I had purchased some 6/0 seed beads in a 4 color variety package. They were metallic gold, metallic maroon-ish, frosted green, and frosted maroon-ish. Since there were only 4 colors, I wanted to try to do a necklace in a 4-color pattern repetition (rather than my standard 6-color). The thread shows through a tiny bit more, but I chose a very muted color for the thread. It blended pretty well. The final product was a bit thinner than the other ones, and therefore, lighter. I don't know that I would do 4-color every single time, but I like how it worked for these beads!
Now, I'm looking for some help.
My friend has been threading zillions of tiny (11/0) seed beads for quite some time. She decided she would finish threading and start crocheting her necklace with me on Friday afternoon.
The beads are absolutely gorgeous: metallic blue-ish. Amazing!
...that is, until the color started rubbing off on her fingers as she crocheted. It just makes me sick to think about it. We keep hoping that as more length is finished, it won't happen as much, but I can't help but be concerned that it could just as easily rub off on her neck while she's wearing it!
Has anyone ever had this happen before?
We thought of "sealing" in the color with a clear spray paint of some sort. Would that work? Any advice out there? It's just WAY too disheartening to spend SO much time threading (and rethreading when they take kamikaze dives off the kitchen table...) and crocheting for it to come off like this. Could she even spray "seal" them before she continues to crochet? Or would that mess with the thread flexibility too much?
Thanks for any advice you can offer.
Can you thread some and do a test spray to see if it messes up the thread? I would say a clear coat after the necklace is done would work, buuut, I'm working from thread ignorance.
ReplyDeleteI don't know about sealing the beads..but i took a beading on quilts class a while ago, and she talked about checking beads for color-fastness. Put some in a dish with really hot water, stir them around and pour them out on some light-colored fabric and let them dry. If they bleed, don't use on fabric.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing the beads she has are painted, not colored glass?
Thread ignorance--funny, Alicia! That would be worth a try to see how it would affect the thread in a small spot. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteRachel--that makes sense. I'll definitely remember that for future necklaces, too. This frosted one has me a little worried, now. I'm assuming hers are painted, although there is still some color to them. I'll ask.
I will definitely pick colored glass beads next time. I have put the necklace away and haven't worked on it since the weekend because it became discouraging. It's hard to crochet while trying not to handle what you're working on! Maybe this will just be one of those waste-of-time things you chalk up to a good experience! I'll try it again with better luck next time.
ReplyDeleteI don't know the answer to your question, but I do love the colours of your bracelet. You left a comment over on my blog, but I couldn't reply as you are a no reply blogger :0(
ReplyDelete??? How do I fix that, Wendy? Huh! Sorry!! =(
ReplyDeleteMoriah--Hopefully it won't be an entire waste. Yikes. At the very least, you know you'll be able to thread your next project faster... Not a great consolation after all the time you've put in. How about a little pair of stretch gloves on your left hand? :-)
ReplyDeleteHiya,
ReplyDeleteNo worries about the No reply thing, it just means some people can never answer your comments. When someone comments, you also receive a copy in your emails, you can then reply direct to the person. Some people come up as Noreply@blogger.something. To fix it you go to Dashboard, then Edit Profile. The third tick box down says "share my email", I had this on no at first, as I think you do, but if you put it on yes, people can reply to your comments. It will not show your email address on your blog!! If you are worried about security, you can open a new account just for blogging but I haven't had any problems.
Mindy,
ReplyDeleteI love your 4 color beaded necklace. It's beautiful and the colors are too. Sorry I don't have any advice for you on the beads that your friend is having trouble with. Not enough bead experience.
Hugs,
Tamara
You never cease to amaze me with your work...
ReplyDeleteWow!
Thanks for linking up to Creative Juice last week...hope to see you back this week...