Jacob's DNA Ladder Finished!

In my last post, I shared about learning a new Chain Maille weave. Mostly about the problems I was having with it. I knew that it would only be a matter of time until I was able to do it well. At least that was the thought. I received some encouragement from Rebeca at Blue Budda (where I purchased the kit)

You can see from the above picture that I was able to get a good start fairly soon. I was beginning to see the little things to do that make the weave easier to do. Actually, the things I was NOT doing that would make it easier. This pattern, to me, seems to require some spacial ability. (I learned a long time ago that is not my strong suit) But I persevered and finally "saw" the way it should go together. After that, the weave seemed to come together for me and I started to wonder "What was your problem, Bev?"



So, here is the finished necklace. It is about 24 inches long, just a great length for this time of year.

I especially like the clasp that was provided and how the whole necklace finished.




I'm looking forward to making some variations.

How do you like the finished product?

B

www.bevsjewelry.com and www.bevsjewelry.1000markets.com

New Chain Maille Pattern

Last week I purchased a Chain Maille kit from Blue Budda Boutique. I've known about Blue Budda for quite awhile. However, I learned most of my Chain Maille techniques from Urban Maille. One of the differences between the two is how they measure their rings. Yep, the measurements. Urban Maille uses millimeters and Blue Budda uses inches. It makes it hard to go back and forth and compare one set of measurements with the other.

Because of that I've not purchased anything from Blue Budda before. (I like using millimeters.) They have really nice designs, however, and the other day one of their kits caught my eye. (There is not problem of ring size conversions in a kit as you buy the whole kit and caboodle) Anyhow, the kit I chose for a necklace, is called Jacob's DNA Ladder. It has both aluminum and anodized (colored) aluminum rings. The colored rings are "captive" rings in that no other rings go through them. They just sit there, tightly held in the pattern.

The picture above shows how far I got the first DAY. The directions are fine, very clear. They even give two different methods of approaching the weave. OK, I can do this! Well, truth be told, sometimes I can and sometimes I'm all thumbs. Darn little rings! (Or words to that effect!)

Here is how far I've gotten by Sunday evening. About 7 inches.


But isn't it pretty? I can see lots of possibilities for different variations.

It is not a fast weave, by any means. At least by my means. I find it frustrating. I do expect that some time, fairly soon, I hope, it will go together faster. Right now I keep it near my computer and do a few (or one) round while I wait for things to load. This method has worked well for me when I have frustrating things to work on.

I'll post again when it is finished. What do you think of the weave so far?

B

www.bevsjewelry.com and www.bevsjewelry.1000markets.com