Deborah wrote: I have a question regarding using beads in your design. I have a flower design I would like to try (original) using beads. I think I will be doing it in half stitch (again I will be playing to see what works), but I do want beads in it to make it look puffier and 3D. Do you add the beads to the thread as you are winding or do you add as you need, if so how would you do that in half stitch? ==================================================
What an interesting question. With an even number of twists, usually 2, the same single thread remains as the weaver all through an area of half stitch. In any case, if the wrong thread comes up (without beads) an extra twist would fix it. While some beads might be too heavy for a single thread, there's nothing to stop you from doubling the weaver for strength or using a different larger thread altogether. Thinking about it, depending on the pattern of course, the half stitch edge stitch could take a bead, too. Just twist before and after the bead. I also liked the idea of using a gimp as the bead carrier. Very clever. There are lots of other ways to add beads besides stringing them on the thread before you wind the bobbin. In ground stitches, like Torchon and Dieppe, instead of a stitch, pull both threads of one pair in a loop through a bead, pass the other pair through the loop. Pull the first pair back through the bead and adjust the tension so that it looks like both pairs are just "passing through". It can have an Elizabethan kind of effect like pearls sewn at the crossing of couched threads. I am also thinking that if one or two or all three of the half stitch passives were strung with little tiny delicas or size 15, you could have a VERY beaded surface. After all, the passives sit astride the weaver. Usually I am not terribly interested in a regimented bead in every hole type of design, so I would just put a bead in when I felt like it! I very much like randomness. Sort of in the gimp category, the Blonde technique lays in a large white or colored set of threads along with the weaver. I think of the half stitch passives making a tunnel for the weaver and the extra thread, either one or both could have beads. The more I think about it, the more I will have to try my hand at beading some half stitch. Do let us know how it turns out for you. Patty - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
