Superior Threads Razzle Dazzle™ collection was inspired by quilt artist/musician Ricky Tims. This signature Thread type can be used in the bobbin, for couching, hand stitching or for hand embroidery on cards. 

 Icicles   Christmas Lights   Ruby Slippers   Sterling Silver   Winter Sky

These are a few of my favorite Threads for the Season...

Superior Razzle Dazzle™ Threads

And some fun ways to weave them into Holiday projects! 

Mr. Scottie (tree ornament) was hand stitched with

 Razzle Dazzle™ #257 Ruby Slippers 

How thick is it? It's rated as an 8 weight polyester with metallic fibers spun together; therefore, not intended as a top thread in your machine. However, there's lots of fun ways to use this versatile Thread Star.

How to use thick Threads in the bobbin? Pull this bottom thread up through the throat plate opening and stitch slowly with a compatible top thread like the examples mentioned below. 

 *Wind your bobbin with TLC:

• Tenderly wind for best tension results or handwind.
• Leaving some room on the bobbin to ensure it spins freely within the case, not full.
• Carefully to ensure the bobbin winds evenly and plays fairly with the top thread…

What's couching? An embroidery stitch technique used to fill in areas. In this discussion we're stitching down the thicker thread with a 2nd finer thread, which can either contrast or blend with the Razzle Dazzle™ Threads. Top thread choices: invisible MonoPoly, or The Bottom Line's 55 colors to blend or contrast depending on the effect and stitch you create.

What machine stitch to use? A zig zag is always popular because it secures the edges while you adjust the width and length to straddle the thicker couching Thread. If your machine has the accessory feet for couching you're ahead of the game and open to lots more options.

What about a straight stitch method? This would be done from the bobbin thread and quilting the project from the underside...see my previous Blog (May 7th) on that technique, which Ricky Tims is well known for....

Which hand stitches? When you thread a larger eye needle with this thick Thread, your stitch options are numerous: straight, satin, chain, knots, etc.

Val Ursulak of Nanaimo, B.C. has incorporated an extra surprise element, Razzle Dazzle™ (Abracadabra #256 above), within the edges of her artquilt, "Carnevale de Venezia". She was inspired by her trip to Venice and being the Queen of appliqué, she instinctively blended some regional design elements within this legacy. An entire book could be written on this projects' detailing and techniques and volumes on her contributions to the quilting world...more later.

How about using Razzle Dazzle™ for hand embroidery on cards? Handmade cards are soaring in popularity and decorative threads have become the focus element. Shirley Ann Abernethy of Port Alberni, B.C. used Razzle Dazzle™ to satin stitch the cardinals, to make snowknots(!), and the groundsnow of her "Winterscape" gift card. 

Other uses for this versatile Thread? Braid it, fringe it, bead it, knit/crochet/weave with it, serge with it, make fly hooks!....

For a more detailed article on using decorative threads refer to my feature article "Bobbin Basics" in the Winter Issue of Quilter's Connection Magazine available at select Quilt Shops and Chapters across Canada next week.

Coincidentally, my column in The Canadian Quilter Newsletter Winter Issue, features my article "Gift Cards for Quilters", with a completely different perspective and method. Not a member? Here's the direct link:www.canadianquilter.com

Both of these national publications are valuable resources for quilters--written by Canadian quilters and published in Canada. They deserve our ongoing support! 

Cinderella

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