Braids 2019  will be  held in Iga City, Japan from 13-18 October 2019 organised by the Kumihimo Society of Japan.   Pre-registration for the  conference is available on the Braids 2019 website http://www.braids2019.org/index.html.

If you wish to apply to teach, then select the teaching and/or speaking box and Makiko Tada will send you an application form.    All applications should be submitted by 1^st April 2018.    

Just a gentle reminder that all renewals were due on 1st November 2017.   We are all busy and this type of admin slips our mind.   If you have not renewed yet, you can do so by logging in to the website.   If you have any problems, please let us know using admin@braidsociety.com

If you do not intend to renew, we are sorry to see you go but we would love you to let us know so that we do not send you any further reminders.

This year's AGM will be held in St Mark's Methodist Church, Gloucester Road, Cheltenham, GL51 8PX on Saturday 28th October from 11:30 a.m. (sign-in, sales, display and refreshments from 10:30) until approx 4p.m., with a fascinating guest lecture on "Weaving fabrics that shape themselves" from weaver and author Ann Richards.  Full details and the agenda are in the September newsletter.  Please e-mail secretary@braidsociety.com if you are able to volunteer for one of the vacant committee roles or if there are any issues you wish to raise at the meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENT: AKS Kumihimo Gathering 2017
Makiko Tada, Jacqui Carey, Giovanna Imperia, Adrienne Gaskell, & more. The first annual kumihimo conference sponsored by the American Kumihimo Society. Three full days of braiding classes and an opportunity to learn from acclaimed instructors.
When: October 20th, 21st, & 22nd, 2017
Where: Tampa, Florida: Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore
Complete details @ http://amksoc.org/kumihimo-gathering-2017/

The AGM will be held in the Memorial Hall, Aldbourne, Wiltshire, UK on Saturday 22nd October. The details have been sent out in the September newsletter. If there are any issues that you would like to raise but you are not able to attend, please email secretary at braidsociety.com

There are no resolutions to be discussed and voted on but there are a number of changes to the Braid Society Council. There is still time to volunteer to join the Council. It is your society so anyone who is a member can have a say in how it is run

We look forward to seeing you there.

The proceedings of Braids 2016, Braids, Bands and Beyond is now available for purchase from the Braid Society (outside the USA and Canada) and from Braidershand (braidershand.com) and Giovanna Imperia Designs (giovannaimperia.com) in the USA and Canada.   This wonderful book contains articles relating to all the workshops and talks given at Braids 2016 and is a wonderful addition to anyone's library. 

Final call for registrations for Braids 2016. Registration will close on 31st May 2016.

Due to a few cancellations, there are spaces on some classes that were previously full.

There are still places at Braids 2016 with lots of classes still available covering tablet weaving, inkle weaving, kumihimo, hairwork, bobbin lace and ways to use your braids. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn from some of the best braiders in the world.

For full details go to Braids 2016 option on www.braidsociety.com to download the programme.

During Braids 2016 we will be holding an informal marketplace on Monday and Thursday from 7 to 9 pm.   This will be an opportunity to buy articles and supplies from tutors and attendees.   We recently sent out a request to gauge the interest in being a vendor and we were inundated with responses.   We have worked through the logistics with the University and they are now at maximum capacity and cannot accept any more requests.  Given the nature of the conference, this is not a typical vendor hall however, there will be lots of tempting items and books for sale so do bring your money with you.   The marketplace will be open to the public as well as conference attendees.

The 2016 Travelling Exhibition has the title, Inspired by winter light and landscape

You can interpret the theme as you wish and use whichever braiding technique you fancy.

Perhaps you have started a braid and not quite finished it yet or you have an idea but ran out of time - the deadline has been extended to February 24th to send your entries to Averil Otiv.  The Travelling Exhibition is how we demonstrate to the world what braids look like and what you can do with them.  It is shown at shows all around the UK so we welcome a wide range of techniques.

All full members of the Society can participate.  Long haul members are most welcome to upgrade their membership so their work may be exhibited.

 Please include a photograph and short text of the influence in the creation of the piece.