women of a certain age are like sunflowers; they know how to turn their faces to the sun.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Look What I Got...


These are Venetian glass beads with a gold foil center. When I was in Venice, I fell in love with Murano glasswork. Such fire and depth of color. Absolutely stunning...

So when I went looking for beads for Sunflower, I remembered running across this website while looking for ladybug beads for Zinnia.

I wanted something special for this piece (it being a sunflower and all) I spent the weekend in design mode, working through the design in my head (and on my newly recovered computer - there is a God...) I needed to get an idea for what I was looking for, even though the piece won't be offered until September, so I knew whether or not to have Evelyn contact Handmaiden for a special dye job.

A special signature color would be great, but I just love the colors of the seasilk I ordered last week. So rich...

This is the Tiger and Capri.





And this is the Mahogany.

Look at those colors. The richness of the ambers, browns, golds, and reds are phenomenal.

The design will follow the lines of a true sunflower. The Mahogany seasilk will be the center of the shawl/scarf, done in a spade lace pattern with gold beading. That is for the earth.

The next ring will be the Tiger in a sunray pattern with topaz beading. That is for the flowers and the sun to which they turn their faces.

And the outer edge will feature the Capri blue in oriel lace, named for the oriel window. What better pattern for the sky that we see through our own windows on the world.

And the piece will be finished off with the Venetian beads.

Couldn't wait to start. Did some research over the weekend into circular shawl construction. One place I went said to increase 8 stitches every row.

I don't think so...

Anybody want a ruffle?

9 comments:

Ronni said...

You might not want to give up on that figure just yet. As I remember from my circular shawl (which isn't done yet and was started ump-galump ago) it did look pretty darn ruffly at first (especially after pulling the needles out) but turned out to be right after a while. I am not sure I remember how long a while was. Maybe 5 or so inches of radius? I think that was an increase every 8. Although it might have been every 7. hth

kibbles said...

Those beads and colorful fibers are beautiful!! You're so creative and we are blessed that you are willing to share that with us through your patterns. I can't wait to knit Sunflower myself. :) I *must* learn patience! :)

Unknown said...

Colors are one of the reasons I love to knit and spin and all the other crafts. The second reason is the texture of the finished fabric.

Your photos make me drool!

Spindle Imp said...

Oh....just so drooooolable.......and I don't much like yellow!!!! (mostly because I can't wear it)

Ok....you need to share...where'd you get the beads....come on......spill the beans......information please!!!!!

Donna Lee said...

These are my favorite colors so far. They are so rich, what a contrast to the sunflower motif which is so homey and comforting.

Lucia said...

I would normally expect six every other row, but I am wrong with remarkable frequency.

This is going to be another stunning design.

Sourire11 said...

Oh those beads are stunning!!! I can't wait to see this finished design!

Knit and fall back in it said...

I can't wait to see this one.

Anonymous said...

Free shipping on those beads in July....item number and number of beads and color...any idea? Just trying to be prepared like any good boyscout leader.
Rebecca