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....

Part Two - Intricate marking for multi centers

It's time to follow up on my post of a few days ago about marking multicenter temari using the multiple of three method. In the last post, I gave you the steps for making the ball on the left below, beginning with 32 centers. This post is about the ball on the right, beginning with 42 centers. The process is the same.

Multicenter Japanese Temari

What is this multiple of 3 method of marking?

The directions are in the files section of our TemariChallenge group. I am in the process of updating and editing but the changes are small. Have a look at the fourth file on that page - Multiple of 3 Study on TC 2012.

Process

Step 1 - ball is 42 cm in circumference and wrapped with navy Maxi Lock thread. I began by marking a C10 with Maxi Lock Radiant Turquoise. 

Step 2 - continue marking with Radiant Turquoise to create 42 centers. One important point about this step is to try to make the hexagons as regular as you can, so all sides are even. Then use multiple of 3 method to make 122 centers and once more to make 362 centers. All of this is done with the same Radiant Turquoise thread. 

Step 3 - with Sour Apple Maxi Lock thread, continue using the multiple of 3 method and add lines through all the pentagons. Then add one row through each of the green star points. 

Step 4 - stitch the remaining lines with Dark Turquoise Maxi Lock. You now have 1082 centers. 

Impressions

I was really surprised at how these two temari look so different! As far as process, I prefer beginning with 42 centers because stitching with the multiple of 3 method is a bit easier. I could make the two stitches inside each pentagon and then wrap the thread directly to the next pentagon without taking any stitches. This meant I only stitched at each center when that particular 12-way intersection was completed. I'm eager to design with this marking because I see the open areas at the center of the C10 triangles just waiting to be filled with a design of some sort. For the ball beginning with 32 centers, I want to play with color, not adding any extra design stitches on top of the marking. 

I've started my next experiment. I decided to mark the ball with Isacord, a beautiful, shiny, slippery (!) thread used for machine embroidery. I thought it would give some shine to the finished marking and be very elegant. Well, the impact of the extra shine is minimal and I was not able to wrap though any of the shapes because the thread slid around so much! But I persevered and just took a stitch at each intersection. When enough of the intersections had that one stitch, I could just slip my needle under that intersection without stitching. It's looks good and I'll share when I'm finished.

More about Carolina, a temari stitcher who spends time in two very different parts of the world!

The other day I shared Carolina's blog post about her trip to Guatemala. Those smiling faces reminded me of posts that I wrote when I began this blog - all about kindred sisters. I wanted to know more about Carolina and she has responded with some interesting tidbits. 

Thanks for being a part of our temari world, Carolina! 

***
Kindred (adjective): having the same belief, attitude, or feeling.
Sister (noun): a female friend regarded as a sister.
***

Where do you live? Tell us about your town.
I spend 5 winter months in Monteverde in Costa Rica, a very small town in the mountains of Costa Rica where the bird watching and weather are great. There isn’t much in the way of temari embroidery threads but I can get coffee husks which I use for the core of my balls here. I also can buy yarn and thread. So I bring a lot of embroidery thread with me. The rest of the year I am in Madison, Wisconsin. I definitely have ball containment issues in both homes. I’m occasionally able to part with temari as gifts but they do tend to pile up. 

What language do you speak? 
Not that it helps with making temari but besides English I speak Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian and Indonesian. 

When did you begin making temari? 
3 years ago. 

How often do you stitch temari - every day? Once a week? Occasionally? 
Several times a week usually. 

How do you come up with your patterns? Follow directions in books? Web? Make your own?
I follow instructions in your books Barb and use a lot of patterns from the web. I love the stitch alongs on Temari Challenge and TemariKai. I have done a few patterns from Japanese books I own, but some I can’t figure out (yet). Sometimes I can figure out a pattern by looking at a photo. I spend (too much) time looking at photos of temari on the web. I always choose my own colors but have only made a few of my own patterns. 

What is your favorite thread? 
Cotton perle 5.

Do you teach temari? Tell us about your classes. 
I’ve shown a few people the basics but not in a formal class. That may come. 

Do you display temari in stores or craft or art shows? 
I’ve had one display at my local public library in Madison. 

What are your goals for future temari making? 
Continue exploring more patterns and all the wonderful colors. I hope to start creating more of my own patterns or variations. I never really now where temari is going to lead me. 

best wishes, 
Carolina

Intricate marking for multicenters

These temari beauties have always intrigued me. A few years ago we studied multicenter temari and the multiple of 3 method of marking in our TemariChallenge Yahoo group. Our inspiration was the book Edo Temari from Japan (pages 70 - 71). 

Now in a new book from Japan, Dream in Temari Four, there is more about this type of marking (pages 52 - 56). I'm so inspired by these new temari that I've pulled out my old notes and have started experimenting again. 

I decided to make two temari, both the same size and to stitch them with the same thread with the same process. I really wanted a clear picture of the finished marking - to see differences and similarities for future designs. I started one with 32 centers and the other with 42 centers; then I continued stitching using the multiple of 3 method to further subdivide the temari. You can see how to mark 32 and 42 centers temari in my book Temari Techniques. Here is the result!

Multicenter temari  - 812 (left) and 1082 centers

Step 1 - each ball is 42 cm in circumference and wrapped with navy Maxi Lock thread. For the first temari (812 centers), I began by marking a C10 with Maxi Lock Radiant Turquoise. Call me crazy but I was at our house on the Pamlico River when I got the urge to begin the project. I didn't have any marking thread that was thin enough - or stitching thread either! Looking at them now, I think it's a good thing. The thread clings to the ball (doesn't roll out of place like pearl cotton) and it's easy to use when stitching. It does tangle now and then but with a little care, it's just fine for this type of work.

Step 2 - continue marking with Radiant Turquoise to create 32 centers, use multiple of 3 method to make 92 and once more to make 272 centers. All of this is done with the same Radiant Turquoise thread. 

Step 3 - with Sour Apple Maxi Lock thread, continue using the multiple of 3 method and add lines through all the pentagons. Then add one row through each of the green star points. 

Step 4 - stitch the remaining lines with Dark Turquoise Maxi Lock. You now have 812 centers. 

Here are some pictures I took with my iPad while I was stitching. 

812 centers temari with the pentagon facing front

812 centers temari with a hexagon facing front

I'm already getting lots of design ideas for what to do next! I'll write more on the process for beginning with 42 centers another day. 

Here is a chart from Dream in Temari Four. It shows the number of centers created from different starting points. This is a really handy reference to keep!

32	92	272	812	2432	7292	21872
42	122	362	1082	3242	9722	29162
162	482	1442	4322	12962
252	752	2252	6752

Carolina's Guatemalan Connection

Have a look at Carolina's blog about her trip to Guatemala. It's a very special connection between fiber artists!

Sharing embroidery in Guatemala

My YouTube Temari Channel

Yes! I have a YouTube Channel.  Not much there yet but I'll be adding more.  The newest one is how to mark a simple 8 division temari. I made this one because many people think it's so hard to mark a temari. If you watch this one and follow along the written directions on my website, I think you'll see it's definitely doable - even enjoyable!

So, look over my shoulder. You can do it - make temari.

https://www.youtube.com/user/barbsuess

Yesterday, Today & Temari (Jinny Beyer)

Jinny's gift to her staff. Read all about it!

Jinny Beyer and Barb Suess stitching temari.

A new color palette

Jinny Beyer's colors have inspired me since the day my mom gave me Jinny's book Color Confidence for Quilters. Adding "deep dark" was the main message I got, although there is a lot of other color discussion in the book. My visit to Jinny's studio last week, brought it all back. Now, I'm eager to try for the balance of light and dark and the intensity of color that her quilts display. Here's my first try and I must say, I'm pretty pleased with it!

A new color palette for temari

My eye goes right to the the highlight, the light blue row, and then travels down, down, down, into the deep dark. This gives the design movement.

I mentioned to Jinny that I want to stitch Moon Glow on a temari. I have all the colors of thread and it's a work in progress now. Sometimes, I have to break for a little temari experiment like this one, though.

Moon Glow by Jinny Beyer

Temari class in Virginia at Jinny Beyer Studio

Last weekend, I had a wonderful trip to the Jinny Beyer Studio. On Saturday, I taught a class to customers with the help of The Temari Twins, Karen Heppin and Jen Weber. Team teaching is definitely the way to go! We were able to teach 14 students at once and still give a lot of one-on-one attention. Sunday was a a repeat with Jinny and her staff joining us to learn how to make temari. They smiling faces? Yes, they were happy to be learning!

Temari class with Jinny Beyer and staff

Karen Heppin, Jen Weber, and Barb Suess