Repairs are something I truly loathe to do! I was going to wear this piece today and it wasn’t until I pulled it out of the jewelry box that I noticed this large gaping hole! Beadwoven jewelry is fragile by nature and the edges of beads tend to wear through beading thread little by little from friction and movement every time a piece is worn. I can testify to the fact that my “Empress Ming” cuff has had a good deal of wear! Aside from the countless hours required to weave a piece, the main reason I don’t sell my beadwoven jewelry is that I do not want to have to do repairs. I would so much rather spend my time creating!
Barbara, could I possibly ask you if you find any particular threads wear better than others? I do try to use Fireline when possible and have had no trouble with that. Thanks, Jenny
Jenny, I use Fireline exclusively. I used Nymo when I first started to bead, but it tangles badly. I like the stiffness of Fireline and it holds up fairly well, but much of the geometric beading puts extra stress on the thread, especially in pieces that have a lot of joins and peaks. When a piece is worn frequently (especialy bracelets and cuffs, which take far more abuse than necklaces and earrings), I think doubling the thread would definitely provide more strength and durability.
Thanks Barbara, thread is always an interesting topic for discussion and I’m sure that every beader has their own preferences! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I always find your blog interesting.
Jenny
I know how you feel; there are 2 items on my desk for repair and I
keep ignoring them.