Kreinik Thread Blog

New: Designer Shoelaces For A Cause

Shoelaces? Yes! Made from the quality, colorful Kreinik threads you use for stitching. This project of love comes from the Kreinik family, made to honor their son Charles who passed away in 2015. Charles loved colorful shoelaces, and this line was created so people of all ages could step out in fun, brighten their corner of the world, and donate to worthy causes.
C.A.K.S. Laces honor Charles Austin Kreinik who took his own life at age 28. In the end, Charles was affected by physical pain, alcoholism and depression, but in brighter days he was a gifted person of quirky humor and generous spirit. You could even spot that in his clothes: he loved wearing unique, patterned socks and bow ties.

Suicide dimmed that light. However, Charles’ parents, Doug and Myla Kreinik, want others to keep theirs shining brightly. One small way to do that is through these fun shoelaces, made from Kreinik threads in West Virginia.

Wear these colorful laces to bring cheerful color to the day and show your sparkling personality. A portion of the proceeds from C.A.K.S. Laces will benefit a fund designated for suicide prevention, addiction counseling, and grief support programs

So lace up your shoes, put one foot in front of the other, and keep on going—or dancing! Your purchase helps others, supports grieving families, and makes the world a little brighter. These cool laces are made with Kreinik glow-in-the-dark fibers and look awesome under a blacklight.

Click here to purchase.

Holiday Happenings

This week, many in the United States are traveling and preparing for the feast of food and friendship also known as Thanksgiving. We hope that all are safe, happy, and healthy—and we thank you for your business this year. The Kreinik factory and office will be closed on Thursday and Friday so that our staff can celebrate the holiday with their families and friends (no orders will be shipping after 3 p.m. Wednesday November 25). We will reopen on Monday, November 30.

Christmastime is here
Later this week our 25 Days of Free Christmas Projects begins on www.kreinik.com. Bookmark the page and check frequently as we add cute, classic, clever, and creative free projects to make for decor or gifts. We start with a few projects kids can do too; this is the perfect time of year to teach someone to stitch or craft.

Our own staff spent the last two weeks making ornaments for a Christmas tree, which will be auctioned for charity in the Parkersburg community. All the ornaments feature Kreinik threads, of course, because you can't have Christmas without some sparkle, right?! Take a look at some of the projects we made, including Bag O' Bits glass balls decorated with Kreinik Iron-on Threads, and a tree skirt decorated with the Iron-on Threads.

Christmas Schedule
Are you busy stitching holiday designs or organizing your projects for next year? For your Kreinik thread needs, place orders with your favorite online resources or visit your favorite needlework store as soon as you can. We will be closed for the Christmas break from December 24 through January 3.

TNNA Trade Show
We will be back January 4, welcoming the new year with a booth at the trade show: the TNNA Winter Show in San Diego, California, January 9-11. This is a trade show, open to retailers, designers, publishers and other needle art businesses, where companies like Kreinik debut new products. We are very excited to show what we've been working on the last few months. For info on the trade show, visit www.tnna.org.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Kreinik family and staff!

Update: Tokens and Trifles™ perforated paper

In 2005, the talented trio of Wendy White, Tricia Wilson, and Justyna Teverovsky of Redefined, Inc, brought an historical needlework medium back to life: die-cut perforated paper shapes in the Victorian era tradition. Recently the company announced they are closing.

Tricia provides some background on the product line's inspiration: "Back when perforation machines were developed, about 1860, the idea to combine die cutting and embossed paper with embroidery was hatched as part of the ephemera explosion of the Victorian Era." She recounts, "It was made from thick, luxurious paper with a smooth finish - and decorative edges that made the unstitched pieces works of art before the embroidery. They were the 'quick projects' of their time, often called trinkets."

Tricia, Wendy and Justyna recreated these wonderful shapes, first in a line of cards with elaborate borders, then with shapes featuring simpler lines called "Trinkets". Everyone who stitched on the shapes instantly adored them and began a collection. They connected us to stitchery's past and gave us something fun on which to stitch.

We have loved this product line from the beginning: quality perforated paper, beautiful edging to make finishing better/easier, potential for lovely designs and quick/satisfying projects. We have loved being their official distributor, providing shops with the lovely line and creating stitchery kits using the various shapes (see http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Ornament-Of-The-Month-Designs/ and http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Mini-Quilt-Collections/ ).

While the company will no longer make the products, Kreinik has stock of many shapes, see http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Tokens-and-Trifles/. We are stocking up on the most popular shapes as well to bring exciting limited-edition kits in the next year. So stay tuned to Kreinik and needlework stores for lovely projects to come.

In the meanwhile, here is the heartfelt message and story from the product creators: http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2015/11/end-of-era-tokens-and-trifles.html

Which came first: Filament or Braid?

Stitcher Roberta recently asked us about the story behind the development of Blending Filament. "Did they come first, or did the Braids?" she asked, and "Were they meant to be used with other threads or as 'stand alone' fibers?"

Great questions, Roberta! Actually, the filaments and Braids came out at the same time. The filament was meant to be used as a blending thread, to add subtle highlights to whatever cotton or wool you use. The Braids were designed to be used as "stand alone" fibers, and were developed to be in different sizes to match (or provide perfect coverage) on common needlepoint and cross stitch fabrics or to be used in surface embroidery. Here's more detail on where Kreinik metallic threads come from, courtesy of Doug Kreinik:

In 1979, my parents, Jerry and Estelle Kreinik, loved visiting museums. My dad spotted a 17th century sampler featuring gold work combined with silk threads and came up with an idea. In the early 1950s, my dad worked for Naval Research. He helped establish sizes used today for woman's clothing (during WWII it was mainly a generic categorization of small, medium and large), invented the D ring and even created rain cap covering for officers' hats. He also came up with the idea of using plastic metallic coated filaments to create military regalia for uniforms (the idea was nixed by the Navy at the time). Go forward almost 30 years. He felt that the material he had seen when working for the Navy could be used for embroidery to take the place of real metal threads, which were expensive, hard to find, and could tarnish easily.

Kreinik Blending Filaments and Braids, first known as Balger (because my parents liked French sounding words) came about at the same time. My parents realized that there was a use for the filaments to give a bit of light to a blended thread, and the same material could be made into a braid to used as a separate thread or yarn. In the beginning they had Blending Filament, #8, #16 and #32 Braids in seven colors. At the time, my mom felt that seven colors would probably be enough shades as a product line. Today there are 14+ sizes/weights and 220+ colors in the Kreinik metallic thread line.

When they began, they had a manufacturer make the Braids for them. After a while, my dad, who loved machinery, began purchasing his own equipment. Today we have many machines that run and run and run. We make all of our flat and round braids at our factory in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
For more information about Kreinik Manufacturing, visit www.kreinik.com and connect with us on www.Facebook.com/Kreinik.Manufacturing.Company

Three quick-to-make Halloween costumes

Halloween is one of Those Holidays: you know it's coming (the same time every year), but it still sneaks up on you. At the last minute, you realize you need a costume—and with stores already sold out, it's time for do-it-yourself solutions. Here are three ideas for Halloween costumes that look great but take very little time. The patterns can be downloaded right to your computer.

KNITTING: Black Widow's Choker and Wristlets

Purchase the downloadable PDF patterns for these gorgeous glow-in-the-dark knitted designs by Lisa Barnes of LMB Designs here: http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Knitting-Patterns/. They knit up quickly and dress up any outfit (even office wear) for a spirited yet classy costume.

NEEDLEPOINT: Martian Mask

Use Kreinik glow-in-the-dark Braid to whip up this clever mask. You can stitch it on mono canvas, but plastic canvas is easier for finishing (find plastic canvas in craft stores). Download the pattern here: http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Martian-Mask.html

NO-SEW: Glow-in-the-dark Boo Vest

Head over to a thrift store like Goodwill and pick up a vest or sweater, then embellish with Kreinik iron-on threads. No sewing or stitching experience necessary. You can iron the thread in the shape of words, or a ghost, as in our free pattern here: https://www.kreinik.com/shops/Glow-in-the-Dark-Boo-Vest.html

Halloween can be a stressful event if you wait until the last minute to get candy or costumes. So stay one step ahead of those negative spirits and make these clever outfits this weekend.

How to use Kreinik threads in weaving

Have you used metallic threads in your weaving projects? The first reaction we get when people see woven projects with the added metallic is "Wow!" followed by "It looks so beautiful with the metallic!" Here's your chance to try these shimmery fibers that will make a special project more eye-catching. Pick up the latest issue of Handwoven magazine and start with the Turned Overshot Runner by Deb Essen.

From the issue: "This beautiful turned overshot runner by Deb Essen would make the perfect decoration for any table. The shimmering, 6-shaft runner is woven using a supplementary warp which means you get the elegance of overshot without having to switch shuttles. Woven using wool and Kreinik metallic threads, Deb’s runner is an absolute delight to weave."

The instructions can be found in the November/December 2015 issue of Handwoven magazine, published by Interweave Press: http://www.interweavestore.com/weaving/weaving-magazines/weaving-magazines-handwoven. You need 164 yards (which equals one 150-meter cone, or three 50-meter cones) of Kreinik Heavy #32 Braid in color 027 Orange to make this project, which you can order here: http://www.kreinik.com/handwoven.htm.

Consider Kreinik metallic threads for your next special occasion weaving project, to add a stripe or motif area of sparkle. Focus on a little sparkle so as not to overwhelm and to keep the cost down. "The metallic threads as weaving yarns is so enticing and has sooooo much potential," said Deb, who is also using the metallics in Zoom Loom projects like her new Christmas Ornaments kits; see http://www.djehandwovens.com/.

The most common question about metallics in weaving is about shrinkage. All types of yarns shrink differently, even at different temperature levels. Kreinik fibers are hand and machine washable, but, since these metallics are inelastic compared to some other types of yarns, we recommend sampling the threads with the weaving yarns you plan to use before starting your actual project.

Another common question is "Where do I get large cones?" Weavers need more material than you can find on the common small black Kreinik spools. Since we make our own threads, we can cone any amount. You can special order large cones through your favorite yarn store, on the Kreinik website, or come by the Kreinik Factory Outlet store (1708 Gihon Road, Parkersburg WV 26102, open during weekday business hours) for special savings on selected cones.

Don't wait any longer—your next weaving project will be even more gorgeous and awe-inspiring with motifs or stripes of soft shimmer.

Knit the most elegant Halloween design

>> Monday, October 5, 2015 – Halloween, Knitting, New Product

Your "what to wear this Halloween" quandary is solved with two new knitting patterns from Kreinik and LMB Designs. The unique designs are pretty (with a twist) and versatile: lacy for daywear, edgy for nighttime, and fun for party time (they glow in the dark).

The Black Widow Spider Choker is designed by Lisa M. Barnes (LMBDesigns on Ravelry). She used Kreinik's realistic fuzzy Micro Ice Chenille yarn for the creepy-cool spider, and carry-along Blending Filament for the glow-in-the-dark background. Fun and quick to make, the downloadable pattern is just $6 here: http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Black-Widow-Choker.html

Complete the look with the matching Widow's Spider Web Wristlets, available as a separate downloadable pattern here: http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Widow-s-Web-Wristlets.html. Both can be worn beyond Halloween, too: the choker will be a conversation piece at your next ComicCon, Spiderman viewing party, or knit-out. The wristlets will keep your wrists warm in a cold office, plus serve as an elegant accessory to wear at a formal event. The background yarn (Kraemer Yarns Fountain Hill Brushed Mohair) is a lovely neutral gray, so it will coordinate with any outfit.

The spider is created with duplicate stitch, a useful tool to have in your knitting repertoire due to the embellishment possibilities. If you've never tried duplicate stitch, this project is a perfect first-timer.

Love the designs but don't knit? Simply buy the supplies and pattern, and ask a knitting friend to make one for you (they'll probably want a set for themselves too). Both projects are easy weekend or weeknight projects that can be finished quickly.