| If
you have made round braids on a marudai you will know how
versatile they are, whether for lacing garments, making into
jewellery, tying back curtains or anything else a braid can
be used for. But the Japanese tradition of making braids is
far wider than that, and this book shows what can be done
with a SQUARE loom.
Open up this book and you will find a wee envelope inside
the front cover containing a sturdy card takadai. This will
start you off instantly on your braiding adventure, especially
if you are already into this hobby and own the sets of bobbins
and other necessary items. If you are new to all this you
can find out what you need in here, and get started on making
fifty different braids. There are some excellent staged photographic
instructions showing the basics, as well as handy diagrams
for the projects showing how to set up your loom. Showing
more than one color thread is always the best way of showing
any yarncraft/knotting/braiding technique and this is employed
here to good advantage. The projects are not merely for fifty
different braids, but each one is for an actual item. These
are mostly jewellery projects and instructions are also given
for making up as well as a list of what you need, how to prepare
your loom (diagrams and text) and a tips area entitled "Be
a Better Braider". There are three skill levels and simple
basic projects given way to those with beads or a more elaborate
configuration. This is a lovely way of making some unusual
jewellery items as well as braids for whatever you need them
for.
If you cannot find a good range of kumihimo materials locally
try www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers.
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