Get Ready, Set, Go

 

"Twist, Turn, and Tie"

50 Japanese Kumihimo Braids

 

Over the years, I have created many kumihimo braids.  Started with a Marudai loom and a set of printed instructions on "how-to."  At first it was like the blind leading the blind.  My first attempts were rather inept and the braids were either too long or too short, too thick or too thin.  The patterns were inconsistent and were rather haphazard in their direction, sometimes twisting to the right and then suddenly to the left.  Fortunately, I have the patience of "Job" inasmuch as I taught first grade and often worked with 30+ students at a time.

My collection of Kumihimo braiding books is extensive.  Some are written in Japanese and others in English.  A couple of years ago, Makiko Tada sent me her foam loom and three of her books which had recently been translated into English.  Wonderful instructions with great layouts for the various patterns.  But, nothing about "beaded braids." 

If you are having similar problems as described above, this book, "Twist, Turn, and Tie" written by Beth Kemp, and published by Barron's,  is a wonderful introduction to the art of Kumihimo.  There is a disk provided so one can jump right in and start creating.  All of the basics of "Getting Started" are spelled out.  Answers about thread and bead quantities are provided and one does not have to be a rocket scientist to process the calculations.  If I had this book for a frame of reference, my silk thread supply would not have dwindled so rapidly.   

The basic techniques such as setting up the round and square disk are very well illustrated.  "The projects include braids with fancy patterns or designs, and a whole section is devoted to beaded braids, all with step-by-step diagrams."   

On your mark, get ready, set, go.  No reason that with this wonderful collection of patterns, one can not become the maven of 50 Japanese Kumihimo Braids.

 

 

SAINT PATRICK'S DAY

 

As a child, I would often kneel on all fours, searching for that elusive four leaf clover.  The ground was covered with thousands of dew sprinkled three leaf ones, but finding the "lucky" one was always a challenge.  This mutation of the shamrock only happens in approximately "1 in 10,000 times."

My fortune changed when I was introduced to Clover Needlecraft, Inc., a few months ago.  Fox Publishing had forwarded me the book "Bead Weaving on a Loom" which I subsequently reviewed on my blog site at http://www.rite-it.com/ and I noted it featured the Clover Beading Loom 9910 on the inside cover.    

 

It is lightweight and very well constructed.  One can easily follow the directions and warp the loom and adjust the tension.  I have made numerous length adjustments to accommodate my various beading projects ranging from bracelets and rings, to necklaces and pendants.  The 2.8" width dimension makes all of the above very wearable and aesthetically pleasing. The warp thread spacing groves (A & B) are utilized for either round or cylinder beads.  If one changes the intervals between the warp threads and tightens the weft threads, the weaver can utilize a myriad of bead sizes.

Clover Needlecraft (www.clover-usa.com) is a treasure trove of supplies for all hands-on-needlecraft enthusiasts.  Thread, kits, templates, knitting, crochet, embroidery, etc., products, are available in all sizes and prices.  The catalog and shopping cart is user friendly and their service is impeccable.

If you believe in the "luck of the Irish" you will be happily rewarded when you explore all that Clover Needlecraft, Inc., has to offer.  The choice is yours.        

Chapter 2: Bead Canvas

The bracelet featured is an example of a design that was made possible by the use of the software program  "Bead Canvas."

A New Chapter: JEWELRY SUPPLY COMPANY

Many years ago when I was teaching first grade students, I wrote a book "The Bees Dilemma."  This family of bees were facing a serious problem.  A group of bears were devouring their golden honey trove.  In order to deal with this problem,  the bees visited their many friends at the zoo and posted the question, "What should we do?"

Interesting, I am now faced with a dilemma, but not nearly on such a grand scale.  I have my own honey trove of bead weaving books, looms, patterns, beads, tools, etc.  What should I blog about and where should I start?  Well, after consulting with my inner self, I have decided to begin Chapter One: "Jewelry Supply Company" at the start of this writing adventure. 

Jewelry Supply Company (www.jewelrysupply.com) provided me with a wonderful array of 3gram tubes of  Miyuki size 11 delicas.  There are approximately 110 beads to each gram.  Their web site is a visual delight featuring beads of various shapes, sizes, finishes, and colors.  Their prices were good and much more reasonable than comparable beads at my local bead store.  They also offer a 25% discount for orders over $40.00 and if one takes advantage of the other jewelry supply items offered on their site, this expenditure can be reached in no time.

I would highly recommend Jewelry Supply Company for all my beading tools and supplies.  They certainly solved my dilemma.