Callisto Chain
Overview
While looking for new weaves to try, I came across Callisto Chain on M.A.I.L., uploaded by mithrilweaver. This member of the European and Helm weave families is a variant of Helm Chain that adds additional small rings, creating a chain of alternating leaning small rings inside the large rings. For those who want to follow along at home, I recommend this tutorial by mvmann.
Materials
For the sample piece showcased in this post, I used two sizes of rings made from 16 SWG Bright Aluminum wire. The larger rings, which I made myself, have an ID of 10mm for an AR of 6.15. The smaller rings have an ID of .25in for an AR of 4, purchased from The Ring Lord.
Notes
The Callisto Chain is fairly straightforward to understand, making it accessible conceptually. However, it inherits the construction difficulties of Helm Chain and adds a new tricky step, making the construction mildly difficult. Though, after a few units, the process becomes much easier. Visually, the weave can appear messy, though tension can help keep it straight. In my sample, I noticed that the large rings tend to slide around the small rings without a consistent pattern, which, in my opinion, significantly decreases the weave’s aesthetic appeal. As a weave with a flat and wide cross-section, it is suitable for strapping, bracelets, and chokers. That said, given its limited aesthetic appeal and the initial difficulty in construction, I find it hard to recommend Callisto Chain over Helm Chain, which is simpler, easier to make, and generally better looking. However, if you particularly enjoy the alternating lean of the internal rings, you might still find Callisto Chain a fun and interesting weave.
Pictures
Flat
Flat: Angled
Flat: Profile
Vertical
Vertical: Profile
In Process
