Bead Knitted Pendant Bags by Teresa Williams
BagLady Press, L.L.C., P.O. Box 2409, Evergreen, CO 80437-2409, ISBN 1-887989-00-5, $10.95, softcover, 32 pages.

Williams begins her book with a little poem ditty called "L'il Old Bags" which I enjoyed immensely. Williams also has two other knitted purse books on the market that have different size bags and designs. In her introduction Williams states she did not plan on introducing basic needlework skills but instead offers several ideas and concepts together for creating elegant accessories, and therefore you must already know basic knitting in order to use her books. Again, I would like to see the basic instructions included. It would take about the same additional pages as those required for the crochet basic instructions. Required stitches are listed, then materials, threads, followed by color and texture advice. Williams next explains transferring the beads to fiber and has a graphics on page 6. She offers "lifesaver" tips including dealing with thick bead strand thread and unloading beads from the fiber. There is a metric conversion chart for fiber, and then general information on knitting the bag followed by detailed knitting instructions for making each of the bags. The section on embellishment with beads is vague such as the choice of making beaded fringe; but she did acknowledge that in her introduction. However, embellishment with ribbon work, flowers and tassels has step-by-step instructions with graphics. This chapter is followed by necklace making options and step-by-step instructions for stringing with tigertail or forming strands with twisted yarns. There is an appendix of definitions, sources, references and care guidelines. Finally there are two pages of construction scratch sheets for you to keep count of rows and other data. My guess is that the author is a fiber person first and beading second. Most needleworkers already know all the basic how-to's of knitting and do not need the beginner instructions, but not most beaders. Guess where I am seeing knitting and crocheting with bead books and magazines? At bead stores, from bead material wholesalers and distributors. Many beaders I have met, taught, conversed with, know nothing about other stitchery, especially crocheting and knitting. I have taught beading to many students who never used a needle before. So this is a big step for many beading people. They are ready to do it and just need a little more help from the authors introducing fiber techniques that can be used with beads. Williams does reference two books for learning to knit. I am very happy to see this book on the market because one of my greatest desires is for more bead and fiber to be integrated into artforms. This is a good addition to your book collection if you plan to knit with beads or just for the section on ribbon and flower forming with fiber.