Vintage Beaded Purses Re-Created!
From the time I learned to knit at age 10, knitting has been a passion of my life. I have knit all the typical knitting projects, and some very far-out items, but when I worked at a local historical museum, I discovered something new - bead knitting. It's actually a very old technique and was used to create all the beautiful vintage beaded purses of Victorian times, but I am on a mission to make it new again.
After a lot of trial and error, I have learned the old techniques of bead knitting and bead crochet. I have written two books about it, with patterns and instructions, I teach classes, do demonstrations and show my work at art and fiber shows all around the U.S. Many of my purses are re-creations of patterns from old books, but I also design new patterns.
Soon after I started bead knitting, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thinking the prognosis would be bad, I put away all my projects. But when I started recovering, I found that knitting and bead knitting was a great healer, helping me to focus on creating something beautiful. And I find that my faith and my work with bead knitting has allowed me to reach out to others who are facing illness or hardship.
Everyone who purchases one of my large purses gets a little taste of my faith in God. Inside each one I sew my signature - a red bead and a gold bead, representing the blood of Jesus Christ and treasures in Heaven. The concept was taken from Luke 12:33, "Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail."
I sell finished purses, necklace purses, Christmas ornaments and doll purses. But for those of you who want to try the art of bead knitting or bead crochet, I also sell kits, patterns and books. I encourage all knitters and crocheters to try this! The needles are small and the work is fine, but anyone who loves to create with fiber will be delighted with the results.
