Beading Class: One Third Bezelled

Sunday, April 27

Just back from my beading class at toocutebeads. If I plan to wear this bracelet, Bezelled Pearls, as shown in the photo, then I had better practice my balancing act or dip into the glue jar and dab some onto my wrist.

I only completed three pearls during class. My instructor’s (Rose) sample bracelet had 10 bezelled pearls. It was a perfect fit so my bracelet will have the same number. The fourth pearl you see in the picture is lopsided and needs to be taken apart and restarted.

After bezelling the first pearl, I was pleasantly surprised to see how great it looked surrounded by seed beads. I started seeing potential for using this technique for other pieces of jewelry, such as earrings. I think they would make a beautiful pair of earrings. With one pearl, two pearls or even three.

The technique for surrounding a pearl with seed beads is called bezelling. The sewing stitch used is tubular peyote. My eyes lit up when I heard this. Should be easy. I have been peyoting for several months. BUT…never have done tubular only flat. Staying the course, finding the right bead to add a bead was slow going. I had to stop, pull out the beads, rethread and start over several times. Once, on that 4th bead, I started over three times. I think by then I was just tired. It still looks off to me so I will retry when I am well rested. This stitch isn’t hard, it just requires your undivided attention.

So.. though not delighted I wasn’t able to wear my bracelet home, I am excited to have learned something new today. Bezelling and tubular peyote.

I will add this bracelet to my Works In Progress list. Hopefully I will be able to complete it soon.

Sewing Day 10: Rust Tote, Having Fun

Sunday, April 27

I am having fun making these totes/purses. My hubby asked how many purses was I going to sew. I said, “Until my fabric runs out.” LOL!! Men!!

Making this tote was a challenge with the stripes and all. I kind of succeeded in lining up the stripes on one side but the other side is hopelessly a mess. But…it is what it is. I am happy with it.

I changed this one up a bit by adding buttons to the sides instead of pulling a strap through the stitched down front tabs. I used my automatic sensor to make buttonholes. Yay!! Yippee!! I figured it out. I gave up last year when I was trying to get this to work. No clue what the instructions were telling me. But last night, I GOT IT!! I like how it works. I add the button to the attachment and away the machine goes to create the perfect button hole.

I forgot the measurements of the fabric that I used. I “think” it was 30″. I will have to check to see if I jotted anything down. I put fusible interfacing in the tote and also the handle strap. The buttons are light beige trimmed in gold. I have had them for years. Found them in my button stash.

Here’s how the tote came out.

Off to a bead class. Supposed to be making a Bezelled Pearl bracelet. I hope I finish it and bring a completed item home.