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Broiderie Stitch

Midnight Teal Lotus Flower Temari Poi

Midnight Teal Lotus Flower Temari Poi

Regular price $364.75 USD
Regular price Sale price $364.75 USD
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These poi are a very unique flow toy made by hand in a lotus flower pattern, using the Japanese method uwugake chidori, a technique traditionally reserved for temari. They are heavy enough for stalls and isolations, and spin beautifully. The pair above is a gorgeous rich teal and silver on black. 

Poi originate from the South Pacific, and they have long been used in dance and as a hunting weapon. They are whirled around the body in beautiful, flowing patterns, sometimes appearing to hover in midair or dance around the performer. If you've ever seen someone spin them, or spun them yourself, you know just how magical it can be.

Temari is a Japanese technique of embroidering a thread ball with brilliant colors in a geometric pattern. They were originally made for children to play with, but have since evolved into an art form in their own right.

But what happens when you put the two together? Some of the most beautiful poi you've ever seen. Each poi is about four ounces (although if you prefer heavier or lighter poi, that's okay too) with a paracord handle. Then they are wrapped with yarn to add bulk and a bit of squish, and finally with about 500 yards of sewing thread - each! After the poi are created and made perfectly round, the fun part happens. Metallic marking threads are laid down, and the colorful design is begun. Using several different colors, the design is woven and then finished with matching metallic thread. This process can take up to 25 hours of labor! Finally, the poi are completed, and handles are made and attached. Poi heads are about 3 1/2 inches in diameter.

Your name, the title of the poi design, and the date the poi are formed is inked onto the linen cloth that wraps the very center of these poi. You'll never see it - but it will be there for future generations.

These poi come as a set of two. Please pick your primary color (teal in the photo). This will be the flower of the design.  Also you'll need your base color (black pictured). Then pick your metallic color (silver in the photo) which will be the color of the marking threads and outline. Handles can be either knobs, embroidered like the ones above, or another design - just contact me and we'll work something out. Handles are adjustable and come approx. 38 inches long, so you can shorten as needed. The weight of the heads is customizable as well; if you don't have a preference we'll make them about 4 oz. each. Shipping includes tracking and insurance.

These are made completely by hand, and therefore totally customizable! If you've got an idea, color scheme, or any questions, feel free to shoot me a message! I carry the entire solid line of DMC embroidery floss here in my studio (453 different colors) and I can send you a PDF of the color card upon request.

Care information

Linen handkerchiefs may be washed via delicate cycle in a washing machine (no bleach) or for best results, by hand. Iron hot, with steam, on the backside of the work. Any stitches pushed out of place from the iron can gently be prodded back into place. A cotton or mesh laundry bag will help protect your piece from getting snagged.

Temari should not be washed, just dusted if necessary. If needed, you can wet a cloth in hot water and wring it out quite well, and use that to spot-wash. Temari are made of fibers all the way through, so a wash or soak would mean that the inside would never dry.

Our embroidered blankets are made with wool, and should be handwashed gently in cool water.

Goldwork embroidery should only be washed by a professional. Other embroidery is best cleaned as for temari (especially framed hoop work) though wearable accessories may be put through the wash on a gentle cycle or hand washed.

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Customer Reviews

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R
Roland

Jackie outdid herself on these stunning customized Lotus Flower Pois. I picked three different shades of teal with silver details. They are spinning great and look even more beautiful in reality than any photo could show. On top of that, Jackie was extremely helpful and kind in the customization process.

Embroidered letters in progress in hoop, a woman in a purple shirt is embroidering them by hand onto a linen handkerchief

Further Customization

Working by hand allows us to customize your order in ways not possible with an embroidery machine. For custom designs, click the Chat button at bottom right and let us know what you'd like.