Tips on Using Japan Threads

Kreinik's newest blog posting talks about Japan Thread, what it is, what the size number means, and how it is used.  This was originally created as a cheaper substitute for real metal threads and basically the threads are used the same way.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2013/01/kreinik-q-japan-threads.html

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

Other Uses for Mini Socks

I think you'll enjoy a good long look at Jane's Twelve Days of Christmas mini socks. I am pretty sure they are from Tapestry Tent and Jane says the club was from the French Knot in Texas, so you too can stitch these if you've a mind to.  She used hers for silverware holders at dinner parties, which must have looked wonderful!  Christmas can happen any month of the year, besides....
http://janew1102.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/12/totally-missed-out.html

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

Now That's REALLY Petitpoint!

Needleprint just profiled Elga and her stitching and cabinetry skills.  Silk gauze is the traditional material for dollhouse rugs and other items just because you can get the right scale.  Scale is everything in miniature-making.  A rug on 18 count canvas might look too coarse in your dollhouse if everything else is in a smaller scale.
http://needleprint.blogspot.com/2013/01/elga-tres-petit-petitpointers.html

I hope you enjoy seeing her work.  Her blog is wonderfully interesting as she shows how she is making her reproduction 17th Century casket and her silk gauze embroidery is wonderful to see.  I didn't know there was a Yahoo Group for petitpoint stitchers, though.  Take note and sign up if this is something you love to do!

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

Paternayan About to Reappear UPDATED

I emailed Ken at Saco River Dye House to get the very latest news about the new Paternayan his company is about to release. He very kindly took time out from preparing for the TNNA show to send us the following news, which I think should make Paternayan fans very happy.  Thanks, Ken!

Jane,

Thanks a lot for asking and please feel free to post all or part of this:

The dye house began to operate a few days before Thanksgiving, 2012.  During the intervening time we evaluated a number of samples of Paternayan Persian dating back 40 years.  We then asked three spinning companies to produce samples. One of those companies produced a sample which Don Morton, who has been dyeing Paternayan yarn for 40+ years, felt was "perfect".  Even more amazing was that as we began dyeing the Persian in traditional Paternayan colors we noticed it once again had some of the "sheen" that had been lost in the changing composition and manufacture over the past 20 years.  We are all extremely pleased with the product and anxious to get it into our customers hands.

The Persian consists of three plies of 2 strands of yarn--all the same size. This decision was based upon a number of comments we received early in our evaluation process from long-time Paternayan needle-pointers (actually, I think the three different sizes were lost in the late 70's).  Preliminary samples have since been evaluated by 6-8 needlepoint artists who seemed to think this yarn now closely represents the Persian they had used before.  By the end of the month we will have 25 of the most frequently requested colors available and will continue to dye 25-40 lb. batches as the yarn and orders become available.  We currently have approximately 800 lbs. to dye and will be purchasing an additional 1000 lbs. in early March.  It will take us a year to develop the full color palette.

We will be at TNNA in Long Beach with about 20-25 colors in 8 yd skeins for samples.  Donna Joseph (donna@sacoriverdyehouse.com) will be there with us as our sales representative.  We feel that: 1) by hiring  Don Morton as dyemaster with 40+ years experience at JCA in both commission dyeing and production of Paternayan Persian, 2) hiring Donna Joseph with her long time sales presence for Paternayan, and 3) contracting with a spinning company familiar with Paternayan Persian dating back 30-40 years, we have been able to produce a product many previous users of Paternayan Persian will find extremely satisfactory for their personal as well as their customers needs.

Thank you for your questions

Ken

Ken Raessler

On Jan 21, 2013, at 8:27 AM, Jane Wood wrote:

Kenneth Raessler

100 Main St. 

Bldg. 13-W, Suite 101

Biddeford, ME 04005

ken@sacoriverdyehouse.com

201-712-5835

UPDATE:  Janet Perry has published the lists of available colors as of January 2013.  This should start rapidly growing as the company has more time to produce more colors.
http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/colors-of-new-paternayan/


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

Thread Collector Alert

If you want to pick up a limited edition color of DMC cotton floss, Needle in a Haystack has stocked up.  This was created for a pattern in Just Cross Stitch but we all love new colors.
http://needlestack.typepad.com/whats_new/2013/01/dmc-floss-ltd-ed-color-127.html

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