Kreinik Comes on Cones, Spools or Cards

Kreinik reminds us that their metallics come on cones, spools or cards.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ4ZItPA3gm/

If you are a shop, request cones for large projects or the traditional spools by contacting Fleur De Paris.  If you are a shop and want Kreinik on the new cards, contact Rainbow Gallery.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 21, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kreinik Metallic Now Has 15 Yards Per Card

Kreinik has announced that their size 4 Very Fine Braid and their size 8 Fine Braid now come 15 yards to a card.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHoowETur-f/

The cards originally had 12 yards for the size 4 braid and 10 yards for size 8 but they've increased the yardage to 15 yards for both sizes.  No word on other sizes of their metallics yet.  By the way, Kreinik spools of size 4 had 12 yards and the other sizes (including size 8) had 11 yards.  So this is a nice upgrade.

Please be patient as the new owners of Kreinik work out how to make the metallics on the new equipment they bought and how to package and sell it to our wonderful shops.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 26, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Angels Seek "Grandma's Kitchen"

Needlepoint Angels* is asking folks to search their stash for Sandra Gilmore's "Grandma's Kitchen."  If you have this in your stash and are willing to donate it to a stitch who lost their stash in the California fires, contact them ASAP.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DFo4bwNx1eO/

*Needlepoint Angels tries to help stitchers in need.  You can sign up to volunteer here-https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeM0SAr1ImOLIYk-vJ7CsmL5tixHSPNK_dCjxuuY85siS4X1Q/viewform

If you need help, sign up here.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevkgidRTac78xM_DteJIJgP6Fczu07PQv4nUdCzO4EKCXaGA/viewform?pli=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 5, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Pointing It Out Interviews Danny Ravan of Fleur de Paris UPDATED

Megan of the Pointing It Out Podcast interviews Danny Ravan of Fleur de Paris, Rainbow Gallery, Kreinik and Picture This Plus Fabrics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnhaxVHTUvY

It's a fascinating interview, particularly about Fleur de Paris' history and how things are evolving today.

UPDATE:  Oz Needle and Thread visited Fleur de Paris with Last Stitch Club and posted a short video on Instagram in January 2026.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DTk_tmgkSKb/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 15, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: New Kreinik Machines on the Way

Fleur de Paris has ordered new machinery to make Kreinik metallics and they should arrive soon.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=910972061073922&set=a.556381386532993

This should speed up delivery of Kreinik to the shops and the other thread manufacturers who dye Kreinik in their own colors, such as ThreadworX.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 17,  2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

BREAKING NEWS: Kreinik 8 and 16 Braids Being Made Again

Kreinik has announced on Facebook that their size 8 and 16 braids are being made again.  The factory relocation is over, the old machines are set up, new machines ordered, they have new shelves in place for new stock and completed spools, and Dena is redoing the inventory sheets so that every color available is listed.  Things are happening right on time!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=861346182703177&set=a.556381386532993

Congratulations to Kreinik and Fleur de Paris for all their hard work in this transition.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 4, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Visiting Rainbow Gallery and Fleur de Paris

In early February 2024, Megan Holmes of The Needlepoint Clubhouse in St. Louis and co-hostess of the Pointing It Out podcast visited the headquarters of Fleur de Paris and Rainbow Gallery in Burbank, California.  Fleur de Paris has an open house for California shops each year which is why you see other shop owners browsing the canvases other designers sell during the tour.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f_Mfl4URZM

In the video you'll see the amazing variety of things that Fleur de Paris distributes and watch Rainbow Gallery threads being made.  Now that Kreinik is part of the Fleur de Paris family and Kreinik braid making machines are now living here, this is a particularly pertinent tour.

UPDATE:  Angel City Stitchery took the tour and saw all sorts of wonderful things!  Who knew Bella Lusso was skeined by hand?!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DTj0P2yk7xI/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 19, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Kreinik Sold to Rainbow Gallery

The rumor mill is reporting that Kreinik has been sold to Rainbow Gallery, thus joining the Fleur de Paris family of threads.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=821703153334147&set=a.556381389866326

Here's to a great retirement for Doug Kreinik and good luck to Danny as he takes over.

UPDATE:  NJNA says the business and equipment is being moved from West Virginia to California.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2024/04/06/whats-happening-at-njna-4-6-24/

UPDATE #2: Dena of Kreinik talks about the process of moving Kreinik to California to merge with Rainbow Gallery.  She'll still be working for Kreinik/Rainbow Gallery/Fleur de Paris, never fear!  Send inquiries to info@kreinik.com.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5leyyqLdSu/

UPDATE #3: A bit from Homestead Needle Arts who managed a visit to Kreinik before they closed.

https://mailchi.mp/a79e166f3c79/associated-talents-big-kreinik-news-and-more?e=810b807e3a

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 6, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Learning About Threads

Cathe of Needle in a Haystack has partnered with Fiber Talk to discuss commonly available threads.  

'The world is your oyster.  Play with the threads."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6h9zvSWxtc

They also interviewed Danny Ravan about Rainbow Gallery threads.

https://wetalkfiber.com/2021/03/27/fiber-talk-with-daniel-ravan/

(By the way if you want to learn more about Rainbow Gallery threads, watch this Pointing It Out podcast.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxzJ09lwIQQ

It's fascinating!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow 

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 23, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tissue Toppers

Over at Needlepoint Nation, someone asked if there were tissue toppers for needlepoint.  The answer is yes!  If you are interested in the long rectangle tissue box covers, Leigh Designs has eight that are lovely.

https://www.fleurdeparis.com/product-category/canvas_designs/leigh-designs/tissue-toppers/

There are stitch guides for three of these.  I'm sorry the photos aren't better.  They are fabulous stitched! West Coast Finishing made these up and says they aren't hard to do.

https://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-tissue-toppers-leigh-designs-pat.html

Lee's Needle Arts has a long rectangular leather box with room for a needlepoint insert that is 2 3/4 inches wide by 6 inches long.  This is self-finishing.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2019-Black-Leather-Tissue-Box-made-for-Holding-a-Needlepoint-Canvas-by-LEE/372598558303?hash=item56c09ace5f:g:avMAAOSw3qdbL-nf

Lee also has a small tissue box cover in leather with a round insert that is about 2 3/4 inches.  Both styles of Lee tissue box covers come in a variety of leather colors.  This is also self-finishing.

https://www.needlepointbywildflowers.com/collections/lee-needlearts/products/copy-of-accessories-mahogany-finish-octagon-box-for-needlepoint-cross-stitch-photo-sudberry-house-1

For a while Needlepoint.com had acrylic tissue boxes with a space for a canvas insert but they don't seem to have these any more and I can't find them elsewhere.  Regardless, your tissues can be just as pretty as the rest of your home in this unusual way to showcase your needlepoint.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 13, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Leigh Designs Becomes Part of Fleur de Paris

Leigh Designs has just announced a change of ownership. The company (along with the Ashland Sky bags) will be part of the Fleur de Paris Corporation starting September 1.  Orders will go through Fleur de Paris but Leigh herself will still be designing.  It's just she's leaving all the paperwork to Fleur de Paris now.

Here's to the new owners and the old ones, too.  Things change but needlepoint still rules!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 28, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Abigail Cecile Is Going Out on Her Own

Exciting news! Abigail Cecile is going out on her own instead of using a distributor.  The changeover will happen in July 2018.
http://www.abigailcecile.com/blog/2018/5/31/bgaqnjpqosjekbd4rs3f4pvwxiqqy2

We are happy she is growing and changing and creating wonderful fun things for us to stitch.
http://www.abigailcecile.com/needlepoint-canvases/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 4, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thirty-Five New Colors of DMC UPDATED AGAIN

Fleur de Paris just posted a photograph of the thirty-five new colors of DMC six ply cotton floss that are being released shortly!
https://www.facebook.com/FleurDeParis/photos/a.364859333567690.94239.360330090687281/1522639391123006/?type=3&theater

UPDATE:  Here's another photo, courtesy of Needle in a Haystack, for those who don't have Facebook accounts.
http://needlestack.typepad.com/whats_new/2017/10/new-dmc-colors-coming-in-november.html

UPDATE #2:  Thanks to Kate I have the photo of the new colors with their color names and numbers.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 27, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Abby Falls in Love (with Thread) UPDATED

One of the many hot new young design talents that we have these days (Man! We are LUCKY.) is Abigail Cecile, distributed by Fleur de Paris.  New to needlepoint, Abby soon fell for Rainbow Gallery threads and explains a bit about how that came about here on the Rainbow Gallery blog.
http://www.rainbowgallery.com/all-that-sparkles/

Here is a bit about the design's origins.
http://www.abigailcecile.com/blog/2015/3/20/needlepointed-paris-the-design

Intrigued?  Then you will want to read more about Abby on the Abigail Cecile website.   After you finish, click on About and then Gallery and Needlepoint to see the full range of her talent.
http://www.abigailcecile.com/about-me/

And then there is her blog….  What fun!
http://www.abigailcecile.com/blog/

By the way, your favorite shop can order anything from Abby via Fleur de Paris.

UPDATE:  Abby goes to Needlepoint.com!
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2017/05/meet-canvas-designer-abigail-cecile/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 6, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sandra's Skin Colors

I've just discovered that Fleur de Paris sells sets of DMC cotton floss called "Sandra's Skin Colors" that match Sandra Gilmore's skin tones in her painted canvases.
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2017/01/clara-is-going-to-tnna.html

I searched all over the Fleur de Paris website and didn't see any mention of this but I bet your favorite shop can order for you if you have one of the Sandra Gilmore people to stitch, or just stitch lots of faces and am a collector of skin tone threads.

Many thanks to Laura Perin for the tip!

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

Coffee with Your Needlepoint

Vicky DeAngelis shows off several coffee-themed designs in her blog.  Of course not everyone drinks coffee, so I looked for teapot designs.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/do-you-know-that-today-is-national-coffee-day/

Julia Mar has a charming teapot and tea cup design.
http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=27293&title=Christmas%20Bride%20-%20Teapot&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

Annie Lane makes us laugh with her Earl Gray chicken.
http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=27469&title=Earl%20Gray&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

Susan Roberts has a darling tea party stocking, created by Liz Goodrick-Dillon of Tapestry Tent.
http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=28992&title=Christmas%20Tea%20Party%20Stocking%20-%2018ct&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

Pepita has a cute tea doily.
https://www.pepitaneedlepoint.com/product/kits-canvas/tea-doily

For the more fanciful among us, how about dede Odgen's Majolica rooster teapot?
http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=29297&title=Majolica%20Rooster%20Teapot&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

Whatever your favorite beverage, enjoy stitching it!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 29, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Fancywork and Fantasies

Needle Nicely profiles the charts from Carol Costello in this interesting post.  It's proof that a classic design lasts for decades.  Maybe you can't get the threads that were popular then now, but the design is ageless.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2016/08/carol-costellos-fancywork-and-fantasies.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 14, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Rainbow Gallery Sold

And Fleur de Paris bought it!  Here is the Fleur de Paris press release:

It is with excitement that Benjamin Ravan, CEO of Fleur de Paris announces his recent acquisition of Rainbow Gallery, effective October 1, 2015. Benjamin’s experience in the field over the last 40 years ensures that the renowned line of specialty yarns will be in good hands moving forward.
Rainbow Gallery will continue to operate as its own entity as Daniel Ravan, Benjamin’s son, will work alongside Sally London and complement her superb customer service and knowledge of the industry and this beloved brand.

We would like to thank John Schatteles for his contribution to the industry and wish him the best of luck and happiness in his retirement.

We can assure you that the quality and excellent customer service that you have become accustomed to will go unchanged. The transition period will be seamless for all our customers and partners.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 1, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

You've Got a Friend

This new Sandra Gilmore/Once in a Blue Moon canvas is a fund raiser for Fleur de Paris's Debbie Ladd who has cancer.  The canvas itself is being introduced at Destination Dallas so it's not available yet.  Read more about it here--
http://www.athreadgarden.com/athreadgarden.com/Youve_Got_a_Friend%21.html

This is a charming tribute to a lady everyone likes.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 22, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Interview with Machelle Sommerville

The Needleart Nut has an interview with the new designer Machelle Sommerville.   
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2015/08/meet-machelle-somerville.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 24, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.