It's a Stitchy Thing

Dazzling Ace of Diamonds!

2012-02-13T14:46:00.003-05:00

We just received the latest design from the prolific Laura J. Perin, "Ace of Diamonds." What a delightful study in blue and purple!

Laura's using three Caron Collections Watercolours along with a couple of DMC #5 perle cotons and YLI Ribbon Flosses to create this lovely, portable design. It works up into a 9.75" x 9.75" piece on 18-ct mono canvas. Laura recommends French Blue but also says that you can use Pewter just as well. We're kitting it up with whichever happens to be in stock when we receive your order, as the French Blue is hard to find right now. (We do have enough on hand for several kits, but it won't last.)

Although Laura hasn't provided other colorways, she did include some guidelines for selecting your own. If you'd like to do it in your preferred color palette, just e-mail Sara Leigh with the number of your favorite Watercolour, and she'll do her magic where possible. (Not all of the Watercolours colors lend themselves to this limited palette.)

We anticipate some beautiful colorways being developed for this piece.

Debbie Rowley's Rollicking Rhodes Study!

2012-02-08T10:49:00.000-05:00

Just in from the Phoenix TNNA show in January, "Bump in the Rhodes" is a beautiful study of the Rhodes stitch that is perfect for beginners as well as a fun stitch for more advanced stitchers.

Done in lovely shades of purple, mauve, and brown with a shot of berry juice, this design take a fresh look at the Rhodes stitch and what you can do with it. Debbie Rowley admits to breaking a few "rules" with this one, but honestly, aren't they really guidelines anyway. She's incorporated squares, rectangles, rounds, diamonds, hearts, and butterflies in the design to create a dynamic and stunning piece.

"Bump in the Rhodes" works up into a 9" x 9" design, using Sullivan's cotton floss and #5 perle on 18-ct mono canvas. Is there someone you'd like to introduce to charted needlepoint? This is the perfect piece: not too big, focused, and economical. And it makes a great project to have on hand when we more experienced stitchers need a break from those big, multi-layered designs we all seem to have in rotation.

This is the second in Debbie Rowley's single-stitch designs. You may remember "Rice Pudding," which came out in late summer/early fall.

But that's not all Debbie's been working on. She's added a new set of ornaments to her collection with her "Elegant Christmas Ornaments."

She's included four different designs in two sizes: 4" and 6". They're stitched on 18-ct white mono canvas with just a few threads. We're providing two pieces of canvas for each size so you can complete all four ornaments. And admit it, you know you've already started thinking about what to stitch for Christmas this year, what to do for those ornament exchanges, something fresh and new. Here's your answer! I have it on good authority that there are stitchers out there who work on ornaments year-round, they love them so much.

Let us know if you'd like to see any of our kits in different colorways. Both of these new kits lend themselves to customizing.

Stitching the ANG 2012 Stitch of the Month

2012-01-24T12:34:00.003-05:00

I have a confession to make. I'm not a heart person. The shape really doesn't appeal to me when it comes to stitching, and in general I guess. So I was a bit disappointed when the mystery Stitch of the Month project was revealed to be a stylized heart shape. Sigh. What was I going to do? After much thought, and discovering from reading the discussion boards that I wasn't alone, I've decided to just do a stitch sampler, 3 x 4 blocks, using as many threads from my stash as possible, supplemented with new threads to complete the colorway.

To begin, I found a card of Patina, which is similar to Panache, the first thread used. Then I searched through my stash to find a variety of threads that fit the description, e.g., a round thread equivalent to a #5 pearl in thickness, shiny if possible. What I came up with were a Thread Gatherer Silken Pearl, DMC #5 Perle Coton, Rainbow Gallery Fiesta and Grandeur, and DMC #8 Perle Coton. I went a little thinner on a couple of the threads to see what the effect would be, and added in the stranded rayon for another bit of flexibility. Then I set to stitching, and this is what I got.

The colors are dark blue, medium thyme green, lavender, purple, and medium gray on the bottom. I stitched the swatches on brown canvas to be able to gauge how much canvas would show through with the different threads. In pulling threads, I discovered how much I use purple! This also has decided my colorway for me. I'm going to use primarily purples of various shades with a dash of that thyme green. And I'll stitch the actual piece on either sage green or lavender 18-ct canvas.

I found the T-Stitch a quick and easy stitch. It's a variation of the tent stitch, but oh so much less tedious! (I'm not a fan of tent, continental, or basketweave, could you tell?) Here are closer looks at the individual stitched swatches:

You can't really see the sheen of the Patina (top). Panache has the same look but may be slightly thicker. Beneath that is #8 Perle Coton, which gives a more open look. Neither one covers the canvas completely. The middle swatches are the Silken Pearl (SNP; left) and #5 Perle Coton. The SNP gives an even more open, lacier look, which I rather like. The #5 covers much more than even the Patina and is nubbier. For the Fiesta (left in the bottom picture), I used three plies, which gives a similar effect to #8 Perle and SNP. I attempted to just use the strand as it came off the card, but it wasn't a happy experience, so I switched to the smaller bundle. (I took no pains with laying this, as I was pretty sure I wasn't going to enjoy the experience of stitching regardless of the look.) I like the way the Grandeur filled better than the #5 Perle. It was less bumpy, being a finer twist. My preference for stitching with silk was once again confirmed by this exercise.

So what did I decide on? That Silken Pearl in Dried Thyme. I just like the lacy look of it. I also like that color, and it will look wonderful on either the sage green or the lavender. It will recede on the green, of course, and really pop on the lavender.

I think I'll wait to see what the next couple of stitches are before I start stitching on the actual sampler. I'll do some more swatch work with the next two installments to get a feel for the threads, see how the colors are ranging. I may end up using all different colors and not stick to the monochromatic-with-an-accent scheme I'm considering right now. It will be my own little crazy quilt of a design. At some point I'll have to come up with a sashing and border concept I suppose.

Who knows? I may end up with a bunch of swatches to use for reference and no real project at all. My 2012 Stitch of the Month Odyssey has begun, and it could end up almost anywhere.

What are you going to do? If you're not interested in doing the mystery project but still want to stitch along with everyone, e-mail me and let me know if I can help with thread selection or anything else.

Sara Leigh

Stunning Stained Glass From Laura Perin

2012-01-21T14:03:00.002-05:00

Do I need to state it? Okay, I will. Laura Perin's done it again! Her latest design, reminiscent of her recent long panel designs stitch-wise, is a gorgeous bit of colorplay set up in a classic stained-glass window format.

Laura's calling this "Stained Glass Windows." The chart comes with a bag of gold glass seed beads and calls for 2 skeins of Caron Collection Watercolours, 11 skeins of DMC #5 Perle Coton, 4 reels of YLI Shimmer Blend Ribbon Floss, and 3 spools of Kreinik #8 Braid. We think the effect is simply stunning!

We've pulled together the threads and are offering kits for all three colorways, and we're hard-pressed to decide which is our favorite. The cover model is based on Watercolours Lexi's Blue. Just feast your eyes on these beautiful blues and greens:

I'm leaning toward the one based on Watercolours Ethiopia, a rich tapestry of purples and oranges:

Are those threads not to die for?

I think Dawn is torn between the blue and the third one based on Watercolours Mystery Mix (don't you love that name?). It's a gorgeous melange of reds and golds:

Decisions, decisions. What one will you pick?

New Two-Tone Colorway for 2012 SOTM

2012-01-11T12:58:00.002-05:00

We're excited to be able to offer another alternative colorway for the ANG 2012 SOTM: ANG 2012 Stitch of the Month Threads, Beads, and Canvas, Candy, which was developed by Candy Chadderton. It's a beautiful selection of greens and purples.

We've made substitutions for a couple of items pictured: the ThreadworX equivalent of the Needle Necessities overdyed cotton and Mill Hill beads for the Sundance beads. Not pictured are two additional threads that Candy will be using, a Gentle Art cotton floss and a Gloriana silk floss. We decided to include them and let you decide how to use them. The canvas for this colorway is Vintage Santa Fe Sage.

In addition to the original red colorway, we're offering blue and purple. We're restocking the red once again, and the purple's going fast.

Check them out if you haven't made up your mind about what color to do it in yet.

As soon as I get the time to stitch the first installment, I'll be blogging about it. I'm not really a fan of heart designs, so I'm going to do a more traditional block-style sampler. I'm also going to try different types of threads, just to see how the thread affects the look of the stitch. I may run late in the month each month, but I'm going to do my best to keep up.

Stay tuned.

A Bounty of Beautiful Canvas and Threads

2012-01-09T18:07:00.000-05:00

By now, ANG members have received and read the latest issue of Needle Pointers. It included a great review of a wonderful new hand-painted blank canvas, which we're very pleased to offer on a special-order basis — Nature's Palette!

Aren't they beautiful? The colors are fantastic, and unlike the hand-dyed canvas, this canvas retains the stiffness of regular, untreated canvas. There are three basic varieties.

The most economical are the Solids and Metallics, pictured at the top. The Metallics have a very subtle metallic sheen to them; they're not sparkly. Next up are the Premiums and Jewels, which are either hand-painted opalescent canvas or two-color regular canvas and are shown in the bottom photo. The Custom colors are the most expensive and are multicolor extravaganzas. They are pictured in the top photo with the Solids and Metallics.

You can see larger pictures of the individual canvases in the Nature's Palette section of the catalog. We have put a lot of effort into making sure the colors are as accurate as possible. Do keep in mind that these are painted to order, so there will be subtle variations between what is pictured and what you will receive. Just like any hand-dyed thread would have.

Nature's Palette paints to order, so it's usually two to three weeks from the time that we place an order till it's shipped to us. You can purchase these canvases three ways: fat eighths (9" x 20"), fat quarters (18" x 20"), and custom cuts. If you want a custom cut, please send us an e-mail, telling us the canvas color name and the exact size you need, e.g., 11" x 11", 12" x 18", or 16" x 13". We'll get back to you with the price and a link to your item in the Catalog so that you can place your order through the secure shopping cart.

Now for the newest thread we're offering!

These are YLI's Painter Threads, overdyes that evoke the color palettes of renowned artist such as Klimt, Picasso, Cassatt, Monet, and Kahlo, to name just a few. Scarlet Thread is offering their overdyed Shimmer Blend Ribbon Floss on a special-order basis to start (as we fill your orders, we'll be increasing our stocked inventory). The sparkling colors are to die for! As with any overdyed thread, there may be subtle differences between dye lots.

To further entice you, we have a couple of examples of how both the canvas and the thread can be used. Here's a piece that I stitched on Nature's Palette's Copper Solids canvas:

And here's the beginning of a Milanese Pinwheel stitched with the YLI Painter Thread Shimmer Blend Ribbon Floss:

I'm currently designing an ornament using this thread, and I can't wait to get back to it!

What will you do with these two exciting new materials in your own needlepoint adventures?

It's Sale Time!

2011-12-12T14:39:00.000-05:00

Here at Scarlet Thread, we've been sifting through the inventory, trying to make room for all the new things that keep arriving. So we've decided it's time to make room! Check out what's On Sale in the Catalog. We've got charts, kits, tools, and accessories, all at 25% or 30% off their original prices. We have scissors, lights, and ornament patterns, to name just a few things. Browse around and see what you can find.

Fun Holiday Stitching and More!

2011-12-01T09:21:00.001-05:00

Things certainly have been jumping here at Scarlet Thread the last couple of weeks. First, the new arrivals.

Laura J. Perin has released the second in her Holiday Ornaments series, and it looks like it will be just as much fun and quick to stitch these as the first ones.

Once again, she's offered three colorways: the traditional Christmas red and green, a more muted red and green, and a blue and gold for Hannukah. Laura showed how she's finished the ornaments from the first set in her blog, Two-Handed Stitcher. If you missed the first set of ornaments, released last year, check it out here.

We also just got in a recent pattern from Lois Caron, of the Caron Collection, Stained Glass.

Isn't this gorgeous! The purples, blues, and soft yellow are so mellow; and the center, textured, white-on-white section can be stitched as specified in a solid white or with a subtly variegated white or complementary variegated pale blue or lavender to add more interest.

Scarlet Thread is also pleased to be able to add another colorway for the upcoming ANG 2012 Stitch of the Month! Jo Ann Jackson created a lovely blue set and is letting us offer it to you as another option.

We have a limited number of thread, bead, and canvas kits available in this colorway, so click on over to the ANG 2012 SOTM Blue colorway to preorder it now.

Meanwhile, it's been like Christmas as all the threads, beads, and canvas arrive for the red colorway. The response has been tremendous, so we've had to increase our orders a couple of times. We hope to be able to ship sometime next week, since we're waiting for just one thread to come in.

I think that covers everything for now.

No, one more thing. The host of the Scarlet Thread site will be doing maintenance at around midnight (DST) tonight, so you won't be able to place orders for a few hours. So don't worry if you can't place your order. Just come back tomorrow morning, or better yet, do it today before midnight!

ANG 2012 Stitch of the Month News UPDATE

2011-11-18T18:04:00.001-05:00

The American Needlepoint Guild recently announced the thread and canvas selections for the 2012 Stitch of the Month, and it sounds like another exciting mystery to stitch! We've already put in our orders for threads, canvas, and embellishments and hope to have kits ready within the next two weeks. Here's a picture of most of the threads:

This year's mystery was created to honor ANG's 40th anniversary in 2012. Suzanne Howren and Beth Robertson were asked to design and coordinate the Stitch of the Month, and they came up with the great idea to ask teachers of past ANG seminars to help with the project as well as the families of several who are no longer with us. One look at the list, and we knew we'd be hooked:

Chottie Alderson
Ann Caswell
Mary Clubb
Jean Hilton
Joyce Lukomski
Tony Minieri
Kaye Neufeld
Shay Pendray
Jean Taggart
Anna-Marie Winter

The design is monochromatic and done in shades of red. The selection of threads promises a rich, textured needlepoint piece: Kreinik metallics in a variety of weights; silk Grandeur, Splendor, Trebizond, and Waterlilies; Panache; Soy Luster; and cotton ThreadworX Overdyed Floss and Wildflowers. It's embellished with Mill Hill seed beads and SJ Designs pearl hearts.

You can pre-order your thread, bead, and canvas kit now for the ANG 2012 Stitch of the Month. Based on recommendations from a couple of sources, we suggest going with the designers' color choice. That's what I'm planning to do. If red isn't your cup of tea, however, we will work with you to develop a different monochromatic colorway based on a different overdye.

Remember, the first installment of this charted needlepoint mystery will be posted on the ANG Web site on or around January 1, 2012. You have to go there to get the pattern, which we haven't seen yet either.

New from the Needlework Show

2011-11-05T12:35:00.000-04:00

We went shopping at the online Needlework Show a couple of weeks ago and now have some great new things to show.

First, drum roll please, we found Kurdy Biggs's latest design for Threedles Needlework Designs, Diamond Eyes. What a beauty! This time she's given us a diamond in a circle.

The three colorways are dazzling! From the top, they are Intrigue, Allure, and Dazzle. Which one calls to you? We're in the process of kitting them up and expect the last things to arrive any day now.

Brenda Kocher had a couple of new designs to show off. One is a beautiful new charted needlepoint baby sampler that we've fallen in love with, Tootsiebubbles: Rachel's Ribbons.

We just love the colors! And you can have charms, or not. It's up to you. Brenda's also come up with a quick-to-stitch bargello Christmas stocking, Alivia's Stocking.

We also found a few new needle minders from Kelmscott Designs that we think you're going to love. The newest of the new is Pumpkin Crow, perfect for the fall season.

There were a couple more we just couldn't resist adding to our collection: Sheep in the Night and Thistle.

So hop over the the Catalog to check out all our needle minders. While you're there, look at our New section to see whether we've added anything since your last visit.

From Molehill to Mountain Cyberclass Registration

2011-10-22T17:08:00.000-04:00

We recently conducted a poll on this blog, asking whether our readers would be interested in a cyberclass for Pamela Gardner's "From Molehill to Mountain" (FMTM). Based on the results, we're pleased to announce that registration is now open. This class is great for an intermediate to advanced stitcher, but an advanced beginner would enjoy the challenges it presents.

FMTM is, according to the subtitle of the book, a study in stitch variation, but it's also a color study, both explored through the process of creating a needlepoint quilt design. Throughout your journey, you will be making decisions on how to implement your personal colorway in the stitching. You'll get to play with a variety of thread types within the parameters of the color option you choose.

Each quilt block creates a "fabric" square using seven to eight variations of a single, different stitch family. There are three patterns to choose from for the sashing between the blocks and three for the border. Two layouts are provided, based on the type of color study you choose, but you can also create your own layout.

There are three color options to choose from: (1) color study, (2) overdyed thread, and (3) color study with monochromatic overdyed thread. It can be done in primarily cotton floss or silk floss with accents of different textured threads, e.g., rayon, metallic, and wool, to name a few possibilities.

You can stitch your quilt on either 24-ct Congress Cloth (13" x 9.5" design on an 18" x 15" piece) or 18-ct mono canvas (17.3" x 12.7" design on a 22" x 18" piece). You'll want to decide on the color of your ground fabric after you've developed your colorway.

So let's get down to the nitty-gritty details.

Registration starts now and goes through November 15.

Books will be mailed in mid-January.

Class begins February 6, with the first e-mail lesson; subsequent lessons will be e-mailed on the first Monday of the following 7 months, for a total of 8 classes. The last lesson would be sent in September.

A Yahoo group will be set up to facilitate discussion. All lessons will be posted on it as well as photos. Pam will be available there for questions and discussions.

Cost: $89.00, which includes the book, U.S. Priority Mail postage domestically, online lessons and instructions, and Scarlet Thread's administrative fee. There is no kit included, as everyone will be developing their own colorway for the first lesson. (Scarlet Thread is happy to help you gather the materials for your colorway if you do not have a local needlework shop.) Virginia residents will be assessed the Virginia Sales Tax. Shipping for international addresses is additional.

If you already have the book, the fee is $30.00.

To register, please click one of the following links:

If you have any questions, please contact us at customerservice@scarletthread.com.

Autumn Inspiration! UPDATE

2011-10-19T11:48:00.001-04:00

We just received Laura J. Perin's latest design, "Turning Leaves." What can we say besides, it's another winner? I guess, gorgeous, intoxicating, dynamic. I could probably go on, but why don't you take a look and see what you think?

Laura's based the colors in this lovely charted needlepoint design on two Caron Collection Watercolours, Pomegranate and Sherwood Forest. I recently used Waterlilies Sherwood Forest for a small ANG chapter class piece and was thrilled with the way the colors break in it.

We are offering both the complete kit and the chart. Don't delay! Preorder your kit now and receive it within a week to 10 days.

A Gem from Down Under

2011-09-26T21:27:00.002-04:00

Carol Young's back with a new design from Australia, Nile Jewels. We think it's a real beauty! And with a design size of 6.5" x 6.5", it's another nice portable project that you can take with you anywhere you think you'll have a few moments to stitch.

This colorway is based on Caron Collection's Waterlilies in Nefertiti, a favorite. We just love those purples and teals! She's offered an alternative muted colorway that has a totally different feel.

You could also work up a monochromatic colorway for this that would evoke another feeling. The possibilities are endless.

Originally conceived and taught as a three-square class piece, the intention was that the students would add the other two squares at home. The master chart shows the three squares taught in class; the layout gets revised for the five-square design. Carol explains everything in clear, detailed instructions with nice, large stitch diagrams.

Carol has reduced the price of her earlier design, Twisted Threads, so check it out while you're over at Scarlet Thread.

Tis the Season, and Other News

2011-09-23T12:53:00.000-04:00

Scarlet Thread is gearing up for the holiday season. Yes, we know it's not quite October, but if you're stitching things for Christmas, it's not too early.

This just in from Northern Pine Designs: Jolly Santa.

How cute is that! He's a delightful mix of stitches in seasonal greens and reds. Don't you love his beard?

Shopping for someone else and just can't decide what they might want? We now have Gift Certificates available in denominations of $25, $50, $75, and $100. We'll send it to you as a pdf that can be forwarded to the recipient. Each Gift Certificate has a one-time-use code, so the entire amount must be applied to one order.

We also just got Kathy Rees's newest designs in her Color Delights series: Midnight and Silver. Look at the rich colors and textures she's produced for these.

Be sure to check out all the New items we've got in stock. You never know what you might have missed the last time you visited.

Puzzling and Amazing

2011-09-15T09:10:00.001-04:00

We're very excited here at scarletthread.com. Ruth Schmuff is offering some counted canvas interpretations of painted canvases by Ada Haydon that are truly marvelous. Susan Alanson selected the stitches that bring texture and life to these colorful designs.

Up first, the "puzzling" part of this post, is Alpine Puzzle, a tantalizing mix of purples, blues, and greens with a touch of black.

I love the bright spots of the Thread Gatherer Silk 'N' Colors chartreuse silk floss. Check out all the threads:

Scrumptious!

Next up, the "amazing" bit, is Orchid Maze, a blast of pinks, oranges, and greens with a touch of brown.

Again, the bright green jumps out at you, this time in Rainbow Gallery Splendor, Needlepoint Inc. silk, and Kreinik.

We've got a limited quantity to start out with, but we expect to keep these kits in inventory. We're shipping now!

Stop by and check out all the new stuff we've been adding over the last few weeks. And don't forget the Tools and Accessories. You never know what you might find there.

Laura's Lahaina Breezes, Stunning! UPDATE

2011-09-09T12:32:00.000-04:00

It's another beautiful geometric charted canvaswork design from Laura J. Perin. Her latest creation, Lahaina Breezes, was inspired by a batik cotton print, and what an inspiration! The colors are a divine blend of aquas, teals, and blues.

We're offering this as both the chart and the kit. We are in the process of collecting all the threads and should have them in a few days.

While you're over there at scarletthread.com, check out a new pattern we're carrying, From Molehill to Mountain. It's not really new, just new to our site, and it's more than just a pattern: It's a 157-page book packed with instructions and diagrams for this intensive color study.

We're doing it as a year-long project in our local chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild, which has prompted us to talk to Pam Gardner, the designer of this fascinating piece, about perhaps doing a cyber class with Scarlet Thread. You may have noticed the poll at the top of the blog. Please look at the pattern and let us know whether you would be interested in participating. If there is enough interest, we'll proceed with ironing out all the details. Check out Confessions of a Remedial Stitcher for some pictures of what our chapter members have been doing.

Don't forget to check out the New section of the Catalog. We're always adding things, most recently to Brenda Kocher Designs, DebBee's Designs, and Northern Pine Designs.

Gonna Take a "Sentimental Journey"

2011-08-20T14:02:00.000-04:00

That's right. Laura Perin is taking us all on a Sentimental Journey with her newest design in the American Quilt Collection.

What a beauty! The Blue colorway is based on Caron Collection Watercolours Elderberry, one of our favorites, and is stitched on Aquamarina canvas. Look at the threads:

Does it get any better than this? Well, some might think so when they look at the other two colorways Laura has provided. Here's Pink:

And then there's also Red:

It's hard to choose, isn't it? We're offering all three colorways as kits as well as just the chart for those who want to pick out their own colors. So hurry on over to check them out along with the rest of the new things you might have missed.

Goodies From the Baltimore Market

2011-08-15T14:56:00.000-04:00

We spent several hours prowling the floors of the Embassy Suites Hotel near Baltimore-Washington International Airport on Saturday, on a hunt for the latest treasures to be had for canvaswork fans. This is a quick-and-dirty report, with pictures and links. Feast your eyes! (Links are for kits, unless we're currently offering just the chart. Of course, we can kit up any chart you'd like. Just e-mail us to let us know.)

First, from DebBee's Designs, we came away with several exciting new designs as well as some oldies but goodies that we for some reason didn't already have. Horrors!

Diamond Delight 9: What a beauty! The colors are absolutely gorgeous. Debbie used DMC Memory Thread to make those spirals in the background, a great effect.

Glitz & Glamour Opal: Very pretty! The colors are beautiful, and we love the stitches Debbie used.

Rice Pudding: Something for the novice stitcher. The whole design is done in variations on the Rice Stitch, using only Sullivans #5 pearl cotton.

We also picked up Diamond Delight III, done in lovely autumnal colors, and Autumn Fantasy (being shipped). Can you tell we were in the mood for fall? Could it be that we're tired of the awful heat of the summer, anticipating the cooler temperatures coming in a couple of months?

Brenda Kocher was there for her very first TNNA show. How delightful to finally see her designs in real life! The pictures don't do them justice, but we're working on getting better pictures from her in the near future.

Log Cabin Christmas: This is a brand-new design, just the right size to fit into a boxtop.

Celebration: An oldie but goodie, Brenda's created four new colorways for this design! We got to see samples of a couple of them.

We also picked up Fancywork and Jewels Within and Without.

Nancy Buhl of From Nancy's Needle wasn't there, but her distributor brought her two newest designs, which we had to snap up, of course.

Cardinal Caper: For all you cardinal lovers out there, this is quite nice in autumn colors.

Woodland Star: Absolutely stunning! She uses Caron Collection Watercolours in Rainforest, Chianti, and Seaweed, along with DMC #5 Perle Coton and a bit of sparkle.

Last, but certainly not least, we stopped by to see Kathy Rees of Needle Delights. We picked up two brand-new designs and are awaiting shipment of three new Color Delights creations as soon as they're officially released in the next few months.

Lollipops: A really clever, colorful design. Each lollipop is a different stitch motif!

Color Delights - Plum: The latest in this quick-stitch series, and the colors are beautiful.

Phew! I think I got everything in there.

Wait! One more thing! We recently received Carolyn Mitchell's latest bargello dream design, Florentine Dreams, which is another stunning accomplishment from her. She used a lot of silks, for which she provided DMC cotton floss equivalent. We're using the cottons for our kits, but let us know if you'd rather have the silk.

Now, really, that's it. At least for today.

With Six You Get Eggroll!

2011-08-09T12:36:00.002-04:00

Or in this case, options. Kurdy Biggs has done it again. Her latest design, "A Different View," is loaded with options for you to make the design your own.

This is a truly dynamic design. Kurdy has provided needlepoint charts for six octagons, which can be combined as you wish to create the finished project shown above. You can stitch it just as Kurdy's stitched her model, or you can mix it up with your own choice of four of the six charts. The five small squares can also be switched to suit your fancy. Of course, if you just happen to like the way Kurdy did it, there's absolutely nothing wrong with doing it her way.

She's also provided two other colorways in addition to Black (shown above). They are Golden Glow:

and Koral Kiss:

These are both stitched on hand-dyed canvas from Zweigart. Stunning!

We're offering this innovative design as both the chart and the Black kit. The other two kits will be available on demand. While you're drooling over this fabulous new design, check out the Tools and Accessories we offer.

Trick or Treat! Jeff Kulick Serves Up His Take on Halloween

2011-08-02T16:21:00.000-04:00

Scarlet Thread is excited to introduce another new designer to you: Jeff Kulick. We've been working with him for several months to bring his first chart to you, "Halloween Abstract." Recently, Jeff sat down and answered a barrage of questions we lobbed his way. I think you'll find his take on needlepoint refreshing and inspiring.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, e.g., what region of the US do you live in, what do you do, anything you'd like to share.

I grew up in the Midwest, but I've lived in the Washington, DC, area for more than 30 years. I teach at George Mason University, and I work with a number of publishers reviewing content of cases and books and preparing support materials for textbooks. I'm married with two grown sons and one granddaughter.

When did you start stitching, and what got you interested in it?

I had worked as a carpenter during and right after college, and I've enjoyed making things. I was hooking rugs and my wife was doing needlepoint. I worked with her on a piece and then started working on my own. That was several decades ago.

It's strange for someone who works in education, but I've never taken a class. I collect and read books and articles. I've got probably a couple dozen stitch books or more. When I need a break from the stitching I am doing, I browse through these to come up with new ideas or approaches.

It's also important to talk to other stitchers and the people in the needlepoint supply stores. I've also had the great good fortune to meet and become friends with a number of other designers. And talk to the finishers. Their advice is invaluable.

What do you like most about charted needlepoint? Do you do any other type of needlework?

I like seeing designs emerge, and I customize almost every piece I do — sometimes changing stitches and threads, almost always changing colors. I do work on painted canvasses, even finishing some.

I have tried crossstitch, blackwork, and others, but they don't interest me in the same way.

I start more charts and designs than I finish. I keep looking for new ideas and things to learn. Sometimes I abandon pieces when I think I've learned what I can. I can only recall one piece I was so angry at the poor quality of the instructions and design that I threw it away in disgust.

What was the first piece you designed, and what was your inspiration or motivation?

I began designing pieces soon after I began stitching. I started experimenting with stitches and colors, which I continue doing today.

Today, I often start with a simple design idea, an image, threads, or even a stitch. I also create designs to try new techniques.

What keeps you designing?

I'm also a really good cook. Almost twenty years ago, I realized in mid-March that I had not repeated a menu that year, and that began a challenge that continues today. We don't have the same menu more than once a year. We might have several different kinds of pizza, but not the same one in any given year. It's the same idea in designing and stitching. I recently did four color variations of the same design. It was another experiment and did win an award at Woodlawn, but I'm not doing that again.

If I start running out of ideas, I can always start finishing some of the projects I've started.

You've submitted a lot of finished pieces to needlework exhibitions, and won a number of ribbons, close to 50. How do you see such shows influencing or supporting the needle arts?

I was lucky in terms of exhibitions. The first piece I ever entered won a blue ribbon at Woodlawn, and I was hooked.

Not all the pieces I design or stitch are "competitive." Things that I submit are at a high level of stitching quality and special design. I think these competitions keep raising the bar. I have not gotten an award for each piece I have submitted.

The exhibitions show talent and trends. I learn about new designers and new techniques. I don't copy ideas, but I look at the ways other stitchers are handling challenges.

I don't think every piece should be entered, but I think every stitcher should accept the challenge of creating a piece that should be submitted. Stitching is very personal, and creating an exhibition piece is about stitching at the highest level one can.

You did some experimenting with more than just fiber in one of the designs you entered in the Woodlawn Needlework Exposition this year. Please talk a little about this piece, which we found fascinating.

Ah, that piece. Canvaswork is constrained by the up and down threads. I've played with a lot of designs to push that. One of my pieces that won a lot of recognition included a five-sided figure. That was a real challenge. Circles are a challenge. Curves are a challenge.

The next logical step for me was to look at the canvas ground and change it. I found the idea in New Canvaswork: Creative techniques in needlepoint, by Jill Carter. I found some specialty papers at my local art supply store and online. I then started pulling threads and thinking about specific design ideas. I finally selected a paper with grey, hair-like threads and a black and grey colorway. The design challenge was to find threads and shapes that looked complete but were open to show the paper.

The paper, by the way, was fused to 14-count canvas using iron-on fusing material.

I have been working on designs where some of the canvas shows through. I've also been thinking about designs that go beyond conventional threads.

It's a matter of playing with all these ideas until a good, strong design emerges. Just because you can do some things in needlework doesn't mean you should. It's got to have a unifying idea that pulls everything together. Details are wonderful, but they must support the overall design.

Do you see any particular challenges facing needleworkers today?

You mean besides finding the time to stitch and the money to finish them well?

Here's one: Supporting your needlepoint stores — online and physical stores. Both have roles to play.

I also think it is important to experiment. Right now there are problems with the supply of some wool threads. Wool has good points, but it's not the only thread to use.

What do you do with your needlework once it's been finished?

That depends. Some are framed, others end up as hangings, stockings, or pillows. Most of my completed pieces are simply put into a portfolio or stack. I don't have enough wall space — or the desire — to display all the pieces I've finished. I rotate pieces.

What are you working on now? Do you find yourself stitching other people's designs less often and spending more time doing your own thing?

I've got about ten active projects — some original. I find I'm attracted to experimenting with bargello techniques as a starting point. I also am extending the idea of "Halloween Abstract" to create abstracts for other holidays.

In general, I find myself going back to designs, ideas, and techniques from 20 or 30 years ago and experimenting with new threads and ideas.

And finally, what we're all dying to know: What's it like frequently to be the only guy in the room?

As part of the fraternity of male stitchers and designers, I'm sworn to secrecy.

"Halloween Abstract" is just the first of Jeff's designs that we'll be charting and distributing. So you'll want to keep an eye out for them in the next few months. Meanwhile, click on over to pick up the chart or the kit. And while you're at it, browse our new items.

Wonder from Down Under

2011-07-21T17:28:00.002-04:00

Dawn Mae and I have met so many interesting people from all over the world since we launched scarletthread.com. (I can't believe it's been over a year!) One of those people is Carol Young from Australia, who turns out to be a teacher and designer of some pretty exciting and beautiful charted needlepoint. We're very pleased to introduce you to her and offer you the opportunity to purchase one of her designs, "Twisted Threads." More on that later. First, let's get to know a little more about Carol.

Can you provide us a little background on yourself? Where do you live in Australia? Do you have a “day job” or is needlework your vocation?

Australia has five states and territories; I live in South Australia, noted for great wine making and hosting international arts festivals. That is why Australia calls us the “Festival State.” My family migrated to Australia from England in the 1960s when I was a child, so all of us can claim to be well and truly Aussies by now.

Having worked for many years, in 2010 I decided to semi-retire and try my hand at designing needlework as more than just a hobby.

When did you first start stitching? Do you still have your first piece of needlework?

I think the year would be 1990 that I rediscovered stitching. My first piece of stitching from that far back was a counted cross-stitch kit of a bowl of very colorful tulips on aida cloth. I still have the piece hidden away in the back of the cupboard, where I am very sure it will stay with lots of other finished kits to keep it company.

I think we all have some of those hidden away somewhere. How has your stitching changed over the years?

In the 1990s I joined the Embroiderers Guild of South Australia and found a whole new world of stitching other than cross-stitch. I have tried lots of techniques; but every time I tried to create a freehand circle it turned into a square, so counted forms of stitching are my corner of the stitching world.

I have been privileged to be able to teach several forms of counted embroidery for the Guild in South Australia and interstate in techniques including Wessex, Kogin, Blackwork, Assisi, Temari, and Counted Canvas.

Over the years I have also been lucky to have had several of my designs published in the Australian magazine Embroidery and Cross Stitch and in a book produced through the Guild called Lagartera Embroidery and Stitches from Spain, published in 2003.

My good friend Anne (who is also a dedicated needlepointer) introduced me to counted canvaswork several years ago. She had a friend visit from the United States, who had stitched a box top designed by Orna Willis as a present for Anne. It just knocked my socks off, and I was hooked.

When did you first start designing needlework? Do you design only charted needlepoint, or do you also do counted thread or other types of embroidery?

Although I have several stitched pieces, the first chart was a class design in 2009 called "Twisted Threads" (the one shown here). It was a class design and was the first one fully charted, tested, and taught from my little book of ideas and scribbles. The little book is getting very full, and it was encouragement from my friends and family that convinced me to give designing a try.

Currently I have charts for Lagartera, a specialty-stitch stitching caddy, a blackwork square pincushion, and a perforated-paper ornament. So although needlepoint is not the only technique I stitch, it remains my favorite above the rest.

Please describe your design process.

Designing happens in several ways, depending on my mood. I have a love/hate relationship with my computer, having been raised in the pen-and-paper era. Don’t get me wrong, they are a great tool; but there is something about sitting with a piece of blank canvas and a thread and letting the idea grow on the canvas that is very satisfying. So it starts with a general sketch on graph paper, then stitching directly on to the canvas, and then finally charting it on the computer. This seems to work for me. Inspiration comes from many sources too numerous to mention, but colors light my designing flame. The stitches created by Jean Hilton always make an appearance somewhere in my designs. They just simply rock.

What do you like most about charted canvaswork?

Charted canvaswork from the start was a delight. Being able to stitch complex twisting and turning stitches using a variety of different textured threads on a stable background fabric was just right. The amazing range of threads and colors available is just mind blowing, and now companies are producing hand-dyed canvas in a wonderful and exciting range of colors to add to the mix. It will be so exciting to see what needlepoint supplies will be created in the future.

As a stitcher and designer in Australia, do you face any unique challenges?

In Australia counted canvaswork is still an “undiscovered” technique. If you search for needlepoint in Australia, the vast majority will be tapestry stitched with wool. Some of our shops do bring in canvaswork charts from overseas, but we still have to order the threads from overseas as well to complete them. So currently buying charts and having them kitted is the best way to go. The challenge for me and other designers is to source comparable threads made in Australia and work with them and to convince Australian distributors to bring in threads that just can’t be substituted. In the last year I have met some great people in the stitching industry who are willing to help achieve change for Australian stitchers. I am hopeful that with the right encouragement and promotion, things will change and grow.

Do you have any future designs on the drawing board?

There are always designs waiting to be finalized. I recently invested in a charting program for master charts and stitch diagrams, so little by little I am converting them over from hand drawn diagrams to the much clearer computer-produced ones. In all there are about 12 designs in various stages, so lots for the future. [We're showing you tantalizing bits of three that are in progress now.] Most of the current designs are worked on stretchers bars no bigger than 12”, making them easily portable and economic on threads.

What excites you most about needlepoint today?

Just when I think I have seen it all, someone comes up with something completely new. It is sometimes a new way of using an old thread, or adding beads in a different and unusual way, or a technique not used in needlepoint before.

It’s very exciting to see the changes and to be able to be part of it all.

Are you able to make time for personal stitching?

I will always make time for personal stitching. Whether it is stitching a cyber-class project or one of the many kitted charts I fell in love with while taking a break and surfing the Internet, every one of them teaches you something new. Because I am self-taught, ironing out the bad habits by reading and taking online classes helps a vast amount. We never stop learning.

Scarlet Thread is offering "Twisted Threads," a 4.5" x 4.5" design using Caron Collection Watercolours, ThreadworX Overdyed Cotton Floss, DMC #8 Perle Coton, and Kreinik #8 Braid. In addition to the original, Carol offers three other gorgeous colorways stitched by students in her class, Anne, Karen, and Lis, shown below. Get creative and make up your own in using your favorite overdyed Watercolours and ThreadworX!

While you're over at scarletthread.com, check out the other new items we've added.

More "Stuff" From Debbie Rowley!

2011-07-05T17:34:00.001-04:00

Ever since Debbie Rowley designed "Hot Stuff!", she can't stop returning to it for inspiration. Her latest variation on that theme is a stunner: "Good Stuff."

This intermediate to advanced charted needlepoint piece is 14.75" x 12" on 18-ct. mono canvas, a bit larger than the others. Some of the stitches Debbie's used to create this beautiful design are Rhodes and Rhodes diamond, Scotch, double fan, Amadeus, round Amadeus, Nobuko, rice over trellis and over satin, Hungarian, criss cross Hungarian, point de tresse, herringbone leaf, 6-trip herringbone, herringbone square variation, laced double heringbone, layered cross stitch, Katie's cross, layered grand cross, floral cross, upright cross, smyrna cross, waffle, reverse waffle, Jessica, square Jessica, Maltese cross, Milanese pinwheel, Walneto, mosaic, star, plaited, 8-point star, butterfly eyelet, pyramid, sprat's head, sprat's head heart, mistake pinwheel variation, fern, and laced wheel. Phew! Debbie's usual thorough instructions make up a 115-page book with a fold-out master chart in the back.

There are four colorways provided: Turquoise/Brown (shown above), Pastel, Jewel, and Ecru/Peach. We've kitted up the Turquoise/Brown and Jewel ones, and they're real beauties.

This piece would be a great stitch-along for a group of friends to work on together.

We've also added some of those wonderful frame weights DebBee's Designs produces in conjunction with Arkansas CARES, a nonprofit prevention and treatment program for pregnant women and mothers with substance abuse and mental health problems and their children. Wholesale proceeds from this product go to a foundation to provide medical and dental co-pays for the residents and their children; current residents are providing for future residents on an ongoing basis. These frame weights are fantastic at holding the canvas stretcher bars on a table to make it easier to stitch with both hands and use a laying tool.

One last thing! Here at Scarlet Thread, we like options when it comes to organizing our threads, so we've just added thread drops to the Catalog. The drops are teardrop-shaped pieces of cardboard with a large hole to loop your thread through and a small hole to hang them on a binder ring. You can write the thread type, number, and/or color name in the space between the holes.

So swing by the Web site and browse all the new items. We're always mixing things up, and you never know what you may have missed last time you visited.

Fabulous Fluorite Fantasy From Laura Perin

2011-06-27T10:32:00.000-04:00

We just received, hot off the presses, Laura J. Perin's newest addition to her Impressionist Collection, "Fluorite Fantasy." It is beautiful!

It's all done up in shades of purple and teal, using a variety of stitches. We just know you're going to love this one.

If you're like us, you may be wondering just what is this fluorite? Is it related to the fluoride we use to protect our teeth? Inquiring minds want to know. So I looked it up and found out some interesting things about this mineral composed of calcium fluoride.

Fluorite is said to absorb and neutralize negative vibrations. It is also known as the "Genius Stone," increasing concentration and helping in decision-making. I do believe I should carry one of these around with me at all times.

The ancient Egyptians used fluorite to carve statues and scarabs, and the Chinese have used it in carvings for over 300 years. I would love to see some of these!

We're offering "Fluorite Fantasy" as a complete kit as well, so fly on over to the Catalog to pre-order one now. Be the first in your stitching group to have this gorgeous design!

Beautiful Hand-Painted Canvas

2011-06-21T01:43:00.000-04:00

When we were browsing the Needlework Show in April, we made a fantastic discovery: Nature's Palette hand-painted canvases. This designer has opened up a whole new world of canvas for the needlepointer. The colors are vivid and come in solids, multi-colored, and opalescent. We snapped up several colors in the 10" x 10" size (it also comes 20" x 20").

We can't decide which we love most!

While we were at it, we picked up a couple of chart and canvas ornament kits designed by Laura J. Perin for Nature's Palette. At 3.5" x 3.5", they're perfect to tuck into your bag and take with you wherever you go. What a great way to try out this new line of canvas!

Pinwheel & Stars includes an 8" x 8" piece of Sunset canvas. We've added the Watercolours, DMC #5 perle coton, and Kreinik #12 braid to complete the kit.

Snowflake Square includes an 8" x 8" piece of Turquoise canvas. And again, we've added the Watercolours, DMC #5 perle coton, and Kreinik #12 braid to complete the kit.

So what are you waiting for? Follow the links to see these for yourself. Then browse the rest of the new items while you're there. You never know what you may have missed since you checked in last.

New Patriotica from Laura J. Perin! UPDATE

2011-06-14T10:02:00.003-04:00

We just got word from Laura Perin about her latest design, "Red, White & Blue Panel." Even as I write, the patterns are winging their way to us and we're pulling together threads and canvas for kits.

What a great addition to her Long Panel series, and just in time for Independence Day. Laura has pulled her reds, whites, and blues from two Caron Collection Watercolours overdyed cottons and DMC #5, adding metallic ribbon and braid for lots of sparkle!

UPDATE: Click on over to the Catalog to order your kit now!

Lady Gaea Is in the House!

2011-06-11T10:13:00.005-04:00

That's right. We now have the complete kit for Threedles Needlework Designs' Cat's Eyes in the Gaea colorway. These colors are absolutely gorgeous.

Kurdy stitched this beautiful colorway on a lovely hand-painted canvas; we've substituted aquamarina as a more economical alternative that works very well with her thread selection. The pinks, ranging from soft to deep shades, absolutely pop against it.

Along with the chart and the canvas you get the following threads and beads: Access Commodities Accentuate and Bijoux; Rainbow Gallery Crystal Braid, Neon Rays, Treasure Braid Petite, Very Velvet Petite, Silk Lame Braid, Splendor, and Sparkle! Braid; Gloriana silk floss; Gumnuts Stars; Kreinik #4 and #8 Braid; Thread Gatherer Silk 'N Colors; Miyuki Rocailles Beads; Mill Hill seed beads; twisted bugle beads; and 240 bicone crystals!

We've also just added Kurdy's new Mirror, Mirror, another sparkly geometric design. This one comes in three colorways: Carousel, lovely pastels; Embers, a fiery gem; and Victorian Jewel, purples with a shot of teal and green. Just look!

So tool on over to the Threedles section of our Catalog and check everything out. For those who love bling, this is the place to go!

Lavender Logs Kit from Brenda Kocher

2011-06-06T11:13:00.000-04:00

Brenda Kocher recently released a beautiful charted needlepoint design based on the traditional log cabin quilt. We've now kitted up Lavender Logs and just love the colors!

With just a few threads, Brenda has created a dynamic, textured piece with lots of different stitches. We love the counterpoint of the blue against the lavender!

When she released Lavender Logs, Brenda also brought out a new bargello design, Bodacious Bargello, that we think is just gorgeous.

Don't you just love those bright colors? While you're over there in the Scarlet Thread Catalog, check out the rest of Brenda's designs.

Peony Collage, Prelude to Summer

2011-06-03T10:40:00.000-04:00

Laura Perin's newest addition to her Secret Garden Collection of charted needlepoint designs is a stunner. The Peony Collage focuses on one of the most beautiful, fragrant harbingers of summer. Who can resist those beautiful blossoms?

We've kitted up this lovely design, opting to use her suggested alternative ThreadworX Overdyed Cotton Floss, a lovely spring-green variegated thread that complements the Caron Collection Primrose Watercolours. The perle coton, cotton floss, and metallic threads are scrumptious shades of pinks and greens, with a dash of orange, yellow, and brown for the stamens and pistils.

Cruise on over to the Catalog to check out more of Laura's designs and kits. They're hard to resist!

Blues in the Night, Another Oldie but Goodie From Jim Wurth

2011-05-18T13:54:00.000-04:00

Somebody posted a picture of their finished Blues in the Night, so we immediately started digging in the Rainbow Gallery vault to see if we could find it. Success! We've not only found the pattern, we've kitted it up for you.

Just look at these threads! It's a very sparkly piece, done up in shades of turquoise, silver, and black in silk, metallic, and rayon.

We can see this in many different color combinations. Just pick a solid color, and we'll match up a metallic and neutral color that work with it. Click on over to the Catalog to see our Blues in the Night kit now!

Kaleidoscopic Kits from Kurdy

2011-05-11T11:07:00.000-04:00

They're here! We've finally assembled all the materials for two of the colorways of Cat's Eyes, the stunning charted needlepoint design that received a first-place ribbon at the 48th Annual Woodlawn Needlework Exhibition in March. As things came in, we found that as usual, the pictures of the finished pieces don't do justice to the fabulous colors and textures.

Isn't Cleopatra beautiful? You're seeing everything but the beads, and boy are there beads! In addition to Mill Hill beads and twisted bugle beads, you get 276 crystal bicones in a rainbow of colors: topaz, green, red, aquamarine, and olive. We're using a sandstone canvas with this colorway.

Venus is absolutely gorgeous! We love the rich jewel tones of this colorway. As Dawn was putting the kit together, she kept double-checking to make sure she had it right, the picture was so deceptive. This too includes many beads, with Miyuki Rocailles, twisted bugle beads, and 234 crystal bicones in fuchsia, olive, amethyst, and aqua. Dazzling!

We have limited quantities available right now but will be keeping these beauties in stock.

Lois Caron's Garden of Delights

2011-05-07T08:51:00.000-04:00

It's springtime, and our thoughts turn to gardens and gardening. Lois Caron's latest quilt-block design, Prairie Garden, looks to be a fun and interesting project.

A variety of stitches create her silky garden: continental, spider, satin, mosaic, basketweave, cross-stitch, and more. Using Soie Cristale and Waterlilies in yummy shades of green, fuchsia, peach, brick, and black on 18-ct white mono canvas, you'll bring this garden to life.

We've kitted it up for the 9" x 9" design pictured here and on the cover of the pattern, but Lois has also provided charts for medium-, small-, and ornament-sized designs in the chart pack. Check it out!

While you're over there in the Catalog, check out the other new items we've added. We'll be adding more in the next few days.

Last Call!

2011-04-30T13:27:00.001-04:00

For the ANG 2011 Stitch of the Month thread and congress cloth/canvas kits.

We have a few left. Once they're gone, we won't be stocking them anymore. This year's mystery is full of interesting stitches so far, with the next installment due to be published tomorrow. Check it out on the ANG Web site, then click on over to our Catalog to order your kit. It won't take long to catch up!

Bonkers for Bargello!

2011-04-28T12:32:00.000-04:00

It must be bargello season! At least that's the way Scarlet Thread sees it, along with ANG, which featured several bargello projects in the latest issue of Needle Pointers. We're very pleased to offer LIZART's latest designs by Liz Morrow as complete kits.

First up is Vegas Nights, a striking contemporary design in vivid shades of red with accents of black and silver. She's used scrumptious Silk & Ivory along with Rainbow Gallery and YLI metallics. I like the unpredictability of the pattern, oh so appropriately evocative of what goes on in Las Vegas.

Next is Hens & Chicks, a delightful small, very portable project to tuck into your bag. As soon as I saw this, I knew I'd have to stitch it. It reminds me of the garden in the side yard of the house I grew up in, a lovely old Victorian on the edge of a small town in northeastern Maryland. I loved the half-barrel pot of hens and chicks somebody thought was a nice accent piece. They were right! Liz has captured it beautifully.

Finally, we have White Noise, a lovely monochromatic piece. Liz has put a lot of texture into this design, using cotton, silk and wool, rayon, metallic, and angora threads in shades of white. We could easily customize this kit in the color of your choice. Just send the number and name of the Watercolours color you'd like to use as the foundation thread to customerservice@scarletthread.com, and we'll pull the rest of the threads to go with it. (Because of dye-lot variations, we'll use the Watercolours we have in inventory at the time.)

These are not the only new items in our Catalog. Click on over and see what you can find. We're adding new items daily.

New Arrivals from Carolyn Mitchell; Coming Attractions from Lizart and Threedles

2011-04-13T13:07:00.000-04:00

A while back we promised to let you know what goodies had arrived from Carolyn Mitchell Designs. Our package included more of her monthly 5" x 5" charted needlepoint designs, which are very portable, quick, and interesting pieces to stitch. We've filled out the line and now have all of them. There are a few missing months, so maybe Carolyn will be designing them soon. Here are the ones we have in stock now:

January Chills

February Fever

April Flowers

July Sunset

August Evening

September Morn

October Moon

November Rose

December Dawn

You can find all of these in the Carolyn Mitchell Designs section of the Charts category in our Catalog.

Another interesting, much larger, and more complex canvaswork project is In My Wildest Dreams, a crazy-patch design that Carolyn says is a great stash project. It uses four colors (six skeins) of DMC #5 perle coton and a couple of Caron Collection Watercolours for the foundation. You add the accent color and texture from your stash of threads. The possibilities for making it your own are endless.

And we're expecting a new design any day now, Diamond Dreams, recently released in Toronto at Gitta's Getaway. We'll let you know when it comes in, along with more stock of the other charts we've been talking about. They're going fast!

We're also very excited to bring you some new bargello designs from Lizart next week. We're kitting up her most recent designs: White Noise, Vegas Nights, and Hens & Chicks. The patterns have arrived and the materials are ordered. As soon as we have everything in hand, we'll post pictures of these beauties.

Update on Cat's Eyes from Kurdy Biggs of Threedles: We've got the patterns in and the materials for the kits ordered. Watch for those to appear soon in the Catalog.

Kurdy Biggs Wins Big at Woodlawn!

2011-03-28T18:56:00.000-04:00

Scarlet Thread introduced you to Kurdy Biggs, the designer behind Threedles, last fall. Imagine our delight to discover that her newest design had won a First-Place ribbon at the 48th Annual Woodlawn Needlework Exhibition in Mount Vernon, Virginia. Looking Glass, also there, won an Honorable Mention ribbon. We caught up with Kurdy recently to talk about her work and her exciting new design, Cleopatra's Eyes.

Can you provide a bit of background on your relationship with needlework? When did you first start stitching, and what did you stitch?

I started stitching when I was about 8 years old. My parents went to Williamsburg, VA, every year and would bring me back one of those stamped cross-stitch samplers of the historic buildings. I used to wait for them to return, so I could see, and touch, the colors I received that year.

How has this evolved?

Well, I stepped up to the large samplers that had embroidery at the bottom section, and I was off. I think I embroidered on anything I could in my teens, my jeans, my shirts, and some very large samplers. I did some counted cross-stitch, and some traditional needlepoint throughout the years. Then I ran across Susan Portra and Jean Hilton, and I was hooked on counted canvas. I had a history of creating Christmas ornaments as “bows” on presents to family and friends, and this evolved into my own counted cross-stitch and needlepoint designs as ornaments.

What path led you to designing these gorgeous pieces?

Basically two things led me to trying my first design. The first factor was that I was having trouble finding something that was interesting to me to stitch. The second factor was that after relocating to Colorado, I needed to either restart my previous business or try something new. So with the encouragement of family and friends, I decided to try designing needlepoint.

Was “Looking Glass” your first design? How has it been received?

“Looking Glass” was my first full-size design that is based on kaleidoscopic images. Since I am new to this profession, it is hard for me to tell how well “Looking Glass” has been received, However, I am happy with its success.

Could you describe your design process? Where do you get your inspiration?

For years my husband and I have collected kaleidoscopes, especially the oil-filled, dichroic glass ones. Every time we would take them out, I would look at the images and think “I would really like to be able to stitch this.” So with this idea, I did some sketches, sat down at the computer with a graphic design program, and started to draw. I also wanted to try to design something that was not so rectangular. I must also admit that at first, the “drawing” took lots of computer support from my husband!

You focus primarily on charted needlepoint designs. What intrigues you most about this form of needlepoint?

Possibilities, variability, and flexibility. There are so many possible options among the stitches, the colors, and the fibers. You could never stitch them all. And did I mention all the fibers? I LOVE using new and different fibers; the more sparkle, the better. That said, I find that this form of needlework lets me be my most creative; the canvas is strong enough to support the different stitches and fibers without distorting like embroidery on fabric can.

We’ve noticed that you stitch (or have stitched) all of your colorways (thank you!). Why do you believe this is important?

Each colorway I stitch teaches me something about what looks “good” and what doesn’t meet my expectations. Each extends my understanding and appreciation for the fibers I am using. When I stitch each colorway, the results are all slightly different. I may not always use the same fiber for the same stitch, I might try using more than one color in a stitch, or I might place something slightly differently. Therefore, by the time I make the final chart, I have decided which version I like the most. However, I must say that the choice of colors and fibers is my opinion only, and stitchers should always feel free to try alternative stitch options, fibers, or colors that they prefer. I also encourage you to embellish the piece as you like. Just because I like crystals, that doesn’t mean you have to use them!

What are your future design plans?

I am working (on the computer) on a new project called “A Different View,” which is also based on a kaleidoscope. If it turns out as I am planning (sometimes the design winds up going its own way), the design will have four main panels, but I will give you six panels to choose from. This should allow the stitcher to choose both the panels and where to place them in the design. I am also hoping to include some other options, so this piece could have a large number of variations.

Finally, are you able to find time to stitch for pleasure? Care to tell us what you’re stitching on right now?

My stitching for pleasure is still my new designs. I am always worried that I will not have something new to stitch! This is probably why I sit at the computer and design new patterns, when I should be working on the charts and finalizing a completed written pattern!

Right now I am stitching on a design called “Mirror, Mirror.” As you can probably guess, it is based on mirror images of a set of stitches. This is a smaller and easier design that takes one section and its mirror image to make up the entire design. I believe people will enjoy stitching it because once you have the first section done you know how to do the stitches, however, the orientation changes.

Scarlet Thread is offering both a complete kit and a thread, bead, and canvas kit for two colorways of Looking Glass! (They're going fast; we're restocking the threads now.) Check out the beautiful threads for the Black and Yellow versions. We expect to have Cleopatra's Eyes in the store within the next few weeks, as soon as Kurdy finishes the chart.

Eye Candy!

2011-03-21T14:19:00.000-04:00

Spring is busting out all over! (If you know Sara Leigh, she's likely to be bursting into song right about now.) We've been getting in lots of new and exciting things.

First is Debbie Rowley's newest, Diamond Delight 8, a beautiful study in turquoise, brown, and green.

We just love the undulating stitches and that pop of green! We're offering both the chart and the complete kit, which will be shipping by the end of the week.

Next is Laura J. Perin's Box of Chocolates, a mouth-watering collection of cherry cordials in two colorways.

This scrumptious design can be done in Dark Pink, as shown above, or in Red. We have both the chart and the complete kit, shipping this week.

Just arrived and not even opened yet: A box of charts from Carolyn Mitchell Designs. Check back tomorrow to see what was inside.

Things That Go Bump in the Night

2011-03-03T15:23:00.000-05:00

June McKnight publishes great, stitcher-friendly needlepoint books. And she's just brought out her fifteenth: Spooky Stitches. What a great idea! A book full of stitches and threads meant for all those Halloween-themed canvases and designs.

June used her very usable spiral-bound, small pocket-size format that stitchers find so easy to keep handy and refer to while stitching. Each stitch is represented on a two-page spread that shows a stitched example, including the threads used, on the left page and the stitch diagram and instructions on the right page.

She's also included a handy classification of the stitches by use, e.g., Architecture, Clothing, Florals, at the beginning. The stitches are presented in alphabetical order following that. The Table of Contents, actually the index, is at the end.

Check out our June McKnight section of the catalog to see the other books we have in stock. If you don't see the one you want, just let us know and we'll order it for you.

Fresh From Nashville

2011-02-24T15:01:00.000-05:00

Kathy Rees of Needle Delights has been very, very busy recently. She had several new releases for the Nashville show last weekend, and we just received ours. So quickly, here's the rundown.

We've put together everything for the kit of Appalachia, which is a vision in purples, blues, and greens.

This is Kathy's latest design in her Destination Series, and it's a companion to Sierra. At 10" x 5", it's a nice portable piece. I'm loving this canvaswork design!

Rainforest Revisited is just what you'd think. Kathy liked her Rainforest Crunch so much, she decided to do another, related piece that uses the same basic threads but with more squares and more stitches. It's another beauty.

This charted needlepoint design is 8" x 16" and can be framed either vertically, as shown, or horizontally. I love the play of colors in this, and I think I like it more than Rainforest Crunch.

Finally, we have the four most recent additions to the Color Delights series. In chronological order (I think), they are Rust, Ice, Rose, and Camouflage. Rose and Camouflage are the designs released at Nashville. Each of these is the very portable 4" x 4" size, so you always have something to carry along with you in your bag.

Wow! It's like Needle Delights just exploded all over our blog!

Up in the Air with Laura Perin & Orna Willis

2011-02-15T15:31:00.000-05:00

Have you seen the latest?

Laura J. Perin has just come out with another design in her American Quilt Collection, and it's a beauty. Stars are the motifs for this study in blues and purples, all done up in Caron Collection Watercolours, DMC #5 perle coton, and YLI ribbon floss on 18-ct canvas. We've got the Winter Sky kit all ready to ship today, so check it out!

Our second design with a sky theme is another oldie but goodie, this time from Orna Willis. Regal Sunrise is a charted needlepoint design that she created for Rainbow Gallery in 1997. The colors are gorgeous, and we'll be offering the kit as soon as all the fibers get here. In the meantime, feast your eyes on this vivid design.

Stunning Glitz & Glamour Harlequin Opal from DebBee's Designs

2011-02-05T11:51:00.002-05:00

We think Debbie Rowley's outdone herself on her latest addition to the Glitz & Glamour series. Harlequin Opal is gorgeous!

This fascinating design is a fun stitch for the intermediate to advanced stitcher with the variety of stitches and threads. And it's a portable piece at 5.75" x 5.75" on 12" stretcher bars. We're working on the kit right now and hope to have it ready in the next week or two. We'll be sure to let you know.

Debbie's not one to rest on her laurels. She's also produced a new floral mosaic, only it's not just one design but eight! That's right. Eight extreme close-ups are included in her Pansy Portraits book. Like her American Beauty, the designs are made up of 4 x 4 thread stitches, and each stitch uses a different thread. There are 34 stitch and color variations! Take a look.

Recently we received a picture from a customer who purchased Debbie's Fun Stuff! kit. JoAnn has been enjoying stitching it and couldn't wait to finish it before showing it off. We think you'll agree, it's beautiful. Be sure to click on it to see a larger version that shows off the fun stitches Debbie used in this piece.

Check Out the New Items Just Added Today

2011-01-25T12:10:00.000-05:00

We've added a bunch of new patterns to the Catalog today. The newest chart is Nancy Buhl's Carnival, a colorfully vivid addition to her Regional Quilt Series. Just look how the colors pop!

This is a good design for someone who's just starting with canvaswork or a quick stitch for the experienced needlepointer who wants a break from all those BAPs in rotation.

Carolyn Mitchell recently released a design previously only available in a class: My Secret Garden. This intermediate charted needlepoint design is an enchanting stitch, using a variety of threads and stitches. You'll get a chance to try several silks and metallics, including Caron Collection Waterlilies, Rainbow Gallery Splendor, Au ver a Soie Soie d'Alger, and Kreinik braid, ribbon, and Silk Mori. Rainbow Gallery Very Velvet Petite and Caron Collection Impressions provide a bit of texture.

This is the Spring colorway.

And this is the Holiday colorway.

She's also provided an Autumn version for a total of three different looks.

We've also added some other charts from Carolyn Mitchell and Laura Perin, so hop over to Browse New Items and see what you "need."

Don't forget: We are always happy to kit up any of our charts. Just ask! It may take a couple of weeks to get all of the materials in.

You can get it with canvas now!

2011-01-12T13:34:00.000-05:00

The ANG 2011 SOTM thread pack, that is. Due to popular request, we've added the canvas kit to the Catalog. The only changes in the threads are a switch from #12 perle coton to #8. The price, based on the higher cost of the canvas vs. congress cloth, is $52.98.

Update on ANG 2011 Stitch of the Month Thread Packs

2011-01-06T10:58:00.000-05:00

It's official! We've added the "Flowers of Italy" thread pack as well as a thread and congress cloth kit to the Catalog. The threads alone are $43.00, and the kit is $47.00. We've had a request for the threads with canvas instead, so we're working that up too.

If you'd like a custom colorway for this year's mystery by Ro Pace, just e-mail customerservice@scarletthread.com and tell us your choice of a variegated silk or cotton stranded floss. Be sure it includes at least three colors. We'll pull together the rest of the threads you need and suggest an appropriate canvas color for the ground. The cost will vary on this, depending on your thread selection.

ANG Stitch of the Month 2011

2011-01-01T14:14:00.000-05:00

Today's the day we've all been waiting for! ANG has announced the 2011 Stitch of the Month mystery design, Flowers of Italy by Ro Pace. This design promises to be a beauty and exciting to stitch. Since it's a mystery, all we know so far is that it's a grid of 10 24 x 24 diamond areas to be released February through November, with a final wrap-up in December.

Scarlet Thread will be offering thread packs of the gorgeous original colorway that Ro used.

Pictured are all but two threads, the arrival of which we're awaiting: J.L. Walsh Silk Perle and Access Commodities Accentuate (a gold/multi metallic). We think this original colorway is enticing enough to get us started, but we may just have to delve into our variegated silk flosses to see what other palettes we can come up with. Someone has developed one that is similar to the Peacock colorway that Sara Leigh's using for Stars for a New Millenium.

We'll be adding the thread pack to our catalog within the next few days, as soon as we nail down the pricing. Please don't hesitate to e-mail us with your choice of a variegated thread for your own custom colorway. The threads are a mix of silk floss, silk perle, perle coton, and metallic; but you may choose to do all silks or all cottons with the one metallic. For a more economical alternative, Carrie's Creation Threads makes both silk and cotton overdyes that are absolutely gorgeous, and we have them. If you don't see the color you want in our catalog, just e-mail us and we'll get it in either the silk or the cotton, your choice.

Check back in a couple of days for an update.

What's New From Laura J. Perin Designs, You Ask?

2010-12-22T11:43:00.000-05:00

Scarlet Thread just can't keep up with the new arrivals from Laura Perin these days. Our latest are a couple of fun, quick stitches.

First is a new entry in the American Quilt Collection, Red Hot Peppers. (This actually came out right before her Long Autumn Panel, but we got distracted by that beauty.) We now have kits available for Red Hot Peppers, in two colorways: Red and Orange. Just look!

Both colorways share the brown, yellow, and gold threads in the center. The Red colorway is pictured on the cover of the pattern. Our kit provides the chart, threads, canvas, and needles for just $47.25.

This design is suitable for a beginner, since it's all stitched in diagonal satin stitches of various lengths except for Laura's new stitch, the Long Triangle used in the hot pepper border. That means it's also a quick stitch for you experienced stitchers, making it perfect for that last-minute gift or if you need a break from all those Hilton stitches you've been doing lately.

What's the other new design? At the end of last week, we received Laura's Holiday Ornaments, Series 1. That's right, a new series of charted needlepoint ornament designs. These are small quilt blocks that measure 4.5" x 4.5" on 18-ct mono canvas.

You can finish them in a variety of ways, for example, as a set of coasters, individually in a boxtop, combined in one canvas as a square or long panel, or a pillowtop. They work up to about 3.5" x 3.5" on 24-ct congress cloth if you'd like something a little smaller and finer looking. They're truly a versatile design. Of course, you can also do them up in any colors you happen to like, changing them to fit the season or your mood.

And as 2010 draws to a close, Scarlet Thread would like to wish everyone happy holidays and a prosperous New Year!

Gift Idea #4: Jean Hilton's Crown of Hearts

2010-12-15T12:50:00.001-05:00

This may be the last in our series of gift ideas as the clock ticks away the days left until Christmas. I'm trying not to think of how many are left myself. So I thought what would be better than to wind up with a real winner that was recently the talk of the needlework discussion groups.

Jean Hilton created Crown of Hearts, a lovely charted needlepoint design, for Rainbow Gallery in 1989. An Oldie but Goodie, it's still a beautiful canvaswork piece to stitch.

What a beautiful, soft palette. Our kit includes crystal beads, but you could also use a mauve or grape bead to change it up a bit. Maybe use both colors. We just like the subtlety of the crystal beads. Check out this beautiful little design in our Catalog, value priced at $23.40.

Gift Idea #3: Jim Wurth's Silken Sonata

2010-12-13T16:56:00.000-05:00

The Silken series of charted needlepoint projects that Jim Wurth designed for Rainbow Gallery a while back contains three canvaswork designs that are small and quick to stitch. We started with the kit for Silken Serenade and have now added the other two. Today we focus on Silken Sonata, a pretty little 4" x 4" design stitched on 18-ct mono canvas in Victorian Green. It's done in a gorgeous combination of coppery metallics and cream silks. Take a look:

Isn't it festive? We have it all ready to ship at $20.70, a real value, so stop by the Catalog and place your order now.

Gift Idea #2: Caron Collection Tiny Treasures in a Box

2010-12-11T12:57:00.001-05:00

Lois Caron's Tiny Treasures charted needlepoint pattern is a great source of quick gift ideas. She's provided nine designs for you to choose from, some on 18-ct canvas and others on 24-ct congress cloth. All are designed to fit into the top of Sudberry's Mini Box. Dawn and I whipped up a couple of the designs so you could see just how lovely they are!

These small canvaswork designs are also a great way to use up those threads left over from other projects. Each design requires just a few lengths of several threads. The design for the top box used one color of Caron Collection Watercolours and one color of Caron Collection Snow. You could also use Rainbow Gallery Silk Lame instead of the Snow for a slightly different effect. For the bottom box, I used five colors of Thread Gatherer Silk 'N Colors instead of Watercolours. You're limited only by your imagination and your stash.

We're offering a limited quantity of kits for that last-minute holiday or hostess gift. The Tiny Treasures Kit includes the chart, the box, and a piece of canvas for only $31.00. You supply the threads. Hurry on over to the Catalog and order yours today!

Gift Idea #1: Jean Hilton's Standing Ovation Kit

2010-12-09T10:05:00.000-05:00

When I saw the pattern for this Jean Hilton charted needlepoint piece, I thought, well, it's okay, nice stitches, but what does it really look like? Then we brought in the threads, and what a difference! This piece will make a beautiful gift, either to stitch and put into a boxtop or on a pillow for someone special or to give to a stitching friend. Just look!

Aren't those burgundy, deep rose, and pink colors beautiful! And so sparkly with all the Gold Rush 14 and 18! You just don't get the true effect from the picture on the cover of the pattern. Our Standing Ovation Kit is a great value at $27.90, so click on over to the Catalog and check it out!

Holiday and Hostess Gift Ideas!

2010-12-07T11:49:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post, more to come later (after Sara Leigh finally gets her act together and takes some pictures).

We've got some great kits that are perfect either to give as a gift to a stitcher or to stitch as a gift. Check out the Jean Hilton section for a couple of small charted needlepoint kits and Jim Wurth's section for some newly added small canvaswork kits.

Sara Leigh will be posting a new item every day for the next week or so. There are limited quantities of some of these items, since they're subject to stock on hand or time constraints for restocking our inventory. If time gets short, we can ship overnight at cost, no extra fees attached.

New Laura J. Perin Design: Long Autumn Panel

2010-11-15T20:27:00.000-05:00

That's right. Another new design from Laura Perin, the second long sampler panel, and this is a beauty! Laura just sent us this preview so we could have it ready for you by the end of the week.

Like One Long Panel, this purple and orange design is based on a single Caron Collection Watercolours, with DMC #5 perle coton, YLI ribbon floss, and Kreinik braid completing the colorway. She's provided an alternative colorway in teals and oranges. The two Watercolours are vibrant!

We'll be offering Color Play: Long Autumn Panel as a chart, kit, and thread pack. Preorder yours now! We expect to receive the charts in the next few days.

An Exciting New Designer, Threedles

2010-11-02T18:24:00.000-04:00

While browsing the recent online Needlework Show, we were excited to discover Threedles Needleart Design, showcasing the artistry of Kurdy Biggs. We think you'll find these two charted needlepoint designs fascinating and irresistible.

"Looking Glass" is a stunning 12.75" diamond offered with three different colorways, based on Black (pictured), Blue, and Yellow canvas. It uses a wide variety of threads and stitches and looks to be an interesting stitching experience for the intermediate stitcher.

"Seasonal Rays" is a visually arresting small piece, 6.5" square, perfect for toting along wherever you go. There are four colorways based on (surprise!) the seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall (pictured), and Winter, all using a nice variety of threads and stitches.

Hurry over to the Catalog and check them out. You don't want to miss these!

Beautiful Colors for "Tuscan Midnight"

2010-10-28T15:44:00.002-04:00

Kathy Rees's new charted needlepoint design, "Tuscan Midnight," comes with not one, not three, not even six, but nine different colorways using 10 Caron Collection Watercolours threads (14 skeins in all) and 1 Kreinik #12 Braid! We're offering to kit this pattern on request, for our discounted kit price of $90.00. To make your selection easier, we've taken photos of all of the Watercolours used in each. Feast your eyes!

Original

Cool Blues

Spring

Brights

Winter

Purple/Brown

"Rainforest Crunch"

Autumn (Green)

Autumn (Blue)

Now that you've made up your mind, place your order today for the "Tuscan Midnight" Kit!

A New Twist for the Glitz & Glamour Series

2010-10-28T12:09:00.000-04:00

Debbie Rowley decided to "kick it up a notch" for her latest Glitz & Glamour charted needlepoint design, Tourmaline (Watermelon). For the first time, she's used two colors instead of her usual monochromatic color scheme, and we think it's a winner!

Aren't those pinks and greens gorgeous? And with this design, we're giving options to buy the kit, the chart, or the thread pack. That's right. The threads only. That way, if you managed to snap up the chart when you saw Debbie at the ANG National Seminar, you can now get all the threads in one place!

We'll be making thread packs available for most of the items we kit up. Check the Catalog to find more of the thread packs for recent new arrivals, especially Fun Stuff!, American Beauty, and Glitz & Glamour Turquoise.

The pricing for Glitz & Glamour Tourmaline is $63.90 for the full kit, $48.85 for the thread pack, and $16.00 for the chart.

Remember, too, that we're happy to kit up any of the charts we have in the catalog. We can normally ship within 2 weeks.

Ready to Go!

2010-10-21T17:09:00.000-04:00

This is just a quick post as I prepare to get away for the weekend. We'll be shipping the first Fun Stuff! and American Beauty kits early next week. That's right! We'll finally have everything we need on Monday. So get on over to the Catalog and place your orders now.

Something Old, Something New, Nothing Borrowed, but Something Blue Coming Soon: Jim Wurth, Jean Hilton, Kathy Rees for Needle Delights

2010-10-04T10:27:00.003-04:00

After the great response we got for the Keiko kit, we looked a little farther in the Rainbow Gallery treasure chest and found a delightful trio of designs that Jim Wurth created for them in 2001: Silken Serenade, Silken Sonata, and Silken Symphony. By an unscientific, random process, we selected one to kit up for you at a very reasonable $20.70:

Jean Hilton's Crown of Hearts has stirred some interest in the blogosphere lately, so we went on a hunt for it. Imagine our surprise when we found it buried in Rainbow Gallery's vault. She designed this beautiful piece for them in 1989. Nearby, we also found Standing Ovation, another Hilton design from 1996. Both are very affordable charts at $4.00, and we'd be happy to kit them up on request. Remember, all kits are discounted 10%. Crown of Hearts calls for some discontinued threads that Rainbow Gallery has suggested appropriate substitutions for, and it would make a lovely keepsake boxtop for a gift, if a pillowtop isn't your thing.

And now for something new! We've added a couple of new designs by Kathy Rees for Needle Delights Originals: Cocoa and Tangerine, both from her Color Delights series. And we finally have all the materials for Lavender Fields, a real beauty! It uses ThreadworX overdyed cotton floss and overdyed Kreinik #5 braid along with a couple of Anchor flosses, and the discounted kit price is $64.80. Gorgeous!

Last, but not least, we have a recent addition to Nancy Buhl's (From Nancy's Needle) American Life Series, School Days. It's a very sweet, small design at 4" x 8", using Caron Collection Watercolours, DMC #5 perle coton, Kreinik #12 braid, and Weeks Dye Works #5 perle coton. Let us know if you'd like this kitted up.

What about the blue? We're receiving the materials for Debbie Rowley's new designs, and hope to have the kits ready this week for Glitz & Glamour Turquoise and Fun Stuff. You'll be seeing red once we get American Beauty's materials in, all in overdyed cottons!

Talking With Debbie Rowley of DebBee's Designs

2010-09-25T12:44:00.001-04:00

I met Debbie Rowley about five years ago, at the Charlotte Market, in preparation for opening Scarlet Thread in Vienna, Virginia. I was taken by her canvaswork ornaments and purchased a bunch, not realizing what they were. I've learned a lot since then.

Every year I look forward to going to TNNA's Columbus NeedleArts Market to see just what Debbie's been up to and take in the beauty of all her stitched models. This year, Dawn and I warned Debbie that we wanted to interview her for It's a Stitchy Thing, and we finally followed through in time for the release of her latest designs at the St. Charles Needlecraft Market, opening today. I think you're going to enjoy learning how she comes up with her amazing needlepoint designs.

We’ve long admired your charted canvas designs. As you know, we regularly feature your charts as well as complete kits for them on our Web site, scarletthread.com. When did you first start designing needlepoint?

I started changing things about other designs probably 15 years ago. About 12 years ago I started making up my own designs, primarily ornaments for exchange with my friends. Then 8 years ago I started DebBee’s Designs.

You focus primarily on charted needlepoint designs. What do you like most about charted canvaswork?

I like the variety of threads and stitches that can be used on canvas. Fabric just can’t accommodate the ribbons and heavier textures, because the holes are too small and the fabric not stiff enough to support highly textured threads and stitches. Canvas is a wonderful medium to play with what’s possible with a needle and thread. I’ve chosen to focus on charted canvas rather than painted canvas because it’s generally less expensive than painted and allows the stitcher to change colors to suit his/her own tastes.

Could you describe your design process?

It’s different depending on the project. Some designs pretty much pop into my head, complete, and I just have to get them into the computer. Other designs fight me, and I have starts and stops, and struggles to make a complete design. Sometimes I start designing one thing and it turns into something else. Mostly a design starts with an idea, then I sit down at the computer and make it into a design. I never start with needle and thread; when I sit down to stitch I have a computer printout, much like the graph in one of my finished charts. After I have the design mostly worked out, I may tweak as I stitch, but it’s fairly complete from the computer. I design everything in black and white. When I have the design completed, I go to the needlework shop and pull every texture of thread in the colors I think I may want to use, including beads. I may or may not use them, but I want them ready to hand. I usually start the color scheme based on an overdyed thread, or a combination that appeals to me, and choose colors from there.

Fun Stuff

You're releasing two new designs in St. Charles, Fun Stuff and American Beauty. What was your inspiration for them?

Fun Stuff was inspired by another design, Hot Stuff. So many stitchers have had fun playing with Hot Stuff, changing the colors and enjoying the stitching, that I decided to try again. There may be a third design like this, in a different overall shape, but we’ll see where inspiration takes me! I took some stitches that I haven’t done before (Jean Hilton’s infinity stitch, interlocking Jessicas, etc.) and incorporated them, plus some interesting patterns of satin stitches. There are a couple of stitches that I “made up,” at least couldn’t find in any of my stitch reference books. I’ve taught Fun Stuff prerelease to 18 stitchers at two different shops, and 5 have already completed it! Of course, most everyone has done different colors, and I’ve loved seeing how the different color schemes have turned out.

American Beauty was inspired by two things: this year’s American Needlepoint Guild Quest challenge for the annual exhibit and an exhibit I viewed in San Jose, CA, of works by artist Chuck Close. The Quest challenge was defined as “Manipulated Mosaics”; I knew this would be the theme when I visited the San Jose Art Museum on a trip in December and happened to see an exhibit of Chuck Close’s work. He works in mosaics as an artist, creating amazing portraits with blobs of paper, thumbprints, and other things. I was struck by how much his mosaics looked like needlepoint stitches and decided to give it a try. My husband said he was watching me look at the artwork, and he could see the “wheels turning” as I examined the portraits, trying to figure out how to interpret with my needle what I was seeing.

American Beauty

I have entered American Beauty into the exhibit, and I hope the seminar attendees like it. I haven’t done many representational designs, so this is quite a departure from the abstract for me. I selected stitches that covered 4 x 4 canvas threads and used all overdyed cotton flosses, a different floss for each stitch. There are eight threads and eight stitches in the design. In essence, I used the stitches like mosaic tiles. Interestingly enough, I did not use mosaic stitch!

Scarlet Thread already has orders for American Beauty in the original as well as other colorways. Do you plan to offer other, similar mosaic designs?

If American Beauty is well-received, then I do plan to see what else I can treat the same way. I have several other flowers in mind (morning glory, sunflower, lily) but I’ve also been thinking of other things as well.

What changes have you noticed in the field of needlepoint today?

I have noticed more experimentation with needlepoint. Using threads in new ways, applying other things to canvas. Especially at the ANG seminar, there are several classes that take an innovative approach to needlepoint. I don’t see these innovations filtering down to shops yet, but they will.

Have you noticed an increase in folks stitching charted designs? If so, why do you think that is?

I have seen an increase in charted canvas stitchers. I think it’s due to a couple of things. For stitchers who want a break from making x’s, counted canvas offers something new. For stitchers who are having trouble seeing the holes in fabric, canvas is easier to see, especially 13 ct. Plus, canvas really allows the stitcher to play with different textures of threads, more interesting than floss.

What challenges do stitchers face today in stitching these complex designs? The right answer is finding all the materials they need in one place … gee, who would offer that?

And what a great service! The other challenge is finding the confidence to branch out into something new, especially for those who can’t take a class. So I work really hard on my instructions, as if I’m sitting next to the stitcher, so that someone who has never done canvas before can pick up one of my charts and complete the project.

Glitz & Glamour: Tourmaline

Do you still have time to stitch for your own personal pleasure? What are you stitching right now?

I haven’t stitched anything for “pleasure” in such a long time. When I stitch another designer’s project, it’s because I took a class (like at ANG Seminar), or it’s part of our Needle Arts Mystery Retreat that I teach with three other teachers. In fact, I had to hire a stitcher to stitch my grandchildren’s Christmas stockings!

Right now I’m working on a design for Canvas Countess, a retreat I’m doing in February in Branson, MO; a design for a publication next year; and my part of the design for the Needle Arts Mystery Retreat next July. I also have to stitch an ornament for exchange with my ANG chapter. It will be an original design as well and probably will show up in the Just Cross Stitch Ornament issue next year.

Thank you, Debbie, for sharing your design process and insights.

Debbie also has added another new design to her Glitz & Glamour series, Tourmaline (Watermelon), which differs from the rest by not being monochromatic. Could this be the direction for future designs in the series? Let's hope so, because this is stunning!

We've got our order in for all three of these new designs and will be kitting them up. We expect to receive everything within a week to 10 days, so keep an eye out to see when they arrive in the Catalog.

Sara Leigh

Overdyed Vineyard Silk from ThreadworX

2010-09-19T16:02:00.000-04:00

That's right. ThreadworX is now dying Vineyard Silk thread! And the colors are stunning!

These are just the ones we've received so far, but we have an order in for all 20 colors. Kathy Rees used some of these to work the model for her new "Rainbow" design. So cruise over the shop to check out all the new things we've found.

New from DebBee's Designs and Needle Delights Originals

2010-09-15T12:23:00.000-04:00

We've gotten a bunch of new patterns in recently from Debbie Rowley and Kathy Rees. Now we have to decide which to kit up first. The frontrunners are … *drum roll*

Turquoise, by DebBee's Designs:

This is a gorgeous addition to Debbie's Glitz & Glamour series. Like all the designs in this series, it's 5.75" x 5.75", making it nice and portable on 12" stretchers. The threads are tantalizing: Rainbow Gallery Silk Lame Braid, Splendor, Neon Rays, and Flair; Crescent Colours Belle Soie; Kreinik #8 and #12 braids; Dinky Dyes silk floss and silk pearls.

Lavender Fields, by Kathy Rees:

This is the seventh design in Kathy's Destination series. It's a nice size at 5.33" x 9.75", and the rectangular shape is a pleasant change of pace for a geometric design. She used the log cabin structure to nice effect, and the threads are delightful: ThreadworX #5 Pearl and #8 Braid; Anchor cotton floss.

We hope to have everything in stock for the kits within a week. Shoot us an e-mail (customerservice@scarletthread.com) if you'd like to be notified when we add these kits to the catalog.

Don't forget that all orders totalling $50 and more receive free shipping. And please e-mail us if you have any questions about any item that appears in the catalog. If something's out of stock, it won't stay that way for long, so check back or write to find out when it's back in inventory.

Oldies but Goodies: Amy Wolfson's "Amy's English Garden"

2010-08-17T16:11:00.001-04:00

We've been digging around again. This time we went back to 1998, discovering a design by Amy Wolfson of Amybear Needlepoints, "Amy's English Garden."

Amy Wolfston's "Amy's English Garden"

The burgundy color palette is lovely in burgundy, cream, and antique blue silks with a couple of coordinating variegated cottons, not to mention pearly, burgundy, and dusty rose beads. It works up into a 5" x 5" finished size on French Blue 18-ct mono canvas, just the right size project to carry along with you during these last days of summer. In gathering together the threads, we found that two of them had been discontinued since the pattern's original publication. We have substituted the same color in a different thread, i.e., Splendor for the antique blue Elegance and Encore for the antique rose Overture.

Amy also provides a couple of alternative colorways in dark blue and dark green, which we haven't shown but can, of course, provide on request. Just e-mail us at customerservice@scarletthread.com to ask. If you would prefer a different color that matches your taste better, just e-mail us with your preference and we'll create the colorway for you. Sara Leigh has been favoring teal and turquoise lately, so she may have to see what she can come up with for that color family.

This beautiful kit includes the chart, canvas, threads, beads, and needles, all for only $30.50!

Laura Perin's One Long Panel Kit Now Available!

2010-08-02T15:08:00.001-04:00

Scarlet Thread is pleased to announce that you can now order Laura Perin's new "One Long Panel" as a kit in any of the five colorways: aqua, peach, purple, pink, and blue. Look how beautiful the colors are (click on the picture for a larger image):

Each colorway includes a Watercolours, two accent colors in DMC #5 pearl cotton, and accent colors in the YLI and Kreinik metallics along with two skeins of dark green DMC #5 pearl cotton, two skeins of gold YLI ribbon floss, one skein of green YLI ribbon floss, and one spool of gold Kreinik common to all colorways. The chart comes with the gold seed beads.

Laura stitched the model on brown mono canvas, which is the default color choice for the canvas. We think the peach would also be nice on eggshell, the purple on lavender, the pink on rose blush, and the blue on french blue. If you'd like to pick your own color of canvas from our inventory, just e-mail your color choice to us at customerservice@scarletthread.com when you place your order. We'll verify the canvas color choice before filling your order.

Dawn is leaning toward the blue colorway, while Sara Leigh is torn between the peach and the purple. She's been trying to get away from always doing purple, so the peach may win.

Oh, yeah. You get all this for our usual discounted kit price of $45.00!

New from Laura J. Perin: One Long Panel - Updated

2010-07-27T11:43:00.001-04:00

The other day, we received an order from Laura Perin and were delighted to discover a sneak peek at her latest pattern! You're going to love this one. It's called "One Long Panel," a most apt title. Take a look at this beauty.

In addition to the colorway for the stitched model, which is based on Watercolours Spearmint, she's provided four alternatives in peach, purple, pink, and blue, each based on a different Watercolours. This richly textured piece also uses DMC pearl cotton, YLI ribbon floss, Kreinik braid, and beads (provided with the chart).

Sara Leigh is frantically pulling the threads so she can take a picture of all the different colorways. The photos on the back of the pattern don't do the colors justice, and we want you to see what they really look like. We' ve added the chart to our catalog and hope to have this all kitted up in short order. We'll let you know as soon as the kit's been added to the catalog.

Tiny Treasures from Caron Collection and Fall Foliage from Ruth Dilts

2010-07-19T18:53:00.002-04:00

Sara Leigh spent last week opening packages and adding things to inventory!

First up: The delightful "Tiny Treasures" designed by Lois Caron for the Caron Collection. These nine small canvaswork pieces were designed to fit into Sudberry House's mini boxes, which have a 1.75" x 1.75" opening. Seven of the nine patterns are done on 18-ct Mono Deluxe canvas and the other two are on 24-ct Congress Cloth. They all use the Caron Collection threads: Watercolours, Waterlilies, and Wildflowers, with accents of Snow, Soie Cristale, and Impressions in some of the individual patterns. Sara Leigh can't decide which one to do first. What a dilemma! Check out Janet Perry's review on her blog, Nuts About Needlepoint.

Next: We have Ruth Dilts's newest design, "Fall Foliage," in stock now. We'll be kitting that up and will let you know as soon as all the materials have arrived. Take a look at this third design in her series of small boxes:

We also have the patterns for the other two in this series, "Carnival" and "Spring Fling." All three use a skein of ThreadworX Cotton Floss as the basis for their colorways, which also include Rainbow Gallery Splendor, metallics, and beads.

Finally, we've gotten in the patterns for the designs pictured in Ruth's interview as well as a bunch more that we haven't had before. So head on over to Scarlet Thread's Catalog to check out the whole line.

Meet Ruth Dilts

2010-07-13T11:56:00.007-04:00

When Sara Leigh first opened Scarlet Thread in Vienna, VA, one of the first people who stopped by was Ruth Dilts, a local needlework teacher and designer. We thought you might like to get to know her and see some of her lovely work. And if you see something you just can't live without, check out the Catalog at scarletthread.com for all of these, and more!

When did you first start stitching, and what got you hooked?

I first started stitching when I was a Girl Scout. My fascination with the needle arts continued through college, when I took up knitting. It was in 1980, however, that I began needlepoint, and I haven’t stopped yet. My first project was a Bermuda bag, which I did in a half cross stitch. When I learned that I had to finish it myself, I was aghast. A neighbor told me about a needlepoint teacher at the local community center and about the EGA. I was completely hooked.

When did you first start designing, and what was that first design?

My first commercial design was called “Facets.” It is still sold by Rainbow Gallery! Before that design, I had dabbled in clothing embellishments and still have two of the prize-winning pieces. Someday I might return to this aspect of design.

Where do you find the inspirations for your designs?

I find inspiration in everything. It can be a place, a particular color, a beautiful fabric, church windows, or interesting architecture. All of these and more inform my designs.

You focus on charted needlepoint designs. What do you like most about charted canvas?

For me, charting a design was a natural extension of learning to stitch from a chart. I could use graph paper, whereas unlike my talented son, I cannot paint. I am told, however, that I draw lovely stick figures.

Do you have any new charted needlepoint designs planned?

I am introducing my first new design since “Mystic” this month! “Fall Foliage” is another in the small-boxes series that includes “Carnivale” and “Spring Fling.” It would be an excellent choice for the beginning/intermediate stitcher.

What is your favorite design?

Like many stitchers, I choose what I stitch or design based on my mood, the time of year, etc. For that reason, I don’t really have a favorite design.

Have you noticed an increase in folks stitching charted designs?

Yes, I have. At one time, only the Guilds seemed to stitch charted designs. Now more designers are creating charted designs; therefore stitchers have more access to this type of work. Charted designs also appeal to individuals who cross stitch. Cross stitchers are used to counting, so counted needlepoint seems quite logical. Last but not least, charted canvas is much more affordable than hand-painted canvas.

What challenges do stitchers face today in stitching these complex designs?

I think one of most challenging things facing stitchers today is the growing lack of local needlework shops throughout the U.S. as well as in England and on the Continent. For anyone travelling, usually the first thing you do is plan your visit to the local needlework shop. Sadly, this is becoming more difficult.

Yet at the same time, there is a growing supply of gorgeous threads and colored canvases that simply beg to be stitched. Thankfully, the Internet makes access to these new products easier than ever and does help, in small part, in easing the feeling of loss when a favorite shop closes. However, the local shops are where you can still touch, feel, and see the true colors of the threads, which is what turns me on.

In addition to designing, how else are you involved in the world of needlepoint?

You should ask how aren’t I involved in needlepoint. I work part-time in a local needlework shop. I design stitch guides for painted canvases. I continue to teach classes in needlepoint. I also serve as a sales representative for Rainbow Gallery. And if that weren’t enough, I still make time to stitch at least four hours a day!

Thank you, Ruth Dilts! Scarlet Thread will be adding more of Ruth's designs to our Catalog in the next few days, so be sure to check back to see what's new.

And for readers of our blog, we have a special offer. Ruth is making a piece she taught in 2004, “Sunrise,” available to us. We’ve kitted this colorful 4.25" x 4.25" design up for you at a cost of $10.50 -- a great value. If you prefer another colorway, select one of the Caron Collection Watercolours and we’ll kit it up for you based on that color for a total cost of $25.20. This reflects the inclusion of full skeins of threads vs. the partial skeins supplied with the original colorway. As always, this kit price reflects our 10% discount on kitted items. To order the customized kit, e-mail us with your color selection at customerservice@scarletthread.com.

Oldies but Goodies: Jim Wurth's "Keiko"

2010-07-02T17:21:00.000-04:00

Scarlet Thread has been rummmaging around in the archives to see what treasures can be found. This month, we bring you "Keiko," a Jim Wurth design from 2001. We think you'll agree, it's gorgeous!

It's a great little design to take with you when you travel, since the finished size is 6" x 6" on a 10" x 10" piece of 18-ct eggshell with gold mono deluxe canvas. The complete kit includes everything you see here -- chart, canvas, 17 threads -- plus three colors of beads and needles. Check it out in our catalog.

Wondering who tipped us off about the pot of golden oldies at the end of the rainbow? Needlework designer Ruth Dilts, that's who. Find out more about Ruth next week.

New Jean Hilton Charts! UPDATE

2010-06-23T13:28:00.001-04:00

We've just learned that three new charts have been released by Jean Hilton's family: Scott Lee, Darien, and Tina. Scott Lee, if you're not familiar with it, is an 18" x 11" design that is just beautiful.

Here are Darien and Tina. We don't have the dimensions for these yet.

We are placing our order now. If you'd like to reserve a copy of any of these patterns, please e-mail us at customerservice@scarletthread.com as soon as possible. Also, be sure to let us know whether you'd like any kitted up.

UPDATE: It will be about 6 months before we will have these patterns. They are not being released to retailers initially. If you need to get it right away, we're not the place. If you can wait, we'll alert you as soon as we have them in stock.

New From Laura J. Perin

2010-06-16T23:22:00.001-04:00

Laura Perin's done it again! Another fresh new design, "Daisy Chain," available as a kit in your choice of colorway: coral, as shown on the cover of the chart; pink; yellow; or lavender. Just look how gorgeous the colors are.

She's made this a very economical design to stitch, with one skein of Caron Collection Watercolours, seven skeins of coordinating DMC #5 pearl cottons, and a gold YLI ribbon floss. Our kit includes the chart with bead pack, 18-ct mono canvas, all the threads, and needles. The design is 10" x 10", and Laura's included a bonus chart for a smaller 7" x 7" design.

Another new arrival is Images Stitchery Designs's lovely hand-turned wooden laying tool. It's beautifully made, very smooth, and easy to handle. The point doesn't snag, and threads slip off the tip easily. We have two sizes, 4" and 5", in a variety of exotic hardwoods: Padauk, Walnut, Maple, Brazilian Cherry, Canary Wood, and Zebra Wood. Look at the selection in the 4" size:

The tool comes with a plastic tip protector. We love the way they feel!

Dawn and I saw some luscious fibers at the Columbus market. The Caron Collection has some beautiful new colors for the Waterlilies line as well as some new charts. Look for those in the catalog soon. There are so many manufacturers coming out with new fibers. We're trying out some samples and will let you know what passes muster. Watch for more silk and soy fibers in the future. And we're trying to decide which of the new hand-dyed canvas colors to add first. They're very rich and saturated.

Jean Hilton in the Gallery

2010-06-06T11:06:00.002-04:00

Have you checked out our gallery lately? We're beginning to populate it, starting with three examples of Jean Hilton's "Turnberry Ridge." This charted canvaswork piece is her beginning needlepoint project, which comes in the form of a 99-page coil-bound book containing 35 pages of additional charts beyond those needed for the design. It's a wonderful resource. Although it wasn't my first charted needlepoint project (my first couple of classes were a bit too advanced, thus never finished; but I did complete a simple design by Something Different, "Lois"), my skills when I started it were minimal at best. It's a testament to just how good this book is that I won a second-place ribbon for my finished piece in the 2010 Woodlawn Needlework Exhibition! You can see it in the Gallery, along with two other versions, one of which is this stunning red interpretation by Jeff K.:

Check out the other new additions to the Jean Hilton section of our Catalog, "Baroque" and "Lansing." We'll be adding more stitched models of these patterns to the Gallery soon.

We've also added another design in Northern Pine Designs' Elements Series, "Heart of Fire":

Dawn and I will be headed to the NeedleArts Market in Columbus at the end of the week, so check in on the weekend to see what exciting things we've found.

Sara Leigh

Get Them While They Last

2010-05-21T20:09:00.001-04:00

J.L. Walsh Silk and Wool is a beautiful thread that's about to become extinct! The dyer can no longer get the undyed silk and wool base fiber that she uses, so we won't be able to find it much longer. Scarlet Thread has a limited quantity of this thread. It's a 50% silk/50% wool five-strand fiber that comes in a 12-yard skein. Both Dawn and I love just touching the skeins, they're so soft and luscious.

We first used it earlier this year when we embarked on a stitch-along project with seven other women, Tony Manieri's "Stars for a New Millenium." It wasn't until I pulled a length from the skein that I appreciated its subtle variegation, the effect of the hand-dying process. Some colors are more variegated, some less. Mine was very subtle. I'm not sure these pictures do it justice:

You can see how it looks when stitched in this square from Stars, Marilyn Monroe:

In the center cross, it's the underlying medium orange. In the trellis border, it's the underlying cross stitches. If you click on the image, you should be able to see a larger version.

Check out the colors we've been able to get and see what you might want to add to your stash. This wonderful fiber may be just what you need for your next canvaswork project or painted canvas.

Sara Leigh

New Arrivals

2010-05-12T22:50:00.005-04:00

We just added a couple new items to our catalog that we're very excited about.

First, we've kitted up DebBee's Designs' Glitz & Glamour Morganite, which looks particularly stunning in shades of lavender, violet, lilac, and pink. Sara Leigh is seriously considering stitching the model for our gallery. What's nice about these Glitz & Glamour pieces is their compact size, 5.75" x 5.75" on 18-ct canvas. That means they stitch up quickly. And they can be placed in a boxtop to make a lovely gift for someone special. Take a look. We think you'll agree this is irresistible.

Laura J. Perin's new pattern, Bargello and Violets, is her latest addition to the Sampler Collection. It's a striking piece in the purples of the model stitched on 18-ct mono canvas in Santa Fe Sage, based on the Caron Collection Watercolours #259, Garden Path. She selected several DMC #5 pearl cottons and Rainbow Gallery Splendor silks that coordinate with the Watercolours and added accents with DMC #12 pearl cotton, YLI Ribbon Floss, and gold translucent beads (which come with the pattern). Laura also provided alternative colorways based on Watercolours #058 Mocha Rose (pinks) and #197 Monsoon (blues).

Dawn's been busy adding more fibers to our catalog, and there are still more to come. Sara Leigh is working on adding the pictures to go along with the numbers and names so that you can also browse for that special color to add to your stash.

Since we launched the site on May 1, we've spent a lot of time tweaking things that weren't working quite the way we wanted, especially a problem with one particular version of a very popular browser. As with most things, it's a work in progress. Watch for more improvements over the next several months.

A New Start

2010-04-30T16:36:00.004-04:00

Wow! It’s hard to believe, but we’ve finally done it. Nearly a year after the brick-and-mortar Scarlet Thread closed in Great Falls, Virginia, the new and improved virtual store is open for business. The name and logo remain the same, but the focus has narrowed to charted canvaswork.

Please bear with us while we get the store fully stocked. We'll be adding more items over the next several weeks to achieve our goal of being your one-stop shopping experience for everything canvaswork.

So what’s the point of this blog? Glad you asked. We hope to use it to talk about all the aspects of canvaswork: the materials, the designers, the tools, and the people who do this fascinating needlework.