Bead Crochet Sequel

We had our first Bead Crochet class on 18 July and 8 ladies attended the session. Of all, 2 have done conventional bead crochet before while others are totally new to the technique.

I believe most felt apprenhensive with the jig at first but the clear instructions from the manual guided them along. Phyllis and Cheng Hong who have done conventional bead crochet before felt that the jig really helps alot in stabilizing the beginning rows. When they were using the conventional method, they had to undo several times before they got the rows of beads to sit nicely. While not all were totally comfortable with the jig, most of them were able to create a small section of the crochet rope by the end of the session.

Phyllis also tried using the Size 11 beads on the jig and felt that it was so much easier than the conventional method. Another student, Kelly, is currently croceting with Delica seed beads on the jig and agrees that it is less confusing wtih the smaller sized beads. Kelly has a great suggestion on picking up loose beads with the flexible needle. She threads part of the flexible needle (strung with crochet thread) to the #12 beading needle and uses the sturdiness of the latter to pick up the beads, and slowly transfer onto the crochet thread. Alternativelly, if you can get hold of medium to heavy weight flexible needles, those are much sturdier to pick up loose seed beads.

Thank you for all the feedback provided by the students!

Beads Galore Part I

Listed here are the uniquely coloured Size 8 seed beads from Czech Republic and Japan. The pre-strung ones are suitable for bead crochet and are sold in hanks. They only come in limited quanities so while stocks last!

You may place your order through email (info@beadygirl.com) or login to our website to use the shopping cart (preferred).

Item: Size 8 Topaz/Turquoise Picasso
Country of Origin: Czech Republic
Weight: 80 gm
Packaging: 1 hank of 12 long strands (20" each)
Cost: S$25 / hank
Stock Level: 10 hanks
Remarks: These seed beads were used in my Bead Crochet project. I used 5 strands for 1 necklace so 1 hank can make about 2 necklaces, with excess beads.

OUT OF STOCK
Item: Size 8 Old World Picasso
Country of Origin: Czech Republic
Weight: 45 gm
Packaging: 1 hank of 12 short strands (10" each)
Cost: S$35 / hank
Stock Level: 4 hanks
Remarks: This mix includes primarily brown, blue and green seed beads.

Item: Size 8 1-Cut Metallic Dark Bronze Charlotte
Country of Origin: Czech Republic
Weight: 50 gm
Packaging: 1 hank of 12 short strands (10" each)
Cost: S$35 / hank
Stock Level: 4 hanks
Remarks: If you have worked with Charlotte beads, you would know that the cut on the beads gives an illuminating effect. The actual beads are darker than photographed.

Item: Size 8 1-Cut Opaque Jade Charlotte
Country of Origin: Czech Republic
Weight: 80 gm
Packaging: 1 hank of 12 long strands (20" long)
Cost: S$35 / hank
Stock Level: 4 hanks
Remarks: Like the Dark Bronze beads stated above, these Charlotte beads illuminate with its 1-cut feature. The actual beads look much greener than photographed, like a dark jade green.

Item: Size 8 TOHO Hybrid Picasso Turquoise
Country of Origin: Japan
Packaging: Sold in loose beads of 10 gm per pack
Cost: S$6 / 10gm
Stock Level: Plenty
Remarks: The TOHO Hybrid series combine the goodness of both countries, i.e. uniformity in size and shape from Japan and the picasso finish from Czech Repub. Alas, they don't come pre-strung.

Enjoy 10% discount for 50gm & above.

Item: Size 8 Mystic Blue Mix Picasso
Country of Origin: Czech Republic
Packaging: Sold in loose beads of 10 gm per pack
Cost: S$6 / 10gm
Stock Level: Plenty
Remarks: The mix includes alot of brown and some Picasso turquoise green and blues. If you like beads that look rustic, this will be suitable.

Enjoy 10% discount for 50gm & above.

Classes in August

*Please email (info@beadygirl.com) us if you wish to be put on waitlist for both classes.

Class: Doilies

Level: Beginner

Techniques: Netting, Right-Angle Weave & Square Stitch
Date/Day: 22 Aug, Sunday
Time: 3pm - 5pm
Course Fee: S$60
Location: Beads Cage
Registration: FULL

Class: Embroidered Cuff

Level: Intermediate

Technique: Bead Embroidery
Dates/Day: 29 Aug & 5 Sep, Sunday
Time: 3pm - 5pm
Course Fee: S$120

Location: Beads Cage

Registration: FULL

Bead Embroidery

These two rings were custom-made for a client. The turquoise cabochons in both rings were bead embroidered with mix of seed beads.

July 18

I am expecting lots of new beads and materials on July 18, so bear with me for another week and all (including backorders) will be revealed soon!

Thank you!

My Bead Crochet Project

This bead crochet necklace was crochet using the traditional method. It is made up of a 6-bead row as I prefer a thicker rope. The beautiful seed beads are a mix of Turquoise and Topaz Picasso beads in Size 8/0. They are from Beads & Babble. I used C-Lon Fine cord for the thread and a 1.25mm crochet needle.

The necklace rope can be worn on its own or attached with a pendant. For the pendant, I have embroidered around a turquoise fused glass using different mixes of topaz seed beads (to match the necklace).

The crochet rope will be taught during the class.

* Material Kits will be available for sale after 18 July!

Acknowledgements: I would like to thank my good friend, Lis, (Simple Arts Planet) and student, Phyllis for their valuable input on crochet resources.

Bead Crochet

Bead crochet has never been my favourite technique. The thought of having to string the tiny seed beads onto the thread, what crochet hook size/type/brand to use, what type of thread, the thread size, how to get the beginning rows right, etc. are enough to put me off. This was not until I read about the ‘Crochet Bead Rope Starter Jig’ from StudioDax and decided to try it out.


About the Jig
This patent pending jig is a genius development by Ms. Randi, owner of StudioDax. It is a small wooden block with 5 eye metal pins attached in a circle. Its main function is to stabilise the first few rows of the crochet rope, which is a common challenge for many beaders. It is applicable for Size 11/0, 8/0 and 6/0 seed beads and can function as a 5-bead row or 6-bead row tool.

The jig is accompanied by a detailed and fully illustrated (60 plus close-up photos) manual that explains explicitly on its usage. It also contains useful information on measurements, materials, design variations and steps for a beautiful bangle project.


My Experience
I followed the example in the manual and started with Size 6/0 seed beads. The steps are very easy to comprehend, no tussle, no hassle, the bead rope was crocheted in no time. I also tried with Size 8/0 seed beads and they worked perfectly well with the jig.

I personally think the whole kit is simply brilliant because through the use of the jig, it enlightened me on what I had done wrong previously with the conventional method of bead crochet. The manual is foolproof and I don’t see anyone having difficulties following the steps.

Randi has also been very kind and patient in answering my queries, and giving me valuable information on bead crochet which is compiled under my manual.


Who Is It For

Anyone who is interested to learn bead crochet or has previously tried but without success.

Where to Buy

Beady Girl is proud to carry the ‘Crochet Bead Rope Starter Jig’ kits at our online shop. For the full kits, they also contain Beady Girl’s very own manual which details on the conventional method of bead crochet. It also contains a necklace project and relevant information on bead crochet. See here for more details.

Class

Students will learn both methods of bead crochet and all necessary information associated. We will also look at design samples and discuss on how to go about creating them.

Our July 18 class is already fully registered. If you are interested in our class, you may email us to be put on waitlist.

Work In Progress.........

I am currently working on this bead crochet rope for the forthcoming class on 'Bead Crochet'. I hope to finish it soon!