Hands-on Beading Bash! USITT 2014 Fort Worth

 

By Regina Truhart Vice Commissioner for Technology

Now that you have had a chance to read about our featured beading experts Polley Kinney and Lalon Alexander in the February USITT Sightlines it's time to pack your bags and toss in a few tambour beading supplies so that you can join in the fun of the big beading bash

In keeping with the tradition that the hands-on technology sessions provide something for every skill level and interests I have created a supply list that I think you will find easy to acquire and will travel lightly.

For the true tambour beading beginner we will provide a station that will focus on the foundation chain stitch using a small crochet hook and size 6 beads.

The beginner packing lists:

1. a medium embroider hoop
2. pearl cotton thread or craft thread               
3. a small amount of size 6 seed beads
4. large eye beading needle
5. a size 8,9 or 10 steel crochet hook

For the intermediate beader we will provide several stations that will explore the latch hook technique.  Including sequins, opaque fabrics and theatrical short cuts.

The latch hook packing lists:

1. Clover latch hook OR Lacis 9m latch hook
2. medium embroidery hoop
3. thread & beading needle
4. seed bead and sequins (small amount)                                                 

The experienced beader --or perhaps more accurately described as the needle work expert who has successfully mastered other types of bead work or crochet and would like to try tambour beading more seriously-- This shopping list is for you.



The traditional tambour beading shopping list:

1. tambour needle 
2. medium embroidery hoop
3. quality sewing thread
4. a small amount of seed beads (6,8,11)
5. a small amount of sequins 

   

   This tambour needle can be purchase from

   Lacis.com

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

6.  beading needle

 

latch hook technique

traditional tambour technique using a Clover hoop

chain stitch with a crochet hook and netting

This session will also provide a station dedicated to learning how to properly mark out a design to be sent to a professional beader. 

The supplies needed for the "mark out" station are as follows:

1. colored pencils. pens
2. paper
3. ruler or straight edge

 I am excited to see all of you in Fort Worth this year.  I will be providing some fabrics, beads and needles but I am counting on all of you to help make this session a success.

 Please share any resources you may discover with me as you pack your bags and head for Texas.