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Judy Reed looks at one of her creations,a beaded purse.Photo by Donna Lasater

by KARLENE PONTI

Sometimes a little bit of glitz is the perfect accent for a special outfit. A bead knitted evening bag made by Judy Reed combines a love of sparkle with a craft in existence for years. She started knitting when she was a child, she liked it and progressed to creating sweaters and afghans. Knitting with beads is a newly discovered craft for her, although Victorian bead knitting has been around since the mid- to late-1800s.

Reed got interested in bead knitting in 2002. A friend’s mother was doing it, and Reed was fascinated. Reed was recovering from surgery and needed a diversion. So it was a natural. With her passion for knitting, she already had basic skills necessary. Then she taught herself the beading techniques.

“It was hard,” she laughed. “It takes a certain kind of person to do this. It’s just right for a compulsive person.” Reed finds the craft relaxing.......

Read more at  - http://www.union-bulletin.com/articles/2009/11/28/local_news/091129zkarlene.txt