Did you know that the last Sunday in April is World Pinhole Camera Day? Basically you eschew the glass lens in favor of a light-tight tube with a tiny hole in a piece of cardboard, a Quaker Oats box or a Pringle’s potato chip can. Although this is the most primitive possible camera (at least I think it is), the pinhole camera, with its potential for infinite depth of field, produces images that are often beautiful and otherworldly.
Rob Gardiner, Paris Through A Pinhole Feb 2005+++
Looking for beads? I recently compiled a list in response to a question on Ravelry. Thought I’d share these seed beads or rocailles resources (Czech, Miyuki, Toho, etc.) here:
http://www.firemountaingems.com/
http://www.auntiesbeads.com/
http://www.beadstudio.com/index.php
http://www.artbeads.com/
http://www.shipwreckbeads.com/
http://www.beadworks.com/
http://earthfaire.com/index.php?cPath=27
http://www.millhillbeads.com/index2.php
http://www.beadiesbeadwork.com/seedbeadsbysize.shtml
I’ve purchased beads from half of the above vendors, with the latest being beadaholique. They have some really nice mixes.
I’ve found Boye or Susan Bates steel crochet hook size 13 (US) to be the most versatile for sizes 5/0, 6/0 and 8/0 seed beads, though I do include sizes 11 and 14 in my hook arsenal. Don’t want to do the hook? You can always try a big eye needle or even dental floss threaders. Believe it or not, they work too.
If you’re looking for a crochet beading refresher, try Fluffy Knitter Deb’s or Sivia Harding’s tutorial at Knitty.
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Right now, the sparrows, robins and fire-red and black cardinals are twittering under clouding skies, the bells clang at St. James a few blocks away, and I’m waiting for my mom to pop in at any moment for her weekly visit. Coffee on the patio? I think so.
Enjoy your Sunday!
oh…i miss beading. you have inspired me.
Oh, what a beautiful Sunday — Coffee in the sunshine! =) Might have to try knitting with beads now, thanks for all the links!
I got a totally cool photo of a shiny hubcap and the next car over reflected in it when I put a wide angle lens (read: curved piece of cardboard) in my pinhole camera (made from an old watch box) when I was in high school. Much fun. I wonder whatever happened to those photos… Love the Eiffel Tower one!
such a cool day! pinhole sunday! i love coming over here and learning such things! 🙂
i have a sweater i want to knit that requires A LOT of beads. thanks so much for doing my homework!!
i had no idea about pinhole Sunday. i guess there’s a day for everything.
Hmm, I should get back to my beaded shoulder shawl sometime. Unfortunately, the beads require some organization, a flat surface, and lack portability.
But those are very pretty beads.
What a wealth of beading info you’ve offered here! Thank you, and I’m posting a permanent link in my sidebar to it – under the heading “things I want to find again…”
lolol
(I have a few things there…)
(((((Hugs)))))
I have never been a fan of beaded knits. I think my mom gave me one too many beaded sweaters. But. There’s always a But. But now I am seeing subtle beading in some knits and I am re-thinking my stance on beads. I think I’ll have to start with something subtle and maybe make one of Susan’s Flower shawls.