Earlier this year we were able to work with our Au ver a Soie distributor here in the states (the amazing Lamora & Issa) and bring in a few of the AVAS metallics. What you might not now is that that AVAS has been making metallic thread since the 1950's. While not as well known in the US as other metallics they have a softer hand than others and work great for embroidery where the smoothness helps the thread slide through fabric that doesn't have holes. Even those who've tried it on cross-stitch fabric and canvas love the feel and flexibility of them. Be sure read Mary Corbett's Needle 'n Thread blog for her review of these threads and for great embroidery information.
In 2018 we'll be starting an AVAS metallics club that is expected to run for at least a year (we've mapped it out for 16 months). Our plan is to introduce the thread to stitchers in shade groups, one each month. Lamora and I have worked out the range and she is working with AVAS to get them made. A few will be colors from their current production list but many will be new since we want to create a shaded range. The plan is for each month to have 4-6 spools of either #4 or #8 braid. If you are a needlepointer you might not know that #8 works pretty well on 18 mesh as long as you don't stitch really tight. I have personally started using it for about 90% of my 18 mesh stitching and I find it lays better and is easier to get through the canvas. If you are interested in joining the club you can send us an e-mail and we'll put you on the interest list. Until we get the first sets actually here in the US we won't do the formal sign-up process and have prices set. As with any new venture, things can go awry so we'll do the sign-ups when we know we can start shipping soon after. The colors we bring for the club will only be available as part of the club so while you don't have to participate in the entire series, you can only purchase each month's colors as a set.
You'll find the current colors we have available listed in the online catalog. These are "open stock"meaning you can buy them by the spool.
