Storing Kreinik

The Sun City Stitcher shows off how she organizes Kreinik spools and cards.

https://www.suncitystitcher.com/2025/07/kreinik-braid-storage.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 11, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Caroline's Mini Lights (Sally London)

The Sun City Stitcher used an old chart from Sally London of Rainbow Gallery to stitch this string of Christmas lights piece.

https://www.suncitystitcher.com/2025/07/carolines-mini-lights.html

Rainbow Gallery's website has free cross stitch and needlepoint charts from well known designers to download and use.  "Christmas Light Bulb Ornament" by Susan Portra is similar to what the Sun City Stitcher used.

https://www.rainbowgallery.com/free-charts/

They also used to distribute free charts to the shops.  Ask your favorite shop if they have these tucked away anywhere.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 30, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mopsey and the Giant Safety Pin

The title of this article sounds like it belongs to a work of fiction, but it's really Mopsey using a big safety pin to organize her thread cards.  Clever!

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

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 4, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

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.

Thread Exploring at Waste Knot

Lori at Waste Knot* is Instagramming about the various threads the shop carries.  It's a great way to explore various threads that are available for needlepoint, especially if you don't have a shop of your own where you can see thread options in person.

First up, size 3 perle cotton--

https://www.instagram.com/p/C8KeJT2JeE7/

Secondly, size 5 perle cotton--

https://www.instagram.com/p/C8cP-Y8sYBy/

The third thread is Planet Earth's Essentials, a strand of silk/wool perfect for 18 count that comes on 10 yard cards.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C8ugMFGM9ta/

Now Lori shows you Vineyard Merino Wool.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9A7GtuPlWD/

Followed by Vineyard Silk.  Both are lovely threads, by the way.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9SURiWsNII/

Lori likes Pepper Pot for 18 count but I do find it a little thick for 18 count.  If you have tight tension, you will love it on 18.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9kyy1dPBaX/

Next is Kreinik.  Lori has all the sizes and explains how/where to use them here--

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9xGU5qxx9N/

Silk Road Fiber's Straw Silk comes in a huge array of colors.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C92nWKKRCmR/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DDxl6QtP5Zw/

Planet Earth Silk is a thicker silk for 13 count.  Very pretty colors.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-Iwan4vtH8/

Lori's right, Gloriana's 12 ply silk has the prettiest colors available. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-aWnc_x76_/ 

Lori shows off Silk n Ivory, which isn't the most wearable silk/wool blend, but it's very pretty and perfect for 13 count.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-sdOAjRMU7/

Next up is Soie d'Alger, a French 7 ply silk in beautiful colors.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C--q6E1RnA4/

Lori carries a lot of Impressions, my favorite wool/silk blend.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_Qe3f2xXUa/

Boucle is a fun thread for curls, bushes and more.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_irOskRQw3/

Next Lori shows off Glisten, a wool with a sparkle filament woven in. It's not as shiny as Silk Lame Braid but gives a very nice subtle gleam.  Lori uses one strand on 18 count.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_1NlzOPNnZ/

Floche (from DMC) is the next thread Lori shows off.  It's cotton and comes on big skeins, making it perfect for backgrounds.  It's got a nice subtle sheen to it. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAGmyy3RW9f/

Lori has tips for when you use Very Velvet and Petite Very Velvet.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAqj4VVvOAQ/

Here are the two weights of Very Velvet.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHbb2WdR3p8/

Next up is Silk Lame Petite, one of my favorites.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DA9PcL3SOzR/

Silk Lame comes in four sizes now.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHbb2WdR3p8/

Entice is similar to Silk Lame but is rayon for the base thread.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DBOshwcRTO2/

Lori has some good tips for dealing with the kinks in Neon Rays that appear after it's wound around the Rainbow Gallery card.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DBhTKq7PLEG/

The next thread Waste Knot carries is Caron's Watercolours, a favorite of counted thread designers.  Lori doesn't mention the drastic color changes you can get between dye lots of these cotton overdyes; it's wise to buy plenty for your project if you are using it in a large area.

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

With the holidays coming, Lori goes fun with Fuzzy Stuff.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DCXBvl9PVm6/

ThreadworX's overdyed cotton floss is a particular favorite of mine.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DC6zxc1tN10/

Bella Lusso wool is quite pretty and easy to stitch with.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DDM6eRgva5Z/

Burmilana is another fav.  Great animal fur!

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

Gentle Arts' Sampler Threads have lovely muted colors.  This is an overdyed cotton floss that is popular with sampler repo stitches because of the faded look you get.  Perfect for animals!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DEnlCsNPYC8/

River Silks silk ribbon is lovely to work with, comes in a variety of widths and colors, and is tough as nails!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DE5UB9_PRsl/

Another ribbon-like thread is Rainbow Gallery's Sparkle Rays (also available in Petite Sparkle Rays).  You get a bit of sparkle and some pretty pastel colors, plus a really white white.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DFLKm0cRotj/

Like Lori, I think Alpaca 18 is too thick for 18 count but it has some fabulous animal coat colors and might make great hair for people.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DFdv6_tP04z/

Today Lori's talking Flair, aka Barbie's Panty Hose.  This versatile thread is a delight although you might not like how the cut end unravels.  This is why God invented the Thread Zapper, folks.

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

I like Frosty Rays.  The colors are like sugar coated candy!  Note that Lori only carries the Petite size.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DGBO4hdxida/

Next is Fyre Werks.  This Rainbow Gallery 1/16 inch ribbon is a quite shiny metallic.  A laying tool will help it stay flat.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DGlppM9SXGr/

Lori goes over overdyed threads carried at Waste Knot:  Gloriana silk, Gentle Arts' Sampler and Shaker  cotton threads, ThreadworX cotton, Tilli Thomas Planet Earth Pepper Pot overdye, and Caron's three ply cotton Watercolours.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DI1daL0sYdb/

Lori now stocks the new Radiance metallic in size 18.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DKiIcqHBb4K/

Lori talks very briefly about Au Ver a Soie's metallic, which she stocks in sizes 12 and 16.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DNoL6M5OMZl/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 16, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Rainbow Gallery's Very Velvet Line

Needlepoint.com's latest video is all about Rainbow Gallery's Very Velvet and Petite Very Velvet.

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/thread-talks-all-about-very-velvet?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=2024_12_21%20Gift%20Cards&utm_klaviyo_id=01EY909FHC6PR7KJ94JR0X7ZVR&_kx=spGqMUEEs3Pe26tF9Jkghd_FvizqCNqZrcu-EtTsuNa-X-jY5kdJAFI_-tT2BvST.TxAVmM

I recommend you use a larger eyed needle than usual and a short tail as the needle eye will wear through the thread to expose the cord.  You can just cut that bit off but using a larger needle delays the wear.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 22, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Rumor Mill Speaks UPDATED

The rumor mill says that eventually Kreinik metallics will be sold on the cards Rainbow Gallery uses.  That makes sense as Rainbow Gallery and Kreinik are owned by the same company, Fleur de Paris, and eventually Fleur will want to have all their threads wound on the same item.  

We'll see if this happens.  Stay tuned!  

UPDATE:  This is what Kreinik says--card Kreinik is quicker so ask your shop to order Kreinik Cards from Rainbow Gallery or Wichert Imports.  If you prefer spools, ask your local shop to order Kreinik Spools from Fleur de Paris.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_0_sMCBGv3/

UPDATE #2: Here is size 16 braid on cards.

https://www.facebook.com/FredasFancyStitching/posts/pfbid02BY8dt5Jy4tTJB9wEDnG3kGqbxPCTKVPcDD95Cix4WmXU9NacMxGmHQaFCstUDkAkl

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 11, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Neon Rays and Neon Rays Plus: The Movie

Needlepoint.com's latest video talks about two Rainbow Gallery threads--Neon Rays and Neon Rays Plus.

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/thread-talks-all-about-neon-rays-neon-rays-plus

The video explains the difference in the two threads and offers some tips for stitching with them.  If you are tempted to buy a card or two, just to see, KC Needlepoint has photos of many of the colors of both threads on their website.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/search?type=product,article,page&q=neon%20rays*

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/collections/neon-rays-1

If you don't have a favorite shop you support, shop around as prices vary a little.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 15, 2024 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.

Stitching Silken Sonata

Melita is going to stitch one of Jim Wurth's lovely counted pieces.  Besides eBay, this Palm Springs shop is the best place to find his charts.  "Silken Sonata" isn't listed as it was a Rainbow Gallery chart.  Your shop might be able to get it for you but it also might be discontinued now that Rainbow Gallery is owned by Fleur de Paris.  It isn't listed as one of their free charts on the Rainbow Gallery website.

https://desertoasisneedlepointsupplies.com/shop/ols/categories/jim-wurth-charted-designs

Here is Melita's introduction.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/05/30/silken-sonata-kit-by-jim-wurth/

Just for the record, I adore Coronet Braid.  It is stiff but has incredible shine.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/07/09/started-silken-sonata-by-jim-wurth/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/07/13/stitched-silken-sonata-by-jim-wurth/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/04/01/silken-sonata-by-jim-wurth-finished/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 31, 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.

Stitching with Eyelash: The Movie

Curious about Rainbow Gallery's Eyelash thread?   Fire and Iris has a short tutorial about the thread and how best to stitch with it on their Instagram page.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CwlF1vzrfRl/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 4, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Pointing It Out Talks Silk Ribbons

The Pointing It Out Podcast talks about silk ribbons.  You'll learn the various brands, widths, colors, and more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GrLvX8p4dw

Want to browse ribbon brands?  Here are the websites (in alphabetical order) for the brands discussed.

https://dinkydyes.com/collections/4mm-ribbon

https://dinkydyes.com/collections/7mm-ribbon

http://www.glorianathreads.com/Silk_Ribbons.html

https://www.rainbowgallery.com/product/splendor-silk-ribbon/

http://riversilks.com/

https://www.treenwaysilks.com/productlist.php?category=1

The silk ribbon embroidery book they recommend is A-Z of Ribbon Embroidery.  Inspirations publishes it and sells it so their website has lots of glimpses of the inside of the book.  Shop around as prices vary.

https://www.inspirationsstudios.com/product/a-z-of-ribbon-embroidery/

This is the tiny pliers that Megan uses.

https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/products/mini-chain-nose-plier?_pos=1&_sid=7b54c01bb&_ss=r

Rittenhouse sells an assortment of chenille needle sizes from

https://myneedlepoint.com/chenille-needles-assortment.html

I prefer my tekobari for ribbon work but any laying tool with a blunt, smooth tip will work.  I think this is the Rainbow Gallery ribbon laying tool.

https://store.stoneycreek.com/petite-ribbon-laying-tool-assorted-colors-p36983.aspx

https://www.homesteadneedlearts.com/catalog/tools-needles-to-lamps/ribbon-laying-tool-by-rainbow-gallery/

If you are interested in thread winders, there are tons available.  Most are imitation mother of pearl these days.

https://treschicstitchery.com/products/Faux-Mother-of-Pearl-Thread-Winder.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 4, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Silk Lame Braid: The Movie

Needlepoint.com's latest video covers Rainbow Gallery's Silk Lame Braid, which comes in four sizes/widths.

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/thread-talks-working-with-silk-lame-braid

This is a wonderful thread (not meant to be stranded although if you really need size 18 and all you have is 13, you can pull out some filaments to make the thread smaller) so if you haven't tried it, you should.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 11, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Fyre Werks: The Movie

Fyre Werks is a shiny metallic ribbon thread from Rainbow Gallery.  It comes in regular and Soft Sheen (for less shine), plus Hologram, Pearl and Florescent colors.  You can see all the colors here.

https://needlepointjoint.com/products/fyre-werks

Needlepoint.com has done a video on stitching with Fyre Werks that is informative and gives you a good idea what the thread looks like on the card and when stitched.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sGkY6icuw8

I'd recommend a shorter length and a laying tool to get the best shine.  In the video above you'll see how the cut end frays.  If that bugs you, try a touch of Frey Check, clear fingernail polish or a touch of fabric glue that dries clear like Aleene's Tacky Glue.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 17, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sparkle Threads: The Movie

The Pointing It Out podcast talks about sparkly and metallic threads.  They talk about Kreinik, Silk Lame Braid, Glisten, Entice, Neon Rays Plus, Sparkle, Fyre Werks, Frosty Rays, Flair, Accentuate, Fuzzy Stuff, Arctic Rays, Micro Chenille, Stardust, Snow, Crystal Braid, ThreadworX's overdyed Kreinik, Painter's Shimmer, plus they give tips stitching with them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6zwqbLHZeA

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 27, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Recommended Storage for Rainbow Gallery Thread Cards

Michelle on NP Nation recommends using these business card holders from the Container Store to hold your Rainbow Galley thread cards.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/5265225230221259/

Each box appears to hold roughly 45 cards on their sides, so the colors are easily visible through the plastic lid.  They also have holes in the sides for good ventilation.

https://www.containerstore.com/s/like_it-bricks-business-card-file/d?q=bricks%20business%20card%20holder&p=0&ps=52&productId=11009829

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 16, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!

The latest issue of Homestead Needleart's shop e-newletter says Rainbow Gallery plans to raise prices for their threads on February 1, 2022.  Most threads will go up about a quarter in price.

https://mailchi.mp/750790585471/tango-and-chocolate-trunk-show-dogs-cats-flowers?e=810b807e3a

I have no idea why I typed Kreinik as the newsletter clearly says Rainbow Gallery.

I am SO sorry!!!!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 13, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.