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Bead
Crochet by Bethany Barry
(A Beadwork How-To Book) FLASH! A new bead crochet book is here. Bethany Barry presents a smorgasbord of bead crochet and beaded creations, combining them for unique results. She includes the instructions for both the bead crochet and beading for each project and shows you how to combine them when making “bead crochet-beaded” projects. I would identify this beadwork as BCB since more of this type beadwork will be published in the future. Several fiber artists have created bead crochet-beaded items in the last few years; however, Bethany is the first author to present a book on the subject. The history of crochet is explored, including the possibilities of the time period in which crochet was invented. Images of vintage items are combined with the narrative. Some of the fiber artists leading in the field of bead crochet are acknowledged in Bethany’s introduction. I would add Kate Coburn, author of Crocheting with Beads and her Tubes I and II books, and Margaret Snouffer, author of Crocheted Beaded Bags for their early contributions. I am sure many fiber artists could be added to the list as bead crochet continues to grow in popularity and more diverse materials and techniques are combined with bead crochet. Bethany describes the materials and tools she uses for bead crochet and beading. Crochet instructions and illustrations are provided for slipstitch, chains and single crochet plus increasing/decreasing, crocheting rows and rounds, to make flat and tubular pieces. Beading instructions include flat and tubular peyote, square stitch, Ndebele, plus increasing/decreasing and beaded fringes that are used for the projects. Bethany’s instructions are an easy read, as if she were sitting right next to you. There are bead and yarn resources listed, including websites, at the back of the book. Her designs are reminiscent of Carmen Miranda; gobs of beads intertwined to form a three dimensional effect in brilliant bead colors. Several projects are bead saturated with little fiber showing while others are crocheted with fiber only and a few beads as highlights. Each project has additional illustrations for specialty techniques. There are 12 projects, each offering more ideas for additional projects using the same basic instructions. There are 40 color photos and 70 illustrations. The first project, Spiral Swirl Earrings, is a beginner project using bead single crochet and adding strung beads at the earring base. Bead encrusted cuffs; beaded necklaces with bead crocheted pendants; bracelets; chokers; a small container; ropes; bead crocheted and beaded rectangle necklace; a necklace of bead crocheted sections combined with knotted and intertwined beaded sections; small purses and bags and a brooch with a beaded cabochon are included in the projects. I like the Bewitched and Bewoven Bijouterie best; it exudes a light and airy effect where the bead stringing and knotting appears compared to the bead crocheted sections. Bethany enjoys creating jewelry combining metal charms, glass flowers, daggers, leaves, butterflies and other bead shapes. When you first look through her book, many of the projects may seem to blend together because of the bright colors employed; however, when viewing each item separately, you will find distinct patterns in a kaleidoscope of colors. If you are more of a minimalist, use the same directions and leave more fiber showing and add less beads You will find the Gallery pages full of exciting bead crochet; Bethany’s work and that of other fiber artists. I was very pleased my Shimmy Shan Doll was included in the Gallery. Bead Crochet is a “must have” book for crocheters and those interested in bead crochet. Beginners should first learn the basics of crochet from a book such as The Crocheter’s Companion by Nancy Brown, or Donna Kooler’s Encyclopedia of Crochet or my Learn Bead Crochet from Scratch workshop and then follow up with Bethany’s book. Bead Crochet is perfect for contemporary bead crochet adventures. |