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week
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Planned content (may be STC) |
| 1 |
Basic kumihimo information: introduction to the various looms: preparation of threads and weights: how to read a pattern. Make a 4-strand braid. |
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2 |
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Kusari-yattsu 8-strand chain. Working with multiple threads. |
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3 4 |
Tsukushi Horsetail braid |
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Kongo-gumi `Strength of metal` spiral braid. |
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5 6 |
How to prepare silk thread. Kaku-yattsu 8-strand square braid |
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Karayattsu Chinese-style 8-strand |
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7
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obijime (kimono sash fastener) or working with beads： choice of 8-strand braid in silk thread |
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8 |
obijime or working with beads (wk 2) |
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Silk threads for sale
General information about kumihimo threads
These are 100% silk threads made especially for kumihimo, the correct thickness and cut to length in packs such that one whole pack makes one traditional obi-jime (a 5ft/1.5m long braid to tie round the obi belt or sash of a kimono). Standard length threads are from 2.7 to 2.8m long and come ready-divided into 16 bundles or 'ropes' each of approximately 42 individual silk threads, though for certain braids the silks may be longer (3.3m) or divided into 24, 8 or 12 bundles/ropes. Threads are usually plain-dyed, but sometimes space-dyed or dipped to produce threads which change colour along their length. These look fantastic as an accent of say, 4 or 8 bundles in an otherwise plain-dyed 16-strand braid. Some obijime are made from just one colour of silk and primarily show off their texture and the braider's skill, many use 2 or more colours (most often in multiples of 4 ropes) to create a beautiful pattern.
Threads for sale
You can click on any picture for a close-up.
The threads I am selling are from my personal collection. They are unused/new but have been purchased over a period of time and stored in my craft cupboard. Some were a special order from the manufacturers direct, others bought from shops, textile traders or other kumihimo braiders in Japan at various times. Even the plain-dyed ones are very difficult to find in the UK, and any multi-dyed ones I put on will probably be unique here.
Photos were taken in natural daylight. I have more in my cupboard than just the ones pictured, if you are looking for any particular colours or 3.3m length it's worth asking. I also have several packs of biron, a kind of artificial silk thread made especially for kumihimo in the same size packs as pure silk. Looks just the same as the silk and handles in a very similar way. If you would like to buy any, see more pictures, ask for other colours or have any questions, please contact me
Prices
Standard silk (plain dyed, length 2.7-2.8m depending on manufacturer, divided into 16 bundles/ropes) = 20 pounds per pack Pro-rata for 1/4 packs (4 bundles) or other part-packs i.e. 1/4 pack = 5 pounds
Biron/shirukku = 10 pounds per pack.
I'll try to get some multi-dyed, metallic and special-dyed ones on the site soon = probably 25-35pds
10% discount for Braid Society members - check out their website www.braidsociety.com
Notes on photos/colours
You will no doubt be aware that colours may appear differently depending on your monitor and viewing settings. These comments are made comparing the actual threads to my MacG5 screen. Photos all taken in daylight. Those taken with a Kellogs box for colour comparison should be straightforward. The creams, deep reds etc in the multiple picture look on this monitor to be fairly accurate for the creams and browns, the reds are a little brighter and pinker in real life particularly the second up from the bottom which is a deep, bright magenta. I'm very fussy about colour matching myself and happy to answer any questions, describe colours in more detail, or pick colours out by eye which go well together. You can click on any of the photos for an enlargement.
Please note that some have been sold: there are only 12 ropes each of pale pink and mint green, 8 ropes of the deep brick red at the bottom of the multiple pic, and some of the cream in the multiple photo has gone.
