Pattye, Jersey Pearl, Pearl Dreams, Kalman 22, Katbran, Ladonna Rama, Pareltje, and Cicadalady, thanks for all of your kind words. I'm about the least artsy-craftsy person in the world, (walking into a Michael's or other craft store makes me twitch) so this felt like a big leap. The Beaders secret was a dream to work with; the thread knew exactly what to do, even when I didn't. At some point I'll pull it apart and try again. I'm not to the point where it's relaxing (yet) but I see how it can be with a little more practice.