Let loose with string art fun

String art is back! From major art installations to cute home decor, string art—also known as thread art—adds textile fun, pops of color, and creative expressions to our world. If you're a stitcher, a string art project is a nice diversion from a more detailed WIP project. You get to play with your threads, create something gorgeous, and let your creativity free-flow for awhile. Ready for string art fun?

Here's one way to get started making string art: upcycle an inexpensive purchased string art design. Check home goods stores, craft stores, and antique stores. We found this cactus string art design at a TJ Maxx here in the USA, removed the boring plain yarn and replaced it with Kreinik metallic and glow-in-the-dark threads. (This is a quick and fun way to make a gift too.) Swapping out boring fibers for fun fibers takes minutes, no hammering or designing required, and your creation looks better than the original. 

What we used in this model:

• Wild & Free cactus string art from TJ Maxx (from www.NielsenBainbridgeGroup.com) 
• sharp embroidery scissors
• One spool of Kreinik Micro Ice Chenille in Fern Green
• One spool of Kreinik Tapestry #12 Braid in 053F glow-in-the-dark lime 

Instructions:

1. Purchase a string art design from a craft store, home goods store, or antique store
2. With the scissors, remove the plain yarn currently wrapped around the nails that are in place on the design.
3. Start wrapping with the new, fun threads using Micro Ice Chenille first. Tie one end around a nail, then start “stringing” it, wrapping it around the other nails at diagonals, or as desired. When finished with that thread, tie the end in a knot around a nail. With your finger, push the chenille down the shaft of the nail slightly to give you room for the next thread.
4. Use the other thread, the Tapestry #12 Braid in the same manner, on top of the Micro Ice Chenille.

For more information

• Want to make your own string art designs? Samantha Tornes shows you how in this video: https://youtu.be/DN8u0ODwDWI
• Stunning string Art portraits, http://www.laarco.com/works/frida/
• Search “string art” on Pinterest and Instagram for more inspiration
• Origins of string art: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/String_art

The May 5 craft class at the Kreinik Factory Outlet will be a string art design. Follow Kreinik on Facebook for details and registration 

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New fiber festival in Lancaster PA

If there's anything we all love more than making things with fiber, it's shopping for fibers, right?! Some of us are fortunate to have local needlework shops, while others don't have anything within driving distance. Forget the chain stores; they don't carry much at all. There's a wonderful world of threads, yarns, patterns, and teachers out there waiting to be seen in person (not just seen on your computer). That's why events like the new Lancaster Fiber Festival are so much fun.

Gather your crafty friends and make a summer road trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania this August for the weekend show. Organizers are dedicated to creating a fiber love fest for all techniques: knitting, crochet, quilting, sewing, Zentangle, embroidery, cross stitch, Temari, mixed media, art, everything. (How many people out there do more than one technique? Many!) There will be a shopping area, classes, and demonstrations. Kreinik will be there doing fun demos too. This looks to be a fun event for all ages.

Get the details here and make plans to visit the Lancaster Fiber Festival: http://lancasterfiberfestival.com/

Side note for any fiber-related businesses

Consider becoming a vendor at the show. If you're a designer, shop, kitmaker, or teacher, this is a great opportunity to meet new customers, spread the word about your business, and make some money. Take your cross stitch patterns off Etsy for the weekend, show off a new tool, or bring your unique yarns to tactile life off your web page. There's no better way to boost business than to meet customers and potential customers face to face. We're a people industry; here's a terrific chance to foster those relationships. Vendor info here: http://lancasterfiberfestival.com/festivals/2018-lancaster-fiber-festival-lancaster-pa/2018-lff-vendors/

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Nice Matters Sometimes

New cross stitch pattern!

Created by request as a fun stand-alone or companion piece to Kreinik's famous "Nice Matters" project, this counted thread design (cross stitch, backstitch, satin stitch on linen) uses Kreinik Silk Mori floss. Available as a full kit with fabric or thread kit (no fabric). Ask your favorite needlework store for the new design.

This counted thread design is stitched over two threads on 28-count fabric

No store? You can find the kits here:

• Nice Matters Sometimes (with fabric): http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Nice-Matters-Sometimes.html
• Because Nice Matters (thread kit, no fabric): https://www.kreinik.com/shops/Nice-Matters.html

The original and still available! Part of Kreinik's Remember The Ladies™ design series

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Want to experiment with real metal threads?

If you've ever wanted to learn how to use real metal threads, find an expert to show you, like teacher/designer/shopowner Meredith Willet

This beautiful charted needlepoint design features Silk Mori, Silk Serica, Tapestry (#12) Braid, and Kreinik's real metal threads. Almost 18 ago, we asked designer/teacher/shop owner Meredith (Barnhill) Willett to create a special project using silk and real metal threads for the Freebies section on our new website. We had no idea something this stunning was coming. This beautiful project stands the test of time. We want to share it here for a new audience to enjoy and use to learn about silk and metal threads. Link to the design is below.

Do you know Meredith?

Nearly two decades later, we can't imagine the needlework industry without Meredith. Her contributions as a teacher, designer and shop owner have reached thousands. She continues to inspire us today—and is often the source for many of our new thread ideas. Learn more about her here: http://mbellishment.com/ and http://themeredithcollection.com/

Are silk and metal threads a rarity?

These materials have been used in needlework for centuries. Kreinik has a line of silk threads and distributes real metals in gold, silver, and some colors. The silks are perfect for the soft leaves in this Southern Grace design, while the dragonfly just wouldn't look real without the metallics. However it's the use of real silver thread that raises this design to one of the most beautiful projects you will ever stitch.

Real metal threads have been used in embroidery for centuries. Gold metal decoration was first used in primitive cultures to show an association with the magical sun. It represented the gods, then kings, then ecclesiastical figures. Today, real metal threads are available in different sizes and types. However, manufacturing is limited, so periodically a size may not be available—in fact, that's the reason why the Kreinik family created synthetic metallics back in the 1970s, as a more readily available as-close-as-you-can-get substitute. Be ready to substitute similar threads or a slight size change if needed. 

Today real metal threads are available in three grades. Military (gilt) grade consists of a heavy copper core covered with sterling silver and plated with a thin layer of gold. This is the least expensive and tarnishes easily. Arabic is the highest and most expensive grade, being a thin copper core covered with alight sleeve of pure silver and overlaid with a very heavy layer of gold. Ecclesiastical grade falls between these, and will remain bright for 10-20 years depending upon pollution and the amount of handling. Kreinik's real metal threads are ecclesiastical grade, and have been processed with an additional tarnish-proof coating which extends the length of time the thread will remain bright.

Real metal threads are couched to the surface of a fabric or canvas. In this design, you will use Jaceron, which is coiled to give a bead-like appearance and is used for outlining (you'll love how she's worked the Serica with the silver metal). You will also use Frieze for the center of the flower. This real metal is crisp and angular to give a more faceted look.

Southern Grace by Meredith Willett

Materials Needed:

• Kreinik Silk Mori® in 7124, 3045, 1105, 4206, 4204, 4203
• Kreinik Silk Serica® in 7124, 3045
• Kreinik Tapestry (#12) Braid™ in 085, 032
• Kreinik Cable™ in 001P, 002P
• #5 Jaceron in silver (real metal thread)
• #8 Jaceron in silver (real metal thread) — currently out of stock, so substitute #5 Jaceron in silver
• #12 Frieze Brilliant in silver (real metal thread) — currently unavailable, so substitute Frieze/Bullion Combo in silver
• Kreinik silver Couching Thread
• White Congress Cloth

Instructions:

Get the original pattern and instruction sheet for Southern Grace here: http://www.kreinik.com/PDF/SgracePDF.pdf Note the product substitutions required listed above.

For more information:

• Kreinik Silk Threads: http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Silk-Threads/
• Kreinik Real Metal Threads: http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Real-Metal-Threads/
• M's Canvas House store: http://www.mscanvashouse.com/ or their Facebook page
• Meredith Willet's designs, The Meredith Collection: http://themeredithcollection.com/

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Save the indie needlearts stores!

Independent needlework stores—cross stitch, needlepoint, knitting, crafts, or hybrid stores covering all techniques—offer the best selection of needleart supplies, the most personalized customer service, and the largest group of experts to help you have more fun with your favorite hobby. They are needleworkers' jewels, the pots of gold at the START of your stitching rainbow, the Oprahs of your creative soul. Now more than ever, in the age of the Internet, we all need to support local needlework stores.

Independent-shop love propelled a passionate group* of knitters to organize a Local Yarn Store Day. It's now a national day: April 21, 2018. While one day may seem insignificant in a year of 365 days, the goal is to raise awareness for local stores that will carry on throughout the year. (We are hoping that needlepoint and cross stitch communities can organize similar events for those shops too.)

*Side note about that passionate group: they include Kris and Oz of Cambria Yarns, owners of the store Ball & Skein & More in Paso Robles, California (photo at right). They're lovely people, full of creativity, incredibly kind and wholeheartedly dedicated to all things fiber—and they're adding Kreinik threads to their store. The local needlepoint shop retired/closed, and people have been coming to them asking for needlepoint supplies. Check their store often for the new stock as it arrives: http://cambriayarn.com/bswp/

Here's what you need to know:

• It's a special one-day brick and mortar yarn shop appreciation day, and it's April 21, 2018
• How to participate: find your nearest store and go shopping or sign up for classes
• Bring friends and influence people to join us in a love of fiber and stash enhancement activities
• List of stores participating: http://www.tnna.org/?page=LYSDayRetailers (shouldn't that be ALL indie needleart stores?)
• Want your local shop to get involved? Jill Wolcott offers ideas on how to involve them: https://www.jillwolcottknits.com/lys-local-yarn-store-day/
• Visit LYSDay's Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Localyarnstoreday-317426702015809/  or http://www.tnna.org/page/LYSDay for more information
• Share your shopping photos on social media with the hashtag #LYSDay. Your post may introduce people to shops they never knew about...and in general make the world a happier place :)

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Visit Pittsburgh in April for this fiber festival

The Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival is happening again, and Kreinik will be there. This annual festival offers something for everyone interested in making things with fiber: embroidery, knitting, crochet, quilting, sewing. Does it get any better than a spring road trip with your friends to shop, explore, and learn about your favorite hobbies?!

This year's event is April 6 through 8, 2018, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Details on classes, floorplan, exhibitor list, and tickets can be found here: http://pghknitandcrochet.com/ Show organizers are planning a maker space, a "spa" night on Saturday, and an "Inchies" quilt challenge (we're thinking Kreinik threads would make your Inchie really stand out...). It all sounds like a wonderful weekend of treating yourself and nurturing your creative side.

The hot spot: booth 1008

Kreinik will be a vendor at the festival, booth 1008, bringing our factory outlet store and the fabulous Doug Kreinik. Here's your chance to meet the thread maker (bring pictures of your projects made with Kreinik threads; we love seeing them!). Doug will be hosting demonstrations and make-it-take-its for those wanting to play with Kreinik threads, so check the show schedule and Kreinik booth for details. Kreinik is also a sponsor of several classes. Check the list—and get a discount code—below.

As a special opportunity, you will be able to have custom pairs of Kreinik CAKS shoelaces made for you at the show. Pick colors to match your favorite teams, your school colors, or simply your favorite shades, then have Doug Kreinik cut just the size you need (for boots, sneakers, anything). The fun, colorful laces benefit suicide prevention programs.

"I am looking forward to meeting new people, new fans, and being able to talk about my threads to a very appreciative audience. It's fun to teach people about thread and all of the ways that you can creatively use them." — Doug Kreinik

Classes

Get $5 off the class price with this code (can be used online or mail in): TRE5OFF

1. Chain stitch variations with Raven Fagelson. The simple chain stitch is one of the most important stitches in embroidery. This creative class will explore possibilities for fun variations. Sign up here: http://pghknitandcrochet.com/product/chain-stitch-variations-raven-fagelson/
2. Four embroidery stitches in 1 with Raven Fagelson. This basic class will help you master four basic stitches you can use in embroidery—plus offer a few variations for a creative twist. Sign up here: http://pghknitandcrochet.com/product/4-embroidery-stitches-1-raven-fagelson/

For more information:

• http://pghknitandcrochet.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/Pittsburgh-Knit-Crochet-Festival-203261702714/

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A sparkling substitute for memory thread

If you've heard the news that DMC is discontinuing their Memory Thread, don't worry: you can substitute Kreinik Wired Braid™. The only difference is that Kreinik's version is metallic, so your designs might brighten up a little bit. Hey, when you're made to stand out, you have to stand out, right?

Memory Thread and Wired Braid compared

• Both threads are thick fibers meant to be couched onto a design for borders, outlines, and other bold effects
• Both threads are wired, which means you can bend and shape them for 3-dimensional effects
• Kreinik's version are all metallic. Here's a link to the colors available in Kreinik Wired Braid (formerly called Hot-Wire): http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Wired-Braid.html
• Memory Thread had more shades than Wired Braid, but never fear, you can make your own out of any Kreinik shade (see "Other options" below)

Other options for substitutions:

• Kreinik Wired Facets aren't smooth like Memory Thread or Wired Braid, but rather look like a string of beads. They would be a fun, textured option to use in the same way as Memory Thread. See the colors here: http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Wired-Facets.html
• Make your own: 1. Cut an 18-inch strand of Kreinik Medium #16 Braid (our Braid comes in over 200 colors, varying in metallic sheen from basic to antiqued, hi luster, even glow in the dark, http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Medium-16-Braid.html). 2. Insert a piece of craft-gauge wire (from a craft store), working it through the center of the Braid. Then use as you would Memory Thread. 

Here's a conversion list from DMC Memory Thread to Kreinik:

• 6010 Brown = Kreinik Wired Braid 152VW or 005W, or Kreinik Medium #16 Braid 022
• 6020 Black = Kreinik Wired Braid 005W
• 6040 Red = Kreinik Wired Braid 003W
• 6050 White = Kreinik Wired Braid 5760W, or Kreinik Medium #16 Braid 100
• 6070 Light Green = Kreinik Wired Braid 015W
• 6080 Olive = Kreinik Wired Braid 009W or 015W, or Kreinik Medium #16 Braid 016L
• 6100 Navy = Kreinik Wired Braid 051HLW, or Kreinik Medium #16 Braid 018V
• 6110 Turquoise = Kreinik Wired Braid 015W or 051HLW, or Kreinik Medium #16 Braid 3506, 014, or 029
• 6120 Fuchsia = Kreinik Wired Braid 003W or 5700W, or Kreinik Medium #16 Braid 024
• 6130 Pink = Kreinik Wired Braid 5700W
• 6150 Orange = Kreinik Wired Braid 150VW or 152VW
• 6190 Green = Kreinik Wired Braid 009W or 015W, or Kreinik Medium #16 Braid 008
• 6170 Yellow = Kreinik Wired Braid 202HLW or 002JW, or Kreinik Medium #16 Braid 5520, 5720 or 028
• 6180 Lavender = Kreinik Wired Braid 026W, or Kreinik Medium #16 Braid 012
• 6200 Gold = Kreinik Wired Braid 002W
• 6210 Silver = Kreinik Wired Braid 001W
• 6240 White Luster = Kreinik Wired Braid 5760W, or Kreinik Medium #16 Braid 032
• 6310 Gray = Kreinik Wired Braid 001JW, or Kreinik Medium #16 Braid 025
• 6320 Burgundy = Kreinik Wired Braid 003W or 5700W, or Kreinik Medium #16 Braid 153V, 031L, or 080HL
• 6330 Dark Green = Kreinik Wired Braid 009W
• 6340 Medium Green = Kreinik Wired Braid 009W or 015W, or Kreinik Medium #16 Braid 008 or 5982
• 6350 Light Yellow = Kreinik Wired Braid 5725W
• 6360 Sky Blue = Kreinik Wired Braid 051HLW, or Kreinik Medium #16 Braid 9400 or 094
• 6380 Purple = Kreinik Wired Braid 026W
• 6390 Aqua = Kreinik Wired Braid 015W or 051HLW, or Kreinik Medium #16 Braid 029, 684, or 829

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