Hi Knotty,
Thanks! BTW, I am the one wearing the necklace in the pic, Hubby took the pics. I edited it so it would fit withing pearmeters of the list. I love my New camera!
I used what I had in my Pearl stash to try to get it to lay right. I need graduation in pearls 4, 5, 6, 7 mm but I did not have that. so I improvised

I do hope to bea able to get some rounds in various sized t redoit one day and make an exact replica of that piece.
I did go back through the pearl at the "Joint" I used a basic netting technique I use for my Chalice covers. (Not sure of Technique I have found no "proof" its "period" or not but its functional.. is not like the beaders had samplers as embroidery guilds did...)
As for the bag yes I used the "couching method" for that bag it was a competition piece, its completely hand sewn. with period hand sewing techniques as well.. some are different than today not many but a couple.
I cheated though I tied off each Pearl and Bead individually then went back through and couched it down. All you see is the couching.
Good Luck with your piece!!! Sounds like it will be a fun one! Now you got me thinking,, But I have a FWP edged Chalice cover to finish.
(I have found embroidered chalice covers but not beaded edged ones however but they are functional, they do keep the bugs/dust/fuzzies out of your drink!)
Cheers
Ash