Barbara B. Suess, Bio
Barbara was first introduced to temari in the late 1980s while living with her husband and young daughter in Yokohama, Japan. Those four years in the Far East were filled with many happy times spent sharing her love of quilting, sewing, and embroidery with Japanese friends. Upon returning to the US, she tried making her first temari and quickly became enthralled with the range and beauty of temari patterns. A self-taught expert, it was not long before she expanded her talents to writing temari patterns, teaching classes, and creating temari-inspired jewelry.
Publications
- Temari Workbook of Divisions and Markings, published in conjunction with the Japan Temari Association of Tokyo, Japan, in 2015.
- Temari Techniques, A Visual Guide to making Japanese Embroidered Thread Balls, published in 2012 by Breckling Press
- Japanese Temari, A Colorful Spin on an Ancient Craft, published in 2007 by Breckling Press
- Japanese Kimekomi, Fast, Fun, and Fabulous Fabric Handballs, co-authored with Kathleen M. Hewitt and published in 2008 by Breckling Press
- Time Honored Japanese Crafts Come Together in a Joyous Partnership published in Selvedge Magazine, May, 2016.
- A New Canvas for Your Lovely Stitches published on April, 2008, in Creative Needle Magazine
- Oliver Twist Temari published in April, 2009, in Inspirations Magazine (Australia)
Organizations
- Japan Temari Association. Barbara acheived the top level of certification, Kyoujyu (Master, Level 4) in 2015.
Teaching
- JTA Curriculum Online Courses are ongoing.
- Embroiderers’ Guild of America –50th Anniversary Golden Gala in Louisville, Kentucky (2008), Rocky Mountain Region Seminar in Denver, Colorado (2011), and many chapter classes through the years. Temari Group Correspondence Courses are also available through EGA.
- John C. Campbell Folk School – Brasstown, North Carolina
- Shining Needle Society – online classes
Education
- Colorado State University - BS in Horticulture Landscape Design in 1980
- Wake Technical College– certificates in Adobe computer programs