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.