Though a friend of mine taught me the stitch for the African Amulet Bag Project, she originally found this stitch in Fitzgerald’s book. It’s not a big book, but it is generous with illustrations. Besides the double weave stitched (used on our bag projects), she also describes the wrapped rope, square stitch base, swage and triangle bracelet, switch back chain, bow tie, trefoil chain, slinky chain, and hexagon netting.
I really enjoy how the author weaves bead history and stitch instructions together in this book. It makes it more than just an instruction booklet. I actually felt a connection to the Zulu women who tell her they too stay up late beading and don’t get enough work done around the house when they get involved in a project.
This book is available in most bead stores, from bead and jewelry suppliers, and from Fitzgerald's web site. It retails for about $12.
