Saturday, May 9, 2015

Whats on My Bench

Hello and welcome to another Whats on My Bench! Today, despite being very busy preparing for a show next week, JET Team member Laurie has very kindly agreed to share the project she is working on right now.

I wear a lot of scarves, and recently began experimenting with the idea of turning an infinity scarf into a necklace. Each one of my new creations is unique, and they are selling well at my local craft shows. The infinity scarf necklace shown below is currently available in my Etsy shop. I enjoy making them, and currently have one in progress on my bench. . . .



At the moment my bench is a lap board, so I can work in my living room! The infinity scarf I am working on is made from a lovely, white chiffon material. I start each necklace by pinning the material, then sewing up the scarf on my machine. Finally, I hand stitch the seam that makes the material into an infinity scarf. Next, using a needle and fire line, I weave beads to create the larger center focal piece and the smaller side pieces.



The first step in the beading process is deciding which beads to use. For this necklace, I decided that the larger focal center will have size 11 seed beads in various hues that resemble candy colors - light and airy colours that are perfect for summer.

Below right you can see how each bead is woven into place. There are 12 beads in each row, and the number of rows I eventually wind up with is entirely dependent on how many it will take to encircle the seam of the infinity scarf.



Occasionally, I stop weaving to see how things measure up. When the center piece is finished, I progress to the side pieces. I use a different weave for these, in contrasting but complimentary colors.



Putting the center piece and the side piece example next to each other lets me check that the color combinations are going to create the look I am striving for.



When all the pieces are finished, I place them in position on the scarf and permanently weave them there so that they are stable and will not move. The beading has now transformed the scarf into a scarf necklace, and I will need several of these in the next few weeks for upcoming local craft shows, and I'm making them in lots of different color combinations!





Thank you so much for taking the time to share what's on your bench, Laurie!
Val

14 comments :

Mollie Ann said...

What a fabulous fashion statement! I too love scarves, and the way you've added your own special touch is perfect!

Unknown said...

Cool idea!!!

jemsbyjb said...

I think these are so neat. Great accessory.

Michele said...

What a nice idea to dress up your scrarf, Very Pretty!!!!

Beadsme said...

They look beautiful. What a great idea.

Unknown said...

From what I've seen, scarf necklaces are one of the going trends right now. Yours are so unique and beautiful. No wonder they are selling so well. Way to go, Laurie!

Gemstones on My Mind said...

Beautiful design Laurie! Imagine the possibilities and the colors. I'd love to see one modeled!

SendingLoveGallery said...

wonderful idea Laurie! looks pretty and I'm sure it will be a hit! thank you for sharing with us :)

Gambatte said...

Beautiful and very clever!

LoveStoneArts said...

Laurie you are really onto something. I love these scarves!! I think that these will be your signature pieces. Thanks for the peek whilst you carry on with your busy, busy life.

Unknown said...

Stunning work, Laurie! Thanks for sharing :)

Erika Price said...

Wonderful idea, Laurie - and such intricate beaded adornments too - I adore your scarf necklaces!

Brooke said...

Neat idea Laurie, thanks for sharing!

Tracy said...

Awesome idea!