Make room for new colors

Kreinik makes anywhere from 2 to 250 colors each in 28 different metallic thread types. That comes out to be…let's calculate…(250 x 6) + 81 + (103 x 2) + 39 + 88 +…well, that's lots of colors. That is a lot for a shop to have to stock, and no wonder we keep adding more shelves and re-arranging at the manufacturing plant. It is time to clean up that color list so that the selection stays fresh with new colors (like the six we introduced to retailers last month, coming soon to stores near you!) plus improve production by not making low-demand colors. 

So in the Kreinik metallic thread range, a short list of low-demand shades will be designated "special order" colors as of Spring 2014. Technically, that means a minimum order to schedule production will be 250 meters (or 25 of our 10m spools). Simply stated, we won't keep them stocked on the shelf or make new until we get an order of at least 25 spools.  

Don't panic! These aren't discontinued colors. We have many of these made and ready to be spooled, ordered and shipped. If you have a design using any on the list, simply check with us to see if stock remains, to see if there is a substitute, or to schedule production (minimum quantity 250 meters). 

"This is very hard," said Doug Kreinik. "Many of these colors are my "babies" and were created in the early years of the company." It is difficult to balance: designers and stitchers want many colors, while shops and distributors can't carry an infinite amount. We decided it was time to update store planograms by removing colors that haven't really sold in years (we're looking at you, 034 Confetti) and focus on better, most-requested shades.

A few colors were discontinued several years ago, as we can no longer get the raw material to make them, and they are on this list as well: 4002, 4003, 4004, 4006, 056F, 057F. When these spools are gone, we cannot make more. The remaining colors on the list can be made with a minimum order of 250 meters, or 25 (10-meter) spools. If they are some of your personal favorites or are in a current project, we recommend purchasing them now so you won't be delayed later.

In Kreinik #4, #8, #12, #16, #24, #32 BRAIDS plus 1/16" and 1/8" RIBBONS, these are the Special-Order colors:

034 Confetti

041 Confetti Pink

042 Confetti Fuchsia

043 Confetti Green

070 Mardi Gras

195 Sunburst

235 Red Ember

271 Plum

308 Colonial Red

393 Silver Night

664 Magenta Blue

3240 Opal

3508 Rhumba Green

3509 Cha Cha Verde

3540 Bolero Black

4002 Spiced Chai

4003 Ginseng Gold

4004 Earl Grey

4006 Rosehip

5002 Pixiedust

5004 Love Potion

5007 Brocade

5008 Leprechaun

5525 Lemon

5530 Rosemary Green

9300 Orchid

2094HL Heather Hi Lustre

056F Blueberry

057F Grape

003C Red Corded

005C Black Corded

007C Pink Corded

008C Green Corded

011C Nickel Corded

012C Purple Corded

032C Pearl Corded

034C Confetti Corded

041C Confetti Pink Corded

051C Sapphire Corded

104C Colonial Gold Corded

208C Wine Corded

225C Slate Corded

088C Lily Pond Corded

Contact us if you have any questions. See swatches of Kreinik thread colors in the Threads section on www.kreinik.com and via the helpful Find-A-Color tool www.kreinik.com/color_selector/. We are always interested in your requests for new colors or new threads, so please share your wants, wishes and suggestions.

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New From Nashville Market

Counted thread designer Praiseworthy Stitches dropped off a new design to Kreinik at TNNA Nashville 2014.  The new design is called "Carols on the Square".  

Here is their description:
It’s the town’s Christmas Eve celebration and it is already underway!  See the snow is falling- the skaters are flying round and round the pond while the carolers are singing all their favorite carols!  Everyone will be thrilled to see Santa and his reindeers appear!  Look! Can you see Rudolph is in the lead?  It is the perfect Christmas night!

The design uses Kreinik Blending Filament in 5750, 015 and 003HL. 

For more information about Praiseworthy Stitches and to check out all of their great designs visit www.praiseworthystitches.com or visit their new blog at www.praiseworthystitches.blogspot.com.


Also look for "Cassiopeia" #131 by Mirabilia Designs.  This design features Kreinik Very Fine #4 Braid in 002HL, 027 and 052F.

For more information visit www.mirabilia.com

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Free Valentine's Day projects

Stitched Memory Heart

We can't help but be tempted by dollar store items — so cheap, and so bare; they just need a little tender-loving embellishment. This month's free Kreinik website projects feature $1 items (from Target and craft stores) transformed into gorgeous embellished gifts and home decor. Use them for Valentine's day, anniversaries, or just to share some love any time of the year. 

The secret lies within the metallic threads, which dress up any design. Start with the inexpensive base item, add layers of personalization and embroidery (or faux embroidery, as in the case with Kreinik iron-on threads, shh…), and you get impressive results and creative satisfaction. All of these projects are designed to be quick but meaningful and gorgeous. Enjoy!

• Embellished Valentine's Day Cards feature robot stickers, adhesive crystals and silver iron-on threads
• Crochet Hearts out of Kreinik Heavy Braid can be made one evening while you're watching the Olympics and appliqued onto anything
• Iron-on Heart Garland is as easy at it gets: outline stamped images with fusible threads
• Embroidery 101 is perfect for teaching youngsters how to do basic cross stitch and backstitch, while decorating a pretty hand towel
• Heart Wreath transforms little felt hearts and a Styrofoam circle into pretty-in-pink fiber art (use this concept to make all kinds of seasonal decor)
• Cross Stitch Memory Heart combines stitches of kisses with a photo (add other mementos for more personalization)
• Heart Office Supplies shows you what to do with those open-grid desk sets: stitch on them!

Iron-On Robot Valentines

Crochet Hearts

Heart Wreath

Heart Garland

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Velvety Squash and Red Lentil Soup

With winter in full swing, warm soup is the perfect food.  So grab some good crusty bread and make this velvety squash and red lentil soup tonight!

Velvety Squash and Red Lentil Soup
vegan, gluten-free

yield: 6 servings

3 cups diced butternut squash (about 2 pounds of squash)
1 cup red lentils, rinsed
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp coconut oil
1/2 Tbsp turmeric
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (to taste)
1 tsp salt
1/3 cup full-fat coconut milk
4-5 cups water

toasted pumpkin seeds to sprinkle on top (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large pot, heat coconut oil on medium heat until melted.  Add onion and saute for 5 minutes then add the garlic and saute another minute. 
2. Add butternut squash, red lentils, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1/2 the salt.  Saute for 30 seconds then add 4 cups of water.  Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until squash is tender when poked with a fork.
3. Using an immersion blender (or high speed blender/food processor), puree the soup so it is completely smooth.  If the soup is too thick, add more water in 1/4 cup increments until you reach your desired thickness.  Add coconut milk and blend again.  Add the rest of the salt and cayenne pepper to taste.  Here you can add more of any of the other spices, to taste.  I often add more cinnamon and ginger :)
4. Serve warm with crusty bread and toasted pumpkin seeds.

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Book Review: "Embroidered & Embellished" by Christen Brown

 We first met Christen Brown many years ago, when we walked into her fiber arts shop, The Store On The Corner, in San Diego, California. We all said, "Wow" and proceeded to admire the fiber art models all over the store, many of which were classes created and taught by Christen.

Surrounded by tools of her passion, you knew two things about Christen from her store: 1. She loved fibers, 2. She loved beads. The way she combined fibers, beads and stitching inspired everyone who walked through the door. If only this talented artist had more time to teach and design…

Fast forward a few years, after she closed her store to design and teach full time, and Christen finally has the chance to focus on writing and publishing. People all over the world are now benefitting from Christen's knowledge, covering traditional embroidery, bead embroidery, silk ribbon work, and wearable art. No matter what kind of needlework you are doing, you can benefit from Christen's ideas, techniques, and instruction. If you've ever used threads, beads and stitches — or want to use them — she's a go-to person for techniques and inspiration.

Christen's latest book is "Embroidered & Embellished: 85 Stitches Using Thread, Floss, Ribbon, Beads & More," from C&T Publishing. You can never go wrong with having stitch books in your personal library, and this book features very nice, bright, and clear step-by-step photos for each stitch. Good photos are crucial for learning on your own at home, and this book won't disappoint. There are many photos of finished projects, which helps you see the gorgeous result of these embroidered details. Most are mixed media, crazy-quilt-style designs, but inspiring nonetheless, whether you are doing that kind of hand embroidery or doing cross stitch and needlepoint. 

In this book you will learn how to combine some of your favorite stitches and a few new ones with beads to create dimensional embroidery. She also includes tips for using a variety of threads, such as Kreinik metallics, with beads. This is information you can use to make your cross stitch designs a little more dimensional, to create different beaded effects in needlepoint projects, or to add embroidered details to your sewing and quilting designs. It's the kind of book that inspires you to play a little more in your own needlework, and that's always a good thing.

Look for "Embroidered & Embellished" by Christen Brown in your local needlework store or online bookseller. For more information on Christen, her online classes, and online Store On The Corner, visit www.christenbrown.com.

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Knitting Needle Review: Carbon Fiber Needles

Knitting Needle Review: Carbon Fiber Needles

by Donna Drachunas

Carbon fiber Needles are perfect for knitting with Kreinik silk and other fine yarns

I'm always on the lookout for the next awesome knitting needles. No matter how many I have, I always want to try out something new because no needles are perfect for every project. In the past, I've had trouble knitting with silk thread on very small needles -- US size 00 / 1.75mm and smaller -- because the steel needles were too slick and flexible. They bent in my hands, stitches dropped too easily, and I could never get the tension I wanted with the slippery fiber on the slippery needles. 

I recently discovered a solution to my dilemma: carbon fiber needles. These needles have some tooth to them! The slippery silk yarn actually stuck to the needles, allowing me to have more control over my knitting, even on size 0000 needle working with fine silk thread. I was able to knit stockinette with even tension and nice, neat stitches, and lace without worrying about dropping yarn overs.

The carbon fiber itself is very strong and does not bend in my hands the way fine steel needles do. In addition, they needles are warm to the touch when you are using them, making them much more comfortable for those with arthritis or for anyone knitting in the winter.

At the last TNNA show, I tried several different brands and found them all wonderful to work with. Here are my experiences with these needles, in no particular order. I used double-pointed needles, but I'll note which brands also offer circulars.

1. Knitters Pride Karbonz

Because of the steel points, these needles are amazing to work with in any size and on almost any type of project. The pointy steel tips make them fast for knitting and the warm, toothy carbon fiber holds on to your stitches once you get them onto the needles. I am tempted to get a set of interchangeable circulars in this brand.

• Steel points except for sizes 000 and 0000

• 6" and 8" lengths

• DPNs, straights, circs, and interchangeables available

• http://www.knitterspride.com/Materialwise-Details.asp?id=16&mcid=1

2. NewHouse Handcrafted Carbon Fiber Needles 

I think these are my favorite double-points in the carbon fiber needles because they come in the longer lengths. I usually prefer to work with 8 inch dpns, except when I am knitting glove fingers. I find the longer lengths hold more stitches easily and because I knit with 4 needles (not 5), the extra length keeps the needle tips of the two unused needles from stabbing me while I’m working with the other two. This is less of a problem when working with 5 dpns.

• Very sharp points

• Sizes US 0000 to 7

• Lengths from 3 to 15"

• DPNs, straights, and circulars available

• Custom orders

• Prices vary by size

• http://www.newhuehandspuns.com/shop/index.php

3. Blackthorn from Colonial Needle

These are the original carbon needles, made in the USA from 100% carbon fiber—the material used for the outer skin of the Blackbird Stealth Jet. They aren’t cheap, but they are definitely wonderful to work with, especially if you prefer the 6” length dpns. And the leather case is the perfect accessory if you travel with your dpns. Colonial needle also carries a wonderful variety of other product including bamboo and wooden dpns and circular needles. 

• Sizes 0000 to 4

• 6” length

• Luxury leather zipper case available

• $35 for a set of 5 dpns

• No circs or straights available

• Visit their website here: http://www.colonialneedle.com/cgi-bin/quikstore.cgi?search=yes&keywords=Blackthorn

By Donna Druchunas, knitting books, workshops, and cruises: www.sheeptoshawl.com and www.storiesinstitches.net

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Sparkling Knitted Snowflakes

Yesterday's Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featured snow drifts on the ice. The US midwest has been shoveling out for days, and the northeast is getting ready to be slammed with a blizzard tonight and tomorrow. No doubt about it: winter is here for many parts of the globe. As the saying goes, if you can't beat it, join it — that is, join it in stitching some snowflakes of your own. You will be warm, dry, and making crystalline creations of the non-messy, non-frozen kind. 

For knitted snowflake designs, we love the collection of patterns by knit designer Elizabeth Ravenwood. The projects are small to make a quick-knit, and can be used for winter decor or to get you started on Christmas 2014 ornaments. What makes them really stand out, however, is the sparkle from Kreinik metallic threads. Use these soft fibers as carry-alongs to add the subtle shimmer and kaleidoscope of color you see in real snowflakes.

"Any of them can use the Kreinik threads that can be knit with size 1 needles," Elizabeth says. "For mine, I used Kreinik's Metallic Ombre (Molly), Heavy #32 Braid (Lily), the K2Tog [Blending Filament] carry-along thread in autumn colors (Gypsy), and Fine #8 Braid (Emma and Tina)."  

Here are links to the knitted snowflake patterns by Elizabeth Ravenwood (note: you need to be a member of Ravelry.com to access the patterns):

1. The Gypsy Snowflake: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gypsy-snowflake
2. The Lily Snowflake: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lily-snowflake
3. The Molly Snowflake: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/molly-snowflake
4. The Emma Snowflake: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/emma-snowflake-2
5. The Tina Snowflake: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tina-snowflake

Yes, It's definitely winter in parts of the globe, so wherever you are, stay safe, well fed, and make the best of it—knit! Find Kreinik threads to use in your designs here: 

• Kreinik Ombre
• Kreinik Heavy #32 Braid
• Kreinik Blending Filament
• Kreinik Twist

Side note: Knitted hats are must-have this time of year, and the addition of Kreinik Reflective Yarn makes them even better. See the Runner's Reflective Hat by Cheryl Beckerich using Kreinik Reflective Yarn here: https://www.facebook.com/cherylbeckerichknits/posts/10152122491729910

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