Monday, April 11, 2016

Bracelet of the Day: Dragonfly - Rose Gold


DRAGONFLY BRACELET
  • 15/0 seed beads Miyuki "Metallic Chocolate" (461)  
  • 11/0 seed beads Miyuki "Metallic Chocolate" (461)
  • 8/0 seed beads Miyuki "Metallic Chocolate" (461)
  • 8/0 seed beads Miyuki "Duracoat Galvanized Dark Mauve" (4213)
  • CzechMates "Rose Gold Topaz Luster"
  • SuperDuo beads "Crystal Bronze Copper"
  • SuperDuo beads "Opaque Rose Gold Topaz Luster"

The pattern is from In Memory of Eridhan on Etsy and you can buy it HERE for $5.00 (Unfortunately, this pattern is no longer available). Sadly, Justyna Szlezak passed away last August but you can still buy her patterns because Sebastian Söderlund is keeping her Etsy shop open. I've blogged about this bracelet a couple of times before, HERE and HERE. I used CzechMates for the first time with this bracelet. That's what the pattern calls for but previously I'd always used Tila beads which also work great with this design.

After making this pattern a few times, I decided that I really don't want to use two needles as the pattern directs. I had no trouble figuring out how to use just one needle and it's so much easier to make that way. Besides being a pain to work with two needles, the bracelet also has a tendency to curve and curl when done that way. That's not the case when made with one needle which is basically done with right angle weave.

I omit steps 9-11 of the pattern because they're not necessary. Even when I've made it with two needles before, I didn't do those steps. My bracelet came out very sturdy and the CzechMates are nice and straight. I also omit steps 23-28 because I prefer how the bracelet looks without the added embellishment.

The materials list doesn't mention this but you will need at least 5 yards of thread to make this because you weave up and down the length of the bracelet several times. And that's not factoring in the extra embellishment. I used Nymo D thread and didn't have any trouble getting through the beadwork. I started with three yards of thread and then added more later. Three yards will get the basic foundation of the bracelet made which will give you enough places to weave in the thread ends.



 

6 comments:

  1. It's just lovely! When I first saw the photo, I thought it might be Silkys. I might make this as a bracelet. (Can you imagine?) lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jeanie. I wonder if there's a way to make it work with Silkies. I didn't think to try them but now I might do that. The holes in the CzechMates go up and down so the Silkies would be sideways. I'd have to figure out how to put them upright. I do love a challenge though.

      Delete
  2. Hello Linda,
    I love Justynas designs. Your Bracelett is amazing.
    So Justyna is always on our mind, her work is still here.
    Greetings
    Silke

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Linda, I love the colours you've used. I have this bracelet pattern and a few others of Justyna's. I haven't made it because I always get confused using 2 needles. As you've used a single needle and removed some of the steps did this make it easier to figure out. I'm going to give it a go and see if I can make it. If not I might come back to ask some questions.
    I do love your tweaks on patterns. They do make things easier. Can't wait to see your next project.
    Carol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Carol,

      I will post instructions for getting started on the base of the bracelet with one needle. I just need to type them onto my computer from my hand-written notes. I haven't changed the embellishments that come later in the tutorial other than to leave off the final bit.

      Linda

      Delete