I got the disk and the bobbins from my LBS (here)........the disk comes with an "instruction sheet" - which just tells you the most basic steps of the process - and didn't mention the bobbins at all.......so I cruised the web and found an awesome video on you tube (here) that explained how to get started - from threading the bobbins to weaving with the disk - really awesome video! So, I loaded my bobbins - I used four different color threads
(open bobbin)
(closed bobbin)
and believe it or not, after much less time than you would imagine, I had this length of woven braid.....
to which I added this fabulous vintage African Brass Spiral focal..........and some gold end caps......
here is the completed necklace (sans clasp - still have to make one for it).
6 comments:
Keep an eye on the classes and workshops at Halcyon Yarn in Bath. Michael Patterson sometimes teaches Kumihimo there. Probably would noit hurt to contact them (or him) to register your interest.
BTW: by braiding with that disk instead of a "proper" marudai you're missing out on my favorite part of kumi -- the meditative "dance" that is the act of braiding.
Kumihimo for quite some time, but could never decide what type of cord or fiber to use. But when I saw your pieces, I knew I wanted to begin by using embroidery thread. Is yours the type that has 6 strands, undivided? And is there a "size" to this type of thread? As you can tell, I know very little about the thread end of the deal! :)
Cheryl- I checked my embroidery floss - the only markings on them that may (or may not) denote a size of any sort is a 3. I cannot tell if it is 6 strands -- it looks rather like 3. As you can tell, I also know very little about the thread! If you have the disk, I recommend that you just go for it. I used the floss because I had such wonderful colors - but if you look at the more recent blog entries, I've tried almost evry type of yarn, twine, string and even leather (I haven't tried the really thin leather, but he 1.5 is too thick to make a neat braid). I hope this helps, although I suspect it hasn't.
This looks like pearl cotton, and DMC has a pearl cotton #3 (thicker). Pearl cotton is " a highly mercerized, twisted, non-divisible lustrous cotton thread"
The color choice is beautiful, BTW.
thank you "anonymous" - for the helpful information and for the compliment - hopefully it will help Cheryl.
Thank you, Anonymous. That gives me a very good place to start. And thank you, too, Mrs. Beadsley. For some reason, I did not see either of the two comments until today.
Thank you both again.
Cheryl
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