Fragments of Beauty

I've been on the hunt for tiny beads. I mean really tiny...like size 20/0 -- 22/0. And I found some at Beadcats...but they're very expensive when you want a lot of them. Luckily, a few weeks ago, I found this imperfect, magnificent remnant on Ebay. It's a bead-knitted cloche-style purse -- well, it was, in it's day. Now, the fibers are so dry rotted that it falls apart when you blow on it...


So, I'm using it for beads. But, I must send out a big thank you to three of my dear stitching friends, Bobbi, Carolyn and Mary, who reminded me to take pictures of the remnants before I proceeded to salvage the beads! Thank God for friends who save me from myself!

I've even thought of saving just one rose and framing it as a fragment...but I'm not sure the thread will hold up to that either...


OK, ever since I shared with you that antique button a few weeks ago, I haven't been able to get it out of my head. And I need tiny beads to make an attempt at a reproduction.

Meanwhile, I've been working on charm school for tomorrow and studying my Berlinwork book with relish. Berlinwork was petit point embroidery done mostly in wool but the patterns....oh, my friends....the patterns, many of which were hand-painted, are simply stunning. So, why not use one of the patterns from the book to try to re-create that lovely button -- only this week, it will be a charm.

Due to copyright laws, I cannot share the patterns in my book. But, lucky for us, the ever-generous Pam Kellogg of Kitty and Me Designs posted three patterns from her personal collection here back in 2006!


And this excerpt from Needlework Through History, which is available online at Google Books, gives a good synopsis of Berlin work:

Berlin work patterns were made by a printer in Germany as early as 1804. Printed on paper in black and white and then hand-colored, they quickly were improved when done on charted paper, much like cross-stitch patterns today. The graph paper made the patterns easier to follow, and with the patterns published as single sheets, Berlin work was affordable to the masses. Exported throughout the world, it is estimated that 14,000 different designs were published between 1810 and 1840. Eventually, the patterns were painted or printed onto the canvas itself. Berlin wool work was primarily done in tent and cross stitch and embellished with silk thread, chenille yarn, and beadwork. It gained more attention when Berlin work was exhibited in England’s Great Exhibition of 1851.

So stay tuned tomorrow to see what happens. I'm not even sure yet though I do expect to post later in the day so don't look for me too early.

And another thank you to Bobbi, Carolyn and Mary for the pictures you see here today.

I hope they've inspired you too.

P.S. Does anyone know why the bead companies won't make beads smaller than 15/0? Won't anyone ever make these tiny 20/0-22/0 beads again? ***sigh

Note: I'm including an excerpt from a comment made by bead artist Robin Atkins for everyone's information:

I love seeing this old beadwork!!!! Having tried to crochet with size 12 pearl cotton and size 15 seed beads, I am filled with admiration and respect for women who worked complex pattern with even smaller micro beads (sizes 20 and 22) and extremely fine thread!

The method was to string the pattern on the thread first (following a chart) and then crochet (or knit), slipping one bead into each stitch. The hook (or knitting needles) must have been so small it would be difficult to hold. Drop a stitch or make mistakes stringing the pattern and it could take hours to make it right. I wish I had a first-hand diary or other account from someone who made one of these bags!

It's such a pity to see these works disintegrate as the thread rots. And they do get to a point where they can not be restored. If you have a bag like this in good condition, be sure you store it in archival (acid and dye-free) wrapping paper and box!

PS. When I was in the Czech Republic, I was told they would never make beads smaller than 13s (similar to Japanese 15s) again. The technology is lost, they said.