I hope by now you have learned of Sarah Robinson as you have visited pages on TemariKai. Sarah was a beloved charter member of the web readership as well as TalkTemari. She was an expert stitcher and also had an uncanny knack to be able to interpret designs from the Japanese books. She was always challenging us all to higher levels of creativity while sharing and supporting all the way. Sadly, Sarah was taken from us far too soon by lung cancer even though she waged a valiant battle. In the weeks just after Sarah's passing, her step-daughter (also named Sarah) contacted us through the TemariKai guestbook - you see, "little" Sarah had begun to learn temari from "Big" Sarah. As much as we were mourning it was a joy to come to know Sarah B(eard), and we became fast friends. Our dream became for Sarah B. to be able to come to the US for a visit (she resides in the United Kingdom).

        That dream came true with Sarah B. coming to the Temari NY Stitchin in April 2004. In the months leading up to our visit Sarah B. and her dad Peter Robinson (Big Sarah's hubby) talked about how they wished that they could share Big Sarah's Temari notebook - Sarah R. had taken lessons in Tokyo while ported there with Peter's career station, and then went on to start a temari stitching group when they settled in Cyprus.  I said that I would try to help. Sarah B., Peter and I "huddled" and the Sarah's Book: Sarah Robinson's Temari Notebook Project was born.

        Sarah B. (who inherited the treasure) brought it with her when she came for the StitchIn and it was copied under high quality. I suggested converting to a digital "book" on CD - since this would be the most effective way to keep cost and shipping low while providing a quality item. In lieu of Peter's desire that I "not lose out" as he put it in terms of my time (which ended up being over 100 hours to copy, scan, edit, refine and convert each page to Adobe PDF format as well as composing the supporting documents, securing the additional persons needed and the year it took! ) to make it happen, I proposed an alternative. The CD would be offered for a donation to The Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston MA USA so that we could not only share Sarah's notes but also try to help support cancer treatments and cures. All services needed to produce Sarah's Book beyond the actual CD reproduction and shipping have been donated so that full net proceeds will be forwarded to Dana Farber. Many of TalkTemari's members have been touched either directly or indirectly with cancer so this project is near and dear to many.

        Sarah's Book: Sarah Robinson's Temari Notebook is a CD composed of Adobe PDF files of her notes, so that it is compatible with all computer platforms. There are 76 interpreted pattern pages (it's important to note that these are not original patterns of Sarah's but come from her teachers and previously published Japanese books etc, as she composed her own notes for them). They range from basic beginner to some that will challenge the most advanced stitcher. There is also a page of Kanji characters and phrase translations that Sarah was able to compose as she worked from the Japanese books. Not only does Sarah's Book provide pattern interps to work but it also will show you what keeping a temari notebook is all about. Any or all of the pages may be printed to create your own hard copy if you desire. Most everyone already has a copy of the free Adobe Reader on your computer but current versions are also included on the CD; they may also be downloaded (free of charge) from the Adobe website. The CD distribution (ordering, burning from my master and shipping) is being managed by Cafe Press - the CDs are professionally reproduced on pro-quality discs, with a printed logo. It comes in a jewel case with covers and a  four page insert telling more of our story, thoughts from Peter and Sarah B., and related information. Helpful documentation on using the CD is also included.

         A purchase price of $17.50 plus s/h is being asked - it is our belief that Sarah would want this available to as many temari crafters as possible. This covers the CD and a fixed donation. If you would like you may make an additional donation to Dana Farber Cancer Institute above the minimum being requested for the CD, you may and we thank you very, very much (email for more info on how to do this).  Full disclosure of accounting to prove proceeds to DFI will be available upon request. It is with the utmost joy, and sincere thanks that we offer Sarah's Book to you.

       Beginning in the  fall 2005, a percentage of net profits of the sale of Temarikai calendars and Screensavers V3/2006 will also will be directed to the Sarah's Book Project.  To date (January 2007), a total of $1850.00 has been raised and sent to Dana Farber Cancer Institute from the combined sales of Sarah's Book, calendars and screensavers.



To make the basic donation:
 Click here to order Sarah's Book CD  (you will be taken to the TemariKai Cafe Press store).


If you prefer to not enter into an online transaction you may call in an order to Cafe Press:  To order by phone call toll-free (877) 809-1659 and order Product Number: 14049124. This will be for a CD purchase and basic donation.

Electronic Delivery now available: You may order Sarah's Book and accept electronic delivery (please note that this is recommended only if you have a highspeed/broadband internet connection such as cable or DSL). The purchase price of $9.00US is the basic donation to Dana Farber plus electronic transaction fees. You will receive all of the same files contained in the hardcopy version as well as a file containing the case cover and insert material. The electronic delivery version DOES NOT include Adobe Readers so please be sure that you have or download your own copy of the reader.

For those not wishing to use any of these online  options,  click here for a printable form - you may send a check with your specifications and we'll complete it for you.

        It has been an honor and joy, and deeply touched me to be a part of this. None of it would have happened without Peter and Sarah B. generously offering to share; nor would it have been possible without the help of Sue, Sue, Kathy and Diane all along the way. To you all, thank you, more than can be put into words. To those ordering Sarah's Book - thank you for your support of the Sarah's Book Project. Not only are you helping to support cancer research but you will also be keeping Sarah's legacy alive and with us.