The Beader’s Bible
By Claire Crouchley

     The subtitle for this book is “over 300 great charts for beadweavers,” which sounds as though you might need a loom to work these pieces. But all of these pieces can be woven by hand, and instructions are given for peyote stitch, brick stitch, square stitch (that mimics loomwork), and of course loom weaving. These are very clear instructions with some helpful diagrams, and I wish I had had them in front of me when I learned these stitches. What you won’t learn, though, is how to increase or decrease these stitches, as all the pieces in this book are even shapes: bands for chokers and bracelets, and square or rectangular patterns for amulet purses. You will find instructions on stringing a loom, joining pieces of work, and choosing beads, as well as finishing off and ideas on what to do with the pieces.

     What sorts of subjects are covered in this book? There is a lovely pattern selector at the start of the patterns that shows a small picture of each design and how the pieces are grouped in subjects. Abstract, nature, alphabets, world cultures, wildlife and celebrations name several topics, and you can bead patterns as diverse as a geisha face, Egyptian scarab, pig, zodiac signs and snowflake. Each pattern is very user-friendly and tells you what colors are needed, as well as how many beads wide and long it is. Ideas for the use of each piece, as well as reasons for the colors chosen and the type of stitch that needs to be used can be found on each page as well, so this is a book that will appeal right across the spectrum of beaders, from beginners to more advanced; just looking through it gave me ideas for patterns of my own. I particularly like the way it is spiral bound and lies flat on table or lap for convenient working. This would make a grand gift for any beader—if you can bear to part with it!