Need thread? I'm ordering cones tomorrow!

I'll be ordering from Rainbow Gallery next Monday, December 8. Would you like me to get some thread for you? They will make special put-ups on cones for any of their thread. After I place the order, it usually takes about a week for me to get it. I cannot guarantee delivery before Christmas.

I usually order 300 yard cones of some of my favorites. 

Nordic Gold (limited colors available now- good size for general marking) - $22.25 for 300 yard cone

Gold Rush XS (similar to Nordic Gold in size) - $24.00 for 300 yard cone

Treasure Braid Petite (finer for more intricate markings) - $$24.75 for 300 yard cone

first page of colors

second page of colors

If you'd like to get in on the order, please send me your wish list by midnight, Sunday, December 7. Remember that you can request any of their threads and I'll get a quote for you.

Thanks!

Happy stitching,

Barb Suess

Fabric covered kimekomi balls - Roll Tide Alabama!

Roll Tide Roll! Hoping for a 16th National Championship in football! These fabric covered balls were made by my nice SIL Rachel Redwine Blanton. She used the technique from my book Japanese Kimekomi. Love em!

Roll Tide! Fabric covered balls
http://www.japanesetemari.com/kk/japanese-kimekomi.html

Embellishing Temari

Adding tatting and pearls to temari is a good thing!
Temari by Barbara B. Suess

Update on temari shop sale

Oops! The coupon for today has expired. If you are shopping in my etsy shop, please enter the coupon code 2ShopSmall2014 to receive a 25% discount.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/JapaneseTemari

Temari Shop Sale

Sale, sale, sale! That's what we all want to hear this time of year, right? Ok, here you go....
use the coupon below to shop until Monday night and receive 25% discount off everything in my etsy shop.

ShopSmall2014

Here is a link to my shop


https://www.etsy.com/shop/JapaneseTemari

And here is a link on how to use the coupon if you have trouble
https://www.etsy.com/help/article/350

I just received a box of Kyo thread from Japan and have also listed some DMC #5 pearl cotton.

How to make a temari ball - quick and easy!

Over the years, I've developed some techniques to speed up the process and make a thick wrap of thread that will hold your stitches well. Have a look!

http://www.japanesetemari.com/freepatterns/make-a-temari-ball/directions-make-temari.html

How to make a temari ball with a perfect surface for stitching!

Sign up today for JTA certification class

Hi! Today is the last day to sign up with me for JTA certifiation classes. I know it seems early when the judging is next summer. But we will use the time to work together to grow your temari skills and present the best to the JTA judges. (Hint: they really aren't all that tough. They want you to learn and just do your best!) A little background ... when I first began teaching these classes several years ago, the head the Chidori Chapter (for international members) approved my classes and texts. So you are assured you will be learning their methods of making temari. And although you may have recently heard a different story, it is fine to pursue certifiation with me now even if you are already a JTA member. We can get you switched over and it's all JTA approved. As you may know, I took a couple of years off from teaching the JTA classes and am now glad to be back!  Next week, I'll set up a Yahoo group just for this certification group. We have ten eager temari stitchers going for it as of this morning! If you would like to join us, let me know ASAP. Deadline is tonight. Here's the link with more information: http://www.japanesetemari.com/classes/jta/jta-certification-class.html

New business cards remind me that....

New business cards for Japanese temari

Ordering new business cards is fun. But I am reminded that nobody around here calls me "Master Instructor," not even my dog!

Desert Spirit Temari Course now available

Did you miss the online course? This is your chance to purchase the text and videos. Work at your own pace. Send an email to the instructor if you have questions!

Purchase the course in my etsy shop!

Are you interested in joining the Japan Temari Association?

I can make it happen! This year, I am again accepting students who would like to join the JTA and go through the certification process.  The JTA has four levels of certification - each of which is a challenge! You'll learn a lot about temari by pushing yourself to complete stitching the balls and writing patterns. Reach Level 3 and the JTA will certify you to teach - quite an honor.

Read about the process on my website and let me know if you are interested. I'll get back to you as soon as I can with more information and a contract.

NOTE!! The deadline to sign up for certification in the summer of 2015 is NOVEMBER 15, 2014.

I hope you'll join me in this exploration of your temari skills and talent.

This is a brochure from the JTA...

Shifting Spindles

Still in the spirit of stitching fall foliage, here's a leaf stitched on an 8-way center.

This ball is marked in a combination 8 division and I'm stitching large maple leaves at each of the six 8-way intersections of guidelines on the ball. Shifting the spindles a little bit or a lot  really changes the look of the leaf. Here's how...

Place pins 3cm from the center. Stitch a partial spindle with the tip extending 1cm past the guideline.

Stitch a spindle with the top extending 0.5cm past the guideline.

Stitch another spindle with the top extending 0.5cm past the guideline.

Stitch the last spindle with the tips even with the guidelines.

Add veins and a stem.

You can vary the placement and the length of spindles to make different leaves. 

Happy Autumn!

Timely Maple Leaf on Temari

In our TemariChallenge Yahoo group, we are working on temari with a fall foliage theme. I'm trying out one from the Japanese book Creative Temari. Looks like I need a little work on my spindles but so far I'm loving this design!

Below are the steps for stitching the leaf on a 10-way intersection of guidelines.

Lustrous Kreinik Ribbon looks beautiful when used to mark a temari ball

Just 1 row of Kreinik 1/16" ribbon shimmers on this ball! This is a combination 10 division temari. I pin marked the ball - see my book Temari Techniques for directions.

Then I used Kreinik 1/16" ribbon (color 5760) as the guidelines and I tacked each intersection with Kreinik metallic Fine (#8) braid (color 024).

No stitching necessary!

Combination 10 division temari stitched by Barbara B. Suess

Temari books from Japan are a treasure!

There are so many gorgeous book on temari that are published in Japan. Even though I can't read the text, the diagrams and photographs are sufficient to figure out most of these beautiful creations. Over the years, I've collected every book I could get my hands on! Here's a link to my reviews. Enjoy!

Reviews of temari books published in Japan

Dream in Temari

My dog thinks she's a super model

The News & Observer of Raleigh, NC, published my photo of Zoe surveying her world down east. Now she has a real attitude and wants to be treated as a super model. I told her that her rear looks too big but she doesn't care!

Zoe Suess looking for mullet jumping on the
Pamlico River at sunset last week.  

She lets me stitch occasionally.

Kreinik metallic ribbon makes a quick and easy temari!

This merry-go-round design has such perfect symmetry. Stitch up and down around the ball, crossing over the equator between stitches. Quick and easy. And using a comparatively wide thread like Kreinik 1/16" ribbon gives good coverage on the ball. An excellent combination!

Temari stitched with Kreinik 1/16" ribbon

The scoop:
This is a 27cm circumference ball wrapped in black thread. I marked it into a simple 8 division using the thinner thread, Kreinik #8 Fine Braid (color 202HL). Then I stitched the merry-go-round design with the Kreinik ribbon. I added some pine needle stitching over each pole. So fast!

This is why I'm now carrying these threads in my shop. There is a nice collection of ribbons.
And I've got #8 Fine Braid as well.

The merry-go-round is detailed on pages 109-113  of my book Temari Techniques.

Try it. I think you'll like it!

Designing temari with a fun app

Have you used the app iOrnament? I could doodle all day and stitch out those doodles all night. Well, if I didn't need sleep, that is. A few months ago, I emailed my Japanese friend who loves making temari about iOrnament. Within minutes she replied, "This was made just for us! I'm going to tell sensei right now." You can make simple circular kaleidoscopes or flat designs that look like fun fabric. Purchase the upgrade and turn them into the 3-D version. No, I haven't stitched these yet. So many temari, so little time!

The Temari Twins are in action again!

Temari by Karen Heppen and Jen Weber

Karen and Jen are teaching again. Have a look at their website for more information.

Karen and Jen, The Temari Twins

'We will stitch three mari (wrapped balls) in different patterns and learn wrapping and marking techniques. Just bring scissors; all other supplies are provided. Our team teaching approach gives students a variety of ways to understand the craft of temari. This workshop works best for beginners, but we also welcome those who want a “refresher” course.'

If you'd like me to spread the word about your class, just send me an email (barb@japanesetemari.com) or post it on my Facebook page. 

Playing around with 162 centers temari

I like a 42 centers marking. The hexagons and pentagons always seem more regular (sides the same length and angles the same) than a 32 centers marking. With this one I went one step further and divided the diamond sides by 4 to get 162 centers. Now I'm just playing with design and color as practice for another temari or 2 or 3.

Playing with a new Japanese temari design
Barbara B. Suess

There are lots of things to try on this marking
Barbara B. Suess

Flowers and such!
 Barbara B. Suess

Adorable kitty!

Dorothy made this card and sent it to me recently. It really makes me smile! She says her kitty's name is Katrina and she came from the Humane Society in Savannah. Of course, she loves to play with threads when Dorothy makes temari.

Kitty playing with temari!

Temari Teachers around the World

To learn, read.
To know, write.

To master, teach.

This was printed on the back of the label with my Yogi Tea bag this morning. Wise words, indeed!

Below is a list of temari teachers sorted by location. Many will travel outside their area. Send the teacher an email to ask! And ask them if they have a mailing list so you will know when they offer classes and where they are held.

If you would like to be added to this list or have a correction, please contact barb@japanesetemari.com

US

National - travels all over the US
Sandra Arthur - duodesignsinc@yahoo.com, duodesignsinc.com

California
Glenna Kipp – Orange County, glenna_kipp@hotmail.com
Sherry Menne - San Francisco Bay area, sherry_menne@yahoo.com
Robin F Stein - Sacramento & Auburn & Placerville, temari530@yahoo.com

Colorado
Jean DeHaven - Denver/Littleton area, anncorey42@yahoo.com
Jim Samson– Centennial, dos-a-casa@comcast.net

Illinois
Jane Compeau - south Chicagoland, NW Indiana, jane.compeau@gmail.com, www.worldembroideries.blogspot.com

Maryland
Karen Heppin and Jen Weber, The Temari Twins – Maryland and east coast US, www.temaritwins.com, TemariTwins@comcast.net

Massachusetts
Joan Zakas - Peabody and North of Boston area, temari_grace@yahoo.com, joanztemari.wordpress.com/

Missouri
Sue Dulle – Kansas City, sudu@kc.rr.com, sudukc.wordpress.com/

North Carolina
Barbara Suess – Brasstown and online, barb@japanesetemari.com, www.japanesetemari.com/
Dana Watson - Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill), dkwatson@gmail.com, www.dkwatson.wordpress.com

Pennsylvania
Ellen Turner - Philadelphia, Baltimore, and DC Metro area, ellenlturner@verizon.net

Texas
Rosemary Bell - Mineola, TX 7577, bell.rosemary@gmail.com

Virginia
Susan Catron - Chilhowie, susan_catron@yahoo.com
Trish Harris - Round Hill and northern VA area, trishweaves@verizon.net

Washington
Kathy Hewitt - Seattle/Tacoma area and Whidbey Island, kathy@kathleenhewitt.com

International

Australia
Rebecca Armstrong-Koelma – Perth, temari.addict@gmail.com, www.temari-addict-australia.blogspot.com

Bulgaria
Rali Doneva-Koeva – Varna, rali@temari-bulgaria.com, www.temari-bulgaria.com

Holland
Jessica de Boer - Beerta and the rest of Holland on request, jessica@cosycorners.nl, www.yubinuki.nl

Hong Kong
Carmen Chan - Kawai118hk@yahoo.com.hk, http://www.needlecraftworkshop.blogspot.com/

Moldova
Meg Welch – Chisinau, losthermarbles@gmail.com, blog.fiberholic.net

New Zealand
Jenny Warren, jenny.warren@opus.co.nz

Spain
Manoli - Barcelona, Santurce, Santo, kantia25@gmail.com, www.flickr.com/photos/55272058@N00/

Switzerland

Natalie Schütz - Rüti ZH, natalie@natalies-perlen.ch, nataliesperlen.blogspot.ch/

All new Facebook page

If you enjoy visiting Facebook to keep up with your friends and interests, please click the thumbs-up and "like" my new page. I'll always post new blog entries there. You can add your comments and post your temari pictures and links. More temari fun!

Spectacular wedding kimono makes a perfect backdrop for hanging temari

If you've been following my temari exploits for a while, you've seen this photo. I'd like to share with you the story behind this display that now hangs in our living room in Raleigh.

Hanging temari display by Barbara B. Suess

It's huge! But that's OK because the setting is our great room where the ceiling is vaulted - not super high, but enough to give us lots of light and plenty of head room.

I fought for this kimono. When we lived in Yokohama, Japan, during the late 1980s, Takashimaya department store held a sale two times a year. A big sale! One floor was filled with used kimono and wedding dresses that had been in their rentals department long enough. Some were stained or worn a bit. Some were downright ugly, but probably only to my Western eye. There were all sorts of other garments and accessories but it was the wedding attire that drew us to the sale. A group of us gaijin (foreign) gals would get up early and take the train to the store, stand outside in a line, and charge inside up to the sale area when they opened the doors. It was quite a sight to see and so much fun!

Takashimaya also sold Western-style wedding dresses - the big, puffy, ruffly kind worn by Princess Diana. These went for a song (around $25 dollars each) so I got several for my daughter. Just a toddler then, she loved dressing up in these fancy dresses. I cut the bottom off one so it just touched the floor. Others I left long and flowing. Over the years, she and her friends had a ball dressing up.

Playing dress-up

Back to the kimono hanging on our wall. It cost me 10,000 yen, the equivalent of $100 dollars at the time. The metallic copper background and gold and silver embroidery are just stunning. It's filled with auspicious symbolism - cranes and pine trees and cherries and maples. It's heavy as heck and I can imagine how a young bride would strain to stand wearing this as her outer layer. I think I'd just faint!

I made the temari for a show at The Japan Center here in Raleigh in 2011. The curators challenged me to make four of these hanging displays and, thank goodness, helped me with the arrangement of the temari on each of the hangers. I sold the others but kept this one because I just love the colors and the geometric designs. I made the hanger by lashing together five thin pieces of bamboo. The temari are attached with a knot that I found in a book about building bamboo fences. Each string of balls is made with just one strand of #5 pearl cotton - a very long one. I couldn't stitch right through the center of each ball, so stitched into the north pole, around the edge by the equator, coming out at the south pole, where I secured the thread to the ball with a big knot. Then on to the next ball with the same thread.

The curators for the show at The Japan Center told me that one way to figure out an arrangement like this is to pick your favorite piece of music. Then arrange the balls so they mimic the notes on the page. I was really pressed for time when putting this show together so I didn't use this tip but will try it sometime in the future, for sure.

Every time I see this display, I'm reminded of three good times in my life - rushing the Takashimaya sales, watching my daughter and her friends play dress-up, and participating in the show at The Japan Center. Feelin' good!

Only a few days left for the sale!

There are just a few days left to use the 20% off coupon in my etsy shop. Please stop by and check out the new Kreinik sampler sets that I've put in the shop. The coupon is good for these as well. Kreinik makes a very high quality thread - strong and beautiful too. I've picked my favorite colors to combine into sets I think you'll like. If you've ordered Kreinik thread from me, I will be contacting you soon to complete your order. 

I've restocked Rainbow Gallery threads - you guys really cleaned me out when this sale started. Thank you very much! If you missed getting a cone of thread, there are now more here for you. 

Also, I have a few more sets of blue to go with the Snow Crystals temari pattern. When you checkout, enter the code TEMARISALE2014

Happy shopping/happy stitching!

Japanese Temari YouTube Channel

Did you know I have a YouTube channel? I've recently added some videos on how to make temari and will keep going, adding more as I can. Have a look! Seven videos so far....