(Pictured: Small TCS Project Bag, Blue Snips, Essentials: White, and Radiance 13 Mesh: Pearl, Daja Blu, Queen of Hearts).
After a long, snowy and grey winter, Chicago summers feel much like winning at thread chicken or finding the last skein in your dye lot: a serendipitous reward that makes you appreciate it all the more. Our summers may feel short but we make the most of it with stitching sessions on patios, parks, and porches. They are days spent eating ice cream as the sun sets beneath a sherbet sky, taking long walks along the lake, easing sunburns after gardening and games of tennis, wandering through farmers markets with a latte in one hand and a buttery pastry in the other, and of course going to baseball games.
This summer, I started stitching a Cubs pennant canvas that I plan to finish as a bag charm. It’s an 18 mesh canvas from designer Lake Shore Needlepoint and with only three colors, it is the perfect size project for quick and easy stitching on the go!
To celebrate TCS’ new Radiance expansion for 13 mesh and 18 mesh, I couldn’t help but kit my project using some of the new arrivals! Unlike Kreinik which creates a metallic shine with a smooth finish or Silk Lamé Braid which creates a shiny textured look, Radiance is a twisted metallic thread that adds fun dimension and an iridescent shine to any project. To me, using Radiance feels like a two for one deal. It creates a bead-like effect without having to use beads and the bright, bold colors make any tent stitch pop!
Stitching with Radiance: Tips and Tricks
Like any decorative thread, stitching with Radiance comes with a few quirks.
When you’re ready to start stitching, pop open the lid on your Radiance spool where the tail of thread peeks out. If it starts unraveling too quickly, measure out your desired length (I recommend anywhere between 10- 12 inches), lay the thread over the top, replace the cap, and cut, leaving a small tail behind. This helps keep the thread from unraveling off the spool or loosening in your project bag.
One of the most common challenges stitchers find with using Radiance is fraying at the ends of the thread. I’ve found that using smaller strands helps reduce fraying and makes the thread much easier to work with. Some fellow stitchers have also sworn by using beeswax or Fray Check to help tame the ends from untwisting. Most recently, the TCS team learned another helpful tip: giving your thread a quick snap or tug before stitching. Simply hold each end of your cut thread and pull it taut to relax the thread.
(Pictured: Radiance 13 Mesh: Pearl, Daja Blu, Queen of Hearts)
When it comes to deciding which Radiance size to use for best coverage, don’t be afraid to experiment! If you feel like the Radiance for 18 mesh isn’t giving you the pop you want, try switching sizes. For this project, I decided to use Radiance for 13 mesh because I wanted a more fuller and bolder look. With only 3 colors, I wanted each of them to stand out and give a simple Basketweave project even more sparkle!
As I finish working on my Cubs pennant, I’m reminded of how needlepoint has the ability to transport us back to our favorite memories, places, or inside jokes. Each stitch becomes part of a greater story and I can’t wait to look back next summer and remember all the places this little bag charm has followed me along!
We’d love to hear what canvas you're stitching this summer and what any tips or tricks you have on working with Radiance. Be sure to drop a comment!
Until the next stitch,
Ana