Kumi-U Club in 2023 1st Wednesday of the Month Zoom Meeting Members will be able to attend the live 1.5 to 2-hour meeting on the 1st Wednesday of every month. During the meeting Adrienne review any new tutorials and be available to answer questions about new or previous classes. The meeting may also include live technique demos, kumihimo tips and an inspiring Show & Tell. The meetings will be recorded and available with lifetime access to all Kumi-U Club members. What does this cost to join the Kumi-U Club? The monthly membership is $20 and includes: Live attendance at the 1st Wednesday Zoom meeting. For those who can not attend, the Zoom recording will be posted within 48 hours with lifetime access. Access to the growing library of Project Tutorials featuring a variety of fiber and beaded braid projects. They include step-by-step downloadable PDF instructions and/or videos. The tutorials are designed to make it easy for all skill levels to make the project yet challenge braiders to advance their knowledge and skills. Perfect for working on whenever you want at your own pace. Priority registration and discounts for all virtual classes. Some of these classes will only be offered to Kumi-U Club members. First option on Adrienne’s limited edition kits and supplies. Access to over 40 of Adrienne’s recorded Video Technique Classes that cover a variety of essential techniques for both fiber and beaded braids. Kumi-U Club FAQs How do members access the Monthly Zoom meetings? Date & Time: The 1st Wednesday of each month at 7pm Eastern Time. Plan on 1 1/2 to 2 hours. The Zoom link will be emailed to all Kumi-U Club members the day before the meeting. The link will also be available on the Kumi-U page on the website under Upcoming Kumi-U Club Events. What if I can’t attend the live meeting? The zoom recording will be posted (generally within 48 hours) under your courses by the date of the meeting. Members will have lifetime access to the recording even if they cancel their membership. What are on-demand Project Tutorials? The Project Tutorials are on the website on the Project Tutorials page. They include complete instructions with supply lists for fiber and beaded braid projects. New project tutorials will posted throughout the year. As long as you have a current Kumi-U Club membership you will have access to the growing library of the project tutorials. If I was a previous member will I still have access to my Courses? Yes, you will have lifetime access to all of the courses that occurred during your membership period.

Do you have one or both of my DVDs for learning how to make beaded braids on the marudai? Maybe you no longer have a DVD player. Or, perhaps you missed out and did not get them before they sold out. Well – good news! The recordings from both of my DVDs are now available on the KumihimoResource.com website – NO DVD PLAYER NEEDED! Each DVD will be available on the KumihimoResource.com website – no DVD player needed – and will featuring the full length, one hour video from the original DVD with lifetime access. All sales will include periodic updates for new tips & tricks. After purchase, students will receive a link to downloadable PDFs for all the braid structures that are demonstrated on the video. Don’t know about my DVDs? Instead of me telling you about them read what others have to say. Barb Gores, Tucson, AZ I was so impressed with your DVDs that I had to write a review. But, for anyone who doesn’t want to read the review then “Don’t Hesitate, Just Buy Them!” Whether you are a complete novice or an experienced braider, Adrienne Gaskell’s two new DVDs, “Learn Beaded Kumihimo on the Marudai”, and “More Beaded Kumihimo on the Marudai”, are invaluable tools for anyone interested in or already practicing kumihimo on a marudai. I have been working on my own marudai for over 3 years now and been very fortunate to have taken many classes from Adrienne during that time. I was quite surprised by how much information was packed into these and also by how much I learned (or relearned!) from both of these DVDs. In the first DVD, “Learn Beaded Kumihimo on the Marudai”, Adrienne reviews basic tools and supplies along with the quick and easy set-up of the marudai for braiding, including all of her tips and tricks that ensure your success from start to finish. In the second DVD, “More Beaded Kumihimo on the Marudai”, Adrienne goes into more detail regarding different techniques for braiding with beads including secrets of continuous beaded braids demonstrating four different patterns. Adrienne’s warm, patient and reassuring teaching style really shines on both DVDs. Her pacing is excellent – never too fast or overwhelming for the viewer, yet so packed with the exact tips and necessary information one needs to be successful in creating beaded braids on the marudai. Both DVDs are very professionally done in terms of excellent camera angles, lighting and clear audio, giving the viewer exactly the perspective they need from the point of braiding. Whether you are learning the marudai on your own or have the opportunity to learn from an instructor in person, these DVDs are an excellent preparation tool. Watching these DVDs is a pleasure and leaves you with the same confidence you feel when Adrienne is right beside you in her classes. These DVDs are the next best thing to having her there! Monica Campbell, EdM, Philo, IL Adrienne Gaskell’s Learn Beaded Kumihimo DVD series has helped me grow as a kumista. In these DVD’s, Adrienne shares all the important information as well as a plethora of helpful tips and tricks. I finally have answers to the beaded kumihimo questions I’ve been asking for years. The first DVD teaches the essentials in an easy-to-understand, hands-on manner. Adrienne’s instructions are clear. She demonstrates each step in real time and the camera clearly shows all the details. Most importantly, Adrienne explains the “why” of the steps. As an educator, I value any teacher who takes the time to explain not only how to perform an action but also why the steps are important. The second DVD is truly the icing on the cake that lets your beaded kumihimo creativity soar. Adrienne takes what appears to be impossibly difficult and explains the steps in an almost conversational manner. After I finished watching, I felt truly empowered and confident to take my beaded kumihimo skills to a new level. I enjoy kumihimo braiding more now than ever before. I truly value Adrienne’s skill and expertise. And I respect her professionalism and creativity. I recommend this DVD series to every person interested in beaded kumihimo, whether you use a marudai or disk. Paula Casey, Scottsdale, AZ Dear Adrienne, Thank you for producing a fabulous instructional video.  About a year ago, I purchased two kits from you hoping to teach myself how to use the Marudai.  Okay, a bit intimidating and the books in the marketplace did not quite cut it for me.  Today, given the heat here in Arizona, I locked my studio and watched the video while working the love knot kit.  Hooray, it was an instant success. I could not believe how fast vs the bead crochet I typically work on.  And after 9 hand surgeries, no pain or strain.  I love it. So from the bottom of my heart and happy hands, thank you again.  Perhaps one day you will teach on this side of the country. P.S. I ordered that nifty counterweight.  Very cool. Ellen Hegarty, Las Vegas, NV This DVD was life changing for me. Thanks to Adrienne’s gracious recommendation, I ordered my Marudai from Braider’s Hand. I then tried teaching myself with the aid of books and watching a few YouTube videos, but finally gave up. I never lost interest in learning this craft though and fortunately discovered this DVD. It is SO easy to follow and addresses many of the concerns I had. I especially love the idea of “training wheels” while I am learning. The overhead placement of the camera is AWESOME. Thank you to Adrienne and all those involved in creating this top-notch production. Debbie Mutter, Miami, FL Whether  you are new to Kumihimo or an experienced braider, there is something for everyone in Adrienne Gaskell’s videos, “Learn Beaded Kumihimo on the Marudai,” and “More Beaded Kumihimo on the Marudai.”  With Adrienne’s expertise, she takes a step by step approach to teaching how to appropriately use a marudai to create amazing braids. It can seem intimidating at times to use the marudai, yet Adrienne uses a welcoming style and takes the mystery right out of it.  Her lessons are also presented in a clear, logical, and understandable way.  It is honestly a real treat to watch this artist braid and be able to follow along the way.  Thanks Adrienne for creating such a wonderful resource. Debra Gurtler, Olympia, WA I wanted to let you know that your instructions on the DVD were among the clearest and informative I have encountered.  I have taught classes in the past (polymer, surface design, sewing) and always tried to put myself in the place of a novice.  Your explanations were very clear and the camera point of view very helpful. Thanks.

Back in-stock soon! Email Adrienne to get your name on the wait list. They are made in small batches and sell out fast! When Would You Use a Baby Takadai™? Although the Baby Takadai™ can be used as an introduction to a full size takadai, many braiders find it handy to own both pieces of equipment. They each have their own uses, as well as advantages and disadvantages. The Baby Takadai™ was never intended to replace it’s grown up parent. For instance, if you want to make a very long braid such as an obijime or a braid wider than about 2 inches, the Baby Takadai™ would not be the best choice. However, it is great for making short, narrow braids to be used in my jewelry designs, especially necklaces and bracelets. What are the Advantages of the Baby Takadai™? • It’s small. It fits in most work spaces. • It’s easy to set up. Since the warps are shorter you’ll get to spend more time braiding. • It’s portable. You can pack it flat for travel or storage. Assembly is quick and easy. Baby Takadai™ in detail • Wide space for wrapping the braid, width is 1 7/8 inches. • Stable, reinforced connections, no need to glue or permanently join the connecting parts. • 3D printed plastic koma: . 1. The first and last pin on each koma are positioned at the very end of the koma so that there is no unusable space between koma. 2. Comes with 10 small koma making easy to advance them in the rail the same as a larger version. As the back koma become empty they are moved to the front. But – wait – there’s more • Made of hard wood maple and quality craftsmanship ensuring a lifetime of use. • The Baby Takadai™ is very portable with quick assembly. It packs flat making it a perfect travel companion. Although there are only two screws to hold it all together the expert engineering ensures stability while working. Interested in learning more about using the Baby Takadai™? Getting Started Videos by Giovanna Imperia, Free to AKS members on the American Kumihimo Society (AKS) website Connecting Warp to Baby Takadai™ Giovanna Imperia walks you through the process of attaching your warp or bundle of fibers to the Baby Takadai™ in preparation for braiding. Connecting Warp to Bobbins This video by Giovanna Imperia contains the explanation of how to attach the bobbins to the fiber bundles on the Baby Takadai™ Setting Up the Wound Bobbins on the Baby Takadai™ After the wound bobbins are on the Baby Takadai™, Giovanna Imperia explains how to determine the proper length for each warp. Anda Gumi 101 Giovanna Imperia demonstrates how to create an Anda Gumi or 1-1 braid, the basic braid that is made on the takadai. 2-2 Twill Braid Giovanna Imperia demonstrates doing the 2-2 twill on the Baby Takadai™ 3-3 Twill Giovanna Imperia demonstrates how to complete a 3-3 twill on the Baby Takadai™ What Else Will You Need? Included with the Baby Takadai™ are 10 plastic koma (6 pin), 5 fit on each of the side rails. You will also receive a thin skewer. This is in case you need to replace any of the stop pins at the four corners of the rails. The pins are pressure fitted rather than glued so that they can be easily replaced in case any of them get damaged. Bobbins (tama) are not included: We recommend using weighted plastic bobbins with extra washers to increase their weight. Giovanna recommends 34 to 45 grams for most projects. Simply pop out the 24 gram washer, insert the 10 gram washer and then replace the 24 gram washer. Viola – now your bobbin is 34 grams. LINK to Weighted bobbins: 23 – 24 grams Link to Bobbin Washers: 10 grams Sword is not included: Braiders told us that a sword is a very personal choice. Giovanna recommends weaving swords, a shed stick, pick up stick or even a long letter opener. Look for one with a good point and smooth angled sides. The sword should be about 10 to 15 in. (25 – 37.5cm) long. Try searching Etsy and Amazon for sources. I bought mine for $16 from Wiener Dog Ranch Amazon. Shipping Outside the USA I will be happy to ship outside of the USA. Overseas shipping charges will be calculated after the order is placed. Simply purchase the Baby Takadai, then you will be contacted to approve additional shipping charges if applicable. Who Should Buy a Baby Takadai™? Braiders as well as weavers enjoy using the Baby Takadai™. It is recommended for anyone who currently works on a disk or marudai. It is perfect for anyone who wants to advance their knowledge of braiding to include other equipment but may not have the space or budget for a full size takadai. A good imagination and creative spirit are helpful but not required! Enjoy your braiding journey, Adrienne History of the Baby Takadai™ Back in late 2020, in the midst of COVID, the first Baby Takadai™ was born. I designed this new piece of braiding equipment to be used as a tabletop version of a full scale takadai. The idea came to me after I purchased a very small Japanese model of a takadai. It was meant to make small takadai braids. However, it did not really look or work like a full scale takadai. So I set my mind to designing one that would closely resemble, but more importantly braid like my full size takadai. Another goal was portability which the Japanese model did not offer. I wanted to take a dozen or so to class and introduce students to takadai braids that they could use in jewelry projects. After 2 years of experimenting and lots of consulting with Makiko Tada and Giovanna Imperia, I finally had the design for my Baby Takadai™.