Time to stitch on something different

As you stitch holiday projects for gifts or home decor this year, are you getting bored with the same old fabrics? Another ornament on 18-count mono canvas…or natural brown 28-count linen again… While these fabrics are staples in any stitching studio, it's time to try something new, or well, new to you. How about silk gauze?

Silk what? Kreinik sells silk gauze in all sizes, and it's a top secret needlework fabric. Well, not really, but most people haven't heard of it. In fact, however, this sheer, open-weave fabric made of pure silk was pretty common in historical needlework. Our fore-stitchers had silk, they knew how to weave, and they put the two together. It was sheer, lightweight but sturdy, strong, and you could embroider on it. It was good for clothes (a silk gauze robe was found in a tomb dating to 800 BC) and for samplers (Sampler and Antique Needlework Quarterly recently featured a design that a 9-year-old stitched in silk thread on 55-count silk gauze, in 1806). It's strength and lightweight qualities made it useful for many embroidery applications over the centuries.

Today silk gauze is primarily used by miniaturists to make doll-house sized versions of needlepoint pillows, rugs, bellpulls, and samplers; 40-count silk gauze is perfect for 1-inch to 1-foot scale. However, cross stitch designers like Erica Michaels Designs have started using silk gauze as alternate fabrics for stitching any kind of design. Finished silk gauze stitchery fits into jewelry findings or miniature frames. It has become the go-to fabric for "something different."

Problem: "I can't see to stitch on silk gauze."

Solution: Kreinik silk gauze comes in the following counts: 18, 20, 28, 30, 32, 35, 40, 47, 49, 60, 72, 84, and 90. So if you can't see to stitch on 40-count gauze, just try a 30-count, or a 20-count. (Tip: the larger the number, the smaller the holes/canvas/fabric.) 

Problem: "I'm a cross stitcher, and I've never stitched on silk gauze before."

Solution: Start with a size that you are familiar with; if you normally cross stitch on 28-count linen, start with 28-count silk gauze, for instance. Don't attempt an heirloom right away. Try one of the free designs on the Kreinik website, or any basic, small design. Almost any charted cross stitch design can be used for silk gauze stitching. Pick a design without quarter stitches, blended colors, backstitches, or elaborate color changes to start. Stitch over one thread on silk gauze.

Problem: "Just working tent stitch or half-cross is boring."

Solution: You can do any kind of stitch on silk gauze, it doesn't have to be tent stitch. And you can use any kind of thread, as long as it fits through the canvas holes or can be couched on top (so, basically, you can use any threads). Patricia Parra is a master at combining needlepoint stitches and specialty threads on fine counts of silk gauze. You don't limit yourself when it comes to stitches and threads on regular fabrics/canvases, so don't box yourself in on silk gauze. Experiment and have fun.

Problem: "I'm too messy in my stitching and don't pay attention to a neat back."

Solution: Well, that could be a problem depending on the design. If the whole area is filled in with stitches, you can get away with a little bit (but you don't want it to be too knotty to make it bumpy when you frame). When stitching on silk gauze, a neat back is especially important if some of the background is left unstitched, so here are some tips: when starting a thread, try to use an ‘away waste knot’ to begin. You may sometimes be able to end a thread using this same technique, resulting in less bulk on the back of your work. When ending threads by ‘running’ under stitches.

Problem: "How do you finish a silk gauze stitched piece?"

Solution: Depending on the size of your finished piece, you can put your silk gauze stitchery in jewelry findings (raid Grandma's jewelry box, or search antique stores), ornament frames that you find in craft stores, or in miniature frames that you find in craft stores or independent needlework stores. Kreinik also sells silk gauze already mounted in decorative ornament frames, which saves time and money. If you stitched your piece in a mat-board frame, either remove the tape holding the gauze, or carefully cut out your piece leaving as much room around the edges as possible. You can trim it later to fit into a frame. Side note: Silk gauze is woven in a leno structure, which interlocks the weft threads making it almost impossible for them to shift, so the edges don't ravel like Aida cloth or linen.

Problem: "I can't find silk gauze in my local craft store."

Solution: You probably won't find it in a Joann's or Hobby Lobby. So turn to an indie needlework store. Don't have one near you? Go to www.kreinik.com or choose your favorite online needlework shop. Kreinik sells silk gauze wholesale to shops either in framed pieces (makes it easy to hold) or by yardage.

So as you have all of your holiday projects lined up, swap out the usual fabrics for silk gauze. You will fall in love with the finished result!

Links of interest:

Stitching Tips: https://www.kreinik.com/shops/What-is-silk-gauze.html

Purchase, view catalog: http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Silk-Gauze/

Kits (including Christmas projects): http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Silk-Gauze-Kits/

How Patricia Parra does it: http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2010/07/silk-gauze-and-patricia-parra.html

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Calling all creative people within easy distance of Cleveland

A full day of inspiring craftiness and savvy business talk is coming to town this month, via the Cleveland Craft Connection. We know some of the people involved in organizing this to-do, and they are sharp; we wouldn't hesitate for a second to attend the event, where you can learn both craft techniques and business tips. All the info is below. Oh, and Doug Kreinik will be there, doing a thread demo and serving on the business panel. This is a great opportunity to revel in creativity and come away with valuable knowledge.

CLEVELAND CRAFT CONNECTION IS SET TO LAUNCH ANNUAL DIY CRAFT GATHERING

Cleveland, OH—Cleveland Craft Connection, Cleveland’s exclusive DIY craft gathering, where creative meets business™, is set to launch an annual event on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at smARTspace at 78^th Street in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood from 8:30 am – 6:30 pm. The day is for like-minded, creative crafters to gather and partake in hands-on sessions, such as knitting, fondant décor and felting, listen to an inspirational luncheon keynote, learn how to launch a creative business or take one’s business to the next level and much more.

Cleveland Craft Connection’s Co-Founders, Beth Gantz and Tara Tonsetic, are thrilled to be bringing such an innovative and collaborative event to their hometown. “With the continuous growth of the DIY craft movement and the need to satisfy crafters wanting to know more on the business front, we feel we have crafted the perfect blend of creative and business workshops, that in turn will allow attendees to gain knowledge and grow on all fronts,” stated Tara Tonsetic.

All event sessions, crafting supplies, breakfast, gourmet boxed lunch, sips & sweets ™ networking, swag tote full of goodies, and access to speakers is included all for $149. Registration is now open at clecraftconnection.com.

The day’s event is brought to you in partnership with the help of the following crafty partners: BGSU’s Dallas Hamilton Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, Cleveland Business Connections Magazine, Craftsy, Detroit Shoreway, Etsy, Indie Foundry, Spa Walden and Stitch Cleveland, to name a few.

To learn more about Cleveland Craft Connection and how to get involved or attend, visit clecraftconnection.com.

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Doug's Chocolate Pecan Pie

Only one slice left!

My Mom, Estelle Kreinik, was not only a great stitcher and knitter, but she taught me that making a pie was easy.

Today, I make this pie, a family favorite, for all family celebrations and parties. It is a simple, fast, and fail-proof Pecan Pie that I have used as a base to experiment in creating excellent alternatives to traditional Pecan Pie. Using the same ratios, I have made Walnut Pie (which my Dad loved) and Oatmeal Pie (which my wife and I first tasted in a little restaurant in Cheraw, South Carolina). One of the regular enhancements to this recipe was the addition of cocoa, which I decided to use as an alternative to dark chocolate chips. Also, let it be noted that I am lactose intolerant, as was my Mom. This pie calls for no butter or milk.

1. Preheat oven to 450 F (232C)
2. Mix the following ingredients:
   3 eggs-slightly beaten
   1 cup (236 ml) Blue Label Karo Syrup (dark corn syrup)
   1/8 tsp (.625 gm) salt
   1 cup (240 gm) brown sugar or regular sugar
   2 tablespoons (30 gm) dark cocoa
   2/3 cup (159 gm)  ground pecans
   1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla flavoring
3. Roll out one Pillsbury Pie Crust (pre-made pie crust) and place into a 10-inch (25 cm) pie pan. (I find using a pottery pie dish gives a more interesting presentation. If baked in a glass pie dish, temperature should be 25 degrees (3.8 C) less.)
4. Pour mixture into uncooked pie crust
5. Before baking, finish the pie surface by spreading 1/3 cup (80 gm) whole pecans. (I often create a design with the nuts)
6. Bake at  450 F (232C) for 10 minutes
7. After 10 minutes, turn down oven to 350 F (177C) and bake for 1/2 hour.
8. Slip a knife blade into the pie; if it comes out without pie residue clinging to the blade, the pie is ready

Excellent alternatives:

Instead of pecans you can use any type of nuts, such as walnuts or for those allergic to nuts use 2/3 cup (159 gm) of uncooked oatmeal.

Bon Appetite!

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How to stitch twinkling stars

NASA just launched a rocket to the moon. Yale University found a new star, the bouncing baby Herbig-Haro 46/47. "Star Trek Into Darkness" came out on Blu-ray this week while we await the new Star Wars movie. Jane Lynch just got her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the new cast has been named to the next Dancing With The Stars. Stars are everywhere, and they will never go out of style in needlework, crafts, and life. So this week's blog shows you five ways to make your stitched stars sparkle like the real things.

1. Use a metallic thread.

Look into the night sky. It isn't matte, all-one-color, or boring. Some stars shimmer, some are brighter than others, far away, or nearby. The night sky has depth, variations of light, shading, and excitement. Your stitched night sky should be the same. There is no reason to have a boring night scene when metallic threads are available. Kreinik metallics are designed to be easy (no need to ply, just use it straight off the spool), soft (most are polyester blends), and versatile (use them in many different stitches, on many types of fabrics). The color range is such that you can even do shading among, for instance, silver metallic colors: a darker silver like 025 Gray will make a star look farther away, an 001 Silver would be mid-range, while a brighter 001HL Silver Hi Lustre star would appear closer. There is so much fun you can have with metallic threads in your stars—dare we say it, "the sky's the limit."

2. Use a holographic thread.

Stare at a bright star for a moment, and it will twinkle, maybe alternating blue and white. Sometimes we think our eyes are deceiving us when it comes to the colors of stars. While there are scientific explanations, it's also part of the magic of star-gazing. Holographic threads are perfect for replicating this twinkling effect because they are iridescent threads with flecks of different colors built right in. Kreinik's line includes Braids, Ribbons, and Blending Filament, so choose the size according to the fabric you are using (see #3 below). The best star colors include 001L Solar Silver and 002L Chromo Gold. You can use Kreinik holographic threads in any stitch (cross stitch, tent, eyelets, etc). No need to separate plies or combine strands, just use it straight off the spool, as it comes (easy!).

3. Make it glow.

You or your children may have had them: glow-in-the-dark star and planet stickers on your ceiling. Anything glow-in-the-dark is fun; the little surprise when lights go out is just about as delightful as it gets. So one of the easiest ways to make your stitched stars light up is to use a glow-in-the-dark thread. Kreinik offers several colors, but 052F Grapefruit or 054F Lemon-Lime are the most popular for star colors. Choose the Kreinik Braid size depending on your ground fabric. For instance, use Fine #8 Braid or Tapestry #12 Braid on 18-mesh needlepoint canvas, or Heavy #32 Braid on 10-mesh canvas. For cross stitching, choose Blending Filament for the most subtle effect, Very Fine #4 Braid on 16-count or 18-count (or over two on linens), and Fine #8 Braid on 14-count. 

4. Hot-Wire it.

A wired thread will really make your star stand out. Kreinik's version is a metallic thread with a wire in it, making it shimmer and glisten. Glow-in-the-dark colors are even available in the Wired Braid™ line. In our sample, we tent-stitched the background first, formed a similar color of Kreinik Wired Braid™ into the star shape, then tacked it on top. The result is a layered, 3-D effect. This technique would be fun for stitching shooting stars that look like they are flying right off your fabric (or making fireworks in other night-sky-themed designs). 

5. Try a reflective thread.

We came out with this Reflective Yarn for the knitting and crochet market, as a way to add reflective quality to hats, scarves, dog sweaters, gloves, etc. However, you can stitch with it too. Although it looks like a plain, matte gray sewing thread, it is made up of tiny glass beads which reflect light. Use it just like you would a Kreinik Braid, straight off the spool. It works in cross stitch, eyelets, and many "star-like" stitches. This is a fun thread to use on ornaments, because when a camera flashes (you know how we all take photos in front of the Christmas tree), the stitched stars will shine.

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Free projects are back!

 If you love cross stitch, crochet, needlepoint, embroidery, fly fishing, or any creative technique in between, bookmark www.kreinik.com to visit often for free project ideas. We will post new designs each month in the Freebies section to help you use your thread stash, make gifts, decorate your home, entertain kids, teach friends, or simply relax with a project. We share inspiring ideas, projects that can be made quickly, and some of the best designers in the creative community.

One of the featured projects this month is a cute door sign or away message. Now you'll know if your little (or grown-up) zombie is in or out. Hang it on a doorknob or a computer. The bat-shaped felt piece came from a craft store's Halloween section, but you can make any shape. The sign is made in no-time thanks to Kreinik Iron-on Threads (and we used glow in the dark colors). 

What, you've never heard of iron-on threads? They couldn't be any easier - you get the look of thread embroidery in less time; the fiber has a heat-activated adhesive that sticks to a surface when you use an iron. Don't believe how easy that sounds? Watch this video as we make the Zombie Away Message.

Visit www.kreinik.com/shops/Freebies/ to find hundreds of free projects. Enjoy!

Zombie Away Message

www.kreinik.com/shops/Zombie-Away-Message.html

Materials needed:

• Felt bat shape (we bought ours at Michaels Arts & Crafts Store)
• Kreinik Iron-on 1/8" Ribbon in colors 6700 Cantaloupe, 6720 Honeydew
• Kreinik Iron-on #16 Braid in color 6710 Coconut
• Kreinik Adhesive Press Cloth (size small to fit a small craft iron)
• Mini Craft Iron or household iron
• For the trim: Kreinik Custom Corder, one spool Kreinik Medium #16 Braid in 005 Black and one spool of 100 White, black sewing thread
• Template with words (PDF download)
• white or other light colored pencil

Instructions:

1. While your iron is cool, cover the plate with the Adhesive Press Cloth. This surface will keep the adhesive in the thread from sticking to your iron. Some household irons are already coated with non--stick surface, but most craft irons are not coated. 
2. Turn on your iron to the highest heat setting and let it heat thoroughly.
3. Using the template as a guide, trace or copy the words onto each side of the felt bat piece. 
4. Using one color of iron-on thread per word, begin ironing. Put the thread at a starting point, cover with your hot iron, and hold for several seconds until the thread adheres. Continue working this way as you iron on the thread in your design.
5. Make cording using the Custom Corder, following the directions that come with the tool, using the black and white Braid. Sew to your felt bat to be a hanger.

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GOT metallic threads?

Kreinik threads hit the big time…in the little embroidered details on Game of Thrones costumes

The headline on BuzzFeed caught our attention: "These Close-Ups Of “Game Of Thrones” Fashion Will Take Your Breath Away: The level of detail is staggering. Costume embroider Michele Carragher takes her job very seriously." Here at Kreinik, we are fans of many shows and movies, and get excited to see a needlepoint pillow on a set, or see a movie star knitting. The Buzzfeed article, however, takes you closer than ever before to Textiles-On-TV: straight to the detailed embroidery work on costumes worn by Game of Thrones actors. Three cheers for embroidery! We all know how cool embroidery is, right? Now the world can see it too. 

Read Donna Dickens' article on BuzzFeed when you have a chance, and look at the stunning embroidery work. At the end of the article, there is a link to the costume designer's website, where you will find additional photos of gorgeous costumes, fiber art, and embroidery. Even more, the designer, Michele Carragher, shares videos of how she makes certain embroideries for the show. This is must-see internet-tv for all needleworkers. Michele has worked on costumes for tv and movies for 15+ years (specializing in hand embroidery and surface embellishment), and has an extensive background in historical textiles and restoration work. We can all learn a lot from Michele. She is really nice, too, which we found out when we contacted her.

It is truly a blessing to see up-close work of a talented needle artist, but also to have her show you step-by-step how the work is created. You will recognize some of the stitches she uses and the designers who influence her work. You probably own some of the same needlework books that she has in her studio. From looking at her website and viewing her tutorials, you feel connected to Michele through the fellowship of embroidery, and extremely proud that needlework made it to the big time like this. A quick search of "Game of Thrones costumes" on Twitter reveals a bunch of people who want to be Michele (and a bunch of people dressing like GOT characters for Halloween this year). This costume designer from London is bringing needlework to the masses in a very creative, fun, and HBO way.

To make a long blog shorter, we contacted Michele to tell her how much we admired her work and to thank her for sharing tutorial videos for needleworkers. Her assistant wrote to us, "I have passed your email onto Michele, she will personally reply to your email at the weekend...she very busy working away from her London base in Belfast on Game of Thrones season 4." Oh, how cool.

Michele contacted us when she had a chance, and said she has used Kreinik metallic threads on the embroidery in the costumes. "WOW, COOL," was the collective shriek from Kreinik staff. Catch Season 2, for example, and zero in on the insects which were created with Kreinik metallics. Michele's assistant, Franco, sent a video of one of these insects for us to share with everyone. Thank you Franco and Michele! Here is a link to the clip in which Kreinik threads are used in the details to recreate a grasshopper. Note: this isn't a real bug - it's embroidered!

Michele commented to us, "Thank you for visiting my site and I am glad you enjoyed it, apart from being my Online Portfolio for my film work I hope that it encourages others to embark on embroidery projects of their own, be they great or small." What wonderful inspiration for needleworkers of all levels and all ages. Spend some time on Michele's site today. Be sure to look at how she created the effect of dragon scales on a dress. Let's hear it for embroidery!

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Maker Faire Detroit

I jumped at the chance to attend Maker Faire Detroit, which was held in Dearborn, Michigan July 27-28. It is a relatively short drive from our thread factory, and I knew it would be fun. I have been to Maker Faires in the past and found them to be some of the most exciting creative festivals in the country. 

If you have never heard of this festival, their website tells it best, "Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors. All of these “makers” come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned." (http://makerfaire.com)

First, about the venue… If you have never been to the Henry Ford Transportation Museum and Greenfield Village, you will be in for a treat.  The Museum is divided into segments: Trucks and Automobiles, Clocks, Machinery, Trains, Farm Equipment and the history of what happened to the world after the automobile became mass-produced at a very reasonable price.  Henry Ford changed the world. You could literally spend at least two full days walking through the museum and the village and learn a lot.

Now, about the Faire… The TNNA (National NeedleArts Association) sponsored a "Needlearts Zone." This how-to center could be found amongst the museum's antique planes and automobiles. We had teachers instructing newbies in knitting and crochet (both right and left handed), needlepoint, cross stitch and spinning.  Even though I have stitched and have always been around these arts, I am not the greatest stitching instructor, so I spent my time directing people into the learning area and making friendship bracelets using the Kreinik Custom Corder and Kreinik threads. I made over 100 friendship bracelets with people over the two days of the Faire, and it was fun. The bracelets were definitely a crowd pleaser, especially for kids. 

The Corder was such a hit, I just have to expand on it. Kreinik has had this wonderful tool for years, but many still don't know about it. Once people see it and use it, they always say, "I need one of those!" Here are some comments from people at the Faire:

• "The Custom Corder would make a great tool for fundraising projects. It’s easy and fast and the kids could create custom bracelets using any kind of yarn and thread." – Amy, Detroit 
•  "My son loves this." - Sally, Toledo
•  "This would be fun to create with at a kid’s birthday party," - Jan, Windsor, ON

I had a great time working with young kids, but you know, many adults are kids at heart.  When it comes to bling, most people cannot get enough.  We were making bracelets with different threads, differing weights of braid (one combination gave us a cool chain mail effect) and adding beads for even more fun. Here is a link to more information about the Kreinik Custom Corder: http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Kreinik-Custom-Corder-AMCDW-HD.html 

Maker Faire occurs in a variety of cities including Detroit, NYC and San Mateo.  It attracts computer geeks and crafting geeks who just want to learn something new. We handed out lists of yarn and needlework shops found in the surrounding states that belong to the TNNA association. Detroit’s Faire attracted at least 8000 people.  There were young boys and girls and men and woman who sat and stitched. We even had Batman and Princess Leia learning to knit, and a Sith desiring to learn how to spin yarn. It just shows that crafting is universal.

by Doug Kreinik

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