Julia Pretl's Big Book of Beadwork: 32 Projects for Adventurous Beaders - Tapa blanda

Julia S. Pretl's Big Book of Bead Work 32 Projects for Adventurous
Beaders. Creative Pub: Quayside. 2010. 320p. illus. index. ISBN
9781589235274. pap. $24.99 with DVD. CRAFTS
Pretl (Beaded Collars) compiles her favorite designs from her recent
books in this weighty guide, which focuses on three types of beadwork
projects using three different techniques: knitted bags, netted
necklaces, and peyote-stitch boxes. Basic directions for each
technique are provided, with support from the lessons on the included
DVD, which shows each technique in action. Some knowledge of beadwork
is assumed; however, advanced beginners could easily attempt the
projects included in this broad collection. - February, 2011

Despite Pretl's efforts to entice beginners, crafters will need plenty of patience as well as experience in knitting, crocheting and/or beading to get the most from this three-part book. That said, the book is a true treasure trove of projects and patterns. Each part deals with a different bead craft--knitting smalled beaded bags, crafting neckpieces reminiscent of Egyptian jewelry and building ornate bead boxes. Pretl includes both word maps and graph patterns for her 30-some projects, and a DVD, keyed to the first part of the book, clearly shows how basic knitting techniques (both right-handed and left-handed knitting is shown) can be adapted to beading projects. Readers can also download a selction of pdf patterns. Finishing techniqes for each type of project are describes with samples of each completed project shown in glorious full-color photos. This isn't for every collection, but it's a fine choice for libraries where beading books are in high demand. - Booklist. Dec. 15, 2010

This volume brings together the best of Julia Pretl’s bead collections.
In this compilation of the author’s previous books, Beaded Collars, Bead
Knitted Bags, and Little Bead Boxes, readers learn the author’s original
methods for beading miniature vessels, knit purses, and classic neck pieces.
Julia offers instruction for creating four-, five-, and six-sided rectangular,
square, and stacked miniature boxes; vintage-style bead-knitted handbags;
and intricate neckpieces, inspired by the dramatic jewelry worn by the
ancient Egyptians. Each of the projects contains a materials list and
instructions presented both in written and charted form. With detailed
instruction and sequenced illustrations, the author provides clear, step-bystep
guidance. The enclosed DVD offers a series of video tutorials in bead
knitting, with all the techniques needed for the projects included (for both
left- and right-handed knitters!), and full-size printable PDFs of graphs.