New Threads

Several new threads were introduced at Market or were more widely available after being introduced at the January Market.   I thought I'd list them all here because, let's face it!  I'm a threadaholic!

First up, new colors of Pepperpot Silk.  I like it, but it is not my favorite thread.  It is very shiny and excellent for tent stitches on 18 count. It probably works on 13 count also but I haven't tried it there yet as my current project is 18 count.   It can be divided into three parts and stitched with.  It keeps the shiny look if split into smaller plies but there are slubs so you have to watch as you stitch with it divided and not use the slightly thicker areas or you will spoil the look.  I think it gives a very luxurious shine but I think it might be too tender for upholstery items.  
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/05/new-colors-are-you-looking-to-complete.html

If you like couched threads, Access Commodities has the threads for you.  Their newest is Russian Braid (available in four shades of silver with four matching shades in silver A Ver A Soie silk to couch it), but they offer silk wrapped purl that aren't on their website.  You can see them here.  I'm waiting for the Gilt Sylke Purl myself.
http://thistle-threads.com.mytempweb.com/shop/sundries/index.html

They also have a new Wire thread.  I don't know if this is for couching or if it will go through NP canvas holes.  I also don't know how stiff it is.
http://www.accesscommodities.com/img/pimages/wirethreads0.jpg

Their Filament Silk Gimp is probably somewhat stitchable but I'd couch it myself or use it on surface stitches like detached buttonhole or maybe French knots.
http://accesscommodities.com/img/pimages/filamentsilkgimp-russetbrown0.jpg

I think Rainbow Gallery has a variegated Gold Rush 14!  Rainbow Gallery has introduced lots of new colors in various lines, anyway.
http://sonorandesertstitching.blogspot.com/2014/05/sunday-sampler-of-new-quail-run-designs.html

Pocket Full of Stitches summaries the new threads here.  They say that Access Commodities has a new fine leather cord in eight colors but that's not on the Access Commodities website.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2014/05/threads-more-threads.html

You'll notice that PFOS mentions the new Silken Straw.  This is similar to Thread Gatherer's Sea Grass except it is wider, shinier and doesn't give the effect of paper when stitched.  I've used it for tent stitches and for longer stitches.  It works either way but longer stitches show off the slight shine better. I also think it is a little cramped on 18 count but 13 count should work well.  It comes packaged for needlepointers in tone on tone and variegated colors.  This is a knitting fiber being packaged for needlepoint.  If you have a well-stocked knitting store in your area and plenty of friends to share with, see if you can pick up a skein there.  I understand there are other threads in the Alchemy Yarns line that may make the jump to smaller packaging for needlepoint.  Check out Sparky, for example.
http://www.alchemyyarns.com/yarns.html

I see lots of stitching fun in our future!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

"A Labor of Love" and Celebration

Thanks to the Needlework Retailer posting the link on Facebook, I have a story of a dedicated needlepointer creating a 9x4 FOOT panel celebrating Jewish culture.  Let's give a round of much deserved applause to Norm Lieber!
http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2014-04-28/florida-jewish-journal/fl-jjpn-tapestry-0430-20140428_1_tapestry-needlepoint-jewish-community-center

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 2, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Folding Scissors

If you travel a lot or like to keep a small pair of scissors in your purse or pocket, you'll be very interested in the folding scissors Mary Corbet shows off on her site.  They are not cheap but good tools rarely are.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/04/folding-scissors-for-hand-embroidery.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 11, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.