C-Lon Beading Cord - 12 Great Colors!  
I like using the C-Lon� Tex 400 Bead Cord when I am making beaded Kumihimo Necklaces. C-Lon Tex 400 is a 3 ply twisted multi-filament nylon cord with a diameter of approximately 0.9mm and it comes in brilliant colors. It has a high breaking strength which means that your beaded Kumihimo creations should be long-lasting. I use the C-Lon� Tex 400 with the TOHO 6/0 Seed Beads. The C-Lon cord slips easily through the hole of the ToHo 6/0 Seed Bead and best of all, you don't have to use a needle. Snip the end and start threading the beads. I have read that you can use a touch of Fray Check if you have any problems but I have not had to do this. I use ToHo seed beads because they are noted as being one of the highest quality seed beads, with a bigger hole than other 6/0 seed beads and the hole size is consistent from bead to bead. This makes stringing them alot more enjoyable!

The Black/Green Beaded necklace (right) is an 8 strand, 2 color, "spot" round braid. I used Black and Peridot C-Lon, 23 grams of Black 6/0 ToHo Seed beads, 6 grams of Black Diamond 6/0 ToHo seed beads. The total length of this necklace is 16 1/2" and the beaded portion is 15 3/8". I strung beads on all 8 strands and beaded every strand, every sequence. I started braiding this necklace in the middle, placing the focal bead in the center, and braiding out towards the ends. See detailed instructions for this technique below.

Aren't these C-Lon colors gorgeous? Starting from left to right; Aqua, Grape, Lt. Orchid, Lt. Blue, Marigold, Shanghai Red, Sable, Peridot, Purple, Teal, Black and Oyster. $4.50 / 37 yard spool

 

2 New "Petite" Kumihimo Satin Cord Colors

  Coral and Peach  $3.00/10 yard package

Click this link to go to the Kumihimo Satin Cord & C-Lon Shop!

Metal Flower Beads

Tons of possibilities! Hole size works well with diameter similar to an 8 strand Petite Satin Cord. 
 $0.50 / each

Necklace: 8 strand, 2 color, "Spot" round braid in Royal (main color) and Lt. Blue (spot) Petite Satin, 4 Metal flower Beads, 3 Blue Flower Beads, 6mm Magnetic End Cap Closure.

Bracelet: 8 strand, 2 color, "Spiral" round braid in Black & Purple Petite Satin, 2 Metal Flower Beads, 1 Glass Candy Bead, 6mm Magnetic End Cap Closure.

End Cap Embellishment: Metal Flower Bead teams well with End Caps to give a more decorative look.

Click this link to view Beads & Pendants. I am in the process of adding 13 more colors of ToHo seed beads to my website. Some of you have noticed that I add new items throughout the month so you'll want to check in every now and then!

Starting in the middle. ...
 
This is a great technique when the hole in your focal bead is not large enough for your braid and/or beaded cord to pass through. With this technique, you actually start braiding from the middle and work your way out to each end. You'll braid half the necklace at a time!

Measure your warps (strands) and cut your strands to the desired length. Next, find the middle and simply tie an overhand knot. Slide the focal bead onto one half of the strands and place the focal bead above the knot. Take the other half of loose strands and wrap them all into a bobbin to keep them out of your way (see picture below). Pull the loose warp strands through the hole in the disk and set up to start braiding. Your point of braiding will be right above the focal bead. Start braiding.

 You will braid half of your necklace, starting from the middle. When you have reached your end point pull the strings off of the disk and tie a knot. Then take the strands that you wrapped in the bobbin and bring them up through the hole in the disk. Make sure you untie the knot that you made previously; the knot that designated the center of the necklace. Set up your disk and now braid the second half of of you necklace, again, starting in the middle and braiding out toward the tail.

Isn't this great?! You can use this basic technique in other ways too. Be creative.
 

The sample Kumihimo necklace (above - right) is an 8 strand, 2 color round braid using the "spot" pattern (one of your Kumi-Kards). I used Purple and Aqua C-Lon cording with Light Blue and Rosaline Purple TOHO 6/0 Seed beads strung on all 8 strands and beaded every strand, every sequence. I placed the Furnace Glass focal bead in the middle and braided out from the center. 

Bill and Irene York of the Knitting Basket have put together a fantastic itinerary for another "not to be missed" Knitting Basket Knitting, Kumihimo & Relaxation Retreat. They are taking 30 people on a fantastic excursion.
There are only a handful of vacant spots left. Don't wait - or it will be too late. Some people have already purchased ther tickets!

For more information click on this link that will take you to a full description of the trip.

Any questions should be directed to Bill and Irene York at [email protected] or you can call them at 1-800-252-YARN (9276).