I Hate Rayon Thread But

Helen is creating a red rose using bullion stitches for padding and to create the curve of an opening bud.  The trick is to use DMC's rayon thread to create the bullions.
http://hgotts.blogspot.com/2015/06/dimensional-rose.html

I don't mind doing bullion stitches but I loathe rayon threads.  Still, this looks pretty durn good....

I never would have thought to try rayon threads for bullions.  Or covered padding with what appears to be blanket stitch to make the petals.  Very creative, Helen!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 25, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Blinding You and Other Blog News

This is what was plastered all over the background.

I wanted to remind Blog's readers that new items are still popping up several times a day under the "TNNA Winter 2015 Phoenix" ta.  Designers who haven't updated their website now have time to do so and the shops are posting new canvases that they ordered from the show on their website, blog or Facebook page.  Just click on the tab to check on the latest, which will be on top and highlighted in red.

As you probably can't help noticing (since you have to wear sunglasses to look at Blog!) I've also updated the background image.  This is a closeup from my current piece for Leigh Designs--Sultry Outback from her brand new Jungle Heat series.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp630x.html

The pictures aren't there to blind you--they are there to show off a new thread I've been playing with. If you look at the three yellow flowers, you'll notice that two are outlined and one isn't.  The couched outline is Painters Threads' gimp, which is a rayon cord a little smaller in diameter than size 5 cotton perle.  It looks a bit like DMC's memory thread, but smaller and it isn't bendable wire. It's just slightly stiff to bend.  It comes in all the usual Painters Thread colors which are a mix of overdyes.  I used the orangish MaryC.
http://www.shop.tentakulum.com/epages/Tentakulum.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Tentakulum/Categories/Garne/Andere/Viskose/Gimpe

This Etsy shop has some nice closeups where you can see what the thread looks like.  I think it would make awesome surface stitches (French knots, oyster stitch, cast on stitches, or lazy daisy stitches).
https://www.etsy.com/listing/157881209/painters-rayon-gimp-gimpe-frida-thread

It also made my yellow flowers look like appliquéd fabric, which is the look I was going for.  Thank you, Painters Threads!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 4, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholic Alert: El Molino Rayon Thread

If you love threads, particularly rayon threads, you'll want to read what Jan has to say about Presencia's rayon thread called El Molino.  Like Jan, I adore Michelle at Come to the Point who carries the thread.  If you want to explore some of the threads she carries, the shop website is the second link below.
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2014/09/08/do-you-use-rayon-thread/

http://www.cometothepoint.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 8, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Twinkle and Facets

If you really aren't into dyeing your own threads, not to worry. There are lots of new threads available. Here Vicki shows us nice close up photos of Twinkle and Facets. 
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/whats-new-around-here/

More photos of Twinkle are on the Gone Stitching website as they distribute this new thread.  I've not seen it myself so I can't tell you more about it but from the photos it reminds me of Silk Lame Braid except not silk and perhaps a bit thinner.
http://www.gonestitching.net/index.php/twinkle.html?SID=d3079999d6cb69d165c141ff49e9dee6&limit=all

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.

Twinkle Thread UPDATED

I have heard a new thread called Twinkle, a mix of metallic and rayon, is now available. Here is a photo of the colors available plus a little bit about it.  The shop says it is between Kreinik's #8 and #12 in size and works well on 18 count.  Personally, I find both #8 and #12 braid a little too fat for some stitches on 18 count, so proceed with caution.  I'd love to hear about it in the Comments (or email me at chillyhollow@hotmail.com) if you have seen or stitched with Twinkle.
http://astheneedleturns.com/twinkle-twinkle-little-star/

UPDATE:  Enriched Stitch has come through with a closeup photo and more information on Twinkle. Thank you!
http://astheneedleturns.com/more-on-twinkles/

Gone Stitching distributes Twinkle and has added some photos to their shop website.
http://www.gonestitching.net/index.php/twinkle.html

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.