Really, it was only a matter of time, don't you think, before I posted something on beads. I actually think it's kind of amazing that I'm made it through almost 8 years of blogging without having actually executed a beaded knitting project. Not that I haven't thought about it, mind you, but you have to find beads and beading needles and then get motivated to string 5 kajillion of the little buggers on some unsuspecting yarn. And then, once they are there, you have to schlep them around.
But then someone goes and posts something that reminds you of something else you did a long time ago (which reminds me that I still have no gallery page... sigh) that you liked and wanted to make for yourself someday. But you never made a second version because you are terrible at knitting any project more than once. But that something takes the original project and mixes it up a little bit by changing the orientation and adding beads.
And suddenly the project is much more interesting. The something of which I speak, in case you haven't clicked on the links, is the Eventide Scarf as knitted by the Yarn Harlot.
I almost managed to avoid this project by trying to convince myself that I didn't have any appropriate yarn. Then I remembered the Sundara fingering silky goodness that I had used to start a Brandywine shawl with. I hand't gotten very far when I abandoned it (it's a perfectly lovely pattern, I just had doubts about my need for another triangular shawl when I hardly wear the ones I have), but I love the yarn and think it would look quite lovely in that crossed stitch. So the whole "don't have the yarn" problem was solved.
Then it became a "I don't have any beads" issue. That was solved by finding www.whimbeads.com -- a veritable cornucopia of beads of all flavors. Unable to decide and worried if I selected only one color it would be not so good when it arrived, I splurged and selected several tubes to test against my shawl sample. Bead problem solved as well.
But not I have one final problem to surmount: which beads? I pretty much go back and forth between all of them... though the variegated tube may be leading the pack by a hair.
Any opinions? I still have a little bit of knitting on my current sweater project to go, but I'd love to hear other people's thoughts!
I think I like the second from the left best.
Do you know how to apply beads with a crochet hook as you go? That's much easier than stringing them on first, and I think it looks nicer too.
I think the variegated beads are perfect!
I like the far left and then (2nd choice), the one on the far right.
I just finished my first beaded knitting, and used the crochet hook method referenced above instead of stringing beads. It slows down the knitting process, but is easy.
The one of the far right is my favorite. Can't wait to follow your beading adventure - I haven't tried that yet myself.
I'm also planning to knit this, have the same yarn and a stash of beads. Just waiting to finish a sweater before starting. For your color yarn I think you will be happier with the variegated beads. It's a lovely design.
The variegated beads look nice with your yarn. Do you HAVE to string your beads??? A much easier and less stressful (on YOU and the YARN) is the crochet hook method of placing beads. Any search will provide you with the method. Very simple and once you are on a roll, almost unstoppable!!!
And there was me thinking you were going to use all four! In that order with the darkest on the far left nearest the edge...
You could put some beads on a safety pin each and clip them in to see what it looks like?
I like the ones on the far left best, followed by the ones on the far right. You should also try the dental floss method of beaded knitting which is way easy. I'm working on my first beaded project right now - Evenstar Shawl - and realize I am now hooked on beaded knitting.
Looking forward to seeing your finished project~!
I like the ones on the far left. I'm sure it'll be beautiful no matter which ones you choose. =)
I think that the beads on the far left would make the most sophisticated look, while the ones right next to it would be the most subtle. That said, I think the third ones over are the best. They are a beautiful bright color that will show with the knitting and if you are wearing this scarf in the winter and early spring it will bring that extra special reminder that winter will not last forever.
I like the ones on the far right, but I'm thinking the ones on the far left will stand out best -- and if you are going to the trouble of adding all those beads, you really want to see them :)
I like the variegated beads. They will show up lovingly with the yarn.
Hug Ms. Z!
You are braver than I, I still resist putting beads into my knitting . . . although I know someday I will cave. Your bead choices look lovely with that yarn.
I am partial to contrast. I like either the beads on the far left, or the far right.
Tough choice! I like the beads on the far right. I look forward to your blog entries as you knit this!
Take a few out of the tube and audition them on the yarn. That will probably change your mind. You also don't want to match them perfectly, or you'll do all that work and not even see the beads.
My guess...the far left.
I really like the ones on the far right. Maybe mix in a few of the beads from the far left too?
Well, it looks like the two tubes in the middle aren't the winners. I am going with the others. I like the variegated ones on the right best, but the dark ones on the left would be nice too. I think the suggestion of an audition is a good one.
As a seasoned bead knitter, the best way is to think about whether you want the beads to "pop" or blend. I usually choose pop because, well, why bother otherwise. I think the either of the two on the right will "pop" best, and though I like the tube on the far right, it may add too many colors to an already varigated yarn.
I love the ones on the far right, but any of them will be wonderful.
I like the tube on the right the best, with the tube on the left being a close second.
The ones on the far left would be the best. The ones on the far right also match and would be okay, but I'd be afraid that they would fade into anonymity against that yarn. Pretty colors overall, but if my monitor is at all telling the truth, I think both of the middle two are too orange (and not in a good way) for that yarn.
I like the plum-colored beads on the far right, and the sparkly orange-ish ones second from the right.
I meant far left, of course.
How do you know what size beads to use? I know it depends on the size of the yarn. Do you know a resource that would give guide lines for that?
The variegated would be nice or the ones on the far left. Love the color of the yarn and of the beads!
Either tube on the ends. Two different looks though, so you still need to decide;)
I like the ones on the far left because they look like tiny pomegranate seeds.