AIMR
(Linda -2024 Choose Projects that You Want to Do :us:)
95
I use glue to hold the paper onto my hexies, hold down the folds of tiny hexies, and all sorts of sewing. I don’t have enough hands to hold everything in a good way! I also use bees wax on my threads to keep them smooth and not tangle as much, but I still get knots sometimes…plus, I know I thread a much longer strand because I hate threading needles with my poor eyesight! I wear my special goggles, but not in zoom! lol
I am still watching Star Trek before Netflix pulls it from their network, so I made two more beads!
I did the blanket stitch on the dark purple one…I really like it because I am comfortable with that stitch but it does make for a less rigid edge…practice, practice, practice.
I agree @Magpie was an excellent instructor. Loved all the “insider” tips and tricks. Really elevated the class beyond just making fabric beads. I feel bad for whoever has to follow that act.
I’ve just ordered a load of needle threaders on AliExpress. I used to use long thread too. But embarrassingly recently learned that shorter lengths=significantly less thread knots. I think it’s something to do with the thread becoming fluffier the more it passes through fabric. That and learning that there is a correct “end” of thread to pass through the needle.
I love your beads @AIMR they are so neat and well done.
@magpie seconding a sewing tips/videos thread (ha! No pun intended)
Nice! Using just felt for the background is a great way to feature lovely shades of natural fiber. It might not be quite as pretty or stable in acrylic felt. I think by the look of yours that it’s good quality100 % wool? If not, wow. It looks great even with craft felt!
I only made it to 29 minutes into the recording so far… can probably finish tonight though I was itching to go shopping yesterday and convinced the little one to go with me (as if he had a choice… ha). He was so patient while Mommy looked at nearly everything in the craft store took me forever since they re-designed but I found the remnant section and bought a roll of felt, as if I’m going to be making beads my new life’s passion. LOL nearly a yard of beautiful deep purple At the end of the trip the kiddo earned a treat, Joann’s took most of my money, and I have supplies to make/finish a few projects
I’m going to my mom’s today and I’m excited to show her the beads I’ve made so far. She and I have mostly different craft hobbies but we do share an enjoyment of hand sewing so I might get her into making beads too
Gorgeous!
My only regret is not being able to see everybody during the class. I was concentrating on my hands to make sure they were in frame & mostly in focus. I’m so happy to see everybody’s beads! Thank you all so much for sharing
Craft felt here, tho I do use mostly the by-the-bolt eco-felt which tends to be nicer & thicker than the craft rectangles. But since I have a giant jar of woven fabric scraps & an almost-as-big jar of colored felt scraps, this is where I ended up…
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AIMR
(Linda -2024 Choose Projects that You Want to Do :us:)
109
I use wool felt for most things, but I have a bunch of craft felt that work well with these beads. I realized that two of the beads I made were actual batting scraps, and not felt…no wonder my knots kept pulling through…too loose!
I am so happy to be able to use up the tiny scraps of felt and fabric…but, I would have to make a zillion beads…lol
Thank you @Magpie for teaching! I think it was a great class, great idea to make a larger version bead for the teaching, the split screen was great and all the important techniques were easy to see. I’m glad I watched it even though I felt pretty confident after reading the PDF. Seeing you demonstrate and explain things on video was much clearer and I really appreciate everything.
Thank you @kittykill for organizing and recording I really wouldn’t have been able to make it otherwise I also think if I had watched it live I would have been distracted by my household and would have missed things! I love having the ability to pause, rewind, etc!
And thank you to the LC community for trying something new, I think these classes are going to be really awesome going forward (they already are!)
I was itching to go shopping yesterday and convinced the little one to go with me (as if he had a choice… ha). He was so patient while Mommy looked at nearly everything in the craft store 
At the end of the trip the kiddo earned a treat, Joann’s took most of my money, and I have supplies to make/finish a few projects 
I think it was a great class, great idea to make a larger version bead for the teaching, the split screen was great and all the important techniques were easy to see. I’m glad I watched it even though I felt pretty confident after reading the PDF. Seeing you demonstrate and explain things on video was much clearer and I really appreciate everything.
I also think if I had watched it live I would have been distracted by my household and would have missed things! I love having the ability to pause, rewind, etc!