Hot Wire Renamed Wired Braid

I just realized that Kreinik has renamed their Hot Wire.  It's now Wired Braid.

https://123stitch.com/Kreinik-Thread-Wired-Braid

Think size 16 braid with a wire inside.  This stuff is great couched as edging for flowers, lettering, bows, anything where you need some dimension and stiffness.  

It comes in eighteen colors.

https://www.kreinik.com/store/Wired-Braid.html

You can substitute it for DMC's memory thread, although Kreinik of course is metallic, not covered in cotton floss.  My personal opinion is that the Wired Braid is a tiny bit fatter than memory thread, which might be a consideration.

https://www.kreinik.com/store/memory-thread-to-kreinik-wired-braid-conversion.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholic Alert

If you are a threadaholic who hoards all sorts of unusual threads for that special project or if you just want to bookmark a source for threads that are a bit different, here's Chandail's page for thread oddities such as Au Ver au Soie metallic braid, DMC's memory thread sold by the yard, Prisms or Borealis, and silk floss complexion collections.

https://www.chandailneedlepoint.com/shop/Threads.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 19, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wee Folk Studio Makes Lettering

Salley Mavor of Wee Folk Studio has posted a fun video showing how she makes wire lettering for her art.  She wraps her wire to get the color she wants but that's a step we don't have to do since we have access to DMC's memory wire (already wrapped in thread) and Kreinik's Hot Wire which has wire inside their size 16 metallic threads.

https://www.facebook.com/weefolkstudio/videos/1027210791351117

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 15, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

DMC Sells Memory Thread on Cones

The rumors about memory thread being discontinued have been around for several years.  I can't buy it at the big box craft stores, but I can't even buy gold Kreinik there any more.  There are all sorts of reasons a thread might be unavailable--the store may not sell enough or DMC might not want to bother selling in the USA.

However, you can buy memory thread on DMC's website.  Now they sell it on big cones, in code you and friends want to go together to buy a bunch--or you want two lifetime's supply!

https://www.dmc.com/us/memory-thread-cone-9010587.html?utm_source=Commonthread+Masterlist&utm_campaign=6875a6b1f2-campaign_memory_thread_cones_products_thread&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3a652561da-6875a6b1f2-82831385&ct=t(campaign_memory_thread_cones_products_thread)&mc_cid=6875a6b1f2&mc_eid=f7c1b12c64

You can buy the small sizes wound on plastic holders on their website, too.  There's a link at the bottom of the page.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 13, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Substitutes for Memory Thread

It's debatable whether DMC's memory thread (a thin copper wire wrapped with their floss) is discontinued or not.  Lots of people say it is but it is easy to find online.  DMC is notorious for discontinuing a line in one country but not another and I can't find out for certain.  

But given that a lot of people are looking for a substitute, you might consider Kreinik's Hot Wire, now called Wired Braid, which is their size 16 metallic braid with wire down the middle.  It comes in 18 colors.  You can also make your own, although this is easier to do with the larger sizes of Kreinik than the smaller ones.

http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Wired-Braid.html

Painters Threads carries gimp, which is a thick, non-wired thread that you couch into position.  It may be easier to use than a wired thread in some situations, too.

https://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2020/10/painters-rayon-gimp.html

Their gimp comes in all the Painter Thread overdyed colors, too.  You can order directly from the distributor if your local shop doesn't carry this.

https://threadnuts.com/shop/ols/categories/gimpe-rayon-10m-skein-17

I've also couched size 5 perle cotton and Kreinik's metallics when I needed a raised line.  Where there's a will, there is a thread for this!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 3, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

BREAKING NEWS: DMC Discontinues Memory Thread UPDATED

I hadn't heard that DMC is discontinuing their memory thread. Oh, NO! What to do!!?!  Fortunately, Kreinik has you covered—use their Hot Wire instead.  Hot Wire is size 16 Kreinik braid with wire in the middle so it is bendable.  This nifty article has a conversion chart between DMC's colors and Kreinik's.  They even tell you how to make your own color in memory thread using a regular size 16 braid.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2018/02/a-sparkling-substitute-for-memory-thread.html

By the way, Kreinik now calls Hot Wire by Wired Braid instead, which is more descriptive, I guess.
http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Wired-Braid.html

UPDATE:  It occurred to me that many folks have not used memory thread, so here's Mary Corbet's review of it.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2014/12/dmc-memory-thread-how-to-use.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 26, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ruth Does the Twist for the Camera

I will apologize in advance for those who expect a video of Ruth Schmuff dancing.  But trust me, this is nearly as good!  You will learn how to make a corkscrew stitch and how to make memory thread coils in two separate videos Ruth did for one of her mystery classes, the recently ended "Boo!"
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/11/pirate-spider.html

If you want to see more of this canvas, click on the tab that says "Bedecked and Beadazzled Mysteries,"  find David Galchutt's "Boo!" and then click on all the links.

The class itself is available via mail order through Bedecked and Beadazzled, Ruth's shop.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/boo-6/

Thanks, Ruth!  We love learning new things and getting an idea of what you teach in your classes.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 13, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Stitcher's Tool Kit

While looking at the Access Commodities thread sets yesterday, I stumbled across their tool kit. 
http://www.thenimbleneedle.com/servlet/the-2225/Raised-Work-and-Beading/Detail

There are two types of pliers (used to break beads instead of ripping them out and for bending wires and pulling needles through heavy fabric), stainless steel scissors and wire cutters, and tweezers, this is the set for the serious needleworker who needs dedicated tools for specialty work such as stumpwork, beading and finishing.

Santa, are you listening?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 24, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ada Demonstrates Memory Thread While Ruth Makes Trees UPDATED

Ada Hayden of Eye Candy just wrote a fun article about the use of DMC's memory thread on various Eye Candy designs. It's full of ideas and pretty things to boot! 
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2013/11/things-to-remember-about-memory-thread.html

Ruth Schmuff shows off two styles of beaded fur trees on her Melissa Shirley Christmas Village class.  One style of tree even has "snow"!  (By the way, this is part of her Mystery with a Twist series, which is a mail order class done in small lessons over a long period of time.)
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2013/11/its-snowing-at-north-pole.html

Check out the red and green roof!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/03/as-long-as-its-still-snowing.html

UPDATE:  Fluffy snow can be different, right?
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/08/santa-has-arrived.html

UPDATE:  Reindeer and bunnies!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/03/bunnies-and-reindeer-join-fun.html

UPDATE: Christmas Village Mystery with a Twist is done!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/11/this-just-in-for-holidays.html

Thanks for the inspiration, ladies.

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.

Shop Newsletter Fun

Amy Bunger's shop newsletter appeared right on time yesterday but because I already had so many articles, I didn't post the link until today. This month Amy shows off some of her past Home Study kits and describes the DVD series that she collaborated with Robin King, Tony Minieri and Kelly Clark on.  And of course there is a diagrammed stitch and lots of new magnets to drool over.  Enjoy!
http://www.amybunger.com/f/1113.pdf

Ruth Schmuff's shop newsletter also was on time.  (I'm the only tardy one in the bunch.  Sigh.)  Hers is full of information on using DMC's memory thread.  Kreinik has a wired metallic called Hot Wire that all Ruth's tips will work nicely for in case you need a sparkly wire instead of a cotton floss covered one.
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/needlepoint/downloads/bedeckednewsnov2013.pdf

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.

I am Wired

Kreinik has just announced a new wired thread, Wired Facets.  The original Facets looks a little like a string of beads and is perfect for those who like the look of a row of beads but don't want to actually have to deal with them.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2013/07/new-wired-facets.html

This is what regular Facets look like.  The photos really convey the beads effect.  This is the unwired variety.  The wired Facets will look the same except for the "bendability" factor.  Is that a word?  LOL
http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Facets.html

Kreinik already has Hot Wire, which is #16 braid with wire down the middle.   This comes in a variety of colors.  Here's information for comparison purposes.
http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Hot-Wire.html

DMC offers Memory Thread, which is wire wrapped with cotton floss.  This is what it is like.
http://www.dmc-usa.com/Products/Needlework-Threads/Specialty-Threads/Memory-Thread.aspx?technique=Embroidery

Three wired threads, three different effects.  Isn't it good to be a stitcher these days?!

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.

DMC Announces a New Book

A book about using DMC's new Memory Thread is now available.  Besides tips on using memory thread, there are ten projects in the spiral bound book covering all sorts of crafts besides needlepoint.
http://dmc-threads.com/emma-broiderys-memory-thread-guide/

http://dmc.com/sitecore/content/Sites/DMC/Home/Products/Publications/Emma-Broidery/Memory-Thread-How-To-Guide.aspx

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.

Kelly's Stumpwork Koi UPDATED

Kelly Clark shows how to make a dimensional goldfish on her blog.  It is a lot easier than I'd imagined!
http://kellyclarkneedlepointhandbook.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-koi-and-turkey-preview.html

I think maybe we can give Kelly the Genius Award for this week, don't you?

UPDATE:  Kelly finished her stumpwork sampler.  Here's how it turned out.
http://kellyclarkneedlepointhandbook.blogspot.com/2014/03/stumpwork-sampler-finished.html

By the way, there is a smaller stumpwork sampler that Kelly worked and sold with a stitch guide to help you create it on your own.   It uses some of the same elements of the larger sampler.
http://kellyclarkneedlepointhandbook.blogspot.com/2012/09/kellys-new-sampler-stumpwork-naturally.html

UPDATE:  BeStitched shows off Kelly Clark's stumpwork sampler in a short video.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/kelly-clark-stumpwork-kit/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Baking with Threads, Photoshop and Wire UPDATED WITH EVERYTHING

Robin King is talking about how she created the 3D Associated Talents cake canvas she stitched for a TNNA class later this month on the Needlepoint Study Hall blog. It's great fun to see a master baker at work!  Hopefully your shop owner(s) are going to take this class so they can pass along a slice of what they learn to you.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2012/01/3d-cake-with-dmc-embellishment-part-one.html?mid=56

UPDATE:  Part Two, which is full of great tips on working with memory thread.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2012/02/3d-cake-with-dmc-embellishment-part-two.html

UPDATE:  Part Three shows a huge range of possibilities for using DMC's memory thread on a Labors of Love canvas.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2012/02/3d-cake-with-dmc-embellishment-part.html

UPDATE:  Part Four finishes this fabulous explanation of memory wire and other stitching techniques.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2012/02/3d-cake-with-dmc-embellishment-part_09.html


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

TNNA Report: DMC Memory Thread on Steroids

If you have ever used memory thread, or ever thought about using memory thread, or ever thought memory thread wouldn't work on your stitching, you have to look at examples of memory thread in use from the DMC blog. It's amazing!
http://dmc-threads.com/tnna-update-memory-thread-works-art/


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

The Gold Fish Revisited

Carol's Gold Fish

Remember last Thanksgiving I asked for volunteers who wanted help and ideas with a painted canvas? One of the brave souls who volunteered was Carol. She was trying to come up with ways to stitch her Lillian Chermor Gold Fish.  To see the bare canvas (and explore more of Lillian Chermor's lovely pieces) go to her website, then click on Collections on the left side.  The Gold Fish canvas is under "Flora and Fauna and Friends."
http://needlepointbylilliandesign.com/

Carol's been rather busy with life, not to mention getting her EGA Master Craftsman status (congratulations!), but she has started to work her Gold Fish background. The color is absolutely perfect!  What you don't see in the photo above is that Carol's tent stitched over the seaweed strands in the background and over the fish before putting her fancy wave stitch on top of the background seaweed.  This helps keep the color from showing under the stitches.  Once Carol gets further along, she will put the seaweed back using ribbons and beads.  Which brings us to a question Carol has asked that I am hoping a Blog reader can answer.  Carol has absolutely perfect teardrop-shaped beads to use among the seaweed.  She'd like to use a mesh type ribbon to hold the beads in place.  Carol's thinking was to put the beads inside Flair so that they look like they are floating among the ribbon seaweed.  But her beads, which are perfect, are 14x10 mm and 11x9mm wide.  She doesn't think Flair will stretch enough to hold them.  Here are the beads.

She's looked at tubular mesh ribbons which come in two sizes:  6mm and 20mm. You can see the ribbons here.
http://www.beadedlily.com/shop/index.php?main_page=page&id=31&chapter=0

The 6mm size is smaller than her beads and the 20 mm size is a lot larger.  Anyone know of a tubular ribbon that is the width of her beads?  Anyone know how stretchy this type of tubular ribbon is?  If so, please post a comment or email me at chilly hollowat hotmaildotcom and I'll forward the information to Carol.

Carol's going to try stuffing beads inside Flair this weekend.  Flair stretches, so it might work.  She also is considering cutting strips of panty hose to hold the beads in place.  If you see someone in your local clothing store asking where they keep the purple and green panty hose, that'll be Carol.

Collection of Designs Package Ornament

Carol felt badly about not having more progress to show on her Gold Fish, so she also sent me a photo of A Collection of Designs Christmas present ornament she just finished. The pink body of the present is knitting yarn.  Yes, that's memory thread coiled under the ribbons on top.  The background is just perfect.  You can't tell from the photo but it's white with a touch of sparkle.

I think Carol's well on her way to mastering painted canvases, just like she has mastered so many other kinds of needlework.

I'm looking forward to seeing more progress photos of the Gold Fish, and especially how the seaweed works out.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

How to Outline/How to Do Nobuko Stitch

Paula at BeStitched has produced two videos explaining various ways of outlining areas of a painted canvas to help emphasize or provide definition there.  Covered are wrapped backstitch and wrapped chain stitch, with demonstrations of each stitch and examples of what works on various canvases.  Kreinik's Hot Wire and DMC's memory thread are also mentioned.  The second video is almost a repeat of the first so you don't have to watch both.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/news-and-updates/outlining-demonstration-videos-by-paula-schmidt/

They've also done a video demonstrating Nobuko Stitch with examples of how to use it best.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/news-and-updates/nobuko-stitch-video/

Here's another take, with brighter colors.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqsoO9oUyZs&feature=share

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Getting Ready for the Trade Show

Today's the big day when classes start in Columbus for the big TNNA June trade show.  The shops take these classes and then come home and teach their customers fun things with new threads and techniques.  But a lot of preparation is involved by the designers and tool and thread manufacturers.

Tapestry Fair has finalized their 3-D turkey canvas and is busy writing up the stitch guides.  You can't see the back panel on the turkey's rear.  It reads Gobble Gobble in funky letters. LOL
http://tapestryfair.blogspot.com/2011/06/hes-back.html

DMC has new colors in their memory thread, mostly neutrals although they have a lovely aqua and a lovely purple in the wired category now.
http://dmc-threads.com/memory-thread-colors/

Patt and Lee Designs has packed the car and are driving like the wind to the show.
http://pattandleedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/06/packing-time.html

The shops are excited about the show.  The Stitching Studio is taking classes and plans to blog about their experience.
http://thestitchingstudio.blogspot.com/2011/06/to-market-to-market.html

Team Deeva is getting excited, too.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/06/08/team-deeva-is-ready-for-tnna/

Robin has even created an apron of all her Creepy Halloween Characters for Needle Deeva to better catch the eye of shop owners at Market.  After all, this is the time when everyone has to convince the shop owners to buy from them.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2011/06/creepy-characters-apron.html

I wish everyone a safe and productive trip.  Have fun and don't forget to tell us all about it!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Thread Plus Wire Talk

As most of you know, DMC has a new thread that is wire wrapped with DMC floss.  This is called Memory Thread.  Kreinik also has a new thread that is their 1/16" metallic braid with wire threaded through the middle.  This is called Hot Wire.  I'm starting to see project photos using these two new threads.  First up is a note from the Needlework Retailer showing off a Kelly Clark mermaid canvas with Memory Thread details.
http://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2011/04/under-the-sea-canvas-from-kelly-clark-needlepoint.html

The second is one of Robin King's Needle Deeva Halloween ornaments which is a witch sporting Hot Wire granny glasses.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2011/04/seeing-clearly-with-kreinik-hot-wire.html

What fun!  Now I need to figure out what project I have in the stash that might be enhanced by one of these wonderful threads.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Odd and Ends (with Videos)

Are you a visual learner?  Are you curious about DMC's memory thread?  (That's the thread covered wire DMC sells.)  Then you'll have fun watching these two videos that demonstrate how to couch memory thread, how to make multi-colored twisted cord from it, and how to best shape and curve it into shapes like coils and bows.  When one video ends, the other will automatically begin.  These will take just over five minutes to watch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F36hsPbEl8I

Are you one of those folks who just loves stitching animals in needlepoint?  Then you are going to be very happy visiting Nenah's Needle.  I've been featuring a few of her designs as the Canvas of the Day recently because I like them a lot.  Many thanks to Judy Harper, who found this site and turned us all on to the lovely work here!
http://www.nenahsneedle.com/home

By the way, Anne of ABS Designs is stitching one of the Nenah custom dog pieces.  Isn't it darling?!
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2010/10/always-room-for-one-more.html

Do you avoid using overdyed threads on your geometric projects because you can't figure out how to balance the color on each section?  Jeanne has a great explanation of how she handles this problem on her blog.
http://juststring.blogspot.com/2010/10/easy-way-to-control-color-with-multi.html

Finally, I have a second video for you.  This one is from the owner of The Point of It All and it shows how to hold a belt canvas in your hand as you stitch it.  This is perfect for folks who hate using frames of any kind.
http://blog.thepointofitallonline.com/2010/10/tip-holding-belt-canvas.html

While you have fun, I'm going to go play around with stitches for Luna's full moon.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow