Book Spotlight: Elements of Style

Beads and fabric go together like Delicas and peyote stitch, so it’s no wonder that combining jewelry making with techniques we often think of for garments will result in beautiful designs. In particular, knitting and crochet are ideal ways to combine beads with textile elements.

In Elements of Style, designer Rosemary Hill shares her passion for mixing up three unique and wonderful craft genres, using a variety of materials. Most of the components are familiar friends to experienced crafters, including seed beads, wire, and pearls.

There are twenty six jewelry projects in all, including necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Rosemary has covered many of the basics by combining knitting and crochet with wire, silk, cotton and wool. Readers can learn to make beaded wire beads and felted beads, along with a variety of beautiful jewelry designs. Each project features clear diagrams and helpful tips to help you get the most out of your materials.

Though the designs appear straightforward and simple, as a total crochet and knitting novice, I find them a bit intimidating. Even with the helpful basics guide at the end of the book, I wouldn’t want to attempt most of these projects without a lot of practice. Luckily, one of the most beautiful necklace projects in the book will show you how to make good use of your wire knitting mistakes.

Rosemary introduces each of the three chapters - Wire, Fiber and Felt - with a few inspiring thoughts on the medium. The friendly tone of the book is very encouraging to beginners and experts alike. Elements of Stylealso includes a handy glossary of abbreviations and techniques, a resource guide and an alphabetical index.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
Rosemary Hill and Interweave Press
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