October 30th, 2013 at 10:00 am
Received a review copy of the new book by Rebecca Combs – Kumihimo Basics and Beyond yesterday.
From a “Braider First” perspective”
Very mixed feelings, on the one hand I like that the author has apparently worked very hard to be accurate and use more traditional terminology.
Ms Combs did supply some “kumihimo math” – but one has to remember that is only going to apply to these braids. For those who preferred to have more detailed materials lists, each braid does have a well done supply list for each pattern supplied in the book.
There is great eye candy, and while I do not really object to “heavily beaded braids” it was disappointing to have it all be “only” 8 element Kongo except for one 16 element project.
There were some other small details, but it did a bit better than most of the books and pattern presently offered in providing some finishing information.
With an SRP of $21.99 US, but already showing up discounted on Amazon, this will be one we likely not choose to stock. but will order if a customer really wants it at the price we can afford to sell.
From the Bead Jewelry Maker Perspective:
with thanks to Carolyn for sharing her view –
Caroyln wrote: “I also got a review copy of this book, thanks to my local bead shop’s partnership with Kalmbach and my status as resident kumihimo instructor. I found that the book is really geared to a beading audience, someone who is looking to expand their variety of jewelry making techniques as opposed to someone who is looking to start in the discipline of braiding. That being said, for that audience this may be the only book they will ever need, and is a starting point for those wishing to go truly beyond.
All the braids in the book are round braid/kongo gumi, so once you have the basics of that braid down you can complete any project in the book. There is a lot of good advice on making braids, and this may be the only book that shows you what common braiding mistakes look like so you can see how to correct them. It’s an excellent first braiding book for those interested in the disk. The only things I don’t like about the book is that she ends every braid by gluing it into a bead cap or cone, and the author doesn’t use a counterweight unless she’s also using beads. ”
We seem (Wheat & Carolyn) agree, tThis would not be a book for someone already comfortable with basics of beading and braiding and ready to grow their skills for more diverse pieces.
However for someone wanting an low cost entry level to the most basic of beaded braiding, it might be okay as it is already being offered at less than I can obtain it thru my distributor, so we will be referring folks to Amazon where possible
Me, I am saving my personal money for the upcoming Jacqui Carey book due in January. In fact, already on order with our distributor.
updated:
October 28th, 2013 at 06:15 am
October 27th, 2013 at 05:07 am
Russ Oliver read an article in Crossfit Journal showing how to braid your own climbing rope and thought it was a great idea. Then he thought about what it would be like trying to manage 8 thirty foot lengths of rope. Russ made a few string bracelets back it the day ….
This article was shared in several Kumihimo groups. The link seems to have originated from a climbing forum. Because Wheat did not want it to “disappear”, we are sharing it here – with permission recently (Oct 2013) received from Russ Olliver. We are pleased to share it with you.
To see the complete article, visit our resources pages at:
Link Updated:
October 27th, 2013 at 04:43 am
“The inter-locked warp technique is found among Paracas Necropolis fabrics and continued to be made until historic times, demonstrating how fixed in their tradition was a willingness to attempt the difficult. ”
Junius Bouton Bird, Curator of Archaeology at The
American Museum of Natural History – Andean Culture History – 1964
October 17th, 2013 at 06:05 am
Carol James describes herself as born and raised in the United States – descended from a long line of spinners, weaver and knitters. Carol’s maternal family were Austria immigrants and she have always felt a strong connection to these bygone fiber arts.
Carol met her future husband – a Qubcois who introduced her to fingerweaving in 1982. Together they wove their very first sash which her husband would wear on their wedding day. Though the technique came easily – it did not occur to Carol she would one day write a book about fingerweaving.
When Carol moved to St. Boniface in 1990 she was surprised to discover that fingerwoven sashes – known as the ceinture flche – figured prominently in the local French-Canadian heritage. Once again drawn to this fascinating art form Carol the need to weave sashes for her sons to wear during the Festival du Voyageur. Soon Carol was invited into the Winnipeg historic re-enactment community and found her niche as the sash weaver. An opportunity to refine her weaving technique and the chance to teach this art to others.
By 2006 Carol finally gave in to her students pressure to put everything that she had learned together and publish a book. Fingerweaving Untangled was published in March 2008 and has since sold over 3000 copies across North America.
Sprang is another ancient cloth making technique Carol taught herself over the years. Military re-enactors are especially keen on this technique because officers have been wearing sprang sashes since the 1700s. After a year of tireless weaving and research, Sprang Unsprung was complete and ready for sale in August of 2011.
These books may be order through my e-Store ItsAllJustString.com in Books by Carol James
My “version” of the Archie Brennan DIY Frame Loom that I use for Sprang, tapestry and more is included in my resource link – just click on DIY – Frame Loom
Enjoy The Making
Wheat
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