Knit and Crochet with Beads (Paperback)

by Lily M. Chin (Author) "Beads can be glamorous or primitive, glitzy or rustic, delicate or bold..." (more)
Key Phrases: prestring beads, beaded knitting, beaded single crochet, Finished Size, Materials Yarn, Bring Up Bead (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Everything's coming up beading these days--especially with two veteran artisans intent upon showcasing what can be done with baubles and bugles and all kinds of small stones.

Knitting wizard Chin, author of Urban Knitter (2002) and Mosaic Magic (1999), concentrates her third how-to book on the myriad ways to incorporate beads into knit and crochet projects--more than 25, ranging from a bespangled Grace Kelly-style collar to a wondrous Homage to [Keith] Haring jacket in purple chenille. In essence, she separates the book into techniques, differentiated between three interpretations of beads entangled in yarn: those integrated into the fabric, individual strands with beads woven in, and beads applied onto the finished fabric. Each pattern features at least one color photograph, charts or illustrations, and directions that even a beginner could follow. A bit advanced for the rank novice, yet enticing designs for anyone to try. Glossary, suppliers, and further reading appended.

Doelp takes the art of beading quite literally, using as her inspirational springboard the extraordinary, intricate immortelles, or French Victorian beaded mourning wreaths. Giving kudos to her mentor Virginia Nathanson, she briefly covers the history, then expounds on the basics and four techniques (continuous loops, continuous crossover loops, basic frame, and continuous wraparound loops), with accompanying directions. Project number 1, the classic poppy pin, features excellent step-by-step photographs that capture the beading process. From that, readers are encouraged to try the other 29, whether it's a lifelike draping wisteria or a 150 percent fantasy bouquet. New techniques are flagged and explained well, such as outlining and striping; occasional design tips enhance the do-it-yourselfer's pride of accomplishment. Metric conversions and information on contributing designers appended. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
"A must-have reference for adventurous knitters and crocheters." -- Knitter's magazine

"Fashion-savvy designs for all skill levels…Easy step-by-step instructions and illustrations." -- DIYnetwork.com Editors’ Picks, Jewelry-Making Must-Haves

"If you already have the basics and can follow a pattern, this is the book for you." -- Upper Midwest Bead Society

"If you like beads and crochet then this is a must have for your crochet library." -- BellaOnline.com

"It’s a magical combination [yarn and beads], great projects, and instructions you can follow." -- Crochet Fantasy

"Lily’s experience as a knitting teacher shines through in her lucid text…Her elegant and stylish designs are accessible and appealing." -- Creative Knitting

"Shows readers how to take their needlework up a notch by creating outerwear and accessories that are guaranteed to dazzle." -- Vogue Knitting International

"The ultimate guide to beading for knitting and crocheting." -- Crochet

"This book is fantastic and worth the price…The details and illustrations are superb. [It] should be an all-time best-seller." -- Knitting News

"This book is filled with stylish, elegant designs…an excellent technical reference, and should serve as an inspiration for a lifetime." -- Crochetme.com

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (May 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931499446
• ISBN-13: 978-1931499446
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #35,192 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #27 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Crocheting
  #49 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Beadwork
  #98 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Knitting

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

69 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This knitting book is BEAD-dazzling! Wow-love it!, May 9, 2004

By	Joanna Daneman (Middletown, DE USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

Ok, knitting and bead fans, this is for you. First off, this is a book with both knitting WITH beads and beaded knitting (The former is knit fabric embellished with knit-in beads, the latter is fabric OF beads, with thread holding them into the mesh. No yarn showing.) Most of the projects are knitting with beads or even sewing them on, but Chapter Five is all beaded knitting. Some space is devoted to embellishing with sewn-on beads.

The projects are varied--something for everyone from jewelry and bags to socks to sweaters. There are many pages devoted to different techniques--so despite a good selection of patterns, this book encourages the knitter or crocheter to go out on their own.

A selection of projects:

1. A plum colored crocheted beaded vest. VERY impressive.
2. Several beaded scarves
3. A "Grace Kelly" collar in champagne color, almost Victorian looking.
4. Quite a few bags including some totes, some evening bags and an amulet bag in beaded knitting.
5. Pullovers--cabled with beads, and a faux-textured knit with beads replacing the texture stitches (hard to explain, but it's very graphic looking and interesting.) A linen African-looking vest in neutral shades with oblong beades.
6. Socks, hats
7. Two Forties-looking short sleeve blouses with beads
8. A wide-collared paillette (big flat sequin) top that looks like the wide off-the-shoulder styles out now, but harks back to the Fifties. This is crocheted.

I think Lily has outdone herself here. These designs are fascinating. And it's not just projects-- the instructions to design your own bead work, including some bead chart paper, are unique among knitting books. I think this book is a must for any serious knitter's or crocheter's library.

64 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth Every Dollar, May 22, 2004

By	Norma tappe (Silver Spring, Maryland United States) - See all my reviews

I recently received my copy of Lily Chin's newest book. Wow! I recently learned to knit at the beginning of the year. Prior to knitting, I made beaded jewelry. The directions are clear and concise. I put myself in the place of a person who knows nothing about beads. I was impressed. I can't wait to get started on some of the projects. One thing readers might want to take note of, when using glass or seed beads make sure the beads are from japan. The holes are bigger and more uniform. Czech beads or beads from the Czech republic are irregular and may not go through the yarn. Their are two types of beads I recommend, Toho's and Miyuiki's. The book is worth purchasing.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Something for everyone!, December 28, 2004

By	Trish "A Sun Salutin', Crochet Hookin' Chick!" (CA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

This book has something for all..those who knit, crochet, beginners and advanced. I particularly liked the different techniques Lily uses to attach beads at various stages of your project. You can bead before, during and after starting your project. There are also lots of ideas for designing your own projects and using beads to jazz up an existing pattern. She shows how to add beads to different stiches so if you have a single crochet sweater..you can graph and add beads yourself!! I also love the patterns....very modern and classy. Good job Lily!