Temari Nicola Davis:Monday September 8th 2025.

At our first meeting after the summer we welcomed 6 possible new members we hope they enjoyed the evening and that we see them again. We heard a very clear informative and fascinating presentation this evening on a subject that was new to many of us. Nicola brought with her some examples of Temari that she has made,very generously allowed us to look and examine closely.

Nicola told us about the history of Temari which she described as a cultural touchstone in Japan. They were originally little leather balls dating back to the 6th and 8th century, originally from China. They were wrapped in silks from Kimonos and were used in throwing games by the privileged. The eventual production of cotton allowed them to trickle down through society, and their popularity grew. Temari were often given as gifts for weddings and births for example, with secret wishes sometimes hidden in the ball. The motifs had meaning for example the Crane design represents long life and Cherry Blossom,life and beauty.

Nicola told us about her developing addiction to the craft. She studies with the national Japanese Tamari Association which has 4 levels of qualification. Nicola has real expertise and is currently working towards level 4 the highest level. One of the balls she has completed as part of her level 4 studies is shown below. She originally worked with existing patterns as she was learning but now develops her own.

Nicola talked us through the process of making a Temari simplifying something that initially seemed very daunting to those of us seeing it for the first time. The balls can be made by tightly wrapping rice hulls in cloth and Nicola uses this method, but she also uses existing polyester balls which are of course easier. A workshop for BETA members led by Nicola on 29th November 2025 will use ready made balls and will fully explain the process with detailed handouts. Attendees will be able to make their own ball to take home. A lot of enthusiasm for the workshop was generated by her presentation so the workshop should be a great success. For more information Nicola can be found at the twisted thread.co.uk

We also held our customary raffle with purple being this month’s colour, members make a large and a small one . This month Bernadette made the large bag and Ruth the small both pictured below.

The raffle colour for next month’s meeting on Monday 13th October is black and white. Please bring contributions in black and white, mostly stitch related. The talk that evening is from Emily-Jo Gibbs the tile is Sheers. We were also reminded that the subject for our Christmas competition is Amazing Lace which is open to varied interpretations Ruths bag above may offer some inspiration.