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Welcome to the first in my “Stitch of the Month” series – African Helix.

I started beading in 2006 and, although I have seen it several times, I had never tried African Helix. I thought it looked too hard, but once I worked out the best direction to work and got going, it wasn’t that hard at all.

This is a flexible, tubular stitch created by looping over thread, rather than passing through beads as you would in other netted tubes. I’ll admit it is a bit fiddly at the beginning, but then aren’t all stitches, especially when you are learning? Tension is key with African Helix.

That said it is repetitive and allows you get into a rhythm, so all-in-all, if you are looking for a nice flexible rope, then why not give it a go.

I have written a FREE technique sheet that recommends to use size 8 seed bead to practice with.

I have also used size 11 seed beads in my new Helter Skelter Bracelet pattern, that is available to download and as a printed copy. It is currently available as a kit in 2 colourways – Terracotta & Purple.

For the Free Technique Sheet, Pattern, or Kits – Go to www.halfpenneys.co.uk and search African Helix or Click Here

So, until next month, Happy Beading

Kathy x

We hope that you all had a wonderful time over the festive season and that your beading goes from strength to strength during 2026. As well as new patterns and kits that I have planned, you can join me in a new series that will explore beading stitches. The series will kick off on Monday 12th January with a stitch that I had never done before in the 19 years that I have been beading. Information will be posted here on our website, and on Facebook.

For today though, we can now share our 1st Big Reveal of the year – the opening of our 2025 Advent Calendar. I can only post photos here, but you can see my video version over on our Facebook page. I have already started to think about 5 new and exclusive designs for 2026!

3-ply twisted, bonded multifilament nylon cord. Reel is approx 70 metres (77 yards). Cord diameter 0.5mm.

Very strong and almost no stretch. Suitable for Kumihimo,  knotting, and micro-macrame. Can be threaded through seed beads, including sizes 8 and 11.

We have a small number of gold plated and silver plated 2025 date charms still available.

Available individually at 35p, or a pack of 10 that is usually £3.25, is now just £2.00.

To meet Royal Mail’s deadline for 1st Class post to arrive before Christmas, please ensure you place your order by 12 noon on Friday 19th December. Thank you.

Our new email addresses have been set up and are – gordon@halfpenneys.co.uk and kathryn@halfpenneys.co.uk

We have finally made the decision to align our email addresses with the website and use just 1 domain name – halfpenneys. During the transition period emails to the old address will be forwarded, but please update your contacts information.

The website has been altered to reflect the change.

We are trying to match our seed beads so that we have the same colours in 8s, 11s and 15s. It’s not always possible, but we have made a start and here’s what we have new for you this month.

I have also managed to source some wooden bobbins that are the same size as the Miyuki thread bobbin that was the inspiration for my Christmas Drum Decoration. Whilst stocks last (which will be a good long while!), a wooden bobbin will be in our kits. The bobbins are also available individually or in packs of 5.

Just to say that my monthly newsletters have been paused until I find a suitable new mailing programme. You can keep up-to-date with us on the News page of our website, on Facebook and Instagram.

Chris Manes’ final piece “Mad Hatter” has now been published and I’m placing an order next weekend. If you would like to reserve a copy, please email kathryn@halfpenney.co.uk by 16th August (no payment needed yet) so that I can order enough. I will let you know when they arrive so that you can place your order – probably 2-3 weeks.

There are 29 Delica colours and I will make up bead packs as soon as I have the list – and the beads! Delica numbers will be posted in the product description as usual so that you can check your stash before you buy the pattern.

Pattern is £22.50 and includes a colour chart AND a word chart.

Mad Hatter measures 4.75×6.75 inches.

I have just finished making up kits for this new colourway of my popular Mosaic bracelet. https://www.halfpenneys.co.uk/?s=mosaic&post_type=product

The neutral colours complement each other beautifully, and the kit is now available for £18.50, or, if you already have the pattern, you can purchase a materials pack for just 12.00.

The Rainbow Bright kit is also still available for the same prices.