Needlepoint Tool Time is starting to receive the new tools, accessories and books they specialize in.
http://stitchplaywithneedlepointtooltime.blogspot.com/2013/02/tool-organization.html
Their new stock includes the new Swarkovski flat backed crystals from The Collection that you can attach like sequins. These are called "Swarovski Sew-On Flatback." Each crystal has a single hole in the middle of the disc. They come in 3mm and 6mm sizes and a variety of colors. I have a selection already, courtesy of a friend who was at the TNNA show, so I took a photo of the larger ones for you. There's a packet of the smaller size lying on its side below the two rows of 5mm crystals, just for a size comparison. I didn't include them as they are much harder to see because of their small size.
As you can see above, the 5mm crystal flat backs come in two shades of red and green, a pink and a purple, a yellow and a blue plus a silver color and something called Crystal AB which is a silver with highlights of pink, gold and blue. The colors of the 3mm flat back crystals are slightly different. There are two yellows and two blues, plus one green, the Crystal AB, plus the pink, a slightly darker purple, and one red. The colors are mostly pastel to medium shades. There is no navy or deep purple in either size and no oranges and lime greens for the Halloween fans in my selection.
The Collection Designs' website doesn't have these pictured yet which is why I did the not that great photo above. These can be attached two ways--use a bead on top to hold the crystal sequin in position or use 2-3 small stitches that come up in the middle and go down to the edge (or vice versa). If you use short stitches to attach your crystal, a matching color or clear beading thread will be less visible. But of course you might want a stripe of contrasting color to further bring out the crystal's color.
http://www.allaboutstitching.com/embellishments.html
I'm using these already on my latest piece. They look great!
If you know of other shops that have these in stock, please comment below. Here's the link to what NP Tool Time has. They say that there are ten crystals to a package, something I forgot to provide above.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/3100
UPDATE: Judy mentioned in the comments that Fusion Beads has a lot of sizes and colors of these flat back crystal sequins for sale. They have 10mm, 8mm, 7mm, 6mm, 5mm, 4mm, and 3mm crystals but the colors available in each size vary. They also have the square crystal buttons in 10 and 8 mm. Fusion Beads sells by the piece, not package. This may or may not be a better deal for you, depending on exactly what you need. Thanks for the tip, Judy!
http://www.fusionbeads.com/search#!-swarovski-center-hole-flat%3b%3b-productsearch&ea_c=Swarovski-Elements
Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.
