On Saturday, Karol and I went to the L.A.C.E.

spool knitting class. 

Karol used wire and awesome pink + green beads. Watch for picture on her blog, Rosebuds Stitching!

I learned a new way to start the spool
(backwards from the way I used the spools as a kid)
and add BEADS. 

Here, I used Cebelia #20 with 6/0 craft beads, adding
beads in one row, knitting a row, adding beads. (row isn't quite right as these are circular)

Did you see the awesome spool? They are wooden with a wonderful center. 
Large enough for the beads+fiber to fall thru. They are by
Simply Wild Crafts in Naperville, IL.

I was curious how it would look
with #3 crochet cotton - and adding a bead
in every knitted stitch. So perfect, almost
looks like a cord!

My next attempt will be with a black crochet cotton - maybe a size 10. 
It is quick and fun to do. A nice way to use up some craft stash I have on hand.

These are the spools I already own.
It took me awhile to get them all in one tin!

knitting spools

Yes, these are spool knitters. If you like them (I find them hard to resist), there is a nice Spool Knitter Blog you might enjoy browsing. And, if you are not familiar with these 'toys', there is a pretty good post on The Blue Blog that reviews the different varieties. Link Here And if you wonder what on earth you do with them:They make a round cord. Nice way to use your odd pieces of yarns, fibers (ie crewel pieces), etc.