I'm trying to figure out how to make those beautiful, smooth flowing ruffles on my inspiration dress for the Haute Couture Beading contest.
So yesterday, I tried an experiment.
The majority of the piece must be seed beads so I wanted to try to create a beaded fabric from seed beads that I could then "ruffle".
First, I drafted a test pattern...
I'd never used a bead loom before but I thought it might give me a smooth "fabric" I could then ruffle.
The only loom I had was one of those inexpensive ones you get from the craft store. Jim helped to adjust it for use with 15 degree seed beads by using clamps to push the springs together so the spacing of the warp threads would be closer together.
I then loomed beads in my pattern. I was trying out different beads...opaque, matte, opalescent, etc. I left a space at the top thinking I could just pull the warp threads to make the ruffle.
When I got finished my sample piece and pulled the threads...
It wasn't quite what I was looking for...but it was a good test sample.
Next time, the "space" doesn't need to be so deep. And the length in between the spaces can be longer.
Today I'm going to try a bead weaving technique and see if that would be better.
On to Test #2...
Oh the patience you must have for such work. Now I am envious of that as well.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
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ReplyDeleteçok merak ettim boncukları nasıl oraya dizdiniz detaylı fotograf varsa çok memnun olurum.
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It looks darned close to perfect to me!
ReplyDeleteOh, oh, oh!!! I love your brain! Brilliant concept.
ReplyDeleteYour experiment worked quite well, but loom weaving is quite time consuming. If I may make a suggestion, you might like to try 'waves' of beads thus: string 5 or six seed beads and sew into your fabric base the length of 3 seed beads, creating a slight bead bulge ruffle. By manipulating the colours of beads, these ruffles would appear to flow. Of course, you could use more beads for a longer ruffle. It might take a lot less time than loom weaving.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading your blog very much, and find lots of inspiration here. Thank you.
Well, I am confident that you are going to come up with something unique that will express what you envision. And I am also confident that you won't stop until you do.
ReplyDeleteI bet we are going to see some beaded flowers on this piece.
Go Paula!
ReplyDeleteDid you get 2 or 3 mails from me yesterday? My mail seems to be having trouble getting through atm.
Love what you have done already. Your brain must work 24/7. I have been on holidays for the past two weeks and have missed your blog. You surprise me every time. I can't wait to see the results...Lise
ReplyDeleteLovely!! Can't wait to see test #2!!
ReplyDeleteThat is gorgeous...can't wait to see your next "experiment"!
ReplyDeleteHAPPY STITCHIN'
Terri
that experiment is going to make a great skirt/collar for a future project...i can picture it as a ruff for a fish...i guess the sparkle reminds me of fish scales....
ReplyDeletei too am waiting for #2,
ms. bead guru.
What beautiful and delicate work!
ReplyDeleteLovely, just lovely... carry on!
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe that is just a test. How lovely! And I've never seen a bead loom before. All the things I wish I had time to learn.....
ReplyDeleteThanks for your good wishes. I'm a bit better today. I hope you are too.
This "test" is beautiful. The colors are dreamy. I see success with your ruffle idea. Happy beading...
ReplyDeleteVery interesting, Susan. I love the colors and the way the beading design itself looks ruffly. Could you heavily bead a ruffled piece of fabric?
ReplyDeleteLove the colour choices and the ideas for the ruffles. I'd also up peyote with increases as a way to get the ruffle. It looks cool and works up fast.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Denise
This is a fascinating experiment - I wouldn't have thought of trying this!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing more. . . !
Okay, out of hiding and inspired, I'm blown away....once again. Love all your choices. I connected with the color palette months ago when you first blogged about this. Now I'm not certain if it is the colors or the dreamy, wavy furls that primarily captivate. Either way, awesome are you!
ReplyDeleteVery lovely! I appreciate that you showed us your thinking during this process. Can't wait to see more.
ReplyDeleteWonderful to watch! Thanks for sharing your experiments...and what colors!
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