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Purse
#3
Beaded
Pouch
You may have noticed that these purses are "built" exactly the opposite
way that most traditional crochet projects are done. No, it's nothing in
the stitches or the beading. It's the attitude.
Most crochet projects start with a pattern. Then you go out and buy yarn
and notions to re-create the pattern.
Here, you're looking at your yarn and notions first, and, hopefully, getting
a glint in your eye. That "I can make this into..." glint. These purses are
built not upon a shopping list of "go buy 39 size 11 beads and string them
on size 10 bedspread cotton", but on an "ooh, that's cool, how can I use
those beads in a purse...?"
These purses are not designed to turn out the way *I* want them to. They
are designed to turn out the way *YOU* want them to -- in your favorite stitches,
colors, yarns, beads, buttons, notions, and sense of whimsy.
Just to let you know, there is a term for "patterns" like these, and for
people who do them. The "patterns" are "free-form" (much more general
'instructions' than traditionally given), and the people who do this are
"free-formers".
There is a time and a place for everything. Filet isn't done free-form. Few
tablecloths or bedspreads are done free-form. And yet, as someone said, the
first person to create any pattern HAS to have been doing it free-form.
Don't be afraid. It's a very small step from being a free-former to being
a designer. You don't have to go there, but you can.
And with that in mind, it's time to think about a beaded pouch, using YOUR
beads, YOUR choice of thread or yarn, and YOUR choice of pattern or repeats.
Ready? Set....
Okay, a beaded purse starts with (ta da!) beads.
Got some you like? Great. Pick a thread and string 'em.
Don't have any beads you like? Aaawww. Get thee to a Beadery, without your
Dear Hubby's knowledge but WITH the checkbook (grin) and find something
interesting. Then string 'em.
Okay, there IS a possibility three here. Do you have beads you like, but
you can't seem to get them strung on any thread you have? That usually means
that the hole in the bead is too small. Give up? I don't THINK so!
If your beads won't fit on the yarn or thread you want, use two strands --
the one you want, and a "carrier" strand. Get a neutral colored thread or
string (even sewing thread, if you like), and string the beads on THAT. Now,
hold the "too big" strand and the "just right" strand together and start
your pouch. Pull a bead up whenever you like. The only trick is not to get
them tangled.