A short little blog to show you this VERY DIFFERENT dye lot of Lola #39.  

Lola #39, different dye lot

Normally #39  is brown, yellow and orange – but look at this one, no orange at all.  There is already 2 missing from the box – guess where they are..  At the moment I am not sure where I am going to use it – maybe a basket or for some wheat  ( here comes a new design).   If you like this, get some now, who knows what the next dye lot will be – hand dyed threads can vary with each dye lot.     Just wanted to show you.. I like it, and because it is so different.

One other thing ~  Mendocino Butterfly & Rose  #2203 is showing out of stock in the e-store.  A few people have mentioned they would like to see it available again.   You ask and I will deliver.  It is being reprinted again.  I will drop a note when it is back from screen printing.

Cherry Parfait at Shore Acres, OR

If there are other ‘out of stock’ or ‘ sold out’ designs, drop me a note.  This helps me decide what does or does not need to be reprinted.

Til’ next time ~         www.ThreadsinBloom.com

Stitching keeps our souls content ~ Sharon

A couple updates:   You will notice a few changes in the E-store.  There is now a bright green shopping basket in the upper right corner,  the Welcome page no longer has the newest items automatically moving across the screen ( which I did like ).  There are now little dots to click for pages of the newest items.   Rather than the most recent blogs/ newletters showing at the bottom of the page,  you can simply click on the ‘BLOG’ at the top of the menu bar.  The departments are a little easier to navigate and the pictures of items seem a little larger than previously.  I think you will like the changes.

Pink Dogwood

And, I have finally given into FACEBOOK.  My web host has been encouraging me to do this, so I could send out quick little notices of news or thoughts.  I think you will enjoy and appreciate the one last Saturday about having coffee with friends.   If you have FACEBOOK  or when you do get it, go to www.ThreadsinBloom.com  on the lower right side, you will see the  ‘F’  for facebook to click ‘like’.  I look forward to hearing your comments to Threads in Bloom and your return comments.

Other than that I am getting ready to leave for Fargo, ND to the Nordic Needle 10th anniversary Stitchers Retreat.  I will be teaching a class using the book marks; something small we can finish in class.   I am working on another very easy Wisteria Freebie design for the book marks, mini cards and tiny card that I just added to the E-store.  The new free design will be added as soon as possible.  It will take me longer to get the pattern and instruction page finished then it did to stitch the motif.  

The Pink Dogwood has nothing to do with stitching,  I just think it is a really pretty flower.  I wish the tree was in my yard, it isn’t.  It is in the front yard of a house down the street – at least I get to enjoy it twice a day, as I go to work and come home.  Actually it does have something to do with stitching.  I have two designs that I will be adding to the e-store when I return from Fargo.  My designs are stitched in the vanilla colors.

I will look forward to having you become part of my Facebook.  I will be sending some comments and pictures from Fargo.  

Thank you for your time.   Stitching keeps our souls content ~  Sharon ~  www.ThreadsinBloom.com

A CENTERING RULER ~  This 2″ x 15″ ruler designed for centering  made with a flexible clear material allows for perfect center alignment on flat and 3-Dimensional objects. Measure 7″ left or right from the center of the ruler. Black & White Printing Numbers and lines – Making it easy to read on both dark and light surfaces.

Centering ruler

Inches and Metrics Measurements are marked in inches on one side and metrics on the other.  Ideal any time you need to find the center quickly – no more measuring each side, estimating or guessing.  Perfect for finding the center on your Cross Stitch projects, Hardanger, Huck, any counted work;  or use as a regular ruler.  You may want more than one.

There we are ~ short…

Yesterday I went to our local Camellia Society show – don’t be surprised if you see some Camellia appearing in future designs  ( I already have one in mind )  Here is a picture of some in our garden

Camilla

I am going to lunch with some friends today – better go get ready

Thank you for shopping with Threads in Bloom e-store and your time.

Stitching keeps our souls content, Sharon ~ www.ThreadsinBloom.com

Spring Blossoms

The blossoming trees are lovely, unless you are an allergy sufferer – luckily I am not.

My list of things to tell you about has been growing.  I had gotten side tracked with preparing for the class I am teaching at the Nordic Needle Stitcher’s Retreat that is happening in April;  and getting Threads in Bloom designs ready for classes at the Brazilian Embroidery Guide Seminar in June.  Two ladies are teaching my designs this year.  Designing and stitching, newsletters has been creeping at snail pace, but hope to get back on track with some of those major projects are under control.

One evening this week, I sat down with needle in hand – it was like being rejuvenated, my addiction being fed; my needle of choice – a milliner needle, how wonderful it felt.  It was only one of the little book mark motifs, but what a feeling I got;  I was on a stitching high.  I hadn’t realized how serious my withdrawal symptoms were,  worse than doing without chocolate.  If you have ever had a dry spell, I am sure you know what I mean.

Book Marks ~ the 2^nd set of two are ready.  These two are a Rolled Roses motif and a French Spider, which should

French Spider

be hanging -  I didn’t realize until the book mark was all put together, that I had placed it upside down – Oh well…  next time I will put it in hanging.   The Rolled Roses are stitched

Rolled Rose

with either Frost or Cire;  the French Spider is  Iris or Cire and Glory for the spidery petals.  I used Iris on all of the Book Mark motifs.   And, as with the first set, they use very little thread; a good way to use those orts  ( I love the word ORTS -  ok, I may be a little weird, it just seems like such a fun word ).  Of course, it would be fine if you would like to purchase some EdMar thread, no complaints from me www.threadsinbloom.com -

Set includes patterns and instructions for the two designs, 2  pieces of Blazer Poplin ( 6 X 6” each ), two book marks and two clear envelopes.   Thread and needles are not included   8.00 per set

Book marks

Need more book marks without the patterns.  They are now available separate; two book marks with two of the clear envelopes.  Choice of book mark colors:  white,  ivory and pale periwinkle.  These will also have the proverb “Friends are the flowers in the garden of life”    Special request for short quotes, sayings or proverbs or blank are available.   Does not include any patterns or fabric $4.00

Other related items:

Mini and tiny cards. The book mark motifs fit perfectly in the cut out of the tiny cards  2.5 x 3.5″ outside measure – shown;   the Mini cards are 3 x 4″.

Tiny card

The little motifs fit them as well, with a little space around the design,  I added a stem stitch border at the edge for the Mini size card.  It took 2 strands of Iris for the stem stitch border, making a nice little finish look.   Either size card is available in package of  5 with 5 white envelopes.

Stitcher’s tape ~ double sided, 1.5” wide.  What I use for the book marks  ( framing – any time I want a wider secure holding double side )  even, smooth adhering, unlike glue which adds moisture and can leave stiff and

Stitchery tape

bumpy..    30 yards.   $8.00

Milliner needles ~   packages of assorted size Milliner needles:    Bohin,  Piecemaker or EdMar gold eye    www.ThreadsinBloom.com

Prime needle selection

Prime selection with the large #15 Milliner, #3 GOLD needle; #3, 5 & 7 X 3 each and two #10

Mesh bags

Mesh zipper project bags ~  from small to jumbo.  I have been using the same bags for a few years, they hold up amazingly well.  The clear plastic is embedded with a fiber for strength, still easy to see your project inside, plastic remains supple and clear.  You will find many uses other than stitching projects.

Thread organizers ~ Organize your Brazilian embroidery rayon ‘Z’ twist thread in these plastic sleeves, especially designed for EdMar threads.   You may prefer to organize by color,

thread organizer

weight or project.  Keeps thread from tangling; pull out one strand at a time, with a slot at the top for label to identify weight and color #.

New Design ~  Blue~eyed Mary   Inspired by my calendar at work – looking at this flower for a month – it was just calling out to be stitched, remembered – not just another page turned and

Blue~eyed Mary

forgotten.  Finding the name was the most difficult.  I went to my son’s Botanical of over 10,000 plants…  there it was page 611 – a Naval Wort, not a pretty name, then came subnames – Blue~eyed Mary –  package includes fabric print design on ivory Blazer Poplin, large yellow beads for center with flower instructions.  Stitch instructions are in Art of Dimensional Embroidery.  design size is  3.5 X 4″   EdMar thread I used:  Iris #121 & 233;  Glory #410, 153, 113 & 206; Lola #220.        www.ThreadsinBloom.com    in the  Threads in Bloom design department.

Coming up there are more designs and another Freebie design.  Thank you for your time.

Stitching keeps our souls content ~ Sharon www.ThreadsinBloom.com

Todays news ~ 6 new EdMar designs, 40% off a couple Threads in Bloom designs and  introducing the first 2 in my Bookmark series.

Iris

Picot Daisy

There is still time to make some easy and quick to stitch gifts ~ Introducing the first 2 in a series of my Book Mark designs. Stitching time is about one hour and assemble into the book mark in an additional 5-10 minutes with a little double sided tape and dab of glue.  The package contains the 2 design patterns and instructions, two 6″ X 6″ pieces of fabric to trace the designs onto, two heavy card stock folded book marks  ( folded allows the back of stitching to be covered for a nice finish).  The Book marks have a proverb:  ”Friends are the flowers in the garden of life” and two clear cellophane  envelopes for gift giving.  Each designs only a few strands of  EdMar rayon thread – you can use those extra strands from previous projects.  Card stock will vary from white, ivory or a whisper periwinkle. Find them in the Threads in Bloom design department. Below shows the completed Book marks, plus 2 future designs.

showing completed book mark

Cornflower #1701

The six new EdMar designs are taken from the large Primavera design.  EdMar has taken sections Primavera to make separate designs of each flower.

Chinese Poppy 1706

Camelias #1702

They range from 1.75 X 4″  to  3 x 4.5″  I like the smaller individual designs.

Chinese Columbine #1703

For me it makes learning her new techniques and enjoying each one in a more stitchable time frame.  You will find all six new designs in the EdMar design department

Ginger #1704

Grevillea 1705

Mary's St. John's Wort Bouquet #2118

Its-a-Belle # 2216

SALE ~ 40% off

Mary’s St John’s Wort Bouquet

Reg. $17.00         Sale $10.20

Its-a-Belle

Reg. $16.00        Sale  $ 9.60

Find these in the Threads in Bloom design depart.

Somehow I duplicated 3 books  ( I really need to have an inventory of my needlework library )  Before I put them on Ebay, I want to offer them to you.          Since I only have one of each, please drop me an email that you are ordering the book, to make sure it is still available, before you push that ‘order’ button.   If there is an over sale, I can credit you account.     One, a really gorgeous  book ‘GOLDWORK – Techniques, projects and pure inspiration, by Hazel Everett.   I found techniques I can adapt to Brazilian Embroidery.  It is truly a book of inspiration.  I am wowed by some of these flowers that would be beautiful in beads.  The cover project looks like a piece of jewelry, the inside illustrations are just as stunning.  144 pages, soft cover.         The next is  Redouté’s Finest Flowers in Embroidery ~ by Trish Burr.  She is an expert  Needle Painting artist form Australia.  If you are not familiar with Needle painting, it is satin stitches, shading the colors look as if it is painted.  Although, I do not do Needle Painting  ( another one of those embroidery techniques I want to learn ), the book is wonderful for learning Satin stitching, how to create curves, do tapering; we all do Satin stitch – this is a good book to add to your needle art library – if only to look at for the stitching beauty.  Soft cover – 95 pages.

Redouté's Finest Flowers in Embroidery ~ by Trish Burr

Needle Painting Embroidery Fresh ideas for Beginners ~ by Trish Burr

GOLDWORK book

And the third is Needle Painting Embroidery – Fresh Ideas for Beginners, also by Trish Burr

It has detailed instructions from the beginning of supplies and materials, on shaping and direction of stitches, several projects are included in the book, with ‘what to do with the completed stitching’ showing a scissor case, scissor fob, pincushion and pinwheel.  Also soft cover, 120 pages

I am offering each at 25% off – they are all new, and found in the  book department at ThreadsinBloom.com

Now I am off to make some pretty coral Pepper Jelly to go with my jelly assortment for Christmas gifts.  The pretty coral color comes from Cranberry juice. This is the first time I made this kind – hope it turns out good.  I like Pepper Jelly over cream cheese, served with assorted crackers.   This year in my assortment is  Santa Rosa Plum and Blueberry. The Blueberry didn’t set as it should, so I labeled it syrup – great over ice cream or pancakes.   I didn’t make any pomegranate this year – I still have a few jars left from 2010 crop.  The mint in our front yard is perfect right now for another batch of Mint Jelly, of course lovely with lamb.  I still have some tea towels to finish to tuck in the Christmas packages and make a few more of those bookmarks to give to friends who enjoy reading – or mark pages in the needle art books.  Sometimes I go to the used book store and find some really fun books, adding the Brazilian Embroidery book mark for a complete gift.

I have been on vacation this past week – it is back to work tomorrow.  I do customer service for an insurance company.  Threads in Bloom is my evening and week end enjoyment.  I did get a lot done this week, but honestly could have another week to finish up; oh well, it will be there to keep me from ever having to look for something to do.  Life is never boring.

I was watching ( while stitching)  the old Jimmy Stewart movie last night, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’.  What a great movie, even if I have seen it numerous times.  At the end, he is given a book with a note  ”No man is a failure who has friends”.  How true that is.

Here is my email to contact me about the books or anything else you need:      thrdsnblm@comcast.net     and of course the website is ThreadsinBloom.com

Thank you for your time, I enjoy talking to you.       Have a Wonderful Winter or Summer Holiday – where ever you may be.  Sharon  ~  Threads in Bloom ~ Modesto, CA USA   thrdsnbloom.comcast.net  ~  ThreadsinBloom.com

But, I have been working, besides my full time job;  I have been stitching a new design and flower.  On my calendar at work, there were these really pretty periwinkle color flowers.  As I looked at the calendar  5 days a week, I was thinking Brazilian embroidery.  That is the new design and flower I am stitching.

I am adding another EdMar design to the store.   (shown above )  Country Basket  #1032 It is a nice little sampler   ( 3″ X 4″  ) of flowers and  10 basic embroidery stitches.  You will use Lola, Iris and Glory thread.  I  like the wicker look of the basket.

Go to    www.ThreadsinBloom.com   for details of flowers and thread EdMar used, or use your favorites.

Blazer Poplin

The fabric we use for Brazilian embroidery is Blazer poplin  ( it was first known as ‘Trigger”). It is poly cotton blend with a good weight to take the stress of pulling on the bullions and cast-on to get proper placement.   It is available in cream.  It is not a yellowish cream, more ivory.  If you have gotten any of my designs, Blazer Poplin is what I use.    It is 60″ wide and I do get it on a roll, so no fold lines.  You will find it available in the e-store in the FABRIC department.

Another item to assist you with transferring is Printable Sticky Fabri-Solvy ~

Printable stitcky transfer fabric

Simply place the sheet in your printer tray to copy your design onto the sheet;  peel off the paper backing, placing the sheer wash out fiber transfer sheet onto your fabric ( easy to reposition )  and stitch.  When stitching is complete,  submerge in water, hold under faucet of running water or put in washing machine.   The water soluble sheet desolves.    I have used it on embroidery on tea and flour sack dish towels; any embroidery you want to transfer.  Wonderful stuff, so easy to use, faster and much easier than getting out the light box or tapping the pattern and fabric to a window to trace…..  There are 12 sheets per package, each sheet is 8.5 x 11″ to use in your home printer.  Look in the Stitching Necessities department.

The five designs that are being reprinted:   Birthday Bouquet,  Opposites fit Together, Rings of Enchantment,  Eloquent and Destiny should all arrive here in the next couple weeks.  I have everything ready to package them when they arrive.  To all of you who have placed orders, knowing there would be a wait ~ Thank you for your patients.

Now, that you have listened to how I have spent my time lately…..  what about you.   What have you been up to, or planning on doing.  Christmas is just around a couple corners.  Are you stitching any Christmas gifts;  or making gifts, maybe baking.  Let me hear from you.  I would like to post some of your ideas and what you are up to, with your permission.   One gal in Scotland and I have become really good friends, meeting through our stitching.  I have always wanted to go to Scotland and now because of our friendship I am planning a trip next year, with another local stitching friends.  I am so excited about the trip.  Share your thoughts and plans.

Until next time ~ thank you for your time, business and support of a tiny home business

pink roses @ Shore Acres, OR

This is one of my favorite pictures I took at Coos Bay, Shore Acres State Park in OR…

Stitching keeps our souls content ~  Sharon

Threads in Bloom – Modesto, CA         www.ThreadsinBloom.com

Bohin needles

Yes, you are right, it has been a long time, to long.  I started to write several times, deciding to wait until a design was really completed or the restock item was in my hands.  I need to become more consistant, even if only to tell you about one thing and chat a bit.

First ~ Bohin needles are back.  I finally found a distributor that will allow a tiny business, such as mine to order, instead of such a large minimum that I could never meet their requirements.  Remember before it took me months to find a one time opportunity.  I am very pleased they will now be in constant supply.  Why am I so happy to carry Bohin needles ?  The company has been in business since 1833 – five generations of craftsmanship.  The needles has a maximum strength, minimum bending, exceptional polish for a smooth glide through your fabric; fine point in minimize holes, the eye is polished with a unique process to minimize breaking thread;  there is  quality control on every needle – those not meeting their high standards are thrown away.

Opposites fit Together

Second ~  Opposites fit Together sold out in 2 days.   There have been so many request for the design, I am having it reprinted.  It will be back in stock in about 4 weeks.  Go ahead and place your order, I will send it out as soon as the fabric prints arrive.   It takes that long only because my excellent screen printer is in another state.  There are VERY few good screen printers that know how to use the blue wash out ink.  One business I tried locally  ( most just said they didn’t want to bother learning about how to apply the wash out ink) hoping to keep business local and it would cut delivery back time in half.  Oh my gosh – after 5 attempts with different designs I finally gave up.  The stitching lines would be 1/4″ wide on some.  He tried, but could not get the technique down for those very narrow lines.  Bottom line – it is worth the extra mail time to have the excellent service from my current screen printer.   Gee, all that to tell you Opposites fit Together will be available again…     I did warn you I like to chat..

Next ~        Designs revisited.  Bringing forth some of my previous designs that I really like, but had not shown in my E-store.

1.  Hummingbird and Fuchsia ~   #2103      This one has always been in my favorites category, not just

Hummingbird & Fuchsia

because I really like the simplicity of the design, but also because of the little Hummingbirds wing.  I call it my ‘in flight’ wing.  It is an easy Stumpwork technique.   Shown framed in a Sudberry Crown Plate ( available in 3 sizes ) Soon, I will also add its companion piece – Barnadesia and Hummingbird.   For more details visit  ThreadsinBloom.com

2.   Birthday Bouquet ~ #2105  Another on my favorites list.  Birthday Bouquet was inspired by a special birthday card I received.  Birthday Bouquet is also one of the many

Birthday Bouquet #2105

magazine articles I have done over my many years (31 years) of stitching and designing.  Birthday Bouquet is the top of a Shaker basket.     Would also make a nice pillow top or framed wall hanging.

Need a good, hold tight hoop ?  see  my Morgan No-Slip hoops.     Do you need the large #15 Milliner needle for Nova or Bouclé thread ?

#15 milliner needle

Don’t forget those Mesh Bags to organize your projects and many, many other uses

Morgan No-slip hoop

Mesh zip bags

There are several new designs and projects in the works.  I will bringing in more EdMar designs for fun stitching.

You find all these items and so much more at   ThreadsinBloom.com.       Leave a comment ~

Thank you for your time ~ Have a great stitching week ~ Stitching keeps our souls content

I am off to do a little stitching before ending my day.     Sharon ~  Threads in Bloom

A short note of apology for the delay in getting orders out to all those who ordered either  Opposites Fit Together  or   Leaves ~

The company that does my screen printing called a couple weeks ago apologizing for not getting Opposites to me by the date I requested – said he was going to do them the next evening -  SO, I assumed ( wrong thing to do ) that I would have them and the Leaves in a few days -  I sent out the  Newsletter announcing the new designs – and you placed your orders  ( thank you ).   I got a call on Sunday;  he had just finished the screen printing  ( had run out of the blue wash away ink ).  They were mailed yesterday, I should have them Wednesday.  I will get them packaged and be ready to start filling all your orders.     I will send each of you a note when your order is in the mail.  My goal is to have them all out by Saturday.

I really appreciate your patients and your  business - for a little thank you I will include one of the small Mesh Project bags in each of your orders.  

Stitching keeps our souls content,   Sharon       www.ThreadsinBloom.com

Leaves

On to some serious stuff ~   new products              Leaves ~  an important part in the garden of our lives.     21 page comb binding book with fabric print design gives you an exercise of  13 leaf variations with suggestions for others.  Use these leaf types for any type needle art.    My friend, Mary, taught this class using my design and book at the Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery International Guild Seminar this summer.  The book sold out.  At the request of several, I have done a reprint.  There is a limited number for a limited time.  Design is  approx  6 X 8″   cream fabric printed with wash out ink.  Visit the books  and/or  design department.  www.ThreadsinBloom.com

Opposites fit Together

This is Opposites fit Together ~ #2226

My version of Yin-Yang. The symbol (Yin-Yang) represents the ancient Chinese understanding of how things work.

Stitches used:  Stem, couching, bullions, cast-on, wrapped cast-on. leaves and Palestrina knot.  All stitch instructions are found in Art of Dimensional Embroidery, by Maria Frietas.  Flower instructions are enclosed in the design package with the fabric printed design.  Design size is  4.75″ circle.                                Find this lovely flowing circle in the Threads in Bloom  design department.

Close outs ~    Tacky  bead box A pretty front cover; the back has a non slide cushion so the box

Tacky Bead Box

stays in place.     The inside – both sides have a slightly tacky surface to keep beads in place – easy to pick up with your needle one by one take them with you – no more spills.         only 5 left        Close out $5.00  (reg 8.00)

BE Transfer patterns

Rosie Montague   ( you may recognize the name ) book of 50 Brazilian Embroidery transfer patterns

There is a lot of back ground greenery – I would trace the   patterns, rather than heat transfer, which makes it permanent.    Below is a sample of the patterns.     Book also has a few pages of instructions.   Only 3 left –   Close out –  $4.00   ( regular price 5.95 )  in the Book department

sample of transfer patterns

Thread organizers 16 slots to keep your different weights of thread and colors in order, besides

thread organizer

keeping it from tangling.   In the Stitching Necessities dept.

available in 6 sizes

Mesh project bags