Gratitude

9,999 page views on this blog.

Thread drawers emptying here as I enable stitchers with their addiction to temari (I love doing that!).

Emails asking for patterns.

"Thanks for all you do for us" comments.

Tomorrow, I'll upload the last part of the pattern for the C10 "Blue Stars" online temari class. Then I'll be able to get back to finishing up the flower temari challenge that I've had to neglect.

I just wanted to take a minute to say THANKS! to you. So many folks from all over the world who keep me going with their interest in making temari.

I bet when I wake up in the morning, we'll pass the 10,000 page views mark!

Cool sites for playing

WeaveSilk

When I have time on my hands (like, NOT now!), I go to Stumbleupon for inspiration. I'm looking for sites that are artistic, fun, and just plain feel good. Here are just a few of the coolest places on the web. I saved them for you, just for this day.....

Good news, bad news

Drawers full of gorgeous metallics!

So, which would you like first?

The bad news is for those of us who live in Raleigh - TWO local needlework shops closed at the end of last year! I am really at a loss for making quick purchases when I'm feeling inspired and need to stitch with a particular thread right away   :(

Yes, that is a big frown  :(

The good news is for you. Since I'm spoiled and really want to have my choice of thread available to me when I get the urge to use it, I decided to place a wholesale order for my favorite Rainbow Gallery metallics. It has all arrived and I'm in heaven!

They are all listed in the shop on my website so I can share my stash with you.

Easy interacting

I'm teaching a temari class online for experienced, intermediate stitchers and something came to mind when I was writing this week's lesson. It's a basic technique for temari - what do you do when two motifs intersect? We are stitching on a combination 10-division temari in class but these four techniques can be worked on any division. In fact, it's one of the first things temari makers learn.

It turns out these different ways to combine stitched shapes are very unique, each making for a brand new temari design. This is kind of exploration makes temari so fascinating and so much fun!

"They delight the eye and satisfy the soul."

The Art Museum of Greater Lafayette sent me brochures for the upcoming exhibition that include three of my temari.

Here's a quote from the brochure:
"This is a fabulous collection of work that celebrates the imagination by showcasing splendid crafts from invited, nationally renowned artisans. The works are creative and innovative in form and materials, including glass, metal, fiber, wood and clay. These objects were chosen because they delight the eye and satisfy the soul. We sought uncommon beauty and good design in common objects. All of the works will be for sale."

She moved so fast, she almost disappeared

If you have children in school or you are in school yourself, you know that the month of May is always packed with end of year events and activities. This year, our younger daughter is graduating from high school so it seems there is even more going on than usual. All fun, memorable, impressive even. Last night was the awards ceremony for seniors where she gathered a metal and several pins of accomplishment to wear on her graduation gown. She flew across the stage so fast, she almost disappeared!

Embroidered thimbles - Yubinuki

Yubinuki ring being used as a stand for a temari

Here's a quick post today to shoot you over to Needleprint blog to see a beautiful presentation of yubinuki or embroidered Japanese thimble rings. 

A description of the case is in the next post.

I've made a few of these and really loved making them.


This site from Kanazawa has a bit more information.

Beginner Classes Online

Boxes of thread and stitching supplies arrived at my door! Feels like Christmas but it's just another class opening. Tomorrow, I will open Echo Star Temari as a permanent class online. 

Echo Star Online Temari Class

Check out all classes at my website.

My head is still in the mountains

"The Folk School’s motto, 'I sing behind the plow,' reflects our desire to find happiness, expression, and art in our daily lives."

I spent this last weekend teaching temari at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina. From where I live in Raleigh, it's best to drive up to Asheville and then head southwest through the Blue Ridge mountains to the folk school campus.  "Blue" is so right! These old mountains are thickly covered with trees that look all shades of blue from a distance. It's a beautiful place. Beautiful setting. Beautiful spirit.

Folk School with mountains in the distance