new fashion must-have for…guild meetings, stitching groups, oh well, anywhere! It will be a conversation starter.

The new design is debuting at Lisa's spring 2013 trade shows. Ask your local needlework store to get the Kreinik Spool Needle Magnet for you, or contact Accoutrement Designs for more details: http://www.fobfriends.blogspot.com/. The blog also has a list of stores on the right side of the page; contact those retailers to order online or via mail order. Stores can contact Lisa through http://www.accoutrementdesigns.com/.

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Calling all budding cross stitch and counted thread designers

The New Designer Program, sponsored by the CTE group of TNNA, is offering new designers a chance to win exhibit space at a TNNA trade show

As a needlework designer, would you like to bring your original counted thread or embroidery designs to a trade show? You know how important it is to be visible and make new contacts, but may not know how to get started, or you may be concerned about the finances involved in going to a trade show. The Counted Thread & Embroidery Group (CTE) of The National Needlearts Association (TNNA) is giving you the chance of a lifetime: to WIN a trip to the 2013 Summer NeedleArts Trade Show.

TNNA is a membership-based trade organization for the needleart industry. This community of professional needleart businesses, which includes publishers, retailers, designers, distributors and manufacturers, works toward ensuring a successful industry now and for the future. The TNNA trade shows attract retailers who want to see trends, take classes, discover new products, and buy new designs that will excite their customers.

TNNA's CTE group will be awarding scholarships to up to five new counted thread/embroidery designers to exhibit at the 2013 Summer Needlearts Trade Show. This New Designer Program is a way to help new counted thread and embroidery designers with creative ideas and irresistible excitement reach national and international retailers. The Columbus trade show is an order-writing show, closed to the public, scheduled for June 22-24, 2013, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Scholarship includes exhibit space plus tables and chairs. Designers winning the scholarships will share this exhibit space. This scholarship does not include transportation or lodging. However, a stipend to help defray expenses will be provided to each recipient. Winners will be determined by a juried process: a committee of TNNA/CTE members will be looking for quality design, presentation, and originality.

You have the ideas and talent, now it’s time to attend a major industry trade show. Don't delay; your portfolio is due by May 1, 2013., with judges’ decisions by May 15; winners will be notified May 17, 2013. For details on the rules and application process, download the PDF below, or email newdesignerprogram@gmail.com.

INFO FOR APPLYING: Download this PDF

DEADLINE: May 1, 2013

SHOW DATES: June 22-24, 2013

 

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