Kumihimo in a Heatwave

Kumihimo watermelon necklace

We are all sweltering here in the UK as we experience the longest heatwave for 7 years, so I thought I would make something really cooling … a watermelon necklace. I think it shows a more playful use of Kumihimo braiding. I wish I could claim this braid pattern as my own unique design, but I have seen lots of versions on the internet, ranging from simple 8 warp Round Braids to 36 warps with lots of detail. This is a 20 warp braid made with chinese knotting cord. I think it goes really well with the watermelon beads, which have been lurking in my bead stash for some time.