A Needle Threader for Thicker Threads

Someone on Facebook recommends this needle threader from Clover for wool threads.  Looks like they are using tapestry wool, the sort that comes from Ehrman kits.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=27035255362763347&set=gm.1658430968714474&idorvanity=1012025060021738

Apparently this is called the Clover Antique Yarn Threader.  Shop around.  These tools vary greatly in price.  This one cost from less than $8 to $18, depending on the vendor.

https://www.amazon.com/Clover-3114-Antique-Yarn-Threader/dp/B000GBT9JG/ref=asc_df_B000GBT9JG?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80058400531633&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=91304&hvtargid=pla-4583657885298860&psc=1&msclkid=768302f639d21703df2768d61c7bd57e

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 3, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholic Alert: A Comparison of Crewel Wools WITH MORE

Mary Corbet has started a series about crewel-weight embroidery wool.  She's starting out by comparing what Appleton crewel, Fine d'Aubusson wool, Heathway, and DMC's Eco Vita are like when just cut from their skeins.  You'll see how thick they are, learn the number of colors and shades available from each brand, and compare prices for each.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/03/crewel-threads-a-close-look-at-wool-embroidery-threads.html

Here's how each of the four stitch up.  Remember, the examples are done on cross stitch fabric, so what you get on needlepoint canvas will be a bit different.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/03/wool-embroidery-threads-stitched-news.html

Next, Mary uses her four wools in long and short and satin stitch so you can see how they look when stitched in these filling stitches.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/03/wool-thread-comparisons-fillings.html

Mary is continuing her exploration of crewel wools with five more:  Bella Lusso (Fleur de Paris), Simply Wool (Gentle Arts), La Nollin (formerly Renaissance Dyeing), Overdyed Italian Wool (ThreadworX's overdyed Bella Lusso), and Array Wool (Zollie). Hang on!  It's going to be fun!

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/04/more-wools-for-crewel-embroidery.html

The next crewel weight wool Mary is exploring in depth is Array Wool from Zollie.  It's originally intended for weavers.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/04/wool-on-spools-array-wool-hooks-fillings.html

Mary continues to look at Array Wool, Bello Lusso, ThreadworX, Renaissance Dyeing, and Simply Wool brands of crewel wools.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/05/wool-comparisons-5-more-for-your-consideration.html

Next up, Mary introduces a lovely crewel wool from Australia's Gumnut Yarns.  I've been lucky enough to buy some of this and it's got lovely, lovely colors.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/05/delicious-colors-fibers-gumnut-yarns-up-close.html

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/06/gumnut-yarns-stitched.html

By the way, Mary's creating an article index so you can find all the crewel wool articles easier.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/04/wool-embroidery-threads-article-index.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 2, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholics Alert: Thread Gatherer's La Brume

Stitched Up Needleworks mentioned a new wool/metallic thread from Thread Gatherer called La Brume.

https://mailchi.mp/stitchedupneedleworks/introducing-labrume?e=07414d94b0

Each skein is 10 yards of fiber and is non-dividable.  It appears to be the diameter of crewel wool although I've not seen it in person.

https://threadgatherer.com/collections/la-brume

Thread Gatherer's Instagram says it's thicker than their Silken Pearl Five.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct1xFosgE6E/

You can also purchase some via Thread Gatherer's Etsy store.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheThreadGatherer?section_id=22508522

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Threadaholic Alert: DMC's Eco Vita Wool

DMC is jumping on the ecology bandwagon with their new line of crewel wool called Eco Vita.

https://www.dmc.com/US/en/eco-vita_eu?utm_source=Commonthread+Masterlist&utm_campaign=85850195b0-manual_weekly_Eco_Vita_Launch_US_23_12_03&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3a652561da-85850195b0-82831385&ct=t(manual_weekly_Eco_Vita_Launch_US_23_12_03)&mc_cid=85850195b0&mc_eid=f7c1b12c64

Eco Vita is dyed using plant material and available in sixty shades.  The wool is organic--but isn't all wool organic?  The mordants used to set the color aren't specified.  You can see all the colors here.

https://www.dmc.com/US/en/products/eco-vita-yarn

For a comparison, you can look at the crewel wool produced by Lanollin in France.

https://lanollin.com/en/collections/crewel-ultralace

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 3, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Paternayan Colors Available from Colonial Needle

While looking up this link for a friend who wanted to know where to order Paternayan 3 ply wool, I discovered that Colonial Needle has the rights to reproduce Paternayan colors in their line of 3 ply wool that they call Colonial Persian.

https://florilegium.com/shop/product-category/paternayan-colonial-persian-yarn/

Here is a bit from Colonial's website about their Colonial Persian thread with information about how to match their color numbers with the old Paternayan color numbers.

https://colonialneedle.com/pages/persian-yarn

You can browse the colors available on Colonial's website.  It doesn't look like they have a color card with real thread samples available yet.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0007/4229/3562/files/CPY_COLORS_SHEET_APR_2021_EMAIL.pdf?v=1631037694

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 3, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sources for Paternayan

Are you a fan of Paternayan wool?  A Stitch Above in Mason, Ohio says they stock it.

https://astitchaboveneedlepoint.business.site/posts/8660116440790999155?hl=en

They also do finishing and appear to sell painted canvases, especially those from Charley Harer.  Call them if you are interested.

Another source is Florilegium, which is in Weston, Missouri.

https://florilegium.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 6, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Vintage Needlepoint

Horse Country Chic is doing a little window shopping for vintage needlepoint.

http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2022/01/vintage-needlepoint.html

These are kits with wool but you can easily substitute some or all of the threads in the kit for suitiable colors in that nice stash you have been collecting. I think most of these are from Etsy, although I haven't checked.  I'm avoiding temptation!  

These are one-of-a-kind now, so if you see something that calls to you, better snap it up.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 29, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Anchor Tapestry Wool and Cotton Floss Come to Big Box Stores

Anchor Tapestry Wool

I'd heard on the grapevine that in the US big box craft stores now carry Anchor tapestry wool and cotton floss.  Last weekend I stopped by the Michael's near me and saw these two displays beside the DMC cotton floss area.  As you can see, there are a limited range of colors but the wool is available in both nearly 11 yard small skeins and the large nearly 44 yard hanks.

Anchor Embroidery Floss

The cotton floss is presented on spools instead of little skeins and there are more colors available.  The display doesn't say how much yardage is on a spool but Anchor claims there is 25% more thread on the spools.  I found this article about the floss spools.

https://www.yarnspirations.com/introducing-anchor-embroidery-floss-on-spools.html

I've never used Anchor tapestry wool but I really like their embroidery floss so I'll be picking up a range of colors I use a lot to add to my stash my next trip to the big city.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Hathaway Merino Crewel Wool

Thanks to Kathy of the Unbroken Thread, I've leaned Hathaway Merino Crewel Wool is available again from a new distributor, Crown Textile Studio.
https://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2020/04/15/catkin-crown-textile-studio-is-open/

I'm very fond of crewel wool, especially Appleton's, which comes in very lovely shades, and knowing that there's another variety of crewel is particularly good news.  If you want to order, here's the link.
https://www.catkincrowntextilestudio.com

And here are the colors.  One is the lightest shade and nine the darkest, by the way.
https://www.catkincrowntextilestudio.com/collections/all

This company is in the UK but they ship world-wide.  There are limits currently as to how often they can go to the post office, so talk to them about any shipping constraints before you order.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 16, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Source for Anchor Tapestry Wool

All wool threads are harder to find these days, so I was thrilled when I noticed A Dragon's Tale recommends this Canadian Etsy shop as a good source for Anchor tapestry wool.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/785701041/anchor-tapestry-wool-colours-9152-9452?ref=shop_home_active_2

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright  March 17, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholic Alert: Four Wool Threads Compared (Plus a New Crewel Wool)

Needlepoint for Fun's latest adventure is a comparison of four new wool threads on the market.    You'll learn about Vineyards Merino, Essentials, Glisten and Planet Earth Wool, especially their characteristics and what canvas count (13 or 18) and type of stitch they work well for.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/comparison-of-three-wool-threads-for-your-needlepoint--vineyards-merino-essentials-by-tilli-tomas-and-glisten-by-rainbow-gallery.htm

As a bonus, a stitch guide is being written for the Steven Klein canvas used as a demonstration project.  Your favorite shop can order the canvas from Julie Mar and Friends, or you can ask Needlepoint for Fun for the canvas when you get their guide.

As an aside since we are talking about wool, Painter's Thread now has a crewel wool on a machine embroidery spool.  The second link below is their website with a good look at the colors available.
https://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2019/08/painters-thread-crewel-wool.html

https://threadnuts.com/shop?olsPage=t%2Fcrewel-wool-soft

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

A Paterna Ad from 1976

Charlene found this 1976 advertisement for Paterna Persian wool and posted it to Facebook. Takes me back….
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=452283535135034&set=gm.1432040666873087&type=3&theater

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 22, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Vineyard Strandable Merino

Suzie at Enriched Stitch tells us that Vineyard Strandable Merino wool will no longer be available in some colors. Vineyard Silks is limiting the range to forty-three colors.  The shop has put their remaining stock of Vineyard Merino on sale as they won't carry a wool that has so few colors.
http://astheneedleturns.com/vineyard-merino-discontinued/

Note that Vineyard Merino wool comes in both strandable and tapestry wool types.  Apparently only the strandable is being reduced to forty-three colors.  Thanks for the heads up, Suzie.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 1, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Glimpse of Glisten

Glisten Sample

Rainbow Gallery's newest thread is called Glisten. It is a mix of two very thin strands of Merino wool and two very thin strands of metalized polyester that looks a bit like a very thin blending filament.  It's not meant to be strandable but I unraveled the cut end a bit in the photo above so you could see the thread construction.  I added a spool of Kreinik's size 8 fine braid on the left of the photo and one of size 16 braid on the right so you could see just how fine Glisten is.  I would say it is between the two Kreiniks in diameter.  The sample above is gray with a silver metallic.  It appears that the color of the metallic matches the color of the wool judging by the photographs on the Rainbow Gallery website.
http://www.rainbowgallery.com/product/glisten/

Rainbow Gallery used their black, white, silver and red Glisten in this JP Needlepoint charmer that they posted on their Facebook page.  I am told by friends who went to the trade show and got me the sample card above that the white Glisten turkeywork on this piece is fantastic.
https://www.facebook.com/rainbowgallerythreads/photos/a.1466449090351554.1073741828.1439340233062440/1713151629014631/?type=3&theater

It would make lovely snow, angel wings, wet hair and probably very elegant clothing.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 1, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Bit More About Rainbow Persian

Rainbow Gallery has posted Amy Bunger's mini review of their new tapestry wool called Rainbow Persian on their website.   A thread expert posted a query on Facebook about this new thread, asking how Rainbow Persian differs from Fleur de Paris' Anahera, which is also a single strand of wool.  The answer (provided by Rainbow Gallery's Sally London) is that the threads are the same except that Anahera has a new name and is wrapped on cards.  Sally also said they plan ten more colors in the thread for January 2017.  Sometime to look forward to!
http://www.rainbowgallery.com/rainbow-persian-review/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 6, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Rainbow Persian: A Review (and a LOT more)

I have been waiting for this! Finally someone has gotten their hands on Rainbow Gallery's new wool, which is called Rainbow Persian, and tells all about it!  Luckily for us, the review is Amy Bunger who knows just what a stitcher is likely to ask about a new thread: To sum up:  the thread is a tapestry wool (not strandable), comes in 32 colors which doesn't include a bright snow white, there are 20 yards on each card, a single strand covers well on 18 count as long as the stitch is slanted, but straight stitches don't cover perfectly which is typical in almost any thread.  (Not to worry, Amy gives you a genius tip to help your coverage that doesn't involve more than one strand in the needle, complete with stitch diagram.)  You can read all about it and see a good photo of the available colors in her shop newsletter for October 2016.
http://www.amybunger.com/f/1016.pdf

Of course the newsletter includes Amy's class and club announcements (including a cyberclass from Sally Baer of BB Needlepoint), news about other new thread and bead colors, other new products (Faux Leather, anyone?), new stitch guides available from Amy, a review of the new Twisty Stitches Two and Can Do Hairdos, and more!  Including how to remove stains from needlepoint.  And including a hint that a new A La Carte Stitches book from Lynda Richardson is due at January Market!

I enjoy each and every newsletter Amy writes.  They are full of information and fun.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 2, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Defuzzing Tool UPDATED

Kathy at the Unbroken Thread is stitching a crewel piece by Nicola Jarvis and ran into a problem with the black wool she was using on one of the birds--it fuzzed!  You won't believe what she used to fix the problem--a baby brush from the drugstore!
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2015/05/24/loveday-crewelwork-blackbird-begun/

The ones we have in the US are more like this...
http://www.drugstore.com/hip-peas-wooden-baby-brush/qxp492879?catid=182482

...but I bet they work the same and that we can find them even cheaper than this one I found online.  Great idea!  I think this will work nicely for removing bits of ripped out threads and the little fuzzy pieces you sometimes have after trimming turkey work.

Time to go shopping for a new tool!

UPDATE:  Patricia swears by these little plaque brushes for removing fuzz.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=964171796938685&set=gm.877343965676096&type=1

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

Pest Patrol

Want to know what a professional restoration artist does to get rid of insects that attack needlework? Melissa explains the problem and her solutions here. 
http://www.collector-repair-services.com/?p=803

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 18, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Wool Colors from Planet Earth Fiber

Planet Earth Fiber has announced four new colors in their wool line.  You are going to chuckle at the imaginative way they display the new colors.
http://www.planetearthfiber.com/postcards/fog.html

If you are a threadaholic and want to keep up with the new colors Planet Earth introduces, here is their blog.
http://blog.planetearthfiber.com

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.

Need Paterna Information

This week I got a note from the Etsy seller KnitStitchPurl who has a large stock of Paterna two ply crewel wool for sale, asking about this wool. She wanted to know if it was the same wool as the three ply Paternayan we are all familiar with. I don't know, never having seen or used this myself. It seems to date from the 1980s and be 100 percent wool.  Here are the best photos of this stuff which she has in both small 16 yard skeins and 1/4 pound hanks.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/163870779/paterna-833-russet-brown-crewel-yarnlot

http://www.etsy.com/listing/165066926/paternayan-violet-purple-crewel-tapestry?ref=shop_home_active

It certainly was manufactured by the Paternayan Brothers and probably intended to be plied (or not) depending on the size of fabric it was stitched on.  Anyone know anything about Paterna?  Have you used it?  Is it really just like Paternayan except it is two plies instead of three?  What size needlepoint canvas would you use one or both plies on?  Any help is appreciated!

Here is KnitStitchPurl's Etsy store main page if you prefer to talk to her about this instead of commenting below (or emailing me directly at chillyhollow at hot maildotcom if Comments don't work for you).
http://www.etsy.com/shop/KnitStitchPurl?ref=l2-shopheader-name

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.