Temari Mystery Ball Pattern Challenges

            In the idea of mystery quilts, where each quilter is given written instructions for a block and asked to complete a block to be incorporated into a quilt, the members of the Talk Temari Yahoo Group decided that it would be fun to try creating a Temari ball along these guidelines. They are shared here so that it's open to everyone,  so give it a go!  Mystery Balls have a suggested experience level but don't let that put you off. Give it a try and you may surprise yourself! But - if it is a bit more difficult for you, don't be discouraged - with some practice you'll get there, and you know that you are trying a more advanced technique.   If you give it a go, send a photo in and we'll share it on the Myster Ball Examples page so that we can see how they all come out - seeing all the different ones is as much fun as making it. We're also always looking for people to submit for instructions for a Mystery Ball... no gain other than your moment of fame on the site, but you'll have fun doing it!

Mystery Ball, March 2010 / Submitted by Carol C - Advanced Beginner to Intermediate

Thread:  I used DMC #5 in
    DMC 600 – Red
    DMC 48 – Variegated pink
    DMC 699 – Green
    DMC 913 – Light Green

    The red and pink are the flower.  Use what colors you would like.  Think crocus.

Circumference:  26.5 cm (keep it in the 26 – 27cm range)

Wrap:  White

Divisions:  10, no obi

Marking Thread:  DMC 699 (green)

1.  Do simple 10 division with no obi using DMC 699 (green).

2.  For pink spindles, measure down 2.4 cm from the pole on every other line.  Place next pin an additional 2.4 cm down from the 1st pin.  Stitch 1 round DMC 699 for each spindle.  Stitch 8 rounds of DMC 48 (variegated pink) for each spindle.  Outline each spindle with 1 round of DMC 600 (red).  Repeat on opposite lines for the south pole.  When finished you should have a total of 10 spindles on the temari.

3.  For green spindles, measure 1.2 and 2.2 cm down from the bottom of the pink spindle (the pole is considered the top).  Stitch 5 rounds of DMC 699 (green) for each spindle.  Outline each spindle with 1 round of DMC 913 (light green).  When finished the green spindle should touch or almost touch the pink spindle.

4.  Using DMC 699 (green), start at the bottom of a green spindle (the end away from the pink spindle) and do a herringbone stitch to the bottom of the next green spindle all the way around the ball.

5.  Using the same color and working around the north pole, start again at the bottom of a green spindle coming from the south pole and do a herringbone stitch to the bottom of the pink spindle coming from the north pole on the next marking line over.  Then go back up to the bottom of the green spindle on the next marking line.  Continue around the ball.  Repeat for the south pole.

You're done!



Remember - if you work the Mystery Ball we'd love to see what you came up with... there is no right or wrong, each person's interpretation will be different and "right"! - email to send a digital image
Miss out on previous Mystery Balls? They are still available along with sample results - click here



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Last updated 03/2010 ©  1998 - 2010 G.Thompson, etal