I don’t have much of my own to say today, so I’m directing you to a place where I go to drool and wish. If I had all the time in the world, I’d learn temari. Unfortunately, I don’t think I can fit much more into my life at the moment, so temari for me remains a thing purely of inspiration and admiration.
Temari is a Japanese craft, where balls are covered with thread and then elaborate patterns are stitched onto them. The range of designs and colours can be simply amazing.
Barb Suess is a temari expert. She has a blog, a website and a couple of books about temari. She also teaches classes. I was first introduced to Barb and her work in Inspirations a couple of years ago (issue 62). My whole family and I drooled over the pictures of the gorgeous temari balls that were included in the article. There were also instructions for “Oliver Twist”, which is a very pretty temari project designed by Barb. It *looks* difficult, but apparently it is not!
If you have the time that I don’t have, why not spend some time learning this exquisite craft from Barb? I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
White Threads is the blog of Yvette Stanton, the author, designer, publisher behind Vetty Creations' quality needlework books and embroidery products.
I love these. They’d make fabulous Christmas decorations.
I have a book on temari, but just like you, all I can do at the moment is stare at the pictures and drool. I have quite a stash of books like this that I keep to look at when I’m too tired or too poorly to stitch.
One of these days…
Yvette!
They dont take that much time, Really!!
You could get your children to do the initial winding while they watch TV!! Then not long to mark the ball, and then some stitching. it is really remarkable watching the patterns develop, plus everyone is SO impressed with the final product!!
cheers
Julie in Australia
I know, Julie. But I just can’t get started on something new. I tend to be a bit obsessive (I think I mentioned this recently about my knitting) and so soon I’d find my life taken over by temari. I’d be thinking about new designs, new colours, new… So unfortunately the best thing is to stop before I even start!
(And we don’t have a TV…)
And if only I could drag myself away from temari, I’d be stitching some of your lovely embroidery, Yvette! Lately, I’ve been making temari for wedding presents – at least the color is right (white). Thanks for your compliments 🙂
Do we get to see any of them? I can’t quite imagine white temari… (showing my ignorance here)
Sure. I’ll take some pictures and try to get them posted this week. In the meantime, you should check out Rebecca from Perth!
http://temari-addict-australia.blogspot.com/