Karen Phillips- Shwallon

The nationally known designer will be back at Quilter's Fancy in 2013:

Sat. June 15 -
"Jacobean Fantasy" continues.

For more information or to sign up for Jacobean Fantasy, call toll free 866-953-0722

Hand-Piecing Club

Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt. Jump into our club anytime. An antique reproduction quilt
will be yours!


Next Meetings:

Wed., June 19;
Thurs., June 20

QF on the road ...

June 6-8 - Booth: Martha's Sewing Market, Arlington Tx.

June 14-16 - Booth: "Georgia Celebrates Quilts," Cobb County
Civic Center,
Marietta, Georgia
.

June 27-29 — Booth: Columbus, Ohio. National Quilt Association Show, Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Complete show list

Kumihimo

ABOVE: Various examples of Kumihimo cords.

RIGHT: Buddy the cat sports a kumihimo collar during a summer excursion in the backyard.

Kumihimo — which means braided cord or coming together of threads — has a long tradition in Japan dating back to the sixth century. Intricate braids were made by monks as a form of meditation, and later exceptionally strong cords were used as part of a Samurai warrior's armor. Even later, kumihimo braids were used for the obijime that fastened the traditional kimono.

Today, these braids are used for a variety of purposes, from embellishments for clothing and quilts to jewelry and purse handles.

While kumihimo masters have spent a lifetime perfecting their art, children as young as 9 or 10 years old can get started in this traditional art form.

Kumihimo Supplies

Kumihimo Disks

Kits include a kumihimo disk, instructions and yarn to get started. Quilter's Fancy has inserted English instructions based on our Kumihimo demonstration. The diagrams accompanying the Japanese instructions are easy to follow and provide the weaving sequences to make cords with several different patterns.

Round Disk
The round Kumihimo disk makes round cords and is perfect for beginners.

Square Disk
The square Kumihimo disk makes cords of many shapes including flat cords that resemble rick rack. Weaving on this square disk is more intricate.        To order


Beautiful Braiding Made Easy
Here is a smart book about Kumihimo braid making. Numbered photos of different cords refer to easy-to-follow diagrams and instructions for weaving those patterns. This highly recommended book has formulas for cords made on the round disk and the square disk using all sorts of fibers and for blending beads into your cords. Suitable for children age 9 and older.

Other Kumihimo supplies:

Winding Bobbins: The fibers draping down from the kumihimo disk can tangle into a knot in a moment. These patented clear bobbins prevent tangles and knots. Flip open the bobbin, lay one end of a fiber inside, wrap the excess fiber on the bobbin bringing it within 2 inches of the kumihimo disk. Then flip the bobbin closed. Attach one bobbin to each of the fibers. As more fiber is needed, simply pull down on the bobbins. 8 bobbins for $4.                 
                                                                                                                              To Order

Fiber: Any fiber that fits in the slots of a kumihimo disk can be made into a cord.

Remember, you can always send us an email or give us a call toll free
at 1-866-953-0722 to order or if you have any questions.