Main events 

The Berlin main event back in March 2020 was leaving the UK and moving to Nanaimo, British Columbia for good. We arrived just as Lockdown was announced and are still surprised that 2+ years would pass with so many limitations. Now in 2026, we are really finding our "tribe" in Nanaimo and thoroughly enjoying Life on the Island. I have even done some teaching locally.

Our downstairs workshop is fully functioning and Peter has found some 12" wide walnut boards which have made larger than usual marudais. He made three in purple heart as well. Yum! He finds interesting wood to make the bobbins/tama, including the very local arbutus and garden contributions from neighbours. Luckily we have a storage room to dry the sticks of wood.

An exciting development and ticking a Bucket List box for me, was being accepted as a member of Artisans' Studio, a co-op gallery/shop here in Nanaimo. Members work a few days each month in the shop so I have been learning a lot with the help of colleagues. I sold my first necklace to a very kind (and discerning!) lady from New York. It was very satisfying for this more-of-a-teacher than a "maker". In August we made a window display of recycled-repurposed materials and I was able to sell my bracelets made of foam off-cuts. Most satisfying!

Gathering 2026 

September 23 - 26, 2026 in Minneapolis/St Paul

The last conference was wonderful and this one will be too, organised along the same lines. Everything is under one roof in a hotel, so there are public spaces to meet, food along the corridor and probably easy access to check out other workshops as well as your own. Three Japanese tutors will be on hand, as well as some N. American favourites. Including me! Check out the classes at American Kumihimo Society.

 

 

 

 

Marudai braiding stand in hardwood. The usual diameter is 10 inches.

Usually available: maple, cherry, walnut - $150

Special: padauk, purple heart, curly maple, jatoba, sapele, depending on when we can get the wood - $160

Larger marudais, when available. 11+ inches, sometimes, 12 inches - $180