New Stitch = New Ideas

It started with this great reproduction locket, cast from an original gutta percha piece and featuring one of my favorite motifs - acorns and oak leaves.

But a locket needs to be suspended from something... and a period gold chain was NOT in the budget.

So after looking at a number of period pieces, I settled on tubular herringbone as the technique that would result in an appropriate period look, but there was just one problem: it's not a technique I've ever used previously.

Fortunately, it's a forgiving and easy stitch to work, resulting in a strong but flexible chain. I especially like the ability to add beads in a variety of sizes; it allows for great design possibilities. This is a stitch where thread color matters, again allowing for creative decisions.

I'm quite pleased with the finished product (it somewhat resembles hair jewelry) and have already started a much more modern interpretation, which will include some natural found objects.

Necessity drove me to learn a new method and now I'll be able to reap the benefits of a new tool in my design possibilities - what could be better?