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.