Need help beading a vest.

[o-shot-caw265]

I am looking into beading a vest and have no idea where to start. I know the colors I want to use but have no idea of a good design or the materials that I need. Please help!

[they_drag_him]

I am looking into beading a vest and have no idea where to start. I know the colors I want to use but have no idea of a good design or the materials that I need. Please help!

Why ask when you know that it should be a design from your family or friend(s).

[Tibiki Kinew]

I can't quite agree here, mine came to me in dreams so not just passing a pattern in the family!

Never rule out dreams/vsions they are so important in what you do each day.

[they_drag_him]

I can't quite agree here, mine came to me in dreams so not just passing a pattern in the family!

Never rule out dreams/vsions they are so important in what you do each day.

I didn't think this person had the capacity to design himself, just saying.

[Czechy]

Well, you'll have to decide on a design and tribal style.
Will the vest be fully beaded or partly beaded? Will you use lazy stitch or applique flat stitch?

Once you figure those out, the next step will be to create a pattern. A trip to the fabric store might be in order to hunt through their sewing patterns for a simple vest pattern you like. You may have to alter the pattern or leave out some elements to get at what you want. Make a test vest out of cheap muslin fabric first to make sure the fit is good before cutting into something more expensive.

Once you know what tribal style and type of beading you want to do, then I can make further suggestions based on that.

[o-shot-caw265]

Are there any good resources online on how to do the measurements for the vest. Also what type of buckskin is the best for strength.

[anishtradish]

I prefer beading on canvas, or velvet with a stiff layer underneath, opposed to beading on buckskin. Buckskin will stretch and your beads will also tear over time.

[owlsong]

Vest beading

A tight weave fabric is the best. As Ojibwa, I have made two vests with floral patterns. Sead beading takes patience and pratice. There are books out there to help you. This is my first.

Never hesitate to ask questions:
Gaa wiin daa-aangoshkigaazo ahaw enaabiyaan gaa-inaabid

Baamaapii

[Wise Eagle]

I am very mathematically based. I lay out my design on graph paper. It is easy to manipulate and easy to see how the finished product will look. Remember that people see you from the back 75% of the time. Don't forget to make the back interesting. Ho quanto (Good luck)

[anishtradish]

wow thats some nice work Owl,

lemme show you some that I have done. The only part I dont like is having to bead way into the centers of the fabric. the edges always get into my way. I usually just roll it up and pin it down, only leaving the part im working on exposed.


I always try and use that same 8 leaf flower in my own work, ussualy always yellow and red, because it's an old family pattern all the way back from my great grandmother and her mother. So I use a lot of the same designs in my own bead work, or other family members. I use other patterns when I do beadwork for other people. or their own patterns. I know a lot of families have their own unique designs and patterns. thats why I use my own families and try not to copy other people's things without asking.

[spottedeagle]

Holy cow those are nice Owl and Anish!!!!

[owlsong]

Nice work

Chi Miigwetch. Those look great and traditional, miigwetch for sharing them with us. I am not sure about others, but I do not like the appliqu'e look though I do see it used from time to time here in Michigan. I do appreciate the work that Tradish put into his work and even more admire the fact he is maintining his family traditions.

Baamaapii

[chazziff]

wow those are real cho!! great work!!