Saturday, October 17, 2009

Kumihimo with Custom Dyed Silk



Earlier this year I ordered some silk thread from Flo at Queen Creek Supply. It was a bit of an adventure: I wanted specific colors, and we had to come up with a color standard that we could both see and that wouldn't be affected by variations in computer monitors. Flo, genius that she is, suggested that I pick out paint samples at a local home improvement store and send her the color numbers. I had so much fun just playing with the little paint cards, it took me nearly a week to decide on colors for the thread.

I love the way the threads turned out! The colors are terrific, not bright or bold, but subdued and elegant. I've braided two kumihimo necklaces so far, one in light and dark green, and one in warm brown and tangerine. I've got a nice lot of colors left to work with, so you can expect more necklaces in the next few months.

I'll be ordering from Flo again, so if you've got a specific color request just let me know. She also dyes a variety of silk ribbons and cords, and I'm anxious to work with something with more bulk than this fine thread. The shop is closed through the rest of this month, but have a look a November--Flo's dyed silk is gorgeous!