Our workshop this month was led by one of our own members Sandra Kendall who arrived with three boards of samples to show us that the range of colour and texture in braid making was infinite.
She informed us that we were going to make 3 different types of braid; twisted, wrapped and kumihimo. [See below]
There were also loose braids to handle so members could get a feeling for the strength and texture of a braid.
Sandra explained that there would be breaks every now and then to rest fingers, eyes and concentration as all would be required in abundance.
The first session Sandra demonstrated twisted braids with 6 strand cotton starting with twisting 4 lengths together until it started to twist back on itself, plus a few more twists. A small pair of scissors was used as a weight and slid to the middle. Then it was allowed to spin back on itself. The ends were then secured with knots.
Members started to have a go at their own twisted braids started with a plain one and then using any yarns they wanted.
After we had made some pretty twisted braids we gathered together and Sandra told us that braids were very ancient and that all cultures had developed braids from things they had available e.g. grasses, reeds, vines, wool, silk, leather. They would have been used for tying garments, halters for animals, moving things, draft animals, carrying items etc. and over time would have become more colourful, adorned and also a status symbol.
She then suggested what we could do with braids as embroiderers.
Just enjoy making them as they were fun in their own right, hangers, twisted stems, adornments, forest floor embroidery, roots , book markers, book closure ties and anything anyone could think of.
Sandra then demonstrated a plain wrapped braid followed by wrapping with spaces to incorporate beads. Members then began to have a go at wrapping their chosen core threads and then incorporating beads. Sandra reminded everyone that you could also wrap braids on a sewing machine.
Another break for lunch and then we were ready for the kumihimo braids. Sandra demonstrated a 2 colour twist striped braid made with 8 threads on a disk [see below]. Some members brought their own disks and Sandra had made cardboard ones for the rest.
To help with remembering the movements we chanted a short "mantra":
Top right to bottom right
Bottom left to top left
The disk was then moved anticlockwise. These movements were repeated over and over again until the thread was used up.
Members then chose their yarns and started off with the mantra in their heads to help remember the movements and slowly, slowly little tails of kumihimo braid began to appear much to members delight.
At the end we displayed our beautiful braids on a table. Everyone had worked very hard to complete so many colourful braids.
A positive outcome was braids finished and nothing to add to our unfinished pile at home!
Thelma gave the vote of thanks to Sandra for a good day and Sandra thanked everyone for working so hard.
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