Knitting with beads July 26, 2011

This post has come about through my experience while working on a shawl for my wedding. It is a lace shawl, with lots, and I do mean lots, of beads. The pattern estimates 2250 beads for the large size, and that’s the one I’m doing. If you are wondering which pattern it is, you can check it out on knitty.

All this means I have many hundreds of beads to add to my shawl.

I began by following some instructions for using a teeny tiny crochet hook. I already had one, so that was not a problem. The problem began when I had to fly across the country and they took away my (quite sharp looking) hook. What on earth was I supposed to do for 9 hours?!?! I dug around in my bag and came up with a sewing needle and some thread. I came up with a method of using these two items to get the beads out of the bag and onto my yarn! I’m certain I’m not the first person to do this, but I have taken pictures of the method all the same.

So behold!

1. Thread a sewing needle with some strong thread and knot both strands together.

2. String beads on thread. Be sure to leave a gap between the beads and the needle, the same length or longer than your needle. You will see why in a minute.

3. Slip needle into stitch purlwise before you work the stitch.

4. Fold needle down against thread. The entire needle should lay flat on the thread.

5. Slip bead up onto the needle and thread together.

6. Continue to push bead until it is on your live stitch.

7. Return stitch to needle and work as normal.

Please be sure to let me know if you have any trouble with these instructions. I would also love to know if they work for you.

A tip: make sure to use a strong needle and strong thread. I have had to replace my thread a couple of times due to the abrasion making it snap. I also had an unfortunate moment when I popped the eye of the needle clean off! That little bit is sharp! Also, waking up to find beads stuck to you because you were knitting in bed is odd.

Good luck and knit on!

It’s all about the planning July 10, 2011

So for those of you who don’t know, the Mr. proposed last month. We’re still living on opposite coasts right now, but things are moving along. We have also set a date, way out in October 2013. That should give us both time to get ourselves situated with everything.

The proposal was very sweet, and quite unexpected, but that’s a story for a different post.

From the day it happened, I’ve been obsessing about stupid little details. I want the big items checked off so I can move on with the details. We are still looking for a location in our price range, but have a spot that looks great so far. He just needs to check it out in person. Other than that, we’re going to try make or craft a lot of things ourselves. So far the list includes everything from a photobooth to favors. And lest we forget, there is a healthy dose of knitting involved (of course). I’ve already started a shawl that may or may not become my veil. I need to test out the functionality and weight of the finished piece. But that’s nothing! I, in a moment of wisdom, decided I will be knitting my dress. Yes, you read that right. A knitted, floor length evening gown. But wait, there’s more! It will be made out of a gorgeous lace weight silk yarn I came across in San Francisco. I know, I know. Take a deep breath, I’m still legally sane. But that’s only because no one has reported me yet, so don’t you start.

As if that’s not enough, I also plan to knit shawls for the moms and bridal party (as soon as I have figured out who that is and asked them). There will be socks for the groom to wear with his wedding chucks (that still makes me giggle). Other possible accessories might make their way onto the list too.

There is still plenty of time. I have a plan, so don’t you worry! Leave that part to me 2 weeks before the big day with a half-knit skirt (I can predict the future)!

So until next time… And if you gave any awesome suggestions for things we can make or include in this whole shindig, please let me know.