Say "Hello" with Crazy Patch

Hello, my name is... often starts an introduction or is printed on self-stick name tags as a way to begin a conversation and get to know someone. At the April 6 guild meeting, Riverbend Fiber Arts guild members will be using threads, fabrics, fibers and other embellishments to make their guild name badges. 

The program coinciding with this project will focus on the "Crazy Patch" method of combining fabric patchwork with fanciful embroidery embellishments.

Crazy Patch embroidered block.

Come and follow along with the demonstration on Crazy Patch. To make a name tag using this technique, bring the following supplies:

• 2 or 3 fabric scraps (cottons, silks, blends, etc.)
• several colors of embroidery thread  or floss that contrasts with your fabrics
• embroidery needle
• scissors

Guild members are encouraged to get creative with their name badges—show off a favorite fabric or fiber technique, or venture into something new. A name tag has a small enough canvas to experiment and try something different. Plastic 4"x 3" name tag sleeves will be available for guild members.

Kumihimo braiding

Kumihimo braiding disk.

Kumihimo, a Japanese form of braid making, was the program at the March meeting of the Riverbend Fiber Arts Guild. These braids can be made with four cords or strands of thread for a basic design, or multiple strands for more complex designs.

Kumi himo is Japanese for "gathered threads." Examples of these decorative and functional cords date back to 1800 BC and can be found in many cultures.

Traditional wooden frames were used by Japanese artisans in a kneeling position. Modernized tools, such as this foam kumihimo disk, are made of lightweight materials and are much more portable and compact.

Basic kumihimo supplies and examples of braided patterns.

Silk threads, with their beautiful reflectance properties are often used for kumihimo, but pearl cotton, yarns, floss, cotton, rayon and metallic threads are other choices that would produce beautiful results.

Pat Keran, the program presenter, explains how to set up the cords
using a North/South/West/East designation.

Today's kumihimo disks have numbers printed on them to facilitate working the proper sequence during the braiding process.

Guild members making kumihimo braids for guild name badges.

Books, references, materials and other how-tos can readily be found on this classic braiding technique.

Examples of books on kuminimo.

The Riverbend Fiber Arts Guild 2013 Challenge, "Recycle—Reuse—Repurpose," was also announced at the March guild meeting.