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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This season's must-have tool

We know you are busy stitching holiday gifts, with visions of beautiful ornaments and stockings dancing in your heads. Your stitching is beautiful, now make sure the finishing is just as elegant. What, no time to send your project to a professional finisher? We understand…that's why there is a tool to help you at home, in the wee hours of the night, finish those projects with flair.

It's the Kreinik Custom Corder and you can buy one at your local needlework store, various online stores, or here. If this sounds like an infomercial, we apologize, but this is one product that has proven helpful to stitchers over and over again. In times of holiday crafting stress, we want to help. We have taught trim classes, made countless cords in shops and at trade shows, and heard back from Custom-Corder owners witnessing to the fact that this tool is "an absolutely wonderful gadget."

10 Things To Know About the Custom Corder

1. What is it? The Kreinik Custom Corder is a hand-held tool that twists together two or more strands of thread to create craft cording. Use this cording to trim pillows, ornaments, stand ups, stockings, anything where piping or trim is needed.

2. Why is it so great? #1 The trims you make with this tool will look like professional cording, but at a fraction of the cost. #2 Rather than relying on a store-bought trim that may or may not match, you can combine any colors to coordinate with a project. #3 It's easy to use; kids and adults of all ages and skill levels can use it. #4 Small, lightweight, and portable to keep in your stitching stash for on-the-spot (and under-a-deadline) trim making.

3. How do I use it? Instructions come with the Corder, but you can also see a video here.

4. What kind of threads can I use? Anything! Feel free to combine colors to match your project, and combine textures to make cording elegant. We have corded Kreinik metallics (Medium #16 Braid, Canvas #24 Braid, Heavy #32 Braid and 1/8" Ribbon are best) with Kreinik silk threads (Silk Mori, Silk Serica), knitting yarns, strips of leather, rick-rack, silk ribbons, even strips of fabric. 

5. Is there a difference between the black model and the red model? Yes, the red model is the old version. The new improved black model has the weight in the handle, meaning you don't need an extra tool to complete the twisting process.

6. Can I mix more than two colors? Yes! The more friends you have (to hold the ends) the more colors you can mix. 

7. Can I make cording by myself or do I need another person? If by yourself, anchor the opposite end of the thread onto a bulletin board or another steady object in your house. Here is one stitcher's clever idea for using multiple colors when you're friends/family aren't around: http://stitchinpost.blogspot.com/2007/11/kreinik-custom-corder.html

8. What else can I make with it besides trim? You can make jewelry such as chains, bracelets, friendship bracelets, sports-themed bracelets. Doll artists use the corder to twist very fine threads to make scale replicas of jewelry and dollhouse furnishings. Needlepointers also use it to make surface embellishments, couch on designs to resemble real-metal threads, or create dimensional effects on painted canvas designs.

9. Where can I see photos of things made with the Corder? Check out our Flickr Album: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kreinikgirl/sets/72157638583212684/

10. Where do I get one? You can buy one at your local needlework store, various online stores, or here.

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Free Christmas projects—and cookies!

Kreinik's annual holiday stitch-and-craft-bonanza begins this week with the 25 Days of Free Christmas Projects on www.kreinik.com. We will post new projects each week, so bookmark the page—or make it your home page during this festive holiday season. Each project is designed to be stitched or made quickly, but to result in a stunning holiday treat for your home or to give as a gift. We'll give you the WOW factor to stun your friends with your cool Christmas crafting. 

First up: a cross-stitch ornament design from Cathie Richardson of Country Garden Stitchery. This design is a silver snowflake wrapped up in a red Christmas bow. It is quick to stitch (you can make it while you're watching a holiday movie) and the Kreinik Ornament Frame makes finishing instant. 

Since we love celebrating everything around the holidays, including food, we asked Cathie to share one of her favorite cookie recipes. Enjoy!

White Chocolate Chip Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

1 1/2 c flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 cup butter, softened

3/4 c. granulated sugar

3/4 c. packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract or grated peel of 1 orange

3 cups quick or old-fashioned oats

1 c. white chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups dried cranberries

Combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a small bowl.  Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract in a large bowl.  Gradually beat in flour mixture.  Stir in oats, cranberries, and white chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto an ungreased baking sheet.   Bake for 10-12 minutes.  Cool on baking sheets 1-2 minutes and remove to wire racks to cool completely. 

Visit www.kreink.com for the 25 Days of Free Christmas Project Calendar 

To see more of Cathie Richardson and Country Garden Stitchery's designs, "Needlework patterns for those who love the garden!", visit www.countrygardenstitchery.com

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