Yesterday I did something that I don't often do anymore. I went to the mall. I was in need of a few nice dresses that I could wear to work, and figured I'd go ahead and see what the department stores were offering.
Last year, beaded clothing and jewelry seemed to be everywhere. This year, it's the same way. Beads were on everything. Dresses, jeans, skirts, cardigans, purses, even shoes had beads. I saw a tank top that had a multi-strand "necklace" of beads that was attached via lobster clasps to little cloth loops on the straps. A good idea, I thought..I think I'll start making something similar for some of my plain tops. I bought a nice top that had a tassel of beads hanging from one side, and a dress with a beaded macrame belt.
Every store had piles of beaded necklaces and bracelets. It was actually difficult finding clothing that didn't have seed beads stitched to it somewhere.
I think this is both a good thing and a bad thing. It's good because those of us who make jewelry have a better chance at selling our wares, now that beaded goods are "in". But it's bad, because beaded jewelry and other items are readily available at rock bottom prices. I saw intricate beaded belts at Kohls for $15..but upon closer inspection, they were done with size 8 hex cut beads of very poor quality. Many were chipped, some were already cutting through the thread, some had broken and were missing completely. I'm guessing that belt would last someone maybe two months, if they didn't wear it very often.
A lot of the clothing had beads that weren't sewn on very securely. You could pull a loose thread, and five beads would pop off. A lot of the beads were also poor quality..misshapen and chipped.
To some people, that might make them think that all beaded goods = cheaply made and easily broken. Or they think that all things should only cost $15. So while I'm enjoying all of the pretty beaded clothing and accessories, I'm also worried that this trend might do a bit of harm. Luckily there are smart people out there who know the difference between hand made and mass produced, but this will also feed the "I can buy that at wal-mart for $10!!!" crowd.
-Amber.