Wednesday, January 15, 2014

A Time to Stitch #4

This round of bead weaving hosted by Christine and Therese has us using patterns with a choice of chenille, netting, spiral ropes or chevron stitch.  I decided to try all of them because, well I'm just enjoying learning new bead weaving techniques. And these two ladies are wonderful encouragement for my repertoire!

Ok, let's start with netting. I pulled out an older bracelet I'd done a while back (in a brown/ tan color) that I had trouble with the closure. I ripped it out and added a slide which I like so much better. Then I made a second bracelet (in blue) with a vertical netting. It beads up much more tightly as a pattern for some reason, but has a nice feel once on the wrist.

I still wasn't quite done with netting, and decided to try a necklace. I had this really cool multi-piece fish bead I bought from Firefly Design Studio that I love. And I thought it would be such a great design to do a 'fisherman' design, or 'fisherwoman' as the case may be! I decided to gift this piece to Christine's oldest daughter who is quite the fisherwoman catching more than 100+ fish last summer! As you can see, the design really seems to suit her (just look at that beautiful smile), and I'm so please that she likes it.

Next up I decided on spiral rope. I made two versions of a bracelet. The first is a true, simple spiral, but the second is a bit of a twist - literally! I used the silver zig zag chain (I featured in my zig-zag tutorial) and added hematite rounds between the chain. For some reason the difference in the size of the hematite made the pattern twist in a way that resembles a spiral. Huh? who knew that would happen? And a complete bonus discovering a lazy way to bead a spiral rope - ha!

On to chenille. I believe this may be my new favorite rope; I'm completely in love with the rhythm of stitching this. I started with a bracelet. I used a variance in size to create a 'bead-bar' focal. It is actually a 'double pattern' as I stitched up over the first round to fill in with more beads. Kinda love this one and may end up in my stash of bracelets that I actually wear. Next I wanted to make a necklace and matched it with a beautiful jasper drop stone. I love the cut and shape of this stone, and look how wonderful it is in its simplicity with just a beaded bail to finish it. Small tip on this piece. I simply glued the ends of the spiral into the copper caps with E-6000. Easy peasy and holds perfectly!

Ok .... are you all still with me? Just one more stitch: chevron. For this last piece I did a bracelet and made two matching bands that I stitched into a braid of reclaimed sari silk. I added a leather button which really brings this one to life for me. Christine gifted me this button last Fall and I was waiting for just the right project to use it. I think I found it here. 

Now to see what all the hoppers, and our hosts created: 
Therese Frank (host), Christine Altmiller (host), and all the hoppers: Amy SeverinoJanet BocciardiCynthia Machata (you are here)Alicia MarinachePaula KramerKim HoraDee AlcaldeDagi (Kokopelli)Maryanne GrossLizESally RussickBecky PancakeJasvanti PatelKarin SlatonAlenkaSarah SequinsTanya GoodwinDebbie RasmussenShirley MooreCrystie Willard, Nelly May, Ana Cravidao

36 comments:

  1. Wow!!! You are so prolific in your beading. I just love that photo of Christine's daughter and her necklace - yes, I'd say she loves it. All the pieces are truly lovely. You've outdone yourself! :)

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  2. I don't know where to start or what to say. Your beadweaving for this hop is absolutely top notch. The spirals are beautiful and dressy and I really need to try the zigzag spiral! Your chenille pieces are so substantial~I can certainly see why that bracelet will be your own~what a gorgeous piece! The chain is the right support for the pendant~complimentary and really lovely. That Chevron~that is pure Cynthia!!! I love the button (of course) adn the braided sari and the colors and simplicity of the chevron itself. That piece is a knockout with its funky vibe with huge glimpses of elegance. The netting: Anna LOVES her fish net (and that is as close as she is going to get to fishnet for a long time!!!)~it is such a unique piece :-) the thicker gold bracelet looks royal and lovely. That blue vertical is something that would be a daily piece for me~I love the flow and the colors~what a great piece. I think this is longer than my own post~so I will stop now, but really Really REALLY Gorgeous pieces!

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  3. Oh my...I may take up fishing after seeing that necklace....love it! Such beautiful pieces...you have been very busy!! Thanks so much for sharing.

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  4. Each piece is stunning, but I really love the fishnet necklace! Very unique and artistic design.

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  5. I have so much respect for this kind of talent. They are all stunning. I tried at the onset of my beading but with my double vision and lack of feeling in my hands I just couldn't handle the teeny tiny beads.

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  6. Gorgeous pieces, Love them all. I especially love the fish necklace, the design is perfect. Well done!

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  7. Oh I knew that was Christine's fisherwoman daughter right away. I'm so glad you have a photo of it on her. Quite the model. Maybe Christine should hire her?

    Love the rope with the simple Jasper stone - LOVE!

    I always love spirals - fun to incorporate pearls and lots of color.

    All gorgeous! You did a lot!!

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  8. Hi Cynthia,
    Thank you so much for participating in mine and Christine's challenge. I am totally in awe of all of your beautiful pieces. You are such an innovative beader always coming up with new twists on old stitches. I love the netted bracelets and the necklace you made for Christine's daughter it is so her and it looks wonderful on her. The spiral rope bracelets are beautiful I am going to have to try the one with the Zig Zag stitch as the core. The Chenille stitch rope with the jasper dagger is gorgeous and that bracelet just blows me away. The Chevron stitch bracelet I never would have thought to piece two sides of chevron with fabric awesome!
    I hope that you will join us again for ATTS5.
    Therese

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  9. Wow, those are really amazing cynthia! I am trying to get myself into bead weaving and am so impressed by the work you do and how much you did!!!! Love those bracelets with the hematite, the fish necklace is amazing, and I love that jasper drop as well!

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  10. Ok, I'm just gobsmacked for what to say! They are all just stunning, in your usual fashion. Really love that fish necklace, and I think my absolute fav is the chenille rope bracelet with the embellshments. You are such a talented lady, and I love seeing your creativity!

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  11. So beautiful, all of them, Cynthia, but I can't look away from that amazingly lyrical fisherman's net, such a perfect design for Michelle's fish pendant. I am so enthralled by anything relating to fishermen (my ancestors include many fishermen). Lovely to see such a sweet model as well :)

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  12. Amazing pieces, you were so busy.
    I am so impressed.

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  13. Wow, Cynthia, you always leave me speechless and stunned when I look at your challenge pieces!!! You always create so many pieces - all of them are beautiful and each one of them is speakign by itself!
    The netted (fish) necklace is really unique and the star of the day (I specially like the story behind it).
    Alenka

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  14. Hi Cynthia,Great job with all of your pieces. Your fishnet necklace is cool but the jasper necklace is my favorite.

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  15. All of your pieces are stunning! You are so talented and your work is so beautiful! Love them all!

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  16. Wow, Cynthia! You were busy! But, they're all so beautiful. I love the bracelet with the sari silk in the middle. What a fantastic job you did!

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  17. Wow!! What can I say?? Stunning! You are so gifted!!!

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  18. You are so multi-talented and skilled. Absolutely adore the designs you have created.

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  19. You busy lady, you! They are all, as usual, truly lovely, but that netted necklace with the reticulated fish is really, really great. Such a creative way to meet the challenge!

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  20. I can't even think how much work you put into making pieces like these. You have such wonderful talent.

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  21. Wow. So many amazing pieces. I love the 'fishing net' necklace, the braided chevron bracelet and the chenille bracelet. Great work.

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  22. OMG, Cynthia, when do you sleep, my friend? Everything is gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous! You were so clever on that very last bracelet, the braided sari in the middle is spectacular.
    I have admired your fishing net all day today - Christine's daughter is one lucky lady to wear it and own it now!

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  23. Holy moly - you really went to town on this challenge. This is the second time this week I read about vertical netting and you have just inspired me to give it a try! I must admit being partial to your chenille bracelet. And thanks for the tip about gluing the copper caps. They really make a beautiful finish. Kudos to you for your wonderful work!

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  24. Hey Cynthia! Such a pleasure to see your beautiful creations. I am awed by the talent of this group of artisans.
    Crystie

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  25. Oooooooooo Ahhhhhhhhhhh, W O W ! You sure put your time to good use. I especially love that dangly fish on the pretty girl. Queen of the sea! The blue vertical netting bracelet came out sensationally. The necklace with the jasper stone has such great flow. The bead bar focal in your chenille chain is amazing. I need to try that now! I'm also looking forward to seeing how your trip to Ireland comes out in your work. I am smitten by Celtic art.

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  26. Oooooooooo Ahhhhhhhhhhh, W O W ! You sure put your time to good use. I especially love that dangly fish on the pretty girl. Queen of the sea! The blue vertical netting bracelet came out sensationally. The necklace with the jasper stone has such great flow. The bead bar focal in your chenille chain is amazing. I need to try that now! I'm also looking forward to seeing how your trip to Ireland comes out in your work. I am smitten by Celtic art.

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  27. Beautiful pieces, especially the one with the fish bead!

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  28. The netting is so perfect for a fishing theme!
    And I love all three bracelets in the middle photos! You've been a busy bee!

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  29. Of course they are all fabulous! I love the netted necklace. Christine's daughter makes a great model! Fantastic discovery with the lazy spiral. Someone like me would never know!

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  30. The necklace really looks nice on her.

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  31. Cynthia, I love the twists and unexpected components that you add to you jewelry designs, beautiful work!!

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  32. Every challenge piece is so well thought-out, and with the fish necklace, well, I'd say that one went over swimmingly! My favorite is the chenille-stitched bracelet. Very cool!

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  33. Gasp! Such creativity! Each is so unique and beautifully made. I am not worthy!

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  34. Gasp! Such creativity! Each is so unique and beautifully made. I am not worthy!

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  35. Wow, what cool designs. I love the spiral rope. I am always so amazed by your work and the patience it must take to complete a piece.
    Valerie
    Everyday Inspired

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  36. Love them all..but the chenille bracelet was my fav..I love the colors too..

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