an open source architectural beadwork project from Kate McKinnon and a worldwide team of innovators
The Fortuneteller Bangle is a pattern from CGB Volume I, designed by Christina Vandervlist and interpreted joyfully by beaders world-wide. It’s based on the amazing MRAW Zigged Band, and features side increases that are allowed to grow long enough to join together in twinned Horns.
Some beaders chose to add a second layer to their piece (easy as pie with the MRAW Band) and some just made a small, strengthening overlap. Depending on their tension, Fortuneteller Bangles can often be turned inside out for a second size, and a series of very different looks. Enjoy!
Is there any hope of a video on the wings used in the fortune teller bangles? I can do horns but so many if the examples have double points or wide wings that I’m just having a Dickens of a time reverse engineering. Ive studied the book but have such a hard time following the diagrams.
Yes! We will have lots more information on this when the new books come out, including new video and animations. For example, have a look at what we are doing these days:
I don’t believe I can make a fortune teller with 6 points in the size 10 delica bead. It would be huge, HUGE! Even if each point side held 6 Mraw rounds, it would me 144 Mraw stitches. A rick rack bangle I made with 100 Mraw rounds or stitches is on the large size.
I’m going to need +6 glasses for those 11’s. I really want to make a fortune teller.
Yes, well, we didn’t use 10s for anything in the books. You don’t have to make 6 points, you can make five, or four, and/or make the points smaller (5 side beads instead of 11, or whatever…)
Please think of the Rick-Rack as a technique, not a pattern! And think about the idea of making a flat one before a bangle… bangles are challenging from a cold start.
Your books have saved me hours of work with all the helpful hints in each project.
I have the Rick-Rack bangle down and have made some with 5 points on up to 9 points. And I’m delighted with my accomplishments because a year ago it was a struggle and seemed out of reach.
So it’s good to know I don’t have to have 6 points. Knowing this will help with the count. I wish I could work with the 11 delicas but the size is too small for me. 11’s come in more colors than the 10’s too. Thanks for your response Kate.
You are going to LOVE our new Pattern Book, Janet, there are so many ways to cast off of an existing piece, or just a bit of starter. The number of points is almost meaningless, unless graphically it matters to your patternwork. You can change any of the math, and with each change, you get a different expression of the classic zig-zag form.
10s are great, and we’ve just started working with them. You’ll see some of them in the new books!
I’ve started a Fortuneteller and it is coming along nicely. I’m thrilled. Your books keep me going!
How fun! Thank you for including my Harlequin Fortune Teller!
I could watch this forever and ever! I am continually inspired by this community of selfless artisans who breathlessly seek to expand and share beauty they cannot contain within any border.
What a lovely comment! I could stare at your Fortuneteller all day…