My first official pattern review

And, boy, am I excited!  This pattern is by the extremely talented Callie Mitchell, also known as Peregrine Beader.  You can check out her lovely Etsy site for more fabulous patterns and jewelry. She also has some free tutorials on her blog, as well as great information and insights.
The pattern is for her Elizabeth I Cuff Bracelet. This is the pic from her Etsy store.

Aren't her colors gorgeous? I think I was sub-consciously loving them when I picked my color choices.
This beautiful bracelet is made with Swarovski chatons, crystals, and pearls. Oh, luscious! I impatiently waited for my order from Fire Mountain Gems to get started on the pattern.
I ordered the quantity appropriate to make the bracelet exactly. However, once I started, I decided, (and my family agreed), that it looked better on my arm with just one row of bezeled chatons.  So, yippee, I have more chatons to play with! Definitely thinking earrings!
Ok, sorry, I had a beady moment there.  I have never worked with chatons before, so that was a new learning curve for me. And what a non-issue it was, using Callie's instructions! They are so clear, and easy to understand, it was just a joy to make the bracelet. Since I was unfamiliar with chatons, and with bezeling really; the first one took me about 45 minutes to make. Yes, I did misread the instructions a couple of times, totally normal for me.  By the 4th component, it was taking about 5-10 minutes to make each one.
I did truly regret the fact that the pearls are not as prevalent in my single row version. My pearls are called Night Blue. Such a lovely color. My bicones are called Sunflower. I was a bit scared when I opened them, because it was a very bright yellow. But the placement of them in the pattern made the color choice perfect. (To me, anyway.)

So, I had another decision to make when I got the the toggle. It was made to fit dimensionally with the double row.  I chose to use the instructions as written.  When you lay the bracelet out, it does appear that the ring is just a bit bigger than the components, but I felt, for my bracelet, it did not detract from the overall design.  You could certainly use a smaller toggle/ring pattern.

I love how adaptable this pattern is, and the pure lushness of the materials.

My overall color choice are a blue/purple and yellow/golden hues. The chatons are Iris Blue, and the 15s are Metallic Navy/purple Iris and Dark Cobalt Frosted.  The delicas are Transparent Rainbow Light Topaz, and the 11 seed beads are Med. brown amber.

I really wish my photos accurately showed you the stunning sparkle of this piece.  Callie is truly a wonderful designer, and even more importantly for me, a great writer of the process.  There is nothing more frustrating than trying to follow a pattern with confusing directions.  You won't have that worry with this tutorial. 

Now, go. Run. Head over to her etsy store and get one for yourself. You will be well pleased!

Blessings, Shirley

*disclaimer

I have received this pattern from the designer to offer an honest review and have not received any payment for that opinion.