|
Where creativity & imagination go hand-in-hand... |
|
Monthly Newsletter February 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dear Knitters and Kumihimo-ists! | |
Hello, Hello!!
I did it! I am all packed for my trip to Guatemala and I even got this newsletter written. I leave on Saturday and I won't return until the end of February.
As you can imagine, the emails have been flying back and forth as we all collaborate on what projects we want to bring along. I will be teaching four different Kumihimo classes and I can't wait. This is sure to be another "trip of a lifetime".
I will try to find some interesting Guatemalan beads, yarns, cords or pendants that can be used with Kumihimo. I have a friend, currently in Guatemala, who has written and published a book on Guatemalan textiles. She will be my guide one day towards the end of my stay. Should be great!
While I am away What a Knit will be CLOSED. You are welcome to place orders while I am away and I will fill them and mail them as soon as I return on Feb. 26th.
Bon Voyage,
Karen
P.S. I need "Artists of the Month". If you want to share your Kumihimo creations please feel free to email me photos. Photos seem to work best that are taken on a white background. Include a list of the materials you used and share some brief instructions.
Thank you!
Email Karen
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-in-One
magnetic clasp & end cap
I am really excited to introduce the "All-in-One" - magnetic clasp and end cap. The magnet is in the end cap. There are no jump rings, no extra parts. It's also very secure with its sleek locking system.
This new closure comes in two sizes; 4mm and 6mm. The 6mm pairs perfectly with 8 strand petite satin round braids and the 4mm works well with finer braids like an 8 strand C-Lon Tex 400 round braid or a round braid made with 16 strands of embroidery floss. You will discover what works for you.
 This end cap is easy to use. Simply finish the end of your braid, apply glue and insert into end cap. Give it a good chance to dry. Insert one end of the end cap into the other and give it a gently turn to engage the lock. That's all there is to it. Do the reverse to take it apart!
4mm All-in-One Silver Color $2.00/each
6mm All-in-One Silver Color $2.00/each
4mm All-in-One Gold Color $2.00/each
6mm All-in-One Gold Color $2.00/each
Toho 6/0 Matte Seed Beads
five great colors
Matte Grey (NEW), Matte Maroon, Matte Moss, Matte Black (NEW), Matte Blue Green (NEW)
9 grams $2.50
Miyuki 6/0 Matte Seed Beads
six great colors
Matte Dk Topaz AB, Matte Trans. Green AB, Matte Cobalt AB, Matte Black AB, Matte Rootbeer AB,
Matte Ruby AB
9 grams $2.50
Click here to shop for Beads, Beads and More Beads....
|
| Kumihimo "Artist" Showcase - Paula Rachuy |
 Paula Rachuy (Truckee, CA)
The best thing about Kumihimo is all of the great people that I have had the pleasure of meeting. I met Paula about a year ago. She happened to be scrolling through Facebook and she saw a Kumihimo necklace an her friend's Facebook page and it was linked to my website. She emailed me excitedly asking about taking a Kumihimo Class. I explained that we would need 5 people and I could teach at her place or mine. She arranged a group of her friends, who in turn helped with more classes, and we have been Kumi-friends ever since.
Once a month we all get together at my house and it is fantastic. These wonderful women show up, without fail, and show and tell all of their creations since the previous month. It is thrilling and rejuvenating for me. I love it.
Paula's showcase necklace is another version of the Edge Bead Necklace and this gives you an idea of a tone-on-tone look. I love it. It is classic and beautiful. She also used the new All in One Magnetic clasp. Thanks!
I love this colorway so much that it is now available as an Edge Bead Necklace Kit.
Click here to see this kit and others. |
| Knitting Project - Highly Recommended. |
HITCHHIKER Scarf by Martina Behm
I finished it (photo right). The Designer recommended 42 "points" and I did 36. I used US #4 circular needles (24") and SHIBUI / Sock yarn. It's 100% superwash merino, 191 yds / 50 gr. I used just under 100 grams.
I had so much fun knitting the first one that I had to start a second one. This time I'm using AslanTrends Santa Fe yarn that is made in Argentina. It is a kettle hand dyed yarn. It's 85% Merino Wool and 15% Polyamide. 180 yds / 50 grams. This will be my airplane project for my trip to Guatemala.
If you are a knitter, I highly recommend this pattern. It is alot of fun and it's really easy.
|
|
Kumihimo Project Kits | |
| | New - Lt Beige Satin with Cream Luster Seed Beads |
Edge Bead Necklace Kit
The Edge Bead Necklace Kit comes in 4 color ways.
1) Antique Gold & Lt. Beige Satin with Black Beads
2) Coral & Peach Satin with Silver Lined Red Beads
3) Royal & Purple Satin with Silver Lined Purple Beads
4) Plum Satin with Multi Color Matte AB Beads
5) Lt. Beige with Cream Luster Beads (NEW)
Kit includes: 10 yards of Satin (if 2 colors then 5 yards of each color), one set of 6 mm All in One magnetic end caps (silver color), 1 tube seed beads, illustrated instructions.
I have provided enough cord to make up to a 20" necklace; my preference is closer to 17". (Finished lengths include end cap assemblies). The instructions are written for the longest length but you can easily adjust the size to any length simply by choosing where you want to finish and trim the ends.
Cost $14.00 Click here to go to Kumihimo Project Kits.
|
| Kumihimo Tip #9 |
The Original
magnetic clasp with attached end caps
 I just wanted to share some info about magnetic closures. I have purposely chosen magnets that are quite strong as I don't want any of us to lose our wonderful creations. I've tried lots of different magnets and have found some that look great but the magnetic force is so weak that the magnet comes apart very easily. I've lost a few bracelets this way.
Here's the tip - If you get in the habit of sliding the magnets apart as opposed to pulling them apart you will find them much easier to manage. This will also prevent you from pulling the magnets out of the closure and you won't compromise your jump rings. Give it a try and see if this makes it easier for you.
Available in Silver and Gold Plated; three sizes - 4mm, 6mm and 8mm. The Original is also available with Hook & Eye clasp.
All in One
magnetic clasp and end caps
This new style works beautifully and it's easier to use once you have attached the end cap to your braid end.
Available in Silver and Gold Plated; two sizes- 4 mm and 6 mm. $2.00 each
Let me know what you think.
|
| WHAT A KNIT is on FACEBOOK | |
Click on the "Like us on Facebook" button below. Check it out. Leave comments. Thank you to all of you that "Liked Me" on Facebook. And thank you to those of you that wrote recommendations. |
| Shopping | |
I have 5 "Kumihimo Shops" to meet all of your Kumihimo needs. All orders are through PayPal (or use the credit card option) and I ship orders via USPS First Class Mail. This has been amazingly reliable and incredibly fast. Most orders are shipped the same day I receive them.
Don't forget...I'm gone until the 26th of February. When I return, all orders will be filled and shipped in the order in which they are received. (I haven't trained my husband to be my shipping clerk ...yet). |
| WHAT A KNIT ! Newsletter Archives |
For those of you that are new to What A Knit, you'll find some good info in the archived newsletters.
January 2012
All Newsletters 2011
If you have any friends that might be interested in receiving this newsletter, make sure you forward them a copy. Click this link to
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
