Temari Workbook - suggestions?

Little help, please? I'm going to be adding some diagrams to the Temari Workbook. Takahara Sensei in Japan has asked for circle diagrams for more of the multiface markings. If you have used the Workbook and have any suggestions for changes/improvements, please let me know by sending me an email (barbsuess@gmail.com). I will be issuing a new and improved version in a week or two, after it's been approved by the JTA.

New V-rulers are ready!

For many years, we’ve used a handy ruler supplied by the Japan Temari Association for measuring and marking our temari. Our JTA contact recently let us know that they will no longer produce and sell their v-ruler. Many of us temari makers have become very attached to our little v-rulers! So I decided to order a batch to be made and now they are ready for sale.

Link to the Etsy shop

Link to web page including videos

Dana (our new assistant and temari-goodie specialist here at JapaneseTemari.com) has been busy getting ready. She has listed the rulers in the Etsy shop in sets of 2, 10, and 50 with discounts offered for the higher number of rulers purchases. Shipping rates are calculated for all over the world.

Dana is ready to ship the v-rulers tomorrow, June 24, and Thursday, June 25. Then she heads out to attend a wedding on the west coast. The Etsy shop will remain open while she is away. Orders placed in that time period will be mailed beginning Monday, July 6.  Thank you for your patience!

The Etsy shop is fully stocked with sets of thread, large 300 yard cones of metallics, and sampler sets of Nordic Gold and Treasure Braid Petite, my favorite type for temari. There are patterns and classes as well, so please have a look around when you head there to see the new v-rulers.

 

New V-rulers for Temari

"Arrows" temari

 "Arrows" temari is in the Level 3 (Shihan) area of the JTA curriculum. Thanks to Bronwyn for having a go at this one and sharing her experience!

Table top temari by Barbara B. Suess

Tateyama Cedar Temari

In our JTA study group, we are continuing to tackle the inspiring patterns set out for us as a new curriculum for studying temari. A question from Robin got me interested in this temari design that I would have been reluctant to tackle on my own. We got help from Japan and learned a new technique called overstitching. I love discovery and learning! This design is called Tateyama Cedar and is found in the book Cosmo 3 - New Temari (Atarashii Temari) by Chiyoko Ozaki, ISBN 4-8377-0281-3. Published by Macaw in January, 1981. 

Tateyama Cedar Temari by Barbara B. Suess

This is a simple 6 division temari where you stitch layered concentric diamonds with 3 strands of embroidery floss. I decided to keep the spirit of this temari and use shades of green like the one in the book. 

If you are a JTA member and wish to join our group, send me an email. We welcome all who have joined the organization.

A quick web search led to information on this cedar tree...

Tateyama Cedar

The shape of Tateyama Cedars allows them to shed snow and remain strong under heavy snowfall.

https://www.alpen-route.com/en/introduction/plants

Here are some photos of the process.

With 3 strands of embroidery floss in the needle, stitch
concentric diamonds, one row at a time to layer them.

When the diamond corners meet at the equator, begin
overstitching. It's important to use embroidery floss rather than
pearl cotton, because it blends so well.

Another view of the overstitching. Now that I've learned the
technique, I'll be neater in my stitching next time!

Keep an eye on the area left to be stitched so all distances are
the same at the poles.

BIG news for JapaneseTemari.com! Have you met Dana Watson?

You probably know Dana from my emails telling you about her classes in North Carolina. She has a new series of classes for beginning temari makers starting soon in Chapel Hill. Dana teaches at Thimble Pleasures, a quilt shop that is the best in our region. It's worth a trip to see all the colors and prints of fabric, including a large selection of Japanese fabrics. Here is a link to the next session of temari classes.

I met Dana when she came to a book signing at Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh when my first book, affectionately now know as “Colorful Spin" came out. Then, like so many of us, she became addicted to temari and showed up in all my classes. I’ve been envious of her perfect stitching and sense of color from the beginning!

Dana has spent time in Japan teaching in the Sendai area and she recently returned from a trip back to Japan where "the goal of the trip was to do ALL THE THINGS, and we sure did try." Her trip was packed with days on the move. Read Dana's blog to find out more about her trip as she gets the days documented and the photos sorted for her blog.

Great news! I will now be able to dedicate all my temari time to stitching and writing because Dana is taking over the job of maintaining the temari shop on Etsy.com. Yay!! When looking at my website or Etsy shop, you will not notice any difference. The only clue will be if you check the postmark on your order and see that it was mailed from Durham or Chapel Hill instead of Raleigh. Dana will be working hard to make stocking supplies and shipping kits and other temari goodies go as smoothly as possible. We will both see your order, but now Dana will fill it and mail to you.

While Dana is handling all the supply mailing, I’ll be able to use this newly freed up time to write more patterns and develop more classes for you. It's a great opportunity for each of us to become more involved in our favorite craft. I'm really looking forward to our cooperative efforts to make stitching temari fun and easy for everyone!

You can contact Dana directly at dkwatson@gmail.com should you want to request special supplies. We'll also both see conversations sent through Etsy, so that's another good way to reach us.

Chip the cat and temari

From Mary Jo....
"His name is Chip. And he is a sweetheart for a cat. And actually both of my cats are very good with all of my stitching - my Temari balls, my counted canvas work, etc. Except when I'm power wrapping my Temari balls, they just watch respectfully and I hope admire it."

New C10 circumference rulers are here

C10 circumference rulers for Japanese Temari

They are here and ready to be mailed! Please visit my website to place your order.

Introduction of Temari Curriculum and New Courses

News!

In January of 2015, the Japan Temari Association (JTA) introduced a curriculum for international study of the craft that is based on the same one taught in Japan by JTA certified teachers and masters. This exciting opportunity inspired me to begin teaching this same curriculum in online courses. While successful completion of these courses can lead to application for JTA certification by my students, many participate just for the pleasure of learning to make temari with patterns provided by the JTA masters.

You do not have to join the JTA or apply for certification when you take these courses. We will be using Temari Techniques as the text for the course and I'll be providing patterns from the JTA books to inspire and challenge you with each technique.

The first session begins May 1st so head on over to my website to read all about it. I hope to see you in temari class!

New Temari Courses 

Membership and Certification in the JTA

FAQs

Thanks for all your support!

Coach Barb

"Double Star" temari

"Double Star" temari by Barbara B. Suess

Finished with a big project!

Finished and these are on their way to Japan today. Yay!

Temari by Barbara B. Suess

Three little kokeshi

playing with temari

Temari rulers

Hello, Happy Spring! Just a quick note this morning to let you know that the C10 circumference rulers from Tentemari that so many of you ordered will be here in a couple of weeks. As soon as they arrive, I'll contact you and give you information on how to purchase them. I have also ordered a lot more Kyo thread since my last batch sold out within hours!   We've heard that the Japan Temari Association will not be ordering new V rulers. Oh no! I use mine all the time for all sorts of measuring - not just for the C10 division. Well, I decided to bite the bullet and order some V rulers to be made. I found a company who can do it for us. Since I've always wanted numbers printed on the V ruler, I added them when I did the artwork. I should have this new version of the trusty ruler in about 6 weeks.  I feel the love! Thank you for all your kind words about the new Temari Workbook. It's being translated into Japanese now as a gift to temari makers there. You can download your copy and print pages as you need them to record your temari stitching - one of the best ways to learn and keep track! Link to download the Workbook

Meet Steven Bowe, temari artist

Running into a new temari artist on the internet always makes me smile, especially when the temari are so precisely stitched and artfully executed. I had that pleasure this past weekend and asked Steven if I could share his work here. He said yes and answered some questions from me so we can get to know him. Beautiful temari, Steven! I hope we see lots more from you.

Temari by Steven Bowe

Ok, Q&A makes it easy for me (I still get awkward talking about myself. lol). In addition to Facebook, I have a website as well: stevenbowe.com. It's all the same temari photos, but also my ceramics work.

 - When did you first see/make temari?

I first discovered temari about a year ago. I was searching online for photos of string art and came across temari. I was immediately mesmerized by them - it was an instant connection for me.

 - How did you learn?

I first started learning from websites and then started buying books (including yours). 

 - What are your favorite temari?

My favorite temari tend to be complex and multiface divisions, when the pattern becomes kaleidoscopic and your brain hurts trying to figure out how it was made. I'm equally drawn to patterns that completely cover the mari with overlapping layers.

 - Do you do other types of art? (I know this one!)

Haha! Yes, I worked with ceramics for several years, but am currently on hiatus from it. I've been working with different fiber arts for over 20 years - mainly knitting and spinning, but also crochet, weaving, macrame, and sewing.

 - Do you sell your temari or display them publicly?

I have been making temari on commission for friends. I'm in the process of setting up an online store on my website, stevenbowe.com. It should be live soon. I have not had them on display anywhere.

 - Where do you live?

I live in NYC (Astoria, Queens).

Free Temari Workbook of Divisions and Markings

As I've worked my way through the certification process of the Japan Temari Association, I realized that while I have access to lots of diagrams (I drew them for my books, of course!), other temari stitchers might not have this resource. 

How can you record your work on advanced temari markings without excellent diagrams? Not easy, for sure. I asked our JTA contact in Japan and they did not have a set of diagrams to offer me or anyone else. It's up to the individual teacher to provide them. Well, I think temari stitching should be about stitching, not about improving your computer skills so you can draw a diagram of your own. So I have collected my best diagrams and put them into one pdf - a book you can download for free and use. 

Happily, this book will be distributed in Japan soon! I'm so grateful to be able to give back and help out teachers over there. They will be giving me feedback so I see improvements in the future. Meanwhile, please feel free to download Version 1.0! And send feed back. I'm happy to hear from you.

Link to download the new book

Is there a Mr. Barb in my future?

Hmmm - Laura at Creative Thimble (https://www.facebook.com/thecreativethimble) has her "Mr. Laura" helper. I wonder if I can groom my own version - Mr. Barb? He's packing kits and smiling!

New C10 rulers from Japan

New rulers for temari from JapaneseTemari.com

Temari stitching has been around for so long, you'd think there would never be any new tools or techniques. So I was surprised to get the email from our contact at Tentemari (Ai) that she has new rulers that can be used to mark a combination 10 division!

These are flexible with sticky backs and are designed to be used with the marking method for the C10 that begins with the simple 4 division. You put your S4 pins in place, line up the ruler, stick it to the ball, and put your C10 pins in place. Then you can use your favorite method for wrapping the C10 guidelines.

I will be placing an order for these on April 1. If you would like one (or some), please respond to me ASAP and let me know where you live and how many of each you would like.

Cost before postage:

short rulers $1.50 for the set of 2 (top in the photo)
long rulers $2.00 for the set of 2 (bottom in the photo)

I have written detailed instructions on how to use the new ruler and will send you a copy by pdf.

Temari nerd? Yes! I am because I am excited to use this new tool. My favorite way to mark the C10 is beginning with the S4 and I like this new gadget.

More new temari patterns...

I've so many patterns that are partially written. This is like spring cleaning! Finish and publish. So satisfying. These are now available in my shop as Instant Download. 

Snowflakes Original Temari Pattern by Barbara B. Suess

Snowflakes Original Temari Pattern by Barbara B. Suess

Then there is Daffodils

Daffodils Temari Pattern by Barbara B. Suess

Hmmm.... what shall I finish up and publish next?

New Butterflies Temari Pattern

I've been in a pattern writing mood this winter and here is the first for sale in my shop - Butterflies Temari. 

Butterflies Temari pattern for sale by Barbara B. Suess

Eggs in spring - temari-style!

Do you have my book Temari Techniques? The you can make temari-style eggs with this pattern set!

Temari-style eggs by Barbara B. Suess

Fully stocked temari shop!

I've been organizing, ordering, and finding boxes of finished temari that need new homes. Please visit my etsy shop and have a look.

Thread set for temari at JapaneseTemari.com

Thread set for temari at JapaneseTemari.com

Thread set for temari at JapaneseTemari.com

Temari for sale by Barbara B. Suess

Temari for sale by Barbara B. Suess

Temari for sale by Barbara B. Suess

March temari calendar - ready now!

Quick morning project for me. I added a little calendar to a photo for my desktop. Yes, the temari are resting on a chair. It happens to be on the front porch of the old farmhouse at the Campbell Folk School. Feel free to download and enjoy for yourself.

http://www.japanesetemari.com/images/calendars/JapaneseTemariCalendarMarch2015.jpg

Tiny Temari and Cute Assessories and Temari Addict Australia!

Rebecca from Perth has been making the most adorable hairsticks! Have a look at her recent blog posts.

She has been inspired by a new book from Japan - Tiny Temari and Cute Assessories

So cute, Rebecca!

Found my Watercolours!

Flower temari by Barbara B. Suess

My stash of Caron Watercolours thread was getting low. So the last time I reorganized my thread, I moved it to share a drawer with the extra feet for my sewing machine and forgot to label the outside of the drawer. Found it yesterday! So I'm stitching more flowers from my stashed threads. These colors are amazing. Thanks Caron!

Woven Stars - finally all over

Woven Stars Temari

Every time I made this temari, it called out to me "keep going!" This time I stitched and stitched until the ball was totally covered. Now I feel complete. I'm done.

Updated temari glossary and stitch directory - it's interactive!

I've always had a temari glossary on my website and recently had the opportunity to spiff it up a bit. There is a copy on my website (a pdf) that you can download to your tablet or computer to use as a handy reference.

Go to the "How To" page and you'll find it.

Enjoy!

Mulitcenters temari

I've been stitching a lot lately - lucky me! Really, I feel so fortunate to be able to indulge in stitching new temari. Total immersion brings results for me.

Last year, I did some experimenting with marking multi centers temari. 

Now, I've completed one with 1082 faces. It's marked with MaxiLock serger thread and stitched with sewing thread (two strands in the needle for the hexagons) and shiny, orange Kyo from Japan. I can't believe I actually did this! Oh yes, I guess I did and tell by looking at my worn out fingers. Wondering how many thimbles I can wear....

It doesn't have a name yet - still dreaming about that. Enjoy!

A new design for winter

New Snowflakes temari by Barbara B. Suess

Vineyard silk and a new design. This Japanese temari is marked with 42 faces. The smaller snowflakes are a new twist on the traditional kiku herringbone design - the outside points are spaced with more distance on the first row. The large star is inward stitched 5-point star (sakasa hoshi kagari). I love the soft, water-color look of the silk!

Ancient Ceremonial Lights, a temari class in Japan

Tea and snacks. Temari cookies!

I'm sorting through files in my computer and organizing a bit. What a mess! My problem is that I get distracted from the job when I come across a wonderful memory. Did we really get to go to Japan in 2011 and take lessons from three temari masters? Yes, we did. I still can't believe it. How lucky!

I found a tour that I'd recommend for anyone - Nancy of Kyoto Kimono takes you on a textile tour with sites to see and workshops to attend. You have some free days to fill however you like. For our trip, Glenna worked with our JTA contact in Japan to set up lessons with Itoh Sensei, Takahara Sensei, and Ozaki Sensei. Kathy, Glenna, and I were in heaven! I've written about this special day before. It's worth another post.

Memories of the day trip to Itoh Sensei's house/studio

"Ancient Ceremonial Lights" temari design by our
teacher Itoh-san. This is the temari we came to make.

Pastel version of the temari.

Complicated stitching path! We took photos as we stitched.

Our teacher was so nice and helpful.

Patient, too!

One of her students made this set of dolls as a gift.

Delightful! They made all of us smile.

Close up of the dolls.

Sensei brought out this HUGE temari.

From the left: Kathy, me (Barb), Itoh Sensei, and Glenna

On the way back to the train station,
Kathy (aka Vanna) found the temari cookies!