By: Donna Ransdell Kreiniks While in Michael's yesterday, I breezed by the cross-stitch section and picked up a free brochure put out by Kreinik/Balger concerning their threads. I will do a simple recap of the brochure, since I was unable to pick up more than one. The cover lists the Kreinik Metallic and Decorative threads: blending filament, cord, cable, Fine/Medium/Heavy Braid, Ribbon, Ombre, Japan threads, facets and torsades. Blending filament: one ply metallic threads may be used alone or combined with other threads or yarns. This is perfect for enhancing needlepoint, cross stitch and embroidery designs. Also popular for punch embroidery, lace making, weaving, knitting, crochet and machine sewing. Available in 65 colors. Cut required length of thread and fold about 5 cm from one end. Insert loop through eye of needle and pull loop over the point of the needle. Tighten the loop at the end of the eye to secure the thread to the needle. Kreinik Metallic Braids: are used alone for a more defined look. They will not ravel and are strong, soft, and lustrous. Braids are round in shape to offer textured dimensional effects and are available in Fine (#8), Medium (#16) and Heavy (#32) weights. Available in over 120 colors which include pastels, jewel tone, natural and festive colors. Kreinik Metallic Ribbons: used alone for a more defined and textured style. Ribbons are flat in appearance, soft and very flexible. In addition to stitching easily, they are popular as trims as they do not buckle. Ribbons are available in 1/8" and 1/16" sizes and over 120 colors. Kreinik Cord: one ply, tightly wrapped metallic threads perfect for outlining, backstitching or adding "lacy" effects when cross stitching. Ideal for machine embroidery, quilting, and smocking. CHoose from over 24 colors that coordinate with the blending filaments, braids and ribbons. Kreinik Cable: a 3-ply, gently twisted cord used to create a heavier outline for exacting definition in hand embroidery. Excellent and popular for special accents. Gold and silver color only. Kreinik Japan threads: synthetic non-tarnishing gimps available in gold, silver and cooper. These threads are good for fine stitching, outlining, couching and laid work. They give the appearance of stitching with real gold, silver or copper. Available in super fine #1, Fine #5, and Medium #7 weights, and also in Fine and Medium Braids, 1/16" and 1/8" ribbons. Kreinik Ombre: a softly twisted 8-ply metallic thread. They are available in 9 variegated colors as well as solid gold, silver and pearl. Ideal for knitting (machine or hand), needlepoint, crochet and cross stitch. Kreinik Facets: Bead like yarn that can be easily couched by hand or machine to create texture and dimension. Good for wearables and home decor. Facets (TM) are excellent for adding a touch of elegance and sparkle. Available in 7 colors. Kreinik Torsades (twisted cords): These rope style trims are perfect for home decoration, fashion, and surface embellishment. Choose from solid metallic shades or combinations of colorful solids blended with metallics. Each color selection is available in a variety of thicknesses. Kreinik Metallic Threads Color Card: 90+ actual color samples of Kreinik Metallic Threads including samples of each different weight. Convenient and excellent reference to select colors.