The Hoosier family members have been gone for just shy of 48 hours. I miss them like crazy. What a kooky, wonderful family I have.
Our workplace fall craft fair was today. I’ve been up since 4:30ish and am really so sleepy I have low hopes for the clarity of this post.
I started to panic about having something to say about a book this week, when I realized that I should give a hearty thumbs up to Seed Bead Stitching, by Beth Stone. I’ve looked online and can’t find any proof of a website for her. That’s not quite true, the most recent blog post I could find was from 2011. Even I’m not that casual about time lapsed between posts.
Anywho, I like this book because, all in one place, I get instructions for basic stitches such as the tri stitch, quad stitch and spiral stitch. I’ve not gone too crazy with any of the stitches, but I appreciate how different beads create different looks. Of course bigger beads stitch up quickly, which is a great thing. But, the smaller beads create such a nice, sleek look. (Think bulky yarn vs. sock yarn.)
The book is full of colorful and easy-to-follow instructions. The author includes a variety of examples to show the different kinds of looks possible. This book is a workhouse, as least in my book “stable.” I wish I could say that about more of my books. In addition to the stitches I use on a regular basis, the book also covers the right-angle weave, peyote stitch, brick stitch, daisy chain and Russian stitches. (I have a “weankess” for Russia/Russian things. How have I not tried any of the Russian stitches?! Watch this space; just such a trial will happen soon!)
Here are some of the different looks I’ve created for various projects with the help of Stone’s book.
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Tomorrow and Saturday I will be in a two-day conference: Schoolhouse Craft. I won’t lie, I kind of wish I had the next two days to lounge or knit or read. But, I half wonder if my hesitation is just fear — of success, of having to talk about my stuff or promoting myself. The money is paid, so I am going. I imagine there will be much food for thought. Plus, Kim Werker will be there. And as I can’t seem to shut up about her lately, her presence there is nothing shy of a sign that I need to go. Besides, someone found my site and asked about my attending a winter show. So, why not think about the always-desired betterment of one’s self and business.
Sigh … knitting is calling, and my words have run, if not dry, then certainly sparse/uninteresting. We’ll see just how many stitches I can get in before I nod off. My guess is 20ish. Do I hear 15?