Improvising Bobbins!

I have been scratching around in my STUFF and came across these yarn holders which may make suitable bobbins for use on me Chinese braiding stand.

Next a trip to the fishing shop near the beach to buy weights and the inevitable question "What are you doing?". When I try to explain to the man behind the counter he suddenly becomes enlightened "Oh you must be one of the knitting and sewing brigade!" Mystery solved!!

A Braiding Diversion!

My Chinese braiding stand has been  begging to be used since the Manchester conference which was some 8 months ago! A request to talk at the local Embroiderers Guild about my braiding trip to the U.K. has meant the stand has finally won and I am getting it ready for ACTION! Now I'm on a quest to find something I can improvise for bobbins - watch this space!

Splitting Braids

I am enjoying the challenge of making split braids on the round Disk and so set out to make a version of the traditional charm bracelet.
My first attempt (top bracelet) was not wholly successful as the split braids holding the charms stuck out like the branches of a tree!
For the second bracelet I changed the yarn from cotton to bamboo which gave more drape - a valuable lesson learnt!

What a Difference a Day Makes!

My enquiries for better quality fittings resulted in a REAL find of a place where I was treated like royalty while I selected sterling silver and beads and clasps. RESULT - a special gift for a special friend.

I am still working with the double knitting cotton as I can use a single thread in each slot. The outside of the braid has a uniform, smooth, outside edge as seen in the braid on the right.
A more textured effect is achieved by adding, in this case, a waxed beading thread to the brown double knitting cotton and so working with two threads in each of the four slots. 

The completed bracelets - smooth sided on the left and textured on the right. Sorry about the cheap fittingd but it's all that is available!

A Change is as Good as a Rest!

So where have I been braiding this month?

I have been out buying MORE yarn and came away from the shop with a bag of SCRUMPTIOUS colours! The 'VINNIS colours' range  are hand dyed in South Africa and as always it is good to try and use what is available locally.  The cotton yarn works up firmly and is easy for beginners to work with while the bamboo is softer and has a wonderful sheen to it.