floating beads PART 5

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In one of my earlier pictorials I mentioned that Floating Beads method can be used in SCMRs, but didn’t actually get around to doing it. Jane’s earrings provided the impetus to take it up again.

FB IN SR, SCMR, SSSR

We make the floating bead first, followed by whatever ring type one wants. It had all started with FB in thrown ring, next in normal ring and now in SR, SCMR with TR, and SSSR.

The basic steps remain the same – 

Step 1 - first pull loop through bead and either fold loop back around bead or pass shuttle through loop and tension (variation A)  ; 

Step 2 – a half knot encapsulating the bead.

Since I’m using smaller 4mm pearl beads for these trials, I went with var A.

I’ve used 2 colours to show which shuttle is used to dangle the bead. If you’ve tried the FB method, these pics are self-explanatory.

Floating Beads - in Split Ring (SR)

Besides doing it in the split ring, I tried an additional idea – dangling 2 beads in the ring – 

one each from the 2 shuttles. We can have more than 2, of course, as in the tatted Josephine Rings here.

Also, I deliberately left a long shank and made several half knots (a Josephine chain) along it.

Crossed over ;-D

Floating Beads - in Self Closing Mock Ring (SCMR)

The SCMR is in progress using blue core, and a ring was thrown off with red. Both have a FB.

SCMR closed.

FB in Single Shuttle Split RIng (SSSR)

Using blue shuttle only, this SSSR also has a FB inside.

Since the bead is floated Before the ring is made, we have a choice of which shuttle to use in case of 2-shuttle tatting.

But unlike normal rings, we cannot make a FB After a SR or SSSR is completed because the thread(s) will not be emerging at the start of ring. 

Hmmm, so can we dangle a bead from the other end ? Oh dear, not another trial !

Actually, though theoretically possible, the bead will not dangle properly. It will have a tendency to flop back towards the next/new element, following the ‘pull’ of the thread. 

Phew, no more trials !

floating away to some other tatting :-)

All Floating Beads pictorials in My Tutorials page above. 

floating beads PART 2

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I am so glad I didn’t convert the previous pictorial into a pdf immediately. I am short on time, hence my posts contain a mix of situations and elements as they evolved (and still is), with detailed steps. And I’m not too happy with all the pics or my choice of beads, or whatever.

In essence, though, Floating Beads has 2 basic steps which, with slight tweaks/variations, can be adapted to tackle a wide range of elements and situations. eg. single bead – large or small ; multiple beads ; inside a ring , thrown ring , mock ring ; outside or under a chain ; stacked beads….

For the pdf, I will try to systematically organize everything, accordingly take new pics for the important steps, remove ‘repetitions’ and immensely condense the presentation.

For now, I will share as is and hope you will bear with me and also leave your suggestions for improvement … You can experiment and carry it forward :-)

 

Floating Beads – how to pictorials

Part 2

muskaan © August 2017

Text is minimal, since most is already covered in previous post. Here I will only highlight some aspects.

Floating Beads - In Ring (or on Chain)

In case of single large bead …

Start Step 1

It helps to ‘stay’ the anchored part of loop close to bead (with your thumb/finger) and gently but firmly tug on the shuttle thread. You will notice how smoothly it slides.

Always a good idea to rotate or reposition the bead such that the hole & thread within lie horizontally. It brings the looped-over part on top of bead to the centre, thus ensuring that the loop will not unravel.

Start Step 2 ...

Encapsulating the bead

Tension. 1 large free floating bead

These are the same steps (as shown in pics 1-6) to be followed when adding a large bead such as a teardrop, to a chain. 

Start ring.

Whether to keep the loop in front of bead or behind it is a matter of personal choice.

1 large floating bead in ring – default method

Floating Beads - In Ring . Variations

A] Variation in Step 1

Instead of folding the loop back around bead, pass shuttle through loop. 

Position and tension. 

Follow the default method to complete.

This works well for small and large beads, as well as for a string of beads (FB string as in an earlier post). 
Personally, I found it difficult to adjust position and tension using this method for this large faceted bead. I works better with the smaller pearl beads. I haven't experimented enough to confirm whether it is just the bead or something else.

B] After ring is made

This came about accidentally ! I made the ring forgetting the floating bead. 

Question was - Would I have to unravel or start over or could I dangle the bead Afterwards ? 

Pull a loop through bead, and pass shuttle through loop.

Position and tension to complete Step 1.

Now make the half hitch/overhand knot for Step 2 ...

… and tension.

This same method can be used in Mock Rings. And also in Thrown Rings !

In the next pic, I started with the 2nd ring using default method.

Floating Beads - Under a Chain

Since the bead is on the core thread and it will lock down once the bead is added, make sure all stitches on the chain are properly snugged before adding bead.

1. Pull core thread loop through bead

2. And pass shuttle through it

3. Position and tension. Step 1 complete.

4. Start Step 2

5. And tension

6. Continue chain.

Leave a bit of slack or space when completing Step 1 so that bead has space to dangle And the chain arch won’t distort when completed.

Chain arch can remain continuous or dip down, depending on the effect you desire.

These pictures, along with the FB in thrown ring pics from previous post, will give you a good idea of the basics and how to play some more with settings and effects. You really don't need me any more ;-D

But I ain't going easily ;-P In the next post I will share the string of beads inside a ring and some more adaptations emerging from needs, along with the pattern for Diane's earrings. 

to be continued ...

Related Posts

origin and background 
yet another application
FB in thrown ring pictorial

happy tatting always J