Circular Netting: Beadwork Magazine December 2018/January 2019

In life, there are times when it would be good to just stop, slow down, and tune in. You know—when it seems like the universe is tapping you on the shoulder to get your attention. Maybe it’s the day when you see a cardinal each time you look out the window or, no matter when you check, the clock reads in repeating digits, like: 1:11, 2:22, and 3:33. These are the signs that lead me to taking a breath, smiling, and listening (to the quiet) before getting back to work.

It may not be a sign or the universe at work and really just coincidence, but in the throws of production of the December/January issue of Beadwork , we realized the issue contains quite a few patterns made using circular netting. So many we could’ve said we had a netting theme! On top of that, a subscriber wrote in about our circular netting technique. I’m listening, taking a breath, smiling, and sharing some of the circular netting highlights with you here.

Circular Netting Technique

First—it turns out, our circular netting technique was in need of correcting. Thank you so much for writing in and pointing this out! To follow is the new and improved version of this technique.

For circular netting, string {1A and 1B} six times; pass through the beads again to form a circle for the foundation round and pass through the next 1A. *String 1A, 1B, and 1A; skip 1 bead and pass through the following bead in the previous round to form a “net.” Repeat from * five times, then step up for the next round by passing through the first 2 beads of the first net. String 2A, 1B, and 2A; pass through the middle bead of the nearest net in the previous round. Repeat five times, then step up for the next round by passing through the first 3 beads of this round. Work each round the same way, increasing the number of A beads as necessary to keep the work flat, and stepping up by passing through the first half of the first net.

Weave a Fortune

Designer of the Year 2018, Melinda Barta created a beautiful pendant made using a variation of circular netting. Melinda shares this about the design:

Seed beads are the perfect complement to any beads, especially multi-hole shaped beads. When constructing a new pattern, it’s often a puzzle at first to see which shaped beads will fit together best. Once all the beads are in front of me, the fun and the designing begin.

Inspired by my love of versatile designs, I created this pendant to be reversible. You can create two different looks simply by choosing two different colors for the center 4mm rounds: Use one color for the front and another for the back. The colors of the CzechMates beads could also be switched so they are different on each side, too. The possibilities are almost endless.

The tubular herringbone-stitched rope in this project features both round and Demi Round seed beads that accentuate the pendant. Many of the fun technique variations that are featured in the rope are found in my book Mastering Herringbone Stitch. The name of the design refers to the multiples of seven used to create the pattern. I hope this design brings you good luck.

Carried Away

Carrier bead designs are popping up everywhere and the bead weaving used to cover the beads is often done in peyote. Artist Kelli Burns shares this about her latest design:

As a bead store owner, beader, and beadwork designer, I wear many hats. When I saw the new carrier beads and how people were using them, I immediately put on my designer hat and got to work trying to create something unusual with them. I wanted to step out of the Delica bead–peyote stitch box that carrier beads were quickly becoming known for. I wanted a fresh look, and I hoped to provide an opportunity for those who may not use Delicas or know peyote stitch. With the recent release of the adorably small Quarter Tilas, a natural union was beginning to form in my head.

I finally settled on this design that features Quarter Tilas and seed beads stitched to create a cage to enclose the carrier bead. I can’t wait to put on my designer hat again and play with other shapes of multi-hole beads to showcase the new carrier beads. If only there were more time in each day!

Edelweiss

Debora Hodoyer’s Alpine Meadows Bracelet reminds me of Edelweiss (except her designs are not white). Every time I see her bracelets, the Sound of Music and the song, Edelweiss come to mind. Debora shares this about her bead weaving pattern:

My mother and I share a love of gardening, which is likely why I so often find myself making designs with flower-shaped components. Weaving the Minos and Arcos par Puca beads, SuperDuos, and O beads with circular netting led to this romantic flower design. The color and shape remind me of a flourishing alpine meadow in summertime. Change the colors to match your favorite color palette or to suit the season.

Circular netting is not the only stitch in town, or inside this issue, even. Check out Beadwork Magazine December 2018/January 2019 and Highlights from Beadwork Magazine December 2018/January 2019 – Out of this World Beading Patterns for even more highlights from this issue.

What’s the sign from the universe that gets you to slow down and take a breath? Please share in the comments below.

Tammy
Editor, Beadwork magazine

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