Custom dyed thread kit includes

• 6 different colour combinations of size 5 perle cotton – 20 meters/21.87 yards
• total of 140 meters/153 yards

Colour Me Brilliant is a vibrant design created by Freda Murfin using a bold palette of Colour Complements threads.  The design is stitched on 18 count canvas measuring approximately 7 ¾ inches square.

What More Do You Need

• A PDF pattern is available for download @ Freda’s Fancy Stitching
• DMC 310 (black) size 5 perle cotton x 2 skeins
• Metallic of your choice – less than 5 meters
• 18 count canvas

Payment
Shop pricing is in US funds.  I accept Visa, Mastercard and PayPal.  Canadian orders are subject to sales tax calculated during checkout.

Shipping
I offer free shipping for Canadian orders and flat rate shipping for international orders.  Please visit SHIPPING INFORMATION for more detail.

** Many of my photos are close-ups to allow customers to view colour variations. While I attempt to achieve colour accuracy in my photographs, be advised that all monitors display colours differently**

Want to see my threads in use
Visit my blog for inspiration, projects and tips.  Subscribe to my BLOG.

Newsletter
Mailed monthly and sometimes a mini newsletter mid-month.  Subscribers are the first to know about new products, custom dyed limited-edition kits and sales.  Subscribe at the bottom of any page on the site.

The post Colour Me Brilliant Thread Kit appeared first on Colour Complements.

Every stitcher has a “threshold project,” that one piece of work that completely changes their creative direction. For me, that moment was discovering the architectural beauty of Lorene Salt’s geometric canvas work patterns. Lorene is a Canadian designer whose work transcends traditional needlepoint, turning the canvas into a playground of mathematical symmetry and textural depth.

At a Glance: How Lorene Salt Influences Needlepoint

• Design Heritage: A Canadian designer and educator
• Technical Variety: Features a wide array of stitches, including Bargello, crescent petals, and flower clusters.
• The “Shockwave” Spark: The specific project that transitioned my own journey from crazy quilting to the world of counted canvas.
• Beginner-Friendly: Despite their complex look, these designs are a masterclass in learning new decorative stitches.

A Journey of Transformation

As many of you likely know, I did not take up needlepoint (specifically counted canvas) until I was introduced to it by a customer back in 2014. My needlework journey actually began in the eclectic, free-form world of crazy quilting.

Everything changed when I was introduced to counted canvas designs and further inspired discovering Lorene Salt’s designs. She initially offered Shockwave as a beginner canvas work correspondence course through the Embroidery Association of Canada, and I was fortunate enough to take the class at that time.

Have you ever picked up a project that felt like it was finally speaking your creative language?

For me, that was Shockwave. It was only my second project in this style, but the logic and beauty of the stitches had me hooked immediately.

Architecture for the Canvas

Lorene’s geometric canvas work patterns are like architecture for the canvas. This particular pattern is designed on 18-count mono canvas, sized at 9×9.

In these project, you’ll find a fascinating mix of techniques:

• Bargello and Crescent Petals: Creating sweeping, rhythmic movement.
• Flower Clusters: Adding 3D “pops” of interest.
• Corner Detail: Each of the four corners utilizes a different selection of stitches—straight, diagonal, cross, tied, looped, and decorative.

This diversity makes her patterns an excellent choice for a beginner. They provide an ideal learning opportunity to add to your personal library of new stitches within a single, structured design.

The Synergy of Design and Palette

While I used a different palette for my original Shockwave project, a new addition like Colour #193 (our aqua, blue, and purple blend) would make an excellent focal colour for this project. By using it to anchor a broader palette of varying blue and purple values, you can create a piece that feels both tranquil and sophisticated.

I am so pleased to support a fellow Canadian designer. Whether you are looking for your first “threshold project” or your fiftieth, Lorene’s work highlights elegance in needle arts and hand-dyed threads. Her geometric patterns allow variegated colours to shine without losing the integrity of the design.

The post Lorene Salt Geometric Canvas Work Patterns: A Journey in Modern Design Inspiration appeared first on Colour Complements.

I am so excited to introduce Colour #193, the newest addition to my regular product line. As many of you know, my goal in the dye studio is always to create transitions that feel natural and “unrepeatable.” I think this new blend captures the true essence of high-quality artisan variegated embroidery thread.

Colour #193 is a lovely, tranquil blend of aqua, soft blues, and pale purple. It is currently available in three perle cotton sizes (5, 8, and 12), as well as our 6-strand cotton floss.

At a Glance: Why You’ll Love Colour #193

• Artisan Craftsmanship: Hand-dyed in small batches to ensure seamless, one-of-a-kind colour transitions.
• Versatile Sizing: Available in Perle Cotton (#5, #8, #12) and 6-strand floss to suit any project scale.
• A Modern Classic: A sophisticated palette of aqua, blue, and pale purple that anchors any spring or summer design.

Why This Palette Works

Blues and purples have always been a popular blend for stitchers. There is something timeless about the combination; it feels both calming and sophisticated.

For those of you looking ahead to your next project, I find this an ideal focal colour for a fresh spring or summer palette. Because this is variegated embroidery floss, the subtle shifts in tone give your canvas depth and movement that mass-produced threads simply cannot replicate.

Think of these variegated transitions like a watercolor painting; the colors don’t just change, they breathe into one another, ensuring no two stitches in your project look exactly the same.

Choosing Your Thread Size

To keep your stitching “no-fuss,” I’ve made this available in several weights to suit your specific design needs. Whether you are using a single strand or layering your artisan variegated embroidery floss for texture, we have you covered:

• Perle #5: Best for bold textures and defined borders.
• Perle #8 & #12: Ideal for intricate details and delicate embellishments.
• 6-Strand Cotton Floss: The versatile classic for traditional needlepoint and cross-stitch.

The Design Story: From “Shockwave” to Today

This palette might feel familiar to some of my long-time followers. Some years ago, I stitched a design by Lorene Salt called Shockwave. That project featured a very similar palette of colours to what you see here in #193.

Seeing how those teals and lavenders played together in Lorene’s geometric pattern inspired me to bring this combination back as a permanent staple for my customers. It’s a testament to how timeless a well-curated color palette can be across different designs.

Start Your Spring Project

Colour #193 offers that unique, boutique quality that makes every hour spent stitching feel worth the effort. I take great pride in ensuring these threads are ready to go straight from my studio to your needle with zero guesswork.

The post Introducing Colour #193: The Newest Artisan Variegated Embroidery Floss for Spring appeared first on Colour Complements.

It has been some time since I have introduced any new colours to my product line, so I am incredibly excited to share the first of two NEW additions this month!

Colour #192 is a sophisticated blend of moss green, rust, and golden brown. After a long season of quiet experimentation in the studio, I’ve captured the exact, moody transition of late October, which offers the depth of a rust and copper thread palette that feels both modern and timeless.

At a Glance: Why You’ll Love Colour #192

• The Debut of Rust: This is the first-ever dedicated rust combination in my product line, filling a much-requested gap for warm, earthy tones.
• Nature-Inspired Palette: A beautiful, “no-fuss” combination of moss, rust, and golden brown that mimics the forest floor.
• Perfect for Seasonal & Year-Round Projects: A timeless choice for any fall or autumn-themed project meant to be kept or gifted.

A Personal Favourite Season

Autumn has always been my favourite season. I love the warm days and cool nights, but mostly, I always look forward to the change of colours. There is a specific “Atmospheric Earth Tone” that appears just as the leaves begin to turn, and it was the direct inspiration for this new rust-and-copper thread palette.

Think of Colour #192 as the “Forest Floor” in a single strand. The transitions don’t just change; they blend seamlessly into one another, much like the layers of leaves underfoot on a crisp morning hike.

How to Build Your Autumn “Warm Ember” Palette

Creating a cohesive rust and copper thread palette can be daunting, but with Colour #192, the guesswork is gone. To help you get started, I’ve put together a simple, “no-fuss” guide to building a stunning seasonal colour story:

• The Base: Colour #192 (The Moss/Rust foundation)
• The Highlight: Colour #37 (Rich Golden Yellows)
• The Complementary Highlight: Colour #36 (Vibrant Orange)
• The Balance: Any of our muted greens to provide “visual breathing room” and anchor the warmth.

The Artisan Difference

Colour #192 is more than a new thread; it is a professional-grade anchor for your autumn stitching, designed to give your needlework the depth of a fine art painting.

Because this is a hand-dyed variegated floss, the subtle shifts in tone mean your canvas will have a movement that static, flat colours cannot replicate. Whether you are a crafter returning to the needle or a busy professional seeking a screen-free creative escape, using a high-quality rust and copper thread palette ensures your best efforts are reflected in the final piece.

I can’t wait to see what you create with this new blend as the nights get cooler and we all settle back into our stitching chairs.

The post Nature’s Transition: Designing with Our New Rust and Copper Thread Palette appeared first on Colour Complements.

We are so excited to share that Needlepoint Now featured Bargello Bulbs, our latest needlepoint design, in the November/December 2023 issue! We’ve showcased this Bargello Medallion pattern in a rich, autumn-inspired warm colour palette that is perfect for any year-round needlepoint project.

The Design Behind Bargello Bulbs & Technique Used

This ornamental bulb design was stitched using traditional Bargello stitching techniques. If you aren’t familiar with the “Bulb” shape, think of it as a rhythmic flow of stitches; while many patterns use sharp peaks, this one uses “stepping” to create a beautiful, curved ornamental look.

The warm threads we chose range from golden yellows to cranberry reds. These create a vibrant appearance that makes the entire pattern “pop.” We also used some cool tones to create balance and add real visual depth to the design. However, the intensity and “main star of the show” features Colour #188, which is a gorgeous and very popular blend of our hand-dyed fall tones!

Why Hand-Dyed Floss?

For this project, using hand-dyed floss is what truly creates the magic. Because the colours transition naturally within the strand, the thread does the hard work of shading for you. This is a great “no-fuss” solution for crafters who want a professional, artistic look without the stress of picking dozens of different solid colours.

You don’t need to be an expert stitcher to create something timeless. Using high-quality, unique materials like Colour #188 ensures your project looks like an heirloom from the very first stitch.

The Warm Colour Palette Used

Our Bargello Bulbs sample measures 4×4 inches and was stitched on 18-count canvas. At Colour Complements, we love using smaller canvas sizes! It gives us the opportunity to stitch up beautiful patterns quickly and see the results of the vibrant colours right away.

The colours used in this particular pattern are a blend of vibrant shades consistent with the tones featured in Colour #188. Four of our hand-dyed threads are featured in the sample:

• Colour #18
• Colour #37
• Colour #187
• Colour #188

Find the full design in the November/December 2023 issue of Needlepoint Now if you would like to stitch this design. To help you get the exact look featured in the magazine, we offer shipping worldwide. Supporting Canadian makers has never been easier, and we can’t wait to see how your version of the Bargello Bulbs turns out!

The post Bargello Bulbs: Mastering the Warm Color Palette appeared first on Colour Complements.

Perle Cotton is a mercerized, twisted, non-divisible cotton thread.  Size 5 is the heaviest, size 8 is a medium weight and size 12 is fine – comparable to 2 strands of floss.

Cotton Embroidery Floss is a divisible thread consisting of 6 strands.  Can be used in single or multiple strands.

Colour Complements embroidery threads

• hand dyed in unique, original and vibrant colour combinations
• all colour combinations are available in three sizes of perle cotton AND cotton floss
• blended in shorter lengths enhancing any needlework project

Payment
Shop pricing is in US funds.  I accept Visa, Mastercard and PayPal.  Canadian orders are subject to sales tax calculated during checkout.

Shipping
Canadian orders ship free.  I offer flat rate shipping for international orders.  Please visit shipping information for more detail.

** Many of my photos are close-ups to allow customers to view colour variations. While I attempt to achieve colour accuracy in my photographs, be advised that all monitors display colours differently**

Working on white?
I recommend products be rinsed prior to use to ensure they are colour fast ONLY IF you plan to stitch on a white or very light background otherwise this is not necessary.  ** I do not rinse any of my threads for my personal stitching.

Want to see my threads in use
Visit my blog for inspiration, projects and tips.  Subscribe to my BLOG.

Newsletter
Mailed monthly and sometimes a mini newsletter mid-month.  Subscribers are the first to know about new products, custom dyed limited-edition kits and sales.  Subscribe at the bottom of any page on the site.

The post Rust Brown Green Embroidery Threads – Colour #192 appeared first on Colour Complements.

Pearl Cotton is a mercerized, twisted, non-divisible cotton thread.  Size 5 is the heaviest, size 8 is a medium weight and size 12 is fine – comparable to 2 strands of floss.

Cotton Embroidery Floss is a divisible thread consisting of 6 strands.  Can be used in single or multiple strands.

Colour Complements embroidery threads

• hand dyed in unique, original and vibrant colour combinations
• all colour combinations are available in three sizes of pearl cotton AND cotton floss
• blended in shorter lengths enhancing any needlework project

Payment
Shop pricing is in US funds.  I accept Visa, Mastercard and PayPal.  Canadian orders are subject to sales tax calculated during checkout.

Shipping
I offer flat rate shipping.  Please visit SHIPPING INFORMATION for more detail.

** Many of my photos are close-ups to allow customers to view colour variations. While I attempt to achieve colour accuracy in my photographs, be advised that all monitors display colours differently**

Working on white?
I recommend products be rinsed prior to use to ensure they are colour fast ONLY IF you plan to stitch on a white or very light background otherwise this is not necessary.  ** I do not rinse any of my threads for my personal stitching.

Want to see my threads in use
Visit my blog for inspiration, projects and tips.  Subscribe to my BLOG.

Newsletter
Mailed monthly and sometimes a mini newsletter mid-month.  Subscribers are the first to know about new products, custom dyed limited-edition kits and sales.  Subscribe at the bottom of any page on the site.

The post Blue And Purple Perle Cotton – Colour #193 appeared first on Colour Complements.

Picture this: You dedicate your precious time, your focus and energy to stitchinga piece you genuinely love. But maybe you’ve been disappointed by the final appearance of a project.  It didn’t capture that gorgeous, vibrant vision you had in mind.  Perhaps it looked flat.

It looked, dare I say, commercial.

I hear this frustration at times, and usually, it’s the result of the initial choice of threads and materials.  My mission is to eliminate that compromise.  I’m sharing the secrets from my dye studio to ensure every thread and every kit I offer is a wise investment in your needlework.

What Do You Need To Know

• Hand-dyed floss offers unique depth and variegation that commercial threads can’t match.
• No-fuss kits and designs created by needlepoint artists alleviating the stress of starting, without sacrificing quality.
• Investing in quality materials is the key to creating timeless, high-value fibre art you’ll be proud to display, gift or pass down.

Why Hand-Dyed is an Investment

As someone who understands the dyeing process, the difference between factory-dyed floss and the threads I intentionally dye by hand is vast. Commercial threads are dyed by machine making them more uniform in colours and predictable. 

But hand-dyed thread? That’s where the magic is!

Each batch of threads I dye is a unique creation. The dye absorbs naturally, and the colour runs are short, creating a rich variegation, texture, and blend of colours that no machine can replicate.  When you stitch with my hand-dyed thread, your piece gains a three-dimensional quality.  It shimmers, transforming from a craft project into a piece of fibre art.

Needlepoint Tips:

• Experiment with Stitch Techniques: Showcase the beautiful variegation of hand-dyed thread and explore different stitch techniques.
• Choosing the Right Canvas: Consider the type of floss you are using as it will affect the final texture and appearance. Perle Cotton is tightly twisted and non-divisible, offering a high sheen and defined, raised stitches, whereas stranded cotton floss provides a smoother finish and can be adjusted for thickness.
• Choosing the Right Canvas: Choosing the right thread colour against your canvas is essential, as it allows you to make each stitch pop or blend with the overall design.

Getting the combination of thread type, colour, and stitch right is key to achieving that high-value, professional finish!

Keep in mind that it’s not just the thread. It’s the design you stitch.

My designs are not mass-produced; they are meticulously created, and feedback is given by other fellow needlepoint artists and stitchers before I finalize the kits and add them to the shop. This guarantees that the instructions are clear, and the kit is truly “no-fuss.” 

This refined process means you are stitching a piece of original fibre art, that other stitchers have tested.

My Commitment to both Quality and Accessibility

Choosing premium thread is an investment, but you receive value, longevity, and the confidence that the hours you dedicate to stitching will result in something you are happy with showcasing at home.

Every batch of hand-dyed floss or perle cotton meets durability standards. Many of my customers have commented on how smoothly my threads stitch up. The value isn’t just in the thread itself, but in the peace of mind knowing your hard work will last.

I hear from many talented and eager stitchers who love the idea of needlepoint but feel too intimidated to start.  All the kits offered in the shop are ideal for beginner to advanced needle workers.  If you are new to stitching, each stitch used in the design is clearly charted in the PDF patterns.  Some patterns also offer suggestions of different threads you may add. 

The Worth of Your Effort

Your time and effort are the most valuable materials you bring to the needlepoint frame. Those hours deserve a result that is beautiful, long-lasting, and true to you.

By choosing hand-dyed threads, you’re investing in the rich, vibrant heart of your final piece. Don’t settle for another disposable craft kit…because the value of your project is only as high as the quality of its components.

Are you ready to elevate your stitching?

The shop has a variety of different kits and PDF patterns ready for you:

• Custom Thread Kits (These include small projects that can easily be completed in a short amount of time).
• Mug Needlepoint PDF Patterns
• Welcome Gnome Needlepoint PDF Downloads

These projects perfectly blend the unique beauty of my hand-dyed floss and perle cotton with the high-quality, easy instructions you need to start stitching your next project today!

The post Hand-Dyed vs. Commercial: Why Hand-Dyed Kits  and Floss are the Best Investment for Canadian Crafters appeared first on Colour Complements.

This month, I am excited to introduce three new colour combinations to the shop. These palettes were dyed to capture the fresh, bright feel of spring by blending deep teals with vibrant greens. Whether you are starting a new project or looking for the perfect accent for an existing design, these hand-dyed threads offer a level of detail you won’t find in mass-produced kits.

What’s New This Month

• The Palette: A professional mix of teal blues, chartreuse, emerald, and spring greens.
• The Product: Three new limited-edition fibre colourways, hand-dyed here in my studio in Canada.
• Availability: Small-batch quantities! Once these dye lots are sold out, they are sold out!
• Best For: Adding unique depth to foliage, water scenes, or modern abstract designs.

I hand-dye all of my small-batch hand-dyed embroidery floss in my studio in limited quantities. Because this is an artisanal process, these colour combinations cannot be replicated. To ensure you have enough thread to complete your project with a consistent look, I recommend purchasing enough thread for your entire project at once.

April Featured Colours

• Colour #107: A mix of darker blue and emerald green. This is a great artisan-dyed green for adding natural depth to your work.
• Colour #108: A blend of teals and bright chartreuse. This variegated colour needlepoint thread adds a bit of “pop” to more contemporary designs.
• Colour #109: A combination of spring greens and aqua. These look excellent when paired with my existing colours #64, #70, or #71 to create a coordinated look.

Designed for Your Next Project

Many crafters enjoy needlepoint but aren’t always sure how to choose the right materials or where to begin. My goal is to provide no-fuss needlepoint patterns and threads that take the guesswork out of the process.

By using these limited-edition fibre colourways, you are getting a one-of-a-kind product that delivers a much more interesting result than mass-produced threads. 

High-quality projects deserve high-quality materials. These hand-dyed threads provide a professional, unique finish to your needlework that you can be proud to display.  

The post April Collection: New Limited Edition Fibre Colourways appeared first on Colour Complements.

Limited Edition Colours – these colour combinations are randomly dyed meaning there is a limited volume AND this colour will not be repeated.  Please ensure you purchase what you require for your projects.  Randomly dyeing allows me to experiment with various colour combinations that may otherwise be more challenging to re-produce for the needlework market.

Perle Cotton is a mercerized, twisted, non-divisible cotton thread.  Size 5 is the heaviest, size 8 is a medium weight and size 12 is fine – comparable to 2 strands of floss.

Cotton Embroidery Floss is a divisible thread consisting of 6 strands.  Can be used in single or multiple strands.

Colour Complements embroidery threads

• hand dyed in unique, original and vibrant colour combinations
• all colour combinations are available in three sizes of perle cotton AND cotton floss
• blended in shorter lengths enhancing any needlework project

Payment
Shop pricing is in US funds.  I accept Visa, Mastercard and PayPal.  Canadian orders are subject to sales tax calculated during checkout.

Shipping
I offer flat rate shipping.  Please visit SHIPPING INFORMATION for more detail.

** Many of my photos are close-ups to allow customers to view colour variations. While I attempt to achieve colour accuracy in my photographs, be advised that all monitors display colours differently**

Working on white?
I recommend products be rinsed prior to use to ensure they are colour fast ONLY IF you plan to stitch on a white or very light background otherwise this is not necessary.  ** I do not rinse any of my threads for my personal stitching.

Want to see my threads in use
Visit my blog for inspiration, projects and tips.  Subscribe to my BLOG.

Newsletter
Mailed monthly and sometimes a mini newsletter mid-month.  Subscribers are the first to know about new products, custom dyed limited-edition kits and sales.  Subscribe at the bottom of any page on the site.

The post Spring Greens & Aqua – Colour #109 appeared first on Colour Complements.