Well, I went to my LBS, which is kinda small, but I found some size 11s and 6s (I think) that will be perfect for a Christmas present for my cousin. I tried a 6 around- five 11s & one 6. The first effort resulted in the 6s not sitting firmly in the spiral, so I unraveled it and started over trying to make the slip stitch on the 6 bead extra tight. That helped, but after about 2-3 inches, I looked at the rope and decided that the 8s were still too loose and floppy. They weren't wanting to stay oriented properly. I think the size difference was too great. I thought about doing an 8 around rope, but I'm not sure it would help.

So, do you have any suggestions? The only thing I could think of was to go to Lexington, where there is a larger bead store, and try to find some beads that are an inbetween size and string a graduating pattern. I'm just afraid I won't be able to find something that will coordinate well.
--Andi

I think you may find that there is too much difference in the 11 and 6s size wisw. You will be better with 11s and 8s. they sit quite nicely together.
HAve a look at Judith Bertoglio-Giffins patterns and you may be able to put something together.

As soon as I can get to the larger bead shop (it's an hour away), I'm going to look for some 8s. I hope I can find what I want. If not, I might go back to the shop I bought the 11s and 6s from and see if she can order 8s in the same color and finish as the 6s. OR, I might try crocheting the 11s into short sections and have a 6 inbetween the sections. Hmmm, that might work...I'll have to try that. --Andi

Instead of a spiral try a catapillar. Thread 1-6, 2 -11s,1-6, 9-11s crotchet 6 around.This will place the big beads opposite each other in the circle and it will appear flatter(like a catapillar) instead of a true round circle. The big beads should line up in a straight line. Just watch out for the 11 that comes after a big bead because they like to hide.