For centuries, temari balls have been decorative additions to the Japanese household, and this introduction for the beginning temari-stitcher features straightforward directions and detailed sketches for recreating their bright colors and intricate designs. Each section introduces a new stitching technique, guiding the reader through the temari repertoire, until he/she has become a temari master by the book's conclusion. These crafts are inexpensive and fast to make—half of the 26 designs can be completed in less than two hours each. Sidebars throughout the book are loaded with beautiful watercolors and notes on Japanese culture and poetry, and colorful pictures and rich text make this unique craft book appealing to buyers both as a how-to guide and as a beautiful gift book.
When I discovered Japanese temari embroidery, I knew I'd found THE needlecraft for me. Living in Yokohama, Japan, for four years in the late 1980s had a profound and lasting effect on me, and these embroidered balls with their symmetry and deep Asian symbolism touch my heart. In the summer of 2009, I was deeply honored to be recognized as a Master/Instructor (Shihan Level) by the Japan Temari Association headquartered in Tokyo.
Each temari is a different combination of design elements - a puzzle to figure out and put together with thread. Wrapping the ball with thread and stitching the repetitive patterns are calming, soothing activities for me. I like to begin with an idea that I want to express - the joy of a spring flower, the power of swirling water, a cool night in the Appalachian Mountains or a Celtic knot pattern of interlocking geometrical shapes. Then I dive into boxes of threads to choose colors and textures. Stitch it out, give it a name, snap a photo and find a home for the temari.
Many excellent temari crafters don't do any other kind of needlework. If you've not had any experience with embroidery but are attracted to temari designs, don't hold back. Start with the easy patterns in Japanese Temari, A Colorful Spin on an Ancient Craft.
Caution: Stitching temari can be highly addictive!
Don't say I didn't warn you :)
