Seriously. In the last six months, I've probably picked up eight new crafty things to play with. This is totally awesome, because it means I always have something to do with my hands when I need busy work (of course, with my crappy ass joints, sometimes I can't really do much at all) and I enjoy having something pretty that I've made.
Recently, I picked up a kumihimo loom. Well, two of them, actually. A square one for making flat braids and a round one for the round braids.
I love it.
It's pretty and simple and elegant. I haven't done much yet. I used the rattail that came in the kit to make a little key ring and now I'm making a really lovely 16-strand braid that can be used for...something. Maybe a purse handle. I dunno yet.
Kumihimo is a Japanese form of braid making. Wiki has a little bit to say about it. It's simple and it really makes some beautiful braids.
It really is a lot easier than I anticipated. Basically, with this kit, you just move the strings from one side of the loom to the other. I bought this kit from Amazon, and I'm really pleased with it. It comes with the loom, a little booklet, eight bobbins, and some rattail to play with. For $12.00, it's a pretty awesome deal, at least if you want to give it a try.
Eventually, I plan on making myself one of these.
Obviously, this loom is a little more complicated. You have to use weighted bobbins on your thread, as well as a weight on your braid to keep everything nice and even. I think I could pretty easily make one, and it would make for an awesome conversation piece at events!
Of course, the one I currently have makes for nice and easy travel fun. :)
Anyway. Definitely something that is worth looking into, if you enjoy different textiles and you are looking for a new crafty thing.
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