Folks, am I the only one who had one of these as a
kid? A small verion that made round braids. I remember
it well...but I know I didn't know what I was
really making at the time.
Silk braiding was introduced into Japan in the 7th
Century. The braids were used for tying scrolls,
fastening clothing and in cultural activities. Many
different braids were used to fasten the small leather
plates of Samurai armour.
After the Samurai were abolished in the mid 19th
Century, the braids were used principally for obi
(sash) ties and this continues today.
The art of Japanese braiding was a closely guarded
secret until quite recent times, but it is now in
practice in the Western work, where there is
less restriction from tradition in the choice of
designs and materials. Copied from:
http://www.woollydesigns.com/majacrft/kumihimo.htm
Links to some great pictures!
http://www.weavershand.com/#K (first site is in
Japanese characters - but click left table starting
with no 1 - that is all I explored)
Wow! Start exploring the Gallery!
http://www.weavershand.com/kgallery1.html
Look at these tools - You can make these too (or a
version of them)
http://www.braidershand.com/
(Tama - I think all of my small wooden thread spools
have already become art protects -- you might find a
source - spools/Tama for free. It wouldn't be
difficult to weight them) Nuts and bolts can also be
used for Tama
