Magatama beads are a little different than other beads in that they are "directional". You may string them randomly for a more freeform look, however, if you want the Magatama beads to lie in a more regular pattern, you must string them in a "one direction" manner!

 If magatama beads are all threaded in the same direction they will "spoon" each other. You will notice when you start threading the Magatamas that you can either thread "upwards" or "downwards". I thread "upwards".  Consistency is what matters. The top picture shows the Magatamas aligned "directionally" and the bottom picture shows the magatama beads in a "random" alignment.

Sometimes the Magatamas may not look like they are "spooning" even though you know you strung them correctly. Going in the directions that the beads are slanting, simply run your hand from top to bottom and this will align the beads (if you strung them correctly)!

"The yarn is Mountain Colors Mountain Goat.  I came to do the jacket in a funny way.  I decided to do a knit along at my local yarn store (The Yarn Spot in Wheaton Maryland).  The project was the swirl jacket by Sandra MacIver.  When the yarn came in I got right to work--and discovered that even after sizing my needles down 3 steps, I still could not knit to gauge.  But by this time I was in love with the yarn--and a light bulb went off.  I had bought the Blended Seed Stitch Jacket pattern some years ago, putting it in my "to do someday" pile.  The wool and the pattern were a perfect match.  What a happy outcome.  The final product is much more beautiful than the swirl jacket, because the seed stitch really brings out the beauty of the yarn.  The pattern is super easy--perfect for television knitting, and I think the final result is elegant.  I used the 9 different colors that had been suggested for the Swirl. The Purse Mimi has in hand is the Patchwork Shell Purse also designed by Irene York.