I bought the simply knitting magazine this week and there is a scarf pattern that I really would like to try once I have mastered my knitting (still doing my first scarf :) ).

The scarf has beading attached and the first thing it says is to thread the beads on to the ball of wool. What do you exactly do? First I thought you would unwind the whole ball and thread them on and kind of even them out down the whole ball of wool, but then I would end up with an unravelled wool ball. Then my next though would to put the 125 beads just on the end but then would need to move them down as I knitted and wasn't sure if this was right as sounds like a lot of work.

Can someone explain what should be done, as at the moment I'm thinking of doing it without the beads to make it simpler, but would really like the beads on it as it does add to the pattern.

Thanks.

You'd use the latter method; there's no need to unwind the whole ball. Thread all the beads you'll use onto the yarn before you cast on. Then, when you come to a place where you need to add a bead, you'd take the next bead in line and work it in according to the pattern.

You do have to keep pushing the beads down the working yarn as you use the yarn up, which can be a bit of a pain, but you soon get used to it. It does slow your knitting down though, as you have to keep sliding a new bead into position.

Take a look at this (http://www.knittersreview.com/article_how_to.asp?article=/review/profile/020502_a.asp) link I think it's quite useful.

This is one of the techniques I would like to try after I've done lace, and aran!
So much to do so little time "sighs"

I also found this (http://www.randomknits.net/archives/cat_bead_knitting_tutorial.html) perhaps more explanatory than the first link.

Thanks Guys. I understand what to do now, the pics especially helped. Not sure when I will get round to it though, as I'm still doing my first scarf in knit stitch :)

I think one of the things that keeps me going in knitting is the challenge of new techniques. It's like it scares the hell out of me but then my mums voice pops into my head saying "nothing ventured - nothing gained". Once you've built up the courage to have a go it's usually much simpler than you think and hey you've got another method under your belt.
So don't be frightened by new things just see them as a route to bigger and better things:cool:

And we like to see how things go on here - even the poor attempts:)