Blazer Poplin ~ aka Trigger fabric

Stitchers often ask me what fabric is used for Brazilian Embroidery.  Unlike the ‘even weave’ fabrics necessary for  Counted stitching – Trigger fabric is used most often for Brazilian Dimensional embroidery.  Many other fabrics are suitable,  designers prefer Trigger.  You may also find it referred to as Blazer Poplin, it has a tight weave with a nice weight for the stitches used in Brazilian Embroidery for example,  bullions and cast-ons.

If you are doing a special project use the fabric appropriate -  albums, totes, wedding accessories or apparel.  For general Brazilian Embroidery stitching, Blazer Poplin ( aka- Trigger ) is used.

If you have questions about fabric, Brazilian Dimensional embroidery patterns, EdMar thread, Milliner needles or other BE supplies – drop me a comment.  You will find the Trigger fabric and all other Brazilian Embroidery supplies on my website    www.ThreadsinBloom.com

Thank you ~ Sharon

Miss Tia Potts

Introducing  the star of the season, Miss Tia Potts.  Everyone will be talking about her with the Swarovski crystal jewels, her stylish silk and Japan red around her middle.  Look at those lovely bright flowers to cheer the season. You really must stitch Miss Tia Potts, she is the socialite of the year.

Miss Tia Potts

Miss Tia Potts design package does include the Swarovski crystals, Kreinik Serica silk and Kreinik Japan red thread.  Stitch and flower instructions are found in Art of Dimensional Embroidery, by Maria Frietas;  additional instructions are included in the package with the fabric print design.

Design size is approx   5″ X 5″

EdMar thread used –  order separately:   Lola #101, 220, 400, 106 & 153;   Iris #101, 114 and #50;  Glory #101, 50, 210, 114 & 210.    Additional needs:

Assorted size Milliner needles, hoop, embroidery scissors and glue.

Miss Tia Potts  design 2220

Come visit the web shop  www.ThreadsinBloom.com

or click on Miss Tia Potts picture.

Sharon

Thread stretchers

Can’t do without tool !  A few nights ago when I was stitching with EdMar Frost thread, I didn’t have my trusty little Thread Stretchers in the Mesh Project Bag I was working from, so I used my fingers to wrap the thread around, like you would dental floss, to give it a little stretch.  Well, the next day at work, I found I had a cut on my finger from the thread. Such a little cut, but it was bothersome and could have been avoided had I used the Thread Stretchers.  Not wanting to waste a minute of my stitching time to find the Thread Stretchers in another Mesh Project Bag, now I have a set of the Thread Stretchers in each of the Mesh Bags that I will be using either Lola or Frost thread.  The other weights do not seem to need this bit of stretching.

Thread Stretchers

For several years I tried to avoid Frost thread.  Although I do like the weight as far as the appearance of the flowers and stems, it was the weight most likely to twist and kink, since it already has a tight twist.  Now, with the assistance of the Thread Stretchers, I look forward to using EdMarFrost thread, instead of avoiding it.  What a difference this little gadget makes.  And it definitely saves the fingers; or if you have arthritis in your hands as many of us do, the Thread Stretcher is helpful.  Thread Stretchers are a must have tool.

www.ThreadsinBloom.com

HINT ~ Use a Dryer softner sheet to swipe your needles.  It makes a good cleaner for needles.  Keep one in with your stitching supplies.

Mesh Project Bags - available in 6 sizes

Need Mesh project bags to organize your projects.  Mesh webbing is laminated into a clear vinyl, making these zippered bags very durable, yet easy to see what is inside.   Use them to organize and carry any items and projects you can imagine.  Use them over and over and over………

They are available in 6 sizes, reasonable prices.

www.ThreadsinBloom.com

Til next time ~ Sharon

Zippered Mesh Bags – more sizes

Zippered Mesh Bags

The four sizes of Zippered Mesh bags I carry have been so over whelmingly popular, I decided to add two more sizes to my inventory.  X-large is 13″ X 10″;  the Jumbo size is  16″ X 13″

I have found many uses for the larger bags.  One thing is, I do not have to fold my project.  It can lay flat inside the bag, protected.  The other day, my son was doing some errands for me; Post office, bank and a couple returns.  I put everything in the Jumbo bag.  Nothing was forgotten or lost.   He returned it to me with stamps, receipts, etc. in the bag.   My Niece likes the larger sizes for her Scrap book and card making supplies.

Visit my website for the two larger size zippered Mesh Bags and to purchase more of the small – large size for all those other uses you have discovered.      www.ThreadsinBloom.com

Now to the Bohin needles ~  they are going, going, almost gone.  It was a one time opportunity that I had to purchase a quanitity of the Bohin Milliner needles  for my customers.

I only have 5-6 packages of the Bohin Milliner needles left and less of the Tapestry and Chenille.    Get yours before they are gone.

Shop the website to purchase your Mesh bags, Bohin needles and new Brazilian Dimensional embroidery and Stumpwork design.  Don’t forget the EdMar thread and Trigger fabric.

www.ThreadsinBloom.com

Thank you for shopping with Threads in Bloom ~ stop by again soon

Bohin Milliner Needles

It has taken me over 6 months to find a supplier for Bohin Milliner needles in the US to offer these superior quality needles to you.   I am persistant when I want something….

Bohin is well-known for producing quality needlework supplies, and their needles are no exception. Favored by many expert needleworkers, Bohin needles are smooth, sharp, and long-lasting. The needles are not always easy to find in the US ( especially the Milliner needles ).  We are pleased to offer a small selection of these fine needles for your stitching needs. Supplies are limited, though, so order yours now!    Milliners,  Tapestry and Chenille in assorted size packages.

Milliner needles for Brazilian Dimensional embroidery with EdMar rayon thread can be used with other type threads and embroidery.

Tapestry and Chenille needles for Cross Stitch, Hardanger, Bargello, Canvas work, Huck or Silk Ribbon embroidery

It is a pleasure to offer you this high quality brand of needles for your needleart.

Available at:    www.ThreadsinBloom.com

Stitching keeps our souls content,

Sharon ~ Threads in Bloom

Embroidery on Tea Towels

For over 25 years I have been so impassioned with Brazilian Dimensional embroidery, now I am taking a step back to enjoy some old fashion Embroidery.

Through Needle ‘n Thread newsletter, I found Bird Brain Designs  ( I love the name ).  She has some Punchneedle and Felt work;  but I am enjoying the regular embroidery. Remember, the kind you did as a kid ~   Yes, I am even doing the embroidery on Tea Towels.   Bird Brain Designs has a wide assortment of Tea Towels, and some really fun simple designs to embroider.

Instead of Pearl cotton I am using my EdMar rayon twisted thread.  It slips through the fabric with ease.  And the sheen it gives the embroidery, laying on top of the cotton Tea Towels is a very nice effect.  My point is -  EdMar rayon thread is not just for Brazilian embroidery bullions, cast-ons, etc.  It works very well for many types of needle art;  Huck, Hardanger, Cross Stitch…..

I am using the Iris thread instead of #8 Pearl or 2 strands of floss.  There is over 200 colors of EdMar thread.

If you need a little  break from counting stitches, wrapping thread, looping thread – think about just a kick back fun project.   Keep each stitching project in a separate Mesh Bag, so you can pick up your work with everything you need organized in a zippered mesh pouch.

I think I can get in a few minutes of stitching before calling it a night.  I am trying to get a couple more Tea Towels finished for Christmas gifts.   Did I mention they stitch up quickly too.

Happy Holidays ~  Sharon, Threads in Bloom    **   www.threadsinbloom.com

MESH BAG – BACK IN STOCK

One of the favorite sizes of those wonderful MESH BAGS  for organizing stitching projects and many other uses, is finally back in stock.  The Med-Small  8″ X 5.5 ” is so popular, they go as fast as they come.

You may wonder what makes the Mesh Bag so much better than a plain zip-lock ~  They are more durable because they are reinforced with a fiber; they have a real zipper closing, which makes them very easy to use and re-use and re-use….  They are clear, you can see which stitching project is in each bag ( or what ever is in the bag ), they tuck into larger bags or handbags.

Use for projects, sort EdMar thread,  DMC thread, Gentle Art thread;  You will find hundreds of reason for the Mesh Bag, whether crafts, sports, fishing, anything you want to organize

Available in 4 sizes – viist   www.ThreadsinBloom.com

Sharon ~ Threads in Bloom

Kalmya Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery

Kalmya – a new Brazilian embroidery design by Threads in Bloom.   I thought maybe you would like to see the step by step stitching.  It is a small design, about 3″ X 4″, so it worked up in just a few evenings

After completing the greenery with EdMar Iris thread, next was the outside of each petal.  It uses EdMar rayon Frost thread, the stitch I used is Cast-on Double.Below shows the  inside of each petal, also Cast-on Double stitch, this time with EdMar Glory thread.

And, here we have the completed Kalmya design.  Glass beads were fun and add a little sparkle to the center of each petal and bud. I did a row of the beads around the edge of the center.  The beads seem to make the petals really pop out, bringing more dimension to the design.

All of the stitch and flower instructions are in the book “Apples to Zinnias” Brazilian Dimensional.  The instructions in the book are for only three petals per flower.  When I did a some researching for the Kalmia flower, they do have 5 petals – therefore I varied from the instructions to stitch 5 petals, along with a couple other changes.   My changes are in the instructions with the fabric  printed design in the design package, and the beads.

You can find the Kalmya package, EdMar rayon thread and book at:   www.ThreadsinBloom.com

It has been so nice being on vacation for two weeks, it went by fast.  I did get to spend time stitching and sewing.  A friend and I even got away to Monterey for a day.  It was beautiful – the waves were high and crashing on the rocks.   Tomorrow is time to get back to my job, which I really do enjoy, except it takes me away from stitching as many hours as I would like; but you know that feeling.    Tonight I want to start a Blackwork project and I have another Threads in Bloom Brazilian embroidery design ready to begin stitching.  It will have a special little surprise on it.

A friend at Nordic Needle sent me a quote a few days ago from Franklin D. Roosevelt, I would like to share it with you ~

Happiness is not in the mere possession of money;

it lies in the joy of achievement,

in the thrill of  creative effort.

It has been nice visiting with you,

Sharon ~ Threads in Bloom

Stitchers Retreat

Mid April there is going to be a Stitcher’s Retreat in Fargo, ND.  I am pleased to be teaching Brazilian Embroidery & Stump work again.  I did a design just for the retreat.  It is a bell.  We will stitch bullions, Cast-on and stem stitch along with a few other Brazilian embroidery stitches; and use several EdMar rayon threads – Lola, Iris, Cire, Glory and Nova.  Beginners are welcome.

There are still a few spaces available.  Other classes offered are:  tatting, Tamari balls, Blackwork, Hardanger, Canvas work to mention a few.  The theme is Stitching Around the World.  We have a wonderful time, with free stitching time when  not in a class.  You have a choice of 4 classes to choose from a long list and wide variety.

For more information, send me a note, or log onto  NordicNeedle.com

Hope you can join us.

Sharon ~ Threads in Bloom

Getting organized

Time to get another project organized, ready to stitch.  I am almost finished with my newest Brazilian Dimensional embroidery design, my Huck embroidery bookmarks are caught up for awhile;  I am working on a Cross Stitch Christmas ornament.  Next to assemble is a Tea Towel with a Fall design embroidered with just easy simple embroidery.  You know, the kind you first learned as a child.  It is nice to have different types of needle work going at the same time.  If I don’t feel like doing the Cross Stitch I can work on the Brazilian embroidery or easy little tea towel designs.

To get each project organized I use the Mesh Project bags.  They are so much nicer and more durable than a thin zip lock bag.   The mesh project bags have a fiber in the clear plastic for durability, yet easy to see into.  I like one for each project.  I put the design, thread for that project, hoop, needles and scissors.  Everything I need – I can just pick up the Mesh project bag of choice;  all I need is there, no hunting for the hoop or the right needles, a pair of scissors.

The Mesh bags are available in several sizes for smaller or larger projects.    www.ThreadsinBloom.com

I did get the design traced onto my tea towel last night.  Tonight I want to get the floss gathered.  I am using Gentle Art’s Simply Shaker floss.  I like the slightly shaded colors.  I am going to try to start stitching it tonight too.   My goal is to get my work done early in the evening, then I can watch TV for an hour or so and stitch.  So that is what I am off to do – get my next project organized.

Stitching keeps our souls content,

Sharon ~ Threads in Bloom