STITCH OF THE MONTH
Learn a New Bracelet Stitch Each Month
Instructor - Kathleen Lynam
$30.00 fee each session plus supplies ($30.00 deposit reserves space)

The Stitch of the Month curriculum is designed to teach 12 major bead-weaving stitches/techniques in a comparative context.   This is perhaps one of the best ways to learn bead weaving.   You get a clearer understanding of what each stitch is, how to manage and control it, and what your project and design options are, when you learn them comparatively, rather than in isolation from each other.

Each class is devoted to explaining a little of the history of the stitch and the how-to basics of doing the stitch. Students then practice with variations on the stitch, such as increasing/decreasing, flat vs. tubular vs. circular, and the like. Students are guided in creating a bracelet, using the stitch, and usually one or more variations of the stitch.

The student will typically cover this information in each class:
1. The history of the stitch
2. Learning the basic stitch
    a) How to start the stitch-project
    b) How to implement the basic stitch throughout the project
    c) The most appropriate kinds of materials (beads, findings,
     stringing materials) for this stitch
    d) The most appropriate kinds of projects for this stitch
3. Increasing and Decreasing using the stitch
4. Finishing off the piece (clasps, edges, embellishment, fringes, and the like)
5. How to read a pattern for this stitch
6. An introduction to other variations using this stitch
7. Making a bracelet, using this stitch

Each class is "in and of itself". Students may join the Stitch of the Month at any point in the 12-month cycle.  You may do all of the classes, or only some of them, as you desire. The first class is repeated every 2-3 months. If you miss a class, it will be repeated in the next cycle.

Each class is $30.00 plus supplies.

You register each month for each specific class, not the Stitch of the Month curriculum as a whole. You can register in-person at Be Dazzled Beads, or by phone (615-292-0610). You will want to register at least a couple days before the scheduled class you are interested in.

For our students interested in learning to use needle and thread to create wonderful beadwoven bracelets, necklaces, amulet bags, and other adornments, our Stitch of the Month program is perfect for you.

We teach bead weaving differently, (and I believe much more effectively), than most other places. At other places, you typically take a class and learn to do a set of steps to create a very specific project. You don't learn how to apply these steps in other situations. And you probably forget how to do the project.

In our Stitch of the Month, we take a developmental and design approach. You learn about the stitch and how to make choices about the stitch. You learn about how to choose materials (clasps, beads, stringing materials and the like) appropriate to that stitch. Then you practice what you learn by creating a bracelet. By taking more than 1 stitch over the year, you also begin to learn in a comparative way, which reinforces what you have learned.

The Stitch of the Month curriculum is designed to teach 12 major bead-weaving stitches/techniques in a comparative context. This is perhaps one of the best ways to learn bead weaving. You get a clearer understanding of what each stitch is, how to manage and control it, and what your project and design options are, when you learn them comparatively, rather than in isolation from each other.

The Twelve Sessions

1. June: BEADWEAVING PRIMER, and Introduction to the SQUARE STITCH.
(This session is repeated every 2-3 months)

This session covers:
What tools and supplies you need in beadweaving
Basic starting techniques, such as threading a needle, tying a finishing knot, and tying a connecting knot
A review survey of various types of bead weaving, such as off-loom vs loom; following patterns vs. free form; flat vs. tubular; increasing and decreasing; circular and spiral
A review of the types and varieties of beads used in bead weaving
How to choose a clasp for beadweaving projects
Learning the Square Stitch

2. July: NETTING

3. August: NDBELE STITCH (also known as Herringbone)

4. September: PEYOTE STITCH

5. October: LOOM

6. November: BRICK STITCH

7. December: SPIRAL ROPE

8. January: FRINGE

9. February: RIGHT ANGLE WEAVE

10. March: BEAD EMBROIDERY

11. April: PETERSBURG CHAIN

12. May: BEADED BEADS

General Supplies Needed

There are some basic supplies that you will want to consider bringing to any of the sessions above, including:

Size 12/0 or size 10/0 English beading needles
C-Lon thread or Nymo Thread Size D in various colors that will coordinate with your beads
Delicas in a main and 2 accent colors.
Scissors
Size 11/0 and size 8/0 seed beads, in a few coordinating colors
Buttons to use as button clasps
Bead board, tray and work surface (you will want a way to spread your beads out, but keep the colors separated)