Japanese Temari: A Colorful Spin on an Ancient Craft

by Barbara B. Suess

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.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 2007

About the author

Barbara B. Suess discovered temari in the late 1980s while living in Yokohama, Japan, where she shared her love of quilting, sewing, and embroidery. A self-taught expert, she writes patterns, teaches classes, and creates temari-inspired jewelry. In 2015, she earned Kyoujyu (Master, Level 4) certification from the Japan Temari Association.

Reviews

[Anya Toomre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good illustrations, clear directions and some beautiful examples of temari to make.

[Afaf Finan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting!

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intimidating, but cool.