Book Review and Giveaway : Bead Stitching Handbook

What do you do when you have forgotten how to make a particular beadweaving stitch? I am not a beginner but my memory certainly needs refreshing now and then.  I usually have to either hunt through books or on the internet.

Wouldn't it be useful to have a handbook to refer to?  Just one source to consult should one be stuck.

Turns out there is such a handy guide.  Kalmbach recently sent me Bead Stitching Handbook for review. It is suitable for both novices and more experienced beaders.

Click image to view larger one

The book is divided into 3 main categories. The first section covers the essentials.  Some useful charts include the seed bead finishes one. See how the semi matte metallic beads defer from the straight metallic ones?

Another chart which I found useful was a simple list of Swarovski crystal sizes. For example, SS19 refers to crystal sizes of 4.4 - 4.6 mm.

I also appreciated the section of needle sizes for particular seed beads. The easiest way to remember is to relate the needle size number to the bead size. So a #10 needle is best suited for 6/0-11/0 seed beads. The number 10 is between that range of seed bead sizes. Neat.

The book also covered the basic tools although they did not include anything about looms. Probably because there are so many on the market and everyone has their own preference and needs.

The middle section of the book covers the basics for 16 stitches plus a section on combinations. A pretty comprehensive approach to all of them especially the ever popular peyote stitch.  Everything from how to do even and odd count, tubular vs circular peyote, shaping and zipping, peyote clasp, diagonal and spiral peyote and 4 bezel shapes for rivolis (round, square, navette (marquise shape),triangular).

Did you know the Cellini spiral (a tubular peyote variation) was developed by Virginia Blakelock and Carol Perrenoud?  I didn't!

The final section of the book is made up of 20 creative projects by different designers. The projects are each based on a particular stitch. Shown below is a selection of my favorites.

Click image to see larger one

This handy reference book is highly recommended for all beaders. A very useful addition to any beader's library, one which you will use time and time again.

Giveaway 

If you'd like to win this giveaway for a copy of Bead Stitching Handbook, please make a comment below. Make sure you leave contact info below if you do not have an online shop or blog.

Email subscribers need to scroll down the post they receive, click on Share Comment and enter your comment. Pick Name/URL. If you don't have a store or blog, leave the URL blank.

This giveaway is for US and Canada only.

Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway, those will count as additional entries too! Please say so in the comments. (The exception is Facebook - just like/comment on the giveaway status there!!)

It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, March 11, 2019. I will pick the winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Otherwise I will redraw in a week. Good luck!

Before You Go:

• Book Review : Exquisite Stitching with Multi-Hole Beads
• Book Review : Convertible Crystal Jewelry
  
• Book Review: Learn to Stitch Beaded Jewelry

Disclosure
This blog may contain affiliate links. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. This goes towards the support of this blog and to provide resource information to readers. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
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