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Tuesday, January 26, 2010

A geographical Bead Lesson


Hi Everybody. Robin here... I wanted to mention my technique for beading the Kitty Faces on the Tap Pants. I decided I wanted the beads to sit vertically... not their usual diagonal angle. I felt this would enhance the vertical flow of the Victorian Step stitch. I am learning different beading techniques, so if there is already a name for this technique, please pass it along.

I used Invisible Beading Thread for each of the size 14˚ Sundance beads. Some people have issues with Invisible Beading Thread... I don't... I love it.  But, certainly you could use Black Beading Thread. Each bead was anchored by a double stranded X, going through the bead (first from California to Maine; then from Florida to Seattle) instead of the Lasso Technique.

Anywhoo... that's what I did. And here's a close-up photo so show you what it looks like. All beads lined up vertically and securely fastened.

6 comments:

  1. Robin, I'm sure there is a proper name, but don't know it. I always put beads on with a cross stitch, and I too love the clear thread. For another twist, come up at one end of the whiskers, go through all of the beads for that whisker, and then go down at the other end, pulling slightly. This will give all the beads a slight angle, and make them "line-up" more.
    Don Lynch

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  2. Very interesting. I occasionally have set individual beads this way but it looks great to have a pattern in beads this way. They sit in rows particularly nicely. One thing I've noticed in entirely beading my SharonG tap pants is that although I'm not working in diagonal rows from the bottom up (think a left handed person doing basketweave), the beads look like they are done in circles sort of like or nue couching in patterns.

    Beads are amazing things. Time for a new DVD, Amy!

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  3. Thanks so much for all the tips, Robin. I've not done alot of beading., I think I have avoided it because I didn't feel confident enough. This will help me get over that hurdle. Jane gave such a good explanation too, between the both of you I bet we all will be Beading Queens in no time

    Sue VanderNoor

    Sue VanderNoor

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  4. So far, the hardest thing about beading is getting that tiny thread through that tiny eye. Beading is fun. So much to learn, though. Glad to have a great group to lean on. Thanks, again! Robin

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  5. Robin,
    Look for a Big Eye Beading Needle by Bead Smith. The 2.125" works great for needlepoint & will fit thru the #11 Sundance beads. It's the split needle that Dede sold years ago if you are old enough to remember that.
    Tisha

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  6. Tisha,
    The Big Eye Beading Needle sounds just like what I need... and, what other eyes might need, too. Thanks for sharing your information.

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