I made a couple of bracelets in Helms link from a kit and thought I'd have a go at making more. Having bought more rings from Beadsisters I've obviously not bought the right sizes: I went for id 6mm and 4mm but I can't get the floating ring to fit - because I didn't take into account that wire has a thickness and I needed something bigger than id + 2x wire thickness. Bit of a b*mmer as I was hoping to be doing this at a fair tomorrow, might grab a bit of attention and help to pass the time if it is quiet.
Anyway, is there a sort of crib sheet anywhere that explains what sizes to get - or is this a trial and error thing for everyone / most people have an analytical mind and can work this out for themselves? I have rather a lot of wrong size rings now, thankfully not expensive. I guess I could just get some of the next size up for the floating rings.
Meanwhile it looks quite pretty without the floating ring - wonder what that chain is called? (Apart from 'wrong' or 'unfinished' ::) ;D )
I am not sure but you might find some information here
http://www.mailleartisans.org/articles/subcat.cgi?key=5 (http://www.mailleartisans.org/articles/subcat.cgi?key=5)
There are charts in the vastness of the Internet which give the Aspect Ratio (AR) for rings used for different weaves. Like this one:
http://www.zlosk.com/maille/artable.html
The Maille Artisans International League has huge quantities of advice, articles and tutorials: http://www.mailleartisans.org/
This site also looks useful: http://www.chainmailbasket.com/weavechart.php
Take note of the provisos regarding springback and the material that the rings are made from.
OK. More to this than I realised, I measured the rings I had before and went from that. Never mind, not one to be beaten I'll read through all these, thanks, and see what I make of it. Meanwhile I might be making a 2 ring by 2 ring chain tomorrow - if it works.
And I'll use them in future now that they are re-opening :) :) - meanwhile I'm stuck with some open packs of rings and none of those on the site I bought from match either the size or the AR (if I've grasped that bit). All headache making stuff, time for a G&T!
Sue, let me know the ring sizes you have and I'll let you know what you.can make with them!
Thanks George, that would be great. Have packed it in the box for tommorow, will lt you know after then. Will get organised once Ian opens and buy the right size. I think I can return some of the unopened packets for something else if necessary.
Enjoy FO! Are you not mid-disco?