I've been meaning to make the Chevron Chain from the April 07 issue - the cover project. (http://www.beadandbutton.com/bnb/Default.aspx?c=a&id=2109). I finally began it this weekend.

I'm finding it really challenging. Picking the colors was tough because it wasn't clear which were which. It would have been helpful to put more info on the materials list or in a tips box, like "Seed bead C is the center of the flower made with fire-polished color A." 

Then as the note said, the pattern is not intuitive. I just had to force myself to read and follow each step closely.  I made many mistakes and had to undo several times.

I'm finding the starts, ends and "turning the corner" once the initial length is reached very confusing. Any tips?

I might be able to post a pic of where I am tomorrow if anyone is familiar with this pattern.  I really think it will be lovely once finished.

Alicia

I'm not having success posting an image so here is the URL to the pic of the first half of the bracelet at the end where I'm having trouble "turning the corner."

http://www.flickr.com/photos/peycelons/2380510942/

I finally broke the code, found my mistake and am on my way to finishing this bracelet. It is going to be lovely!! I studied the instructions and diagrams for a night or two.  I had gone a step or two too far which made "turning the corner' impossible.  Plus it made it too long for my wrist.  So I backed out a few stitches and voila! 

If only I had more time to devote to it! 

It is finished and I am very happy with the results:

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/peycelons/2387579670/

Hi Alicia,

Congratulations on working this out! Your bracelet looks great.

That turn has tripped up a few people, so don't feel bad.

You make a good point about the colors. In the future, we'll try to do a better job of clarifying which beads are which if it's not evident.

Thanks for sharing your pictures with us and for persevering. You should be proud!

 
Kind regards,

Julia Gerlach

Managing editor, Bead&Button magazine
 

Absolutely everyone I know fell in love with this cover and wanted to make it.  I also struggled when I made my bracelet and even after making a couple, it is still tricky.

I teach beading and my students desperately wanted to make this. I resisted valiantly but finally relented last month and we all made an attempt.  It was a stressful lesson for the students and the teacher but they did finally get there and most finished them at home later.  Truthfully I would not teach it again.

Better and clearer diagrams (the colours were too similar) and as suggested, clearly identifying which beads were what would definitely have helped at all stages.

The end results are all beautiful (but none of the students took home extra beads to make another one.  a first for me as they have always purchased and made more in the past.) 

Teena

Hi Beaders!

Yes, I too absolutely loved that cover and wanted to give the Chevron/Daisy Chain bracelets a try.  However, since I am a newbie to bead stitching, I think I have to learn the other stitches first.

Kudos to you for persevering and the end result is gorgeous, so you can be very proud!

Thanks for sharing about your struggle and final triumph over this bead stitch!!