Saturday, October 15, 2011

Embroidered Spider Webs with Kreinik Metallics

Awhile back, I wrote a tutorial on how to create Embroidered Spider Webs on Crazy Quilts.  I also wrote a tutorial on how to make a Beaded Spider.  I love stitching spider webs on my crazy quilts so I thought for today, I would talk about making them with one of my favorite threads, Kreinik metallics.

Kreinik Mfg. Co. Inc. produces a variety of beautiful embroidery silk and metallic threads.  As you know,  all that glitters is gold to me so I naturally gravitate to anything that sparkles and Kreinik threads are at the top of my sparkly thread favorites!


Kreinik offers metallic threads in a variety of sizes including #4 and #8 Braids which are excellent for Crazy Quilt Seam Treatments however, for spider webs, my thread of choice is Blending Filament.

Blending Filaments are intended for blending with other threads such as 6 strand embroidery floss.  1 or 2 strands of Blending Filament added to a couple of strands of embroidery floss will certainly add glitter and sparkle to any cross stitch project!

A single strand of Blending Filament, used alone for a spider web on a crazy quilt will most definitely give the look of realism since the thread is so fine.

There are a few challenges to stitching with a single strand of Blending Filament.  Here are few tips:

  • These are very delicate, thin threads so gentleness and patience is a must.
  • Use a needle with a large enough eye.  Getting a strand of this thread through the eye of a tiny needle is impossible.
  •  Use a length of only 12  - 15 inches and keep a long tail.  Without a long tail, it will keep sliding out of the needle.  You can also try a slip knot and tie it to the eye of the needle however, I don't care for this option.  Once that knot is on the needle, it's difficult to remove.  
  • Be gentle with it.  Blending Filament breaks very easily so don't tug on it too much.
With a little patience, beautiful, natural looking spider webs can be created using these gorgeous glittery threads.  Take your time and you'll be thrilled with the results.

Kreinik Blending Filaments are very affordable and come in huge variety of colors.  Be sure to visit Kreinik's website to see what they offer!

Friday, October 14, 2011

Christmas At The Boutique

I think I'm finally caught up on everything!  I finished my custom order and just have to sew it together.  I have all of our new Christmas products listed, my email is all caught up and I'm ready to make some more cat dolls!  I'll be sewing this weekend and I can't wait.  It's been quite awhile since I've been able to run my sewing machine just for fun!

Here are mom's 2 new Christmas Door Pillows:



And Kathi made these gorgeous Needle Felted Holly Leaf Ornaments:

We can be found on Etsy as well!

Today, I'll be heading over to mom's house to work on Christmas cards for the Boutique Bags at Shabby Lane Shops.

If you're a crazy quilter, be sure to stop back over the weekend.  I'll be talking about making spider webs with beautiful Kreinik metallic threads!

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Christmas Door Pillows from Vintage Hankies

Mom has quite a knack with door pillows!  Her latest creations are made with vintage handkerchiefs:



I'm looking forward to seeing what else mom comes up with.  I've recently given her a whole pile of vintage handkerchiefs from my collection so I'm sure they'll be more of these little Christmas Door Pillow Ornaments to come!

In other news, I'm still working on my custom order.  I'm almost done and then I can do some sewing.  I want to sew up some Christmas Cat Dolls and I'm planning on some Snowman Dolls!  Stay tuned!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Shabby Lane Shops Tuesdays Treasures

Every Tuesday, Shabby Lane Shops hosts a lovely day of shopping called, Tuesday's Treasures.  Many of the online shopping mall boutiques offer special discounts on select items for Tuesday's only.  Here are our Tuesday's Treasures specials for today.  These specials are available today only and only on our Kitty & Me Designs website:

Please see all of the beautiful Boutiques offering specials for Tuesday's Treasures.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Mini Embroidered Stocking Ornaments

It was a busy weekend here!  We had 2 trees taken down on Saturday and spent the entire weekend moving wood!  We have 2 more trees that have to go but we have to wait a few weeks to do that.

I did manage to list these beautiful Mini Embroidered Christmas Stocking Ornaments that my mom made:


I have a some pretty new Christmas Door Pillows by mom too.  I'll get them posted later this week.

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