I just have to try Temari

                                     
I became so engrossed with temari that I seemed to spend hours on the computer checking out everything I  could find.  The local library didn't have any books on Temari, but managed to get a couple in.  I spent heaps of time studying those and became completely absorbed with the whole subject. 

My biggest problem was that I couldn't find anyone who had even heard of temari, let alone anyone who knew where I could learn how to make a temari ball.

I finally found a site in the U.S. and ordered some prewrapped balls, which are called maris.  A really smart move, when I didn't have a clue about how to even start stitching one!!!

With that order I had enquired if they knew of anyone in Australia that did lessons on temari, and was given the name of Temari Addict in Perth.  Perhaps I should have said Victoria, Australia!!

I did make contact with a lady called Rebecca from Temari Addict and she was very helpful, and gave me a contact in Melbourne who did workshops from time to time.
I was finally getting somewhere, and after all Melbourne was only 300kms away. Just a tad closer than Perth!!

I asked my dear friend, the city Mrs.S.S. if she would do the lesson with me.  She said she'd be happy to have a go. I was so excited about finally being able to learn how to stitch a temari ball. I was like a child waiting for Santa.  I hardly slept the night before.
I didn't know it then, but I think I had already caught the temari bug.

The morning finally dawned. "Today's the day".  Sounds sad for an adult doesn't it, but that was honestly how I felt.  Full of great expectations (to borrow a phrase).

 After only a 2 hour lesson I knew I had caught the fever.  When we returned back to my friends house, I had to keep stitching until I had finished my temari ball.  Then I could hardly wait to drive back home so I could start on one of the balls that I had
ordered from America.

For those of you who stitch temari balls, I'm sure you know how I felt.  It certainly does get you in.  For those who haven't tried, you don't know what you're missing.
It's so rewarding to stitch one of these beautiful balls.  It certainly doesn't matter if it is  a simple design or a complicated design, they are all beautiful.  You can stitch the same design in different colours and it's amazing how it can look so different from the first one.

Here is the pic of my very 1st temari ball.