TemariKai Smorgasball Menus

Try a "Smorgasball" Temari

        At the NY Stitchin in 2007, the weekend project was designed to get people's creative juices flowing when it comes to creating your own design composition. Make no mistake - replicating designs from Japanese and English books, web resources and so forth is indeed how we learn - the time honored tradition of seeing and doing in the footsteps of our masters. This is how we learn the traditional, historical methods and stitches along with traditional designs and patterns - and there is nothing to substitute for that.

        Yet, as we gain experience, part of that learning also becomes getting a grip on how to combine these techniques in ways that are new to us as individuals - creating our own compositions. (Indeed, the main requisite for Level 3 Shihan/Master certification in the Japanese Temari Association is that you must submit 8 original design compositions for judging). Now - this is not to be confused with "reinventing the wheel" - people have and always will have similar thoughts, ideas, etc., and sooner or later you will see those "overlap" just by the laws of probability. Nor is it about "inventing something never seen before". The point is for us all to push ourselves a bit to the next levels, and begin using our acquired skills in more challenging ways, when each is ready. You'll also find that you'll continue to gain deeper understanding of stitches and techniques as you stretch yourself in trying to combine them in ways that you are deciding, not following someone else's ways.

       The 2007 Stitchin project revolved around each person supplied a wrapped mari, and a pre-chosen set of threads to mark and stitch with (not until the day began did they know what the project was). At the Stitchin they were given a sectioned listing of basic temari skills, set up like a "make your own dinner combo plate" menu - thus, the "Take Out Temari" project was dubbed (thanks to Heather) the Smorgasball. Each participant was to choose at least one method, stitch or technique from each column of the "menu" (you could also add elements not listed - the list was a jump start for everyone) and stitch a design composition using those elements - but not follow a pre-destined pattern from a book or other source. They could view resources as inspiration, but not copy something. There was no time limit - though at the end of the day we did tour around to see how each was progressing and had everyone share their thoughts on what they were heading to.

        I admit that when I introduced the project at 9am, I wasn't sure I was going to survive to see lunch :>P   - - there were a lot of grumbles, grumpings, moanings and downright glares. But - as the morning and day continued on, it turned out that by golly, circuits were clicking, juices were flowing, light bulbs were going on - all over the room. And, much to my pleasure and surprise, after everyone returned home they continued to finish their designs and we had a good discussion thread on TalkTemari about how the exercise landed with everyone. Many people have since followed on, wanting to try a Smorgasball on their own, or using the concept in their own stitching gatherings. While not every person was comfortable about "thinking under the gun" - which is understandable since some of us ponder longer times when planning what to stitch - everyone in the end did admit that they learned a lot about themselves, about what they did or didn't have in their stitching repertoires, and most importantly - that they COULD really compose their own designs without being dependent upon following someone else's all the time. And by golly - they had fun doing it!

Want to try your own Smorgasball? Here's a "starter menu" for you -

TemariKai.com Smorgasball Sample Menu
Column A	Column B	Column C
Simple Division	Chidori Kagari	Partial Uwagake
Combination 8 Division	Uwagake Chidori Kagari	Interwoven elements
Create extra faces (need not be symmetric)	Shitagake Chidori Kagari	Interlocked elements
Create multiple centers	Wrapped Bands	Vary thread spacing
Add extra marking lines	Solid shapes/polygons	Free embroidery
Remove some marking lines	Open shapes/polygons	Stitch edge to center
Stitch "off the grid"	Tri-wing	Vertical vs Horizontal
Use different thread types	Spindles	Straight stitch embellish
	Sakasa Uwagake Kagari	Woven detail

We're purposely not showing any examples since, of course the point is for you to come up with your own, not follow someone else.... just give it a try and you'll be amazed at yourself!