Of course other colour combinations can be made, also other patterns. Silver and blue is another pretty combination for a bead purse.
Now while we are on the topic of beads, I would like to tell you about some sensible portières and cushion tops that I recently saw at an Arts and Crafts exhibition made of an inexpensive background and beads. Monk's cloth was used for one of the portières. Monk's cloth is somewhat like burlap but the weave is coarser and more even. A hem was turned on one short side and one of the long sides and the thread drawn out for a space of about two inches. The threads were hemstitched and then a design of beads worked between the groups of threads. To accomplish this the design was well planned out before commencing the work. The number of beads needed to fill out the space can be judged by placing the beads in the opening and testing that for yourself. After the design has been selected make a pencil copy of it. It is better to restrict yourself at first to just two colours. Fasten your sewing thread securely to the threads of the material. Use carpet thread for the weaving. Let us suppose that you have selected a pattern that is seven rows of beads deep and you have chosen tan as the background and red and chalk white beads for the decoration:
First row—Thread one red bead, six white, one red, six white. As we will only work a section at a time, let us secure the beads. Slip your thread under the hemstitching. Now let each bead come between two consecutive groups of hemstitching. Bring your thread to the right side. Be careful not to disturb your beads. Now carry the thread through the beads again. The thread should be drawn tight but not so as to pucker the hem.
Second row—Work this by stringing one white, one red, four white, one red, one white, one red, four white, one red. Fasten as described in the first row.
Third row—One red, one white, four red, one white, one red, one white, four red, one white. Fasten.
Fourth row—One red, one white, one red, four white, one red, one white, one red, four white. Fasten.
Fifth row—One red, one white, four red, one white, one red, one white, four red, one white. Fasten.
Sixth row—One white, one red, four white, one red, one white, one red, four white, one red. Fasten.
Seventh and final row—One red, six white, one red, six white. Fasten.
After this section is worked slip your needle through the beads to the last one on the first row and continue to weave.