new pastel Painters Threads

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Today's topic is the new pastel colors of Painters Threads. Have you seen them? Did you already know about the original colors of Painters Threads?

Let's start from the beginning... or at least, my knowledge about Painters Threads.

Once upon a time, there was (and still is) a company called YLI Corp. They made the RibbonFloss threads, a soft braided rayon. Originally, they were on a cardboard spool and later they were on a plastic paddle. You might think of them as "cousins" to the Neon Rays threads from Rainbow Gallery.

RibbonFloss color chart

Then the ShimmerBlend RibbonFloss came along; the original RibbonFloss with a touch of Metallic. Again, you might think of them as "cousins" to the Neon Rays Plus threads from Rainbow Gallery.

ShimmerBlend RibbonFloss color chart

Well,  the Painters Threads were born in Germany from the ShimmerBlend RibbonFloss base thread;  hand-painted in wonderful rich colors. Each color way was named for a famous painter whose painting inspired the choice of blended colors. For example... Klimt, Picasso, GrandmaMoses, and Chagall. How about that! You get to stitch with a beautiful thread and get some art history at the same time!!

original Painters Threads
ShimmerBlend Ribbon Floss

I have been a fan of the Painters Threads collection for a very long time. They've expanded their line to also include #4 and #8 Metallic Braid, Soie d'Alger 7 strand Silk Floss, Perle Cotton, Silk Ribbons, Gimp, and Ric Rac. Your local/favorite needlepoint shop can show you all what's available in the Painters Thread line of products.

This round-about introduction now brings me to today's topic: Pastel Painters Threads. 😀  Introducing 10 new colors in pastel shades made with the ShimmerBlend RibbonFloss base.

pastel Painters Threads
ShimmerBlend Ribbon Floss

Row 1
Island - P001, Aruba - P002, Riesling - P003, Pomelo - P004, Suricata - P005

Row 2
Peony - P006, Agave - P007, Koala - P008, Longan - P009, Syringa - P010

Aren't they pretty! I can't wait to use them... and to also include them in upcoming stitch guides!

I would still use my flat iron on these Painters Threads prior to stitching for a nice smooth effect.

For those new to the Needlepoint Study Hall blog, here's a link to my previous discussion on Straightening Neon Rays using a flat iron. Wow! Has it really been 6 years since that posting?!!

http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2011/03/straightening-neon-rays_27.html

Well, that's all for now. Wanted to share with you what's new with me.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Driving through the SNOW

Hi Everybody... Robin here... back in Memphis.

Market was a wonderful experience. I treasure the opportunity to travel with Amy and Jill. On the drive home from Columbus to Memphis, I decided to stitch on the canvas from the Associated Talents' class I took on Sunday.

"Let it SNOW" is one of the Associated Talents seasonal message canvases. I know you have seen some of their other ones: Be Mine, Happy Halloween, Happy Easter...  It is on 13 mesh and measures 8.5"W x 4.5"H. It comes with their stitch guide; Don's ideas are cuter than cute.

In class, I began stitching the background. Carol and Sandy taught an awesome technique for twisting & couching the DMC Memory Thread spelling out the "let it."  Later that evening, I cut my lengths of Neon Rays and straightened them with my flat iron.

(Here's the link to the video I did showing that technique:  http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2011/03/straightening-neon-rays_27.html)

Stitching on the SNOW canvas was perfect for the drive home. The 13 mesh is very car friendly. Here's the game that I played. From Columbus to Cincinnati, I stitched on the S. Once we made it onto the other side of Cincinnati, I changed to the N. It didn't matter that I hadn't finished the S...
I was playing a game.

From Cincinnati to Louisville, I stitched on the N.

From Louisville to Nashville, I stitched on the O.

From Nashville to Memphis, I stitched on the W.

A 9-hour car ride was enjoyable and productive. Amy was productive, too. She stitched on both the H and the A of her upcoming THANKSGIVING banner for her Home Study.

Now, I am back home. Time to put SNOW down and pick up the Ghost. He is the last piece to stitch of the NeedleDeeva Creepy Characters series.
I took the finished models to the Rainbow Gallery booth to show Sally.
I asked her if Rainbow Gallery had any "glow in the dark" threads?
I was thinking about making the Ghost special but the inspiration hadn't appeared... until Sally said, "Yes, we have the NEW Neon Rays Plus Glow in the Dark thread." OMG. Can you believe that? I can't wait to use it.

Thanks for letting me share my traveling experiences with you. I'll be in touch soon. Thanks, Robin

Straightening Neon Rays

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Hope you had a good weekend. Here's tonight topic: how do you straighten your Neon Rays? Do you use it right off the card, not addressing the kinks? Over the years, I have tried many different ways to straighten it. I've used those "grippers and pullers" and I've even used "spit." (Yes... I have.) Other times, I would just use it straight off the card... kinks be damned.

About a year or two ago, I remember Peggy mentioning that someone at the Shop or Class mentioned that they used a flat iron to straighten the Neon Rays. My ears perked up. I've got a flat iron... I was tired of the kinks. Since I am using some beautiful colors of Neon Rays for the Creepy Creatures, I wanted to try! (Remember, I am the See One, Do One, Teach One gal.)

I plugged in my flat iron and turned the setting to a medium heat. I pulled the Neon Rays through the closed flat iron paddles, and BAM!... Silky Smooth and Straight. I shared this technique with my Saturday class students when Michelle brought in her daughter's flat iron. Everyone was impressed.

The main thing to say is that once straightened, the Neon Rays behaves much better. Less twisting. Usually, I straighten about 4-5 lengths and any unused pieces go into that Neon Ray's Floss Away bag.

I made a little video clip for you to show you how easy it is to do. Love the music, too. Be sure to first test the heat of your iron. Don't burn your fingers! Have a good week. I'll be in touch, soon. Thanks, Robin