Really bummed today. It takes me hours to count and string each individual seed bead into a meticulously crafted pattern for crocheting into a 15 bead-per-row tubular bangle bracelet. I've previously had issues with my size 10 cotton thread breaking during the beading process, making each bead strung a complete pain in the ass, as some get stuck on the needle, some break the thread, and some break right in half. So some changes I've made to fix this issue: 1. Custom ordered size 20 thread (thought black would hide nicely behind this predominantly black pattern) for easier passing through beads. 2. Custom ordered size 10/0 beads as opposed to the larger 11/0 beads I had originally been using, again, for easier passing. Also thought these would be easier to crochet with. Well, I could tell quite clearly, by looking at the 10/0 black when they arrived, that they were completely smaller than the other two colors I also ordered in 10/0. I strung them anyway. Stringing was much easier, but again, as I've mentioned...it takes hours to do because each need to be counted. Then came the foundation chain. Couldn't do it. The size difference of the beads don't allow for proper alignment and and are impossible to work with. Turns out the black thread is nearly impossible to see when disguised by the black beads. I literally can't tell the difference with my eyes. Also, the super fine thread has a smoother texture which I thought would allow the beads to slide easier and that it does, so much so that there is no friction at all, making it more challenging to hold a bead in place until the stitch is made around it. This project failed on every level and I'm really frustrated! I do not stand for the phrases "impossible" or "can't be done". I normally try try try until every avenue is exhausted and usually wind up with results to be proud of. In this case, I feel that I have wasted my time and money which are my two pet peeves. I got up in my old purchase history and found that the size 10/0 beads that I thought I had ordered are actually 15/0 beads!!! 4 sizes smaller than I originally worked with in the beginning of this jewelry-making endeavor! It was my fault as well! I saw 10 and realized it were 10 grams of beads that I had ordered, not 10/0 size. Dude. What a confusing situation. Apparently purchasing supplies for this endeavor is harder than the actual days of labor that go into making each piece. I have been so close to throwing in the towel many times, and if I don't have success wth my next attempted project...I am sadly...done.
