Whose stitch is it anyway?

During my recent vacation in Poland, I had the pleasure to meet with a member of the Rusyn-Lemko minority community.  They are known for their colorful netted collars using Czech seed beads.  

https://goo.gl/images/hMTtvy
Rusyn-Lemko girl 

While I was researching these netted collars on the internet, I came across beautiful netted collars from the Embera People of Panama, South America, as well as the netted beadwork of the Huichol indigenous people in Mexico.  

Indigenous Embera tribal member

In today's globalized planet, where hardly anyone creates in isolation, it is difficult to sort out whose beadwork belongs to whom.  At least, it is for me.  At the same time, it is worthwhile to be aware of how to pay respect to a culture and how to avoid exploiting their shared cultural knowledge.  For more on a business model selling Embera beadwork click here.   

While I had hoped to meet with a Rusyn-Lemko bead weaver in southern Poland, it wasn't possible.  So, naturally, I took to the internet to expand my netting techniques.  I came across an instructional video from Colombia, where the word for bead is mostacilla.  I am following along and learning the technique.  Here is my first creation.

Beaded by Julia Hecht

It is meant to be the base of a flower.  I used Japanese 11/0 beads, and it is too large for me to use as jewelry.  But I had a lot of fun learning the technique. I've brought home lots of pretty Czech beads from the shop.  I hope to explore this technique and come up with some of my own designs.  For those who understand Spanish, or want to follow the video, the channel is found here.

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Join us for our FREE Happy Hour Beading Event

Friday 9/1 4:30-6:00 PM

Kilim Cuff by Carole Ohl

Beaded By Sylvia Abeyta

Create the look of woven tapestry with an assortment of Czech pressed glass and Japanese seed beads.  Welcome autumn with these warm tones, or unleash your creativity to create a whole new look.    

This pattern is for all levels including brand new bead stitchers.    

There's no registration:

JUST SHOW UP!

This pattern is exclusive to bead shops and is not available for public download. 

How it works:

We will provide printed copies at the event.  The supply list is below and you are welcome to bring your own beads from your stash.  We hope you will buy some beads from us.   Feel free to bring what you have, and fill in with 

what you need.  

Join us for a fun and supportive beading event at the shop.  

Supplies Needed

**Available at Poppyfield Bead Company**

CzechMate Crescents 1 or more colors (92)

5 mm Pinch Beads (43)
8/0 Demi Rounds (2.5g)

15/0 Japanese Seed Beads (1g)
Fireline
Beading needle
Clasp 

Rosetta Earrings by Nela Kábelová

Join us for our FREE Happy Hour Beading Event

Friday 8/25 4:30-6:00 PM

Beaded By Sylvia Abeyta

Celebrate the end of summer with rosettes and dragonfly earrings.    

This pattern is for all levels including brand new bead stitchers.    

There's no registration:

JUST SHOW UP!

This pattern can be downloaded matubobeads.com/inspiration/

 How it works:

We will provide printed copies at the event.  The supply list is below and you are welcome to bring your own beads from your stash.  We hope you will buy some beads from us.   Feel free to bring what you have, and fill in with 

what you need.  

Join us for a fun and supportive beading event at the shop.  

Supplies Needed

**Available at Poppyfield Bead Company**

SuperDuos (16)

8/0 Matubos or Japanese Seed Beads (40)
7/0 Matubos (16)

15/0 Japanese Seed Beads (16)

11/0 Delica Beads (32)
Dragonfly or other charms (2)

Earring Findings (2)

Jump Rings (6)

Beading Needle

Fireline