Have you tried out the new Matubo seed beads yet? They are 7/0 beads, falling in between the 6/0 and 8/0 seed bead sizes. In the photo, the first beads (on the left) are 6/0 beads from Miyuki (146FR if you love the color). The beads in the middle are Matubo beads in Blue Picasso and on the right are 8/0 beads in metallic bronze. Even though the overall size (outer dimensions) falls squarely between the others, the hole size is closer to that in the larger 6/0 beads.
The secret to these little wonders is the manufacturing method. Matubo beads are made by pressing rather than then traditional method of cutting glass tubes into pieces. The pressing method has several advantages: it produces much more uniformly sized and shaped beads, the holes can be larger in comparison to the bead (thinner walls) and the holes have smoother edges. Those things may not seem like a big deal, but they're really great for micro macrame. The larger hole size is really nice, especially if you are knotting with the thicker Tex 400 cord. I've found I can get two cords through the Matubos.
I started out putting them in a pattern I've made quite a lot. I really love the finish on these beads.
Then I thought I'd experiment a little.
In this pattern, I used them in the center of each little shape as well as in between the rows and along both edges. The shiny little beads in the lacy loops are 11/0, just to give you another size comparison.
All in all, I like these new beads. I always like choices, and having a new size and new colors and finishes is great!
These beads are beautiful. I mentioned yesterday that the ZigZag has a new and different look and I love it. The beads are beautiful and have a really nice finish.
ReplyDeleteLovely beads, I'm impressed - great size.
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Thanks for the heads up & explaining the differences, I may have to try these out! I really hate it when a bead(s) shred your yarn/thread. The 7's make you work "pop" more too!
ReplyDeleteI don't suppose you would remember what the bronze beads are? Are they a Matubo as well? I have looked everywhere for them and there is nothing quite that color of bronze. They look matte to me, but maybe it is just the pic.
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