It has been noted
elsewhere
in the site about maintaining a Temari Notebook. People do it or not,
and
in different manners - some keep a journal, written and photographic of
work they have done which is fine; but even more valuable and useful is
keeping a working pattern notebook. This is routinely done by Japanese
Temari crafters, and in Japan one can purchase a bound blank book made
just for this purpose - unfortunately this notebook is available only
from the Temari Museum in Tokyo and is not shipped or sold elsewhere-
that includes preprinted charts for pattern diagrams. It should also be
noted that included in the Temari Crafter
Certification, by the Japan Temari Association in Tokyo, is the ability
to record and transmit patterns in a manner that others can indeed
follow what is being done.
The closest blank book here in
the west is a Note-Sketch book that you can get at art supply
stores. It divides each page into halves; one is left blank for drawing
and sketching, and the other is narrow-lined for notes. This sets
up nicely for verbal notes as well as pattern diagrams and sketches -
as well as
attaching photos or prints of the completed ball. See the NoteSketch
link
on the Supplies page
on
the site.
In general, the types of information
that you would include per project are: pattern diagram(s) of how to
stitch, finished pattern sketch or photo, size of mari, what was used
to wrap and mark the divisions, what threads and colors used in
stitching, perhaps how long it took to make, and any special thoughts
or tips you encountered while making it as well as general text
instructions to support any drawings or diagrams. You may also want to
include the date that you made it and whether you gave it to someone,
etc. As you progress you may want to begin to catalog your patterns so
that you can easily locate them again. Regular and colored
pencils are great for diagramming - or whatever you are comfortable
with. Other styles of notebook keeping include three ring binders with
info sheets, or even computer based files.
==========
Recently this message was posted from Sue H, our resident Japanese
Resource
who has lived in Japan and studied Temari there:
"NOTEBOOKS: mention was made of keeping a notebook. This is one aspect of temari that I heartily endorse. Ginny has the cover of the Japanese Temari Association notebook listed on her page of temari book covers (last one at the bottom with the yellow cover). It is ideal, having an assortment of blank and pre-lined forms for you to draw your pattern in, and plenty of space around the edges for writing in the details. In the 10 combination (C10) section, it is prefaced by a wonderful measurement list to guide you for the pin placement on your ball.
Tips that I have found useful in keeping notes on each ball include listing what color base and threads were used, making the notes and drawings in colored pencil or pen, use numbers on the drawing to indicate stitch order, and include a photo or two of the completed ball.
Why should you keep a notebook - especially if
you
are following directions from a pattern in English? As many of us
have discovered, some of the directions given by different authors are
confusing, or just plain wrong. By making an attempt to explain
the
design in your own words, you will understand the pattern in greater
depth,
you can take note of any quirks and things to watch for, and
eventually,
you will get better at understanding how a design was made by looking
at
the ball, even if you do not have written instructions." - Sue H.
===========
I've ended up with three options - one Notesketch book with how-to pattern information (by pencil sketch); one detailed written record of Temaris made, and whether given as gifts or sold, resource information, and Temari contacts; and also a photo album of completed Temaris. Here's a glimpse of my pattern notebook: