Bead Jewellery & Knitted Cowls
Crafting has always been a part of my life, watching my mum knit, embroider, crochet and sew. However, in December 2005 I was walking down Linlithgow High Street and saw a notice in Purely Patchworks window advertising a beading class in the following February. I felt I would like to learn a new interest, so I went in and signed up. You were to take nymo thread and seed beads of your choice.
February came and I went along to the class. The lady talked you through the process. With the aid of diagrams, physical help and a lot of patience, I had started to form a pattern with my beads, which was a daisy stitch. I was hooked, and went to the local library looking for books on beading. I discovered a stitch called ‘stepped spiral stitch’, which I taught myself to do, and created a necklace to match a top that I was going to wear when I was going to friends for dinner the following week. When we arrived, my friend commented on my necklace and would not believe I had made it. It is in many ways like reading a knitting or crochet pattern – which I am sure a lot of you will have done.
My beading became an addiction. Learning different techniques of beading through workshops and teaching myself through books. There was a lot to learn about beading, what type of thread or wire to use with what bead. If you are bead weaving with crystals, you have to consider the thickness of thread you will want to use – 4lbs, 6lbs, 8lbs & 10lbs – because the crystal can be sharp and can cut through your work. I love using good quality materials – none better than Swarovski crystals and pearls.
I now have my work on sale at the Ochil Crafts shop and my ambition is to have my own crafting room.
Margaret Stedman
