Advanced Beginner / Download PDF file of this pattern
 |
Dragonflies
This is a very easy themed temari - it all sets up from the 8 Combination marking. This design is a loose interpretation of a traditional crane temari pattern taught in the classes by the Japan Temari Association in Tokyo. The cranes have morphed into dragonflies for this one, stitched simply in Ribbon Floss. Alternatively, several lines of pearl cotton could be substituted for the Ribbon Floss but, the luster and shine effect from the Ribbon Floss will be lost, which adds a good level of effect to the dragonfly. |
 |
Prepare, divide and mark a 8 Combination mari;
a dark background is best, such as black, navy or dark green, but
other interpretations
could work. (this is about a 3 inch diameter ball as shown - you can go
a little smaller, but not too much). Locate the diamond shapes that are formed - there will be 12, as a result of the C8 division. One dragonfly will be stitched in each diamond. |
 |
Using 1 strand of ribbon floss, stitch long
straight stitches in an "X" as shown (in gray), to form the wings of
the dragonflies. Use two stitches each for each wing set as shown. Use
three long stitches for the body, as shown in yellow. Stagger the
lengths of these stitches to give a head and tail effect. Be sure to
lay the ribbon floss flat as you stitch and avoid any twisting - if it
twists it will be a big blooper in the design effect. With thinner gold thread, place a cross stitch across the body and wing stitches to hold them in place - don't pull it too tight. Place 2 long stitches on the shorter end of the body, since this is the head end - these long stitches will form the antennae. Stitch a dragonfly in each of the 12 diamonds on the mari. You can vary the colors of the body stitches or make them all the same. Try to use a white or gray for the wings to simulate the transparency of a real dragonfly wing. (with thanks to Sue H. for the traditional pattern this was interpreted from). |