Dear Friends of AKS,  Registration for the AKS Virtual Gathering 2020 opens for members this Saturday, July 18, 2020 at 12 noon ET. This event is going to be great and we can’t wait! The classes are listed on the website and below are some FAQs. The daily schedule with a complete list of FAQs will be on the website prior to registration.  Yes, Makiko and Masumi will be teaching along with Michael Hattori, Giovanna Imperia, Yin Guang, Adrienne Gaskell, Carolyn Oliver, Rosalie Neilson, Rebecca Combs and Katherine Buenger! Ten teachers and 14 classes! We’re not gonna let the virus stop us from braiding!  All attendees of the Virtual Gathering will be able to attend ALL of the classes and events  FYI – Some of the classes have a limited number of kits available. So, prior to registration (this Saturday) decide which class kits you want. Kits will be purchased at the time of registration and will be sold on a “first come – first served basis.” Other news — – The first AKS Braid Exchange is finished. A short article with pix is below. – Now more than ever AKS needs volunteers to help carryout AKS events and business. See how you can volunteer below! Until next time — – Check the Website often for news and updates – Happy Braiding – Be well and stay safe! Carol Benner Newsletter Editor p.s. Don’t forget about the Braids Not-to-Wear Contest!

AKS Virtual Gathering 2020

Registration opens Saturday, July 18 for AKS Members

Access to 14 New Classes
Presentations
Kits
Interviews with Instructors
Origami
Studio Tours
Coffee Breaks and Happy Hours

When? The first three Saturdays in October 2020. Some classes will be live and some will be pre-recorded.  What if I have to miss something? All events, including classes, will be recorded and available to registrants 48 – 72 hours after they are presented. Where is the Virtual Gathering? In your living room or wherever you choose. What do I need to attend? A computer or tablet with either windows or mac, internet access and the Zoom app. You will not be braiding during the class. Many teachers will have two sessions — one to explain the instructions and do demonstrations and then a follow-up to help with any questions. Will I be able to choose my classes? There will only be one class or event happening at any time so you won’t have to choose classes. However at the time of registration you may choose to purchase a kit if one is available. What about kits? A supply list or kit will be available for each class. The number of kits is limited and must be purchased at the time of registration. What if I don’t know much about technology? You will be fine. There will be practice sessions and lots of instructions prior to the event to get everyone up to speed. How Much? $295 Registration Fee — includes ALL 14 classes, presentations and access to recordings Kits are extra and will be mailed to registrants prior to the event (USA only). Kits are optional. For More Information, Click Here. If you have any questions, please send an Email and Ask! We will post a list of FAQs on the website very soon.

First AKS Braid Exchange Wraps Up Several months ago, AKS announced its first Braid Exchange. Participants braided seven six-inch samples of their favorite braid and sent them to Braid Exchange Coordinator Janis Saunders. Nine AKS members participated. Recently we each received sample braids, notes, and instructions from other participants. It was Christmas in July! Such fun!

We Need Your Help! AKS is Looking for Volunteers Did you know that AKS is run by volunteers? As AKS grows we are looking for individuals passionate about kumihimo and willing to share their skills so we can continue to offer exciting classes, resources and benefits for our members. If you have some time and talents that you’d like to share with AKS, please fill out our volunteer application. We’ll do our best to find you a volunteer opportunity that fits your skills and schedule. Thanks so much!