A dance movement therapist,
Babcock began Cinbags, creating per-
sonalized beaded purses on antique
frames with beaded straps. Today, she
receives about 20 commissions for
purses annually.

A Cinbags' specialty is bridal purses.
Babcock designs a purse that ties in
with the bride's dress, so if the bridal
gown has crystal rhinestones or pearls,
the purse is made with crystals or
pearls, and the thread color matches the
dress. "I love to make these as a gift to
give at the bridal shower," she says.
Mother-of-the-bride or -groom purs-
es are also popular. Winston notes that
bridal purses are very popular, and

PERSONAL
CHALLENGE

By LISA BRODY

love to knit, usually on big, fat nee-

dles with textured yarn. I also enjoy

beading, and I collect antique beaded

purses, whose straps I have beaded.

On one of my visits to Bead Works in

Franklin, a light bulb went off, and I

decided that I would knit an antique

style beaded handbag as a special

keepsake gift for my daughter's 18th

birthday in January ... January 2004.

As a very experienced knitter, and a -91

competent beader, I wasn't too con-

cerned. Over the years, I have knit ve

intricate patterns, and have done

involved needlepoint projects as well.

Purveyors of Exquisite Linens
for Bed, Bath, Table and Baby

Monday thru Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Weekends & Evenings available upon request

4036 Telegraph Road • Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48302
(248) 645-5223 phone • (248) 645-5227 fax
www.atouchoflace.corn

Today, I often prefer simpler knitting

patterns that I don't have to concen

trate on, but I was up for a creative

challenge. I didn't realize what a chal-

lenge it would become.

Today, most knitters use size 7, 8, 9

or larger needles, which easily accom-

modate textured yarns. To knit a purse,

I was given a quadruple-zero needle.

Yarn? Hah. I was given cotton thread.

If I didn't need reading glasses

before, I sure did now.

Also, speed was a hindrance here,

for every stitch and every bead must

be counted and checked. I can often

knit a few inches while watching a TV

Bead Works customizes projects for
customers.

At Bead Works, beaded straps are
still popular, although the long, decora-
tive straps that initially customized
antique purses are no longer hot.
"Now, subdued wrist straps
some
beaded, some just chain — are popular,
like 100 years ago," says Winston.
For those who love the beauty of
beadina b it's all in the bag

,

.

—

Pearls Of Wisdom
Bead Works, (248) 855-5230
Cindy Babcock, (248) 543-9158 or
cindybab@ameritech.net

show. With the beaded purse, one row

could take 20 minutes of concentra-

tion. And that was before I had to rip it

out and redo it.

I got almost half-way through the

purse before I discovered errors I

couldn't fix. Bead Works was happy to

help me rip it out and fix it. After the

third time, frustration got in my way,

and I put it aside.

I'm pulling it out again, mentally

ready to conquer the beads and pres-

Big enough to service you, yet small enough to care!

ent my daughter with this beautiful

Bill Yerke, 4th generation owner of
Yerke Floors, demonstrates that
sanding with the Atomic system is a
clean and classy act. Yerke Floors is
proud to be the first retailer in the
area to offer this advanced "truck

purse.

Maybe for her 21st birthday.

mounted" dust containment system.
Choosing who will install or refinish
your floor is as important as the
products you select. Our in-house
staff is committed to customer
service and satisfaction!

• HARDWOOD & EXOTIC SPECIES • PRE-FINISHED HARDWOOD • BORDERS, INLAYS, MEDALLIONS
& HERRINGBONES • REFINISHING OF EXISTING FLOORS • CARPETING • LAMINATES

Visit our showroom:4234 Martin Rd. • Walled Lake, MI 48390 •

248.366.9600

JNPLATINUM • FEBRUARY 2005 • 1 I