Just a quick FYI for those attending the workshop.
I've been poking around Ravelry, and it seems that Ms. Hansson strongly recommends that we NOT use czech glass beads (the kind that is pretty ubiquitous in craft stores) for the beaded cuff class this coming Sunday. Instead, she recommends the Japanese made seed beads that go under names like Miyuki (?) and Toho.
For those who've never had the pleasure: I examined both kinds of beads when I stopped by a bead shop in Overton Park this weekend, and I can tell you that yes, the Japanese beads are much more squared off and regular in size, plus they have larger holes for stringing onto (relatively) thick yarn. I also understand that the Japanese bead holes are simply smoother and inflict less wear and tear (think breakage potential) on the yarn.
As hinted at above, the local craft chains I've visited around here don't seem to have the Japanese seed beads in the 6/0 or 8/0 size. (I did spot some 11/0s, but those are just too small to use with the specified fingerling-weight yarn.) I ended up in Overton Park, because "Need to Bead" in Germantown is closing. (Closed today, open tomorrow and Friday from 10-2 only, and a peek in the window suggests that any possibility of them having a specific type of bead in stock is highly speculative.)
I'll be checking with Yarns to Go today, as Beth has such a wonderful bead and jewelry making selection, but I'm not sure about the bead type off the top of my head - and I was just in there this weekend!(Oh yeah - $1 Cotton Classic! And a bunch of other stuff at $1, $2 or half off - either great news or DANGER WILL ROBINSON, depending on your resolve and your budget!)
If at all possible, I'll be stopping at Bead Towne in Olive Branch today - I understand that they have the Toho in the right size, and they are just 30 minutes South of Germantown/East Memphis. (Not exactly pure altruism on my part - got a bunch of colors the other day, but a quick count of one vial suggests I'm probably short of the 800 beads suggested by Ms. Hansson.) I If anyone reads this, and knows of other likely shops, please drop me a line @ lisabUNDERSCOREguppyATyahooDOTcom - thanx
(Post to be updated with additions and crossouts as needed! - LB)
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