I am a huge admirer of Rowan’s new line of Swarovski crystal beads, Shine. Their multi-facets reflect an enormous amount of light! It is unfortunate that my photos of Semillon, the beaded top I just finished, don’t really show how much the crystals sparkle.
I used the 6mm beads for this sweater, which are quite a large size. These beads can be purchased via WEBS (www.yarn.com), and Jannette’s Rare Yarns (http://www.jannettesrareyarns.co.uk/) as well as my local yarn store, Uncommon Threads of Los Altos. (http://www.uncommonthreadsyarn.com/)
The faceted crystals are also available in 4mm and 8mm, and there are pearls and other interesting shapes as well .
Before you jump in and start knitting with the crystals, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1) Calculate how many beads you will need per ball of yarn and string them on in advance. I know some knitters prefer to crochet beads on as they go, but I found it quite tricky to fit a size 14 crochet hook into the size 6mm beads. Although the beads look large, their holes are small which is why only Rowan finest and Kidsilk haze are used in Rowan's beaded patterns. Also, I found the larger beads were more difficult to get a crochet hook all the way into. If you do plan to hook your beads on, test this technique in advance and make sure your crochet hook fits comfortably.
To find a youtube tutorial by Jennie Atkinson on how to thread beads onto your yarn, click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ1InknIHrQ
2) 2) Be wary of all-over beaded patterns. Any pattern that requires you to bead every six or eight rows all the way across in intervals will be extremely heavy and even small seed beads will significantly distort the garment’s shape. If you don’t mind your sweater becoming much longer and thinner than the pattern schematic, go ahead, but be aware that measuring as you go will not accurately predict the garment’s weight and shape.
Rowan yarns: "Elizabeth"
3) 3) Avoid strongly contrasting bead colors if most of your fabric will be beaded. There is nothing worse than a sweater that looks like it has broken out in chicken pox! This is another reason why all-over beaded sweaters are tricky to make. You don’t want to spend hundreds of hours of work only to look as if you have just broken out into a rash when you put the sweater on.
4) Modernize your beaded knits by using similar-colored crystals to your knitting yarn. The Swarovski crystals are so large and brilliant that they will show quite clearly on the fabric. In my opinion, the most important addition the crystals make is texture and sheen. By keeping to a similar color tone, you can add depth of color and sparkle without looking hopelessly out of date. Note that I paired my sweater with a faux leather skirt and high-tops. Keep your other clothes modern to balance a beaded top.
In my opinion, nothing can age a woman faster than a little lace unless the colors are modern or bold. For example, a cobalt-blue lace sweater will look much more modern than a cream-colored one. Adding beads with your lace can take the vintage reference way over the top unless you simplify. Another way to keep your look modern is to use “tougher” colors such as olive, drab, or navy and match your beads or use metallic ones.
Look how Lagerfeld modernized this Chanel jacket by making it in Navy accented with brass and pairing it with slim-lined trousers and red sport shoes. In spite of the presence of lace and embellishment, this is the jacket of a modern-working woman, not a time-warp victim.
5) Do use contrasting beads in small areas of a garment, for example to emphasize a collar, cuffs or trim. Jennie Atkinson has designed some amazing patterns using the Swarovski crystals in this fashion which I will share below:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fitted-peplum-jacket
This Fitted Peplum Jacket by Atkinson is subtly accented with charcoal 4mm Swarovski crystals. It is designed for Rowan’s Finest yarn, a 4ply blend of cashmere and merino. I love the clever details at the collar, cuffs and pockets where the beads are incorporated. This allows a subtle sheen without the beads dominating the garment.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/beaded-ribbed-cardigan
Another fabulous design by Atkinson is the Beaded Ribbed Cardigan. Also designed using Rowan’s Finest yarn, this design uses 6mm crystal beads to form a flower detail that highlights the waist. There is a “sweater girl” vibe to this knit which reminds me of the best of 1950’s knitwear. Curve friendly, emphasizing the waist, and using bead embellishments sparingly as a clever feminine accent, this pattern has it all! There is a simplicity to this design which avoids the fussiness of many beaded sweaters from the past.
If you prefer knitting beaded shawls, the free Triangular Beaded Shawl pattern by Atkinson is available on the Rowan website, or at WEBS yarn.
http://www.yarn.com/product/rowan-swarovski-triangular-shawl-free-pattern/
I didn’t think much of this shawl until I saw it knit all in white, displayed in the window of my LYS. Trust me, it is spectacular! The beads are large crystals that serve as anchor points at the lace tips at the bottom of the shawl. This will make a real luxury gift for the glamour queens in your life! However, I would not venture to knit it in white except perhaps for a bride. Instead, I plan to knit it using charcoal kidsilk haze eclipse and accenting it with dark grey beads, or perhaps in gold eclipse with the topaz crystals instead.
Well, I’m off to cast on Jennie Atkinson’s Fitted Peplum Cardigan. Happy knitting everyone!