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

by Julia Pretl

This volume brings together some of the best of Julia Pretl's bead collections. In this compilation of the author's previous three books, Beaded Collars , Bead Knitted Bags , and Little Bead Boxes , you'll learn Julia’s original methods for beading miniature vessels, knit purses, and classic neck pieces. Julia also 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 innovative 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-by-step 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.

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2010

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are really only three beading techniques in this book: knitted bags, ladder stitched neckpieces (think Cleopatra), and peyote stitched self-standing boxes. Each of these three goes waaaay down deep with planning, charts, patterns, variations, etc. (and a DVD!) so if you're interested in any of those three things, this is an excellent place to start. Nothing on the cover indicates that's all this is, so for 300+ page book called "Big Book of Bead Work - 32 Projects for Adventurous Beaders," well, the adventures are limited to only those three types of projects. If I was interested in any of those 3 things, I'd have given this book 5 stars; it's really in-depth. But based on the back & front covers, I was disappointed.

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is actually three older books by Pretl, repackaged as an omnibus. Sadly, this is not evident by the cover. I wouldn't have picked it up had I known, as I already have her beaded box book, don't know how to do bead knitting, and have little interest in Egyptian-style collars at this point.

My personal disappointment aside, I love the photography in this book, and the instructions are exemplary. Every bead writer should take a look at these instructions and learn from the clarity and precision. The work is lovely, and the patterns quite attractive.

But it's not a new book.