Mirabilia A Midsummer Night's Fairy beading question

[amy2902]

I apologize if this has been addressed already but I am planning on starting on this fairy as my next project. I remember reading somewhere online that this particular fairy was a nightmare to bead on 32 count fabric. Has anyone here done this piece on the recommended fabric and if so did the beads fit ok? I plan on dyeing the fabric and I don't want to find out afterwards that the beads don't fit properly. I do have several pieces of 28 count in my stash that I could substitute if I need to but I do prefer the look on 32 count.

[Stitchinkitty]

I think you may have to use petite beads with the 32ct.I only use 25or 28 Lugana so can't really give any useful info

[Mabel Figworthy]

I'll echo that - go with petite beads (size 15/0) and you should be fine. You will probably need a beading needle though, in addition to your usual tapestry one; a size 10 should be fine. Get the short beading needles (sometimes known as "bead embroidery needles"), as the ordinary long ones can be a bit unwieldy.

[amy2902]

I was afraid of that. I already have size 11/0 beads in my stash and I was hoping to be able to use them. I am having trouble locating some of the colors in the petites so I am guessing I may need to either convert to another brand of beads or switch out the fabric for a larger count. I am considering just going with 28 count since I have done beading on that count before and did not have any problem getting them to fit. I am sure I can find another use for the 32 count fabric as I have a decent stash of designs that don't require beading. Thank you both for your help!

[Allyn]

I've used beads on 32-ct fabric and didn't have a problem and I didn't use petite beads. I'm not sure what caused the nightmare that someone else related, but my projects came out fine. The chart calls for two-over-two, so I don't see what the problem would be. It's a beautiful design. It calls for five colors of 11/0 beads and then a few gold petite beads. If you have the beads, go for it. I've found that one person's 'nightmare' is another person's non-issue.

[amy2902]

Thanks Allyn! I am glad to hear that. I think maybe I will try a test patch of beads on my 32 count before I give up on it then. I think the nightmare she mentioned was the beads did not want to lay evenly on the fabric and ended looking messy.

[cristaltipps]

I have this one almost done on 28 count over 2, when i recently got it out to attempt to lower my UFO count i remembered why i put it away, because the beads look awful and seem bulky now as i am using the exact ones the pattern says i have come to realise it is the way they are stitched on using 2 threads of the matching thread colour though the bead and then over the top one strand going either side of the bead.

This was the way i read it should be done many many years ago when i was new to stitching but since getting more experience i now apply beads with 1 strand through the middle and they lie absolutely fine.

Hope this might give you an insight as this might be the problem the other person had?

Anyway if you try different ways to stitch them on whilst doing your test swatch i am sure you will find something to suit
Good luck and do let us know what you decide on.

[Allyn]

I agree with cristaltipps. Don't do the beads that way. I know folks do it that way -- a leg through the bead and then split the top leg so one strand is on each side -- but I never liked the way it comes out. I use two strands, but I put both legs through the bead to get the bead to stand straight, or I use a half-cross through the bead if I want it to be slanted. The fabric count isn't the problem, so don't fret about using the 32-ct fabric.

[amy2902]

Thanks guys! I never really thought about how the beading method really affects how they fit. It makes sense though. I usually bead with invisible thread and I attach beads the same as you Allyn so now I feel much more confident about it. Now I just need to wait for my fabric to arrive so I can dye it and get started.