Introduction to Kumihimo Braiding on a Maru Dai

Dates: Wed & Fri, Sep 24 & 26 , 9:30 am – 2:30 pm both days. Sales end: Sep 17, 11pm. Ticket: $110. Instructor: Janie Yates. Materials fee: $10 packet fee + $5 materials fee. Skills Needed: Beginner, no experience needed.. Class Limit: 6. Class Location: 1st Floor.

Kumihimo is a word used frequently to describe ancient braiding techniques from Japan. Several strands of yarn, from as few as 4 to well over 100, are interlaced to form braids of multiple structures and complexities. The braids can be flat, square, hollow, solid round, spiral and so on. Because of the great number of working ends these braids are worked on special braiding stands. One of these, the Marudai, is what we will be using in this class.

Traditionally these braids were used for cords and ties in clothing, ties for sacred temple scrolls, laces for Samurai armor, etc. Nowadays you will see kumihimo being used to make friendship bracelets, shoe laces, drawstrings for clothing, bags or purses, key chains, beaded necklaces, book marks - basically anything long and narrow.

In this class you will learn to measure the warp and set up the Marudai. You will make an 8 strand sample braid with six separate structures: two types of square braids, two types of flat braids, a hollow round braid and a solid spiral braid. You will also be given instruction on reading patterns and some simple finishing techniques.

NOTE: Please refrain from wearing scented lotion or perfume. Janie is painfully sensitive to fragrance.

Supplies to Bring:

• Fibers/materials for this class will be provided by the instructor. Students should be prepared to pay the $15 fee on the first day of class. Cash, check or Venmo only will be accepted
• Bring a folder or binder for the handout (it is several pages).
• Pack a lunch and beverage. A refrigerator and microwave are available. If you choose to keep a beverage near you while in the classroom it must be in a container with a spill proof lid.

Problems registering? Contact the Education Committee at [email protected].

Questions about this class? Contact the instructor, Janie Yates at [email protected].

Janie has a deep passion for textiles that has lead her to study and become proficient in almost anything related to yarn and fabric. Crochet and macrame were the first techniques she learned at age 9 and she's never stopped. The current list includes weaving (on all types of looms), spinning, kumihimo (Japanese braiding), finger loop braiding, batik and resist dyeing, embroidery, crochet, knitting, tatting, macrame, beadwork, basketry, sewing, clothing design and shoe making.

Janie has Bachelor of Art degree with an emphasis in Textiles from Berea College. It was during her first weaving class at Berea that she discovered a talent and love for teaching. She has been teaching widely varied textile related classes to adults and children since 1999. It gives her great satisfaction to share her passion for textiles and teach her students new skills that bring them joy.

If you are not feeling well, please contact the instructor instead of coming to the class. On a case-by-case basis, we may be able to reschedule you into a future class or provide a make-up lesson. Ticket fees are not normally refunded.

Depending on the CDC Guidelines for Hamilton County at the time the class is held, a mask may be required. If so, you will be notified before the first class.

Unless specifically stated, Weavers Guild classes are designed for ages 18 and above. On a case-by-case basis, a minor may be permitted to register for a class but must be accompanied by a registered adult who agrees to assist the minor during the class. Contact the Education Committee Chair at [email protected] for permission before registering any minor in a class.

Fees are non-refundable. Your fee will only be refunded if the class is canceled or changed to a different date. Three registrations are required for a class to be held. Students will be notified before the start date if a class is canceled due to an insufficient number of students. Eventbrite processing and credit card payment fees will not be refunded if a student cancels for any reason.

Host or Publisher Weavers Guild of Greater Cincinnati