When Memm Maimu starts crocheting, Bim the cat usually appears at once. In Bim’s opinion every ball of yarn in the world exists primarily to be rolled across the floor and caught with a paw. Memm Maimu, however, knows that yarn can also be turned into some quite useful things.
Bun nets, for example.
A bun net is a simple little helper that keeps a bun together better and adds a decorative finishing touch to a hairstyle. Some are lacier, some have floral motifs and some are more understated, but the idea is always the same: the bun stays in place better.
A bun usually begins with a ponytail. The hair is twisted into a bun or pulled through a bun maker and spread neatly over it, then the ends are tucked underneath all the way round and secured with bun pins or hairpins. Finally the bun net is placed over the bun and tightened with its cord.
For very long or heavy hair, a bun maker is often used. The same principle is also known as a sock bun. In the old days a bun maker was simply made from a sock: cut off the toe, roll it into a ring and put it around the ponytail. The hair was spread over it and the ends tucked underneath. These days, naturally, exactly the same thing is sold in shops as a ready-made bun maker.
Once the bun is finished, the bun net helps keep the hairstyle together and gives it a neat finishing touch.
Bim is still not entirely sure whether bun nets are intended for hairstyles or for playing with. To him, anything made of yarn is a potential toy. Memm Maimu knows that when crochet hook and yarn come together, they sometimes produce things that are both practical and beautiful.