String of beaded mock rings, part 2

Tatting the chain around the other side of the bead, we come to the join. I opted to use the "Alligator Join". The core thread goes under the work, the auxiliary thread goes on top, (or reverse order if it looks better to you) and the tatting continues.
This photo shows the first half of of a double stitch just after the join. It is still loose in the photo to help you see it, but it needs to be pulled up tight.
Tatting continues around the beads.

This concludes my tutorial on a string of beaded mock rings. Have fun!

String of beaded mock rings, part 1

I'm working on a necklace with glass pearls within the center of mock rings. I think it will work - hope so, anyway! This is the first time I have tried doing a beaded string of rings this way, and I'm just experimenting.


What I'm doing in the photo above is tatting a mock ring, leaving a large loop at the beginning. The shuttle is put through the loop...
...then the loop is closed, and the tatting goes halfway around the bead at this point. Then the next mock ring is started, leaving a large loop at the beginning just like before. In the next post I plan to show how I get around the other side of all those beads.

Goodies

Yes, I did manage to find the beads I needed at the annual Bead Show in Milwaukee, along with some I probably don't need - you know how it is.

The tatted jewelry that I was wearing did receive some admiring looks, compliments, and questions! "Is that micro-macrame?" "Tatting? What is that?" "Oh, a knotted lace form - very cool!"

Anyway, now I will be able to finish the red tatted necklace that I am working on with the white beads. I'll post photos soon of this experiment with a string of beaded mock rings.

This tatted motif (in my HDT "Fern") is one of the smallest snowflakes from Jon's new book. She has very innovative designs, beautifully explained and diagrammed. Highly recommended!

My last bead broke!

Right after I took the photo to the left, when I was all set to share with you some more stuff about adding beads -

Well, um, yes, sometimes the beads have a smaller hole than usual and they won't go on the thread.

You guessed it - the teardrop shaped bead broke when I tried to force it, and it was my last one in that color - panic! I need it to finish my necklace which is 2/3 done!

I can't go down to the local bead store because they are at the big bead show so - there's my excuse to go to the bead show...yeah, I know, as if I needed an excuse. (grin)

Sending more tatting to Belle Armoire

After seeing these photos. the Editor of Belle Armoire said "Fabulous!" Then she requested that I mail the actual items in, saying they would make a "terrific article" for either Belle Armoire or Belle Armoire Jewelry. Ok, I'm getting them ready to mail!

The March/April issue had a photo of my "Vision" tatted necklace included. Now that one, I had submitted 3 years earlier! So, better to not hold your breath to see this future article.

Using a floss threader to add beads to a picot

I use a floss threader to string beads when the crochet hook method doesn't work. They can be found at the drugstore with the dental supplies. Floss threaders have a stiffened end at the tip, and the loop part is very flexible and fits through small beads. I've just discovered that there is a way it can be used to add beads to a picot as well.





Then your beads are on the picot, and a paper clip or safety pin can hold them on until you are ready to join to that picot.