The Pattern Companion: Beading [Paperback]

Ann Benson (Author)

Book Description

Series: Pattern Companion | Publication Date: November 1, 2004

Beads on cross-stitched treasures; dripping from tassels, braids, and fringes; and elegantly woven with or without a loom: these patterns and pages present so many different ways to enjoy the lovely art of beading. Here are the very best examples of this attractive and sophisticated craft, from jewelry to home accessories. Find out how to weave a Southwest Tube Necklace with turquoise drops and bugle beads, and a Loomed Mandarin Lamp Shade crafted from 6 beaded panels. Make an elegant silvery Opera Purse lined with Japanese kimono silk, a richly textured Antique Borders sampler, and painted and distressed wooden tassel molds. Beaders will find everything they need to create one-of-a-kind designs.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

A composition of beaded projects, gathered from a number of published books and well-known practitioners, offers a wide array of elegant items to craft for the experienced stringer. Naturally, more than a baker's dozen of techniques, from brick stitch to tubular right-angle weave, are both explained and illustrated; necessary supplies, too, are described in some detail. Where the collection really comes alive is in the more than 50 projects. Working with five specific categories (netting, hand weaving, looming/knitting/crochet, beads/cords/tassels, and embroidery with beads), all projects are accompanied by good close-up color photographs, directions, charts/graphs, and occasional variations. The choices represent difficult decisions: Should I try the dramatic pagoda basket? Or aim to complete the intricate Oriental carpet eyeglass case? Level of difficulty is not indicated, but it can be assumed that most are geared beyond a novice's capabilities. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (November 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402712715
• ISBN-13: 978-1402712715
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #859,096 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars compilation, December 19, 2004

By 

M. Poller (Israel) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Pattern Companion: Beading (Paperback)

This book is really good with great illustrations in color on the techniques including netting, peyote, squared needle weaving, tubular right-angle weave, ladder, brick and herringbone stitches, square stitch, loom bead weaving, bead knitting, crochet, tubular beaded crochet, embellishment techniques and knotting. This is followed by good material on the beads and tools . The many projects are also well illustrated with great drawings to help. One caveat though: this book is a compilation from 4 other books which is annoying if you've got them already and if you don't have them, you may not want to buy them either. The four are: Ann Benson, Beading for the first time, Gay Bowles, Beaded cross-stitch treasures, Valerie Campbell-Harding, Beaded tassels, braids and fringes, Gourley, Elizabeth, etc, Art of seed beading and C.W. Wells, Art & elegance of beadweaving.
But the price, even without any discount here, is good and this is one of the best books on beading that I've bought so far.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything I needed to know but never knew to ask, November 9, 2006

By 

Ellena Anderson - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Pattern Companion: Beading (Paperback)

There are a few patterns and projects here but this book is more about making yourself more knowledgable and proficient with beadwork. It gives tons of inside information beyond diagrams and threadpaths (e.g. how to actually tie a weaver's knot and make it hold) as well as all the details on tools and materials. It's all about beads, patterns, and a thousand ways to use them.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book, March 25, 2010

By 

C. E. Gerber (Medina, OH) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Pattern Companion: Beading (Paperback)

I got this book from the library before I bought it. I loved it! It is very informative and very thorough. Lots of different techniques! Would have liked to have seen more on wire work but it was great for thread work beading.