Kogin and Temari

I’ve recently been reading about Kogin, a traditional Japanese needlework technique, at Queenie's Needlework blog.  This post includes a number of links to other sources. Included in that post is a link to Carolyn Foley's blog which has many patterns and much information.  I’ve seen a few kits for tissue holders, pillows, and small bags at the fabric store here, but I thought they were expensive so I didn’t buy any.  On my second trip to the wonderful Mariya store in Sapporo, I noticed a book about kogin. I asked the store clerk if they sold the fabric and thread.  She showed me fabric, thread, and several other books on the technique.  I ended up buying a different book than the one I originally found, some navy blue fabric and three skeins of kogin thread, all for less than the cost of a small kit.  She said the technique could also be worked on linen with floss.  The book is in Japanese, but has beautiful photos and illustrations, as well as a number of different traditional patterns. So far all I’ve done is look at the book, but I do plan to start a project soon.

Temari is also a traditional Japanese needlework technique.  About eight years ago Ted and I took an introductory pre-beginner temari class at the NCSU Japan Center with teacher Barbara Suess.  This is the ball I made.  Unfortunately, Ted’s did not make it to Japan.
 

My friend Katherine taught a temari class at a guild meeting, but so far I haven’t finished that one. 
 

Recently there was an article on RocketNews24 about a 92 year old woman who learned temari in her 60’s.  Check out the article and photos here.  Her work is incredible!