The Bead Goes On
So, one of the things I did buy this week was a selection of beads from Beadnicks in Vineyard Haven. I’m sure it’s not actually true, of course, but it seems like so many knit-bloggers have these lovely, beaded stitch markers and, well, I want some too! Except, I can’t, you know, ask for them, and the ones I’ve seen available to buy are uninspiring, so I thought I’d try making some. Which is quite a reach for me, mind you, because I haven’t done a thing with beads–any beads–since I was about 10 years old.
Even though I’ve been thinking of this for a couple months, I waited until now to buy the beads, because I figured getting them from MV would be more meaningful than if I’d just run to AC Moore or something. I’ve heard such nice things about this bead store from my mother, sister, and niece, I decided to wait. Now, I’ve never been to a bead store before, but they had some lovely things (although, also, a little too much incense or some kind of scent which through Mom’s nose into a tailspin). Here’s a closeup of the beads I bought. Ten each of the ones in the little packets, and the other vials, well, they just looked pretty!
The next thing to do, of course, is to figure out how on earth to assemble these things into stitch markers!! I bought wire, pliers, and a wire cutter . . . now I just need to figure out how to use them!
Really, any suggestions or advice you’d care to give would be appreciated. (grin)
Today, Mom and I reassembled the upper half of our kitchen–everything from counter-level down is waiting until, well, we have the counter. Already, though, it’s easier to find things in the dining room, so no complaints. I made pot roast and baked potatoes in the oven for dinner–everything wrapped in foil so as not to have any big things to require washing. We had bought pound cake yesterday, and fresh strawberries which I macerated this morning, so we had dessert, too. It was so nice, having a home-cooked dinner at our own table!! I can’t believe I have to go to work tomorrow….
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Here’s a tutorial:
http://www.sheepinthecity.prettyposies.com/archives/cat_beads.html
Besides the beads, you need the wire things (head pins) to string the beads on, and jump rings. There are a lot of places to get these, including the same shops that you got your beads. Here’s where I found mine:
http://www.jewelrysupply.com/noframes/ssjumprings.htm
http://www.jewelrysupply.com/noframes/ssheadpins.htm
If you google for jewelry findings, you will get lots of stores that carry these. I get the closed jump rings, I find that the spiral ones (like on a key ring) catch on yarn.
Watch out, it’s addictive!
Hi Deb,
I’m at the same place that you are with the stitch markers! I want to learn how to make pretty stitch markers as well, so I just bought a bunch of beads and pliers. I’ve never done anything with beads before, so who knows how they’ll turn out! Looking forward to seeing your end product! Good luck!
hey, deb, and caitlyn, too! come check out this blog! www.thewittyknit.typepad.com . she’s doing a stitch marker exchange, and so far only she and i are it, lol. come join the fun! you know i wouldn’t mislead you, deb. us readers have to stick together, lol