Over on Stitchers Guild, someone asked a question about beading, and I was reminded that I really, really would love to learn tambour beading. I had all the supplies at one point, but I was working in high tech, traveling all over the world, and my kids were very young, so I never got around to it. I sold my hook, for which I’m kicking myself these days, along with the instructional books I bought to try to teach myself. But I saw this video recently, and I am hooked on the idea again. Ooooh, bad Ann! No biscuit!
So now I’m thinking about it again. Wouldn’t that be fun to add a little beading to my couture dress? Speaking of which, the muslin is cut out, so I’ll work on that this weekend. More later. In the meantime,
Happy sewing!
If you’re interested in learning more about this techniques, there is a full DVD available, recorded at the Master Class Bob taught at the ASDP conference several years ago. It’s available for sale at the ASDP website http://www.sewingprofessionals.org/
Is this always done on semi-sheer fabric?
No, Toby – It’s done on all types of fabric. But organza or chiffon makes for better video.
I attempted this in my younger days, and really loved the effect, but as beading has grown out of style, I haven’t kept up with it. I was never “excellent” at it, but did work at it for a while. Like anything it’s practice, and would love to get back into again…love the fact that you can do this on organza or chiffon in delicate amounts and the effect that can have. If you do get into it, hopefully you’ll show us some of your work.
Thanks for linking the video. I’ve seen others but not with this up-close detail. It’s fascinating, and I can see what you want to learn it!
I’ve wanted to learn how to do this since I saw it in a book when I was a teenager. One of my dreams is to take Bob Havens’ class!
Have you ever seen the French film “Brodeuses”? It’s about a girl who apprentices herself to a master embroiderer, and there are many shots of both women doing this kind of bead work. Beautiful and strange film.