GUILD SUPPLIES BOOKS Geoffrey Budworth The Knot Book £4.99 Plaited Moebius Bends £2.50* Knotlore 2 - a miscellany of quotes from fact and fiction £2.50* Knot Rhymes and Reasons £1.50* The Knot Scene £2.00*
Brian Field Breastplate Designs £3.50* Concerning Crosses £2.00*
Eric Franklin Turksheads the Traditional Way £1.50* Nylon Novelties £2.00*
Stuart Grainger Knotcraft £4.00* Ropefolk £1.30* Creative Ropecraft (Hardback - 3rd Ed.) £9.95 Knotted Fabrics (Hardback) £9.00
Colin Jones The DIY Book of Fenders £9.95
Harold Scott A Guide to the Multi, Single-Strand Cruciform Turk’s Head £4.00*
Skip Pennock Decorative Woven Flat Knots £12.50*
* Bulk purchases of these items are available at a discount - phone for details Supplies Secretary: Bruce Turley 19 Windmill Avenue, Rubery, Birmingham B45 9SP email: [email protected] Telephone: 0121 453 4124
Knot Charts Full set of 100 charts - £10.00 Individual charts - £0.20
Knotting Matters Guild Tie Some past editions available Long, dark blue with Guild logo Brian Field - contact the Secretary for in gold - £8.95 Breastplate Designs £3.50* details Concerning Crosses £2.00*
Rubber Stamp IGKT Member, with logo Badges - all with Guild logo (excludes stamp pad) £4.00 Blazer Badge - £1.00 Enamel Brooch - £2.00 Windscreen Sticker - £1.00
Certificate of Membership Parchment membership scroll, signed by the President and Hon. Sec., for mounting or hanging - £2.50
Cheques payable to IGKT, or simply send your credit card details PS Don’t forget to allow for postage 2 Knotting Matters december 2006 3 Knotting Matters The Magazine of the International Guild of Knot Tyers Issue 93 - December2006 www.igkt.net
Except as otherwise indicated, copyright in Knotting Matters is reserved to the International Guild of Knot Tyers IGKT 2006. Copyright of members articles published in Knotting Matters is reserved to the authors and permission to reprint should be sought from the author and editor. All sources of quotations printed in Knotting Matters are acknowledged.
ADVERTISING RATES Members Non- members Full Page £32 £49 Half Page £19 £22 Quarter Page £10 £15 Features
12 Much has been 23 Regular contributor, COVER PHOTOGRAPH written on the Double ‘Jack Fidspike’ finds Members of the public Monkey’s Fist. Tony more bends as an examine Patrick Moreau’s Doran explains his jewellery at the meeting in alternative for the Caen (Graham McLachlan). method. True Love knot Back Cover - Knives and sheaths covered in needle 16 Two members, hitching and macramé, Ewa Madeleine Rowles Every knot tyer Thormählen, Sweden. 24 and David Glasson, must surely have collaborate to show their favourite knot. fenders being made in For Hooey it’s the Australia. Pineapple knot.
20 Over the years, the reef knot has received 26 Climber and bad press. No more, moutaineer Heinz as Owen K Nuttall Prohaska delves into explains. friction knots. 2 Knotting Matters december 2006 3
EDITOR 30 More knot 34 Jury-rigs have long Colin Grundy musings from ‘Knut been used at sea. ‘John PO Box 3540 Chester, CH1 9FU, England, Canute’ Shaw’ discusses a few Tel: 07946841157 jury knots. Email: [email protected] Gino Petrollini 33 36 The technique of SECRETARY shows how we can splicing using crow’s David Walker have different knots feet is examined by PO Box 3540 Chester, CH1 9FU, England, with the same name. ‘Knut Canute’. Tel: 01825 682117 Email: [email protected]
PRESIDENT Ken Yalden 3 Latchmore Gardens Cowplain, Hampshire England PO8 8XR Tel: 02392 259280 Email: [email protected]
Annual Subscription Rates Juniors £5 Adults £23 Families £27 Group £10 Corporate - by arrangement The IGKT is a UK Registered Charity Regulars No. 802153
4 Knots from the Mouse Pad PRINTED BY 8 Young at Heart Gipping Press Ltd. Needham Market 14 Knotmaster Tel: 01449 721599 38 Branch Lines Fax: 01499 721372 43 Postbag ISSN 0959-2881 4 Knotting Matters december 2006 5 Knots from the Mouse Pad
ear fellow knot tyer, I can’t believe for what we might need in the next few Dits three months since Colin asked years. me for my contribution for Knotting I am very sorry that I missed the Matters, I thought I had several weeks French Branch half yearly, I feel that I to go before I would be asked me for my am cursed, Whenever there is meeting next column. Time flies when you are there I always miss it, and what makes enjoying yourself it so annoying is that so many members Once again I find myself apologising phone me and tell me what I have missed, to the Guild members for the delay in a warm welcome, excellent knotting processing your membership details, our displays and a well organised meeting, problems are due to an old computer that I have yet to meet Graham McLachlan has great difficulty in dealing with the though I have spoken to him on the phone Charities Aid Foundation paperwork, many times, I look forward to meeting keeping up with the many ways of paying him soon. May I take this opportunity, your subs, and having two membership on behalf of the Council, to congratulate numbers (CAF number and IGKT mem- and thank the French Branch of the IGKT bership number). The Council is now in a for all their hard work in organising the position of knowing what is wrong with October 2006 half-yearly meeting. Just the system and what to do to put it right. in case you wondered, I was busy in my We need to have a system that will work workshop making button fenders; I know for the present demands and will adapt where I would have preferred to be. Dave Walker Col’s Comment write this having just returned from a is through the pages of Knotting Matters Iterrific weekend of knot tying at the or via contact through the Membership half-yearly meeting in Caen, France. The Handbook or the website Knot Forum. French members were wonderful hosts For others we have the chance to meet and entente cordiale was very much to face to face, be it either at major meetings the fore. I managed to learn a new knot of local branch meetings. If you are one from Luc Prouveur, not at a formal of the latter that have not yet attended a workshop session, but over a glass of local meeting, I would urge you to do so wine at the meal table. and find out what you are missing. The beauty of our Guild is that we can Finaly, Jane and I wish you all season’s all learn something from each other. The greetings and a happy New Year. range of interests of Guild members is as vast as the knowledge. For some of us, it 4 Knotting Matters december 2006 5 Guild Website
’m sorry to have to report that the It is very disappointing considering Iwebsite is sadly lacking in contributions the work that has gone into setting it all from members. I haven’t received a up, by the original WebMaster - Tony request to add photos to the Gallery for Doran, Mel - the current WebMistress, ages, and there have only been a few and myself as WebAdministrator. notifications about Branch meetings. The site can only be as good as Out of over 450 members of the it’s contents and sadly the contents Forum, less than half are Guild members is getting rather stale - new pictures, and very few of these actually join in. It branch information (including overseas would be nice to see some more members branches), knotting event dates and joining in. There are some fairly forceful reports, more knots for the beginners members of the Forum who are not Guild section, new links to members’ sites or members, but who appear to be trying to other sites of knotting interest - all are organise how the Forum is run. Luckily needed. we have a pretty good team of moderators Lesley Wyatt who help to keep things under control, Web Administrator but they could do with some support from other Guild members. More Knots on the Internet here is a very interesting website on the Internet - Videojug (www.videojug.com). TThe idea behind this site is to fill it with all of human knowledge to become a kind of online video encyclopaedia. It has quite a number of useful films dealing with health, food, leisure, DIY and much more. The video directors of this website are looking for expert knot tyers (preferably in the London area) to assist with creating some films about how to tie certain knots. This is a great opportunity for the Guild to get involved on a professional level. If you think you may be able to help, contact Rob Rawlings on [email protected] 6 Knotting Matters december 2006 7
I managed to duck the guided tour, so I could have a closer look at the rig on the dhows, I noticed the boltropes were President’s neatly sewn but the sail itself was lashed to the bamboo staves with second-hand polypropylene of all sorts. It may have been because it was Zanzibar but the Letter crews no longer wore a dhoti, but Levi’s and world cup football shirts, and I saw more than one mobile phone. Still in Zanzibar one of the tours have recently been fortunate enough included a boatyard still building Arab Ito have had a holiday cruising in dhows, this was not a tourist type timed the Indian Ocean, and would like to display, but a working boat yard well just share some of my knotty findings and a strip of beach really, and the only tools observations to you all. First though let were a rusty ‘Stanley ‘ plane and a rather me take you back a few years to 1959, short chisel. Part of the construction was which was the very first time I sailed that the pulley blocks for the rigging, being Ocean. carved out of a solid piece of wood (a As some of you may already be aware common block in RN speak). I had asked I am a product of Royal Navy Training, Lesley to take some photos, but noticed a and for over 200 years the Admiralty slight hesitation when she saw the young have been enlisting boys at 15 and man holding the block with the toes of his sending them to sea by the age of 16, bare feet, as a nurse she was somewhat Long before the Health and Safety Act, concerned at the chisel only 3mm from they had been well drilled into having a his big toe. On the technical side, the seaman’s eye, all rope ends whipped, no block had a wooden sheave and pin all of Irish pendants, eyes in the boat and no the same type of wood, no wonder they arms on the gunwales, as a boy I well squeal under load. Photos for viewing remember that every thing near you that at 2K7. was incorrect was your responsibility. The next Island stop was Mayotte Just imagine what we thought when we where I watched a woman making a saw our first ‘Bombay Prow’ (lateen straw sennet, the self same braiding that rigged) with only one main sail held aloft sailors copied to make their own sennet by a piece of twisted grass and tied with hats many years ago. All being well, by an overhand knot. The coxswain dressed the time this letter is in print the Solent only in a dhoti and turban with his bare Branch will have had a hands on session, foot on the tiller working their way up and we shall try to fit straw sennet into and down the rivers of India. the workshop programme for 2K7. Now back to today (2006) the first Then on to Nosy Be and the small stop of the cruise was Zanzibar: it was island near by called Nosy Kombo that interesting to note Arab dhows still at is just off Madagascar. No formal jetties sea, and in the bay ocean going craft or quays here, you have to step ashore without engines still working cargoes, into the sea in amongst working fishing slipping silently into harbour past the boats that were pulled up on the shore. modern (Tupperware fleet) at their The Seamanship Manual classes them as marina moorings. ‘Ceylon Outriggers’ a style two thousand 6 Knotting Matters december 2006 7
years old but lashed together with blue May I point out that the guy who set up polypropylene, enterprising! the rules for recording “Flora & Fauna” It was back on board whilst anchored (Linnaeus. 1745) had a method, which in the bay that I watched the ‘Bum’ boats, was: having sold their fresh fish and fruit, as First you give the Family group (What they set their sails with bits of string and they are like) Name: - Knot tyers. start to wend their way on the evening Second part (how they are different) breeze to their even smaller islands Category: - Climbing, seafaring, science, called home. I got to thinking, on the one etc. hand you have boats unchanged for two I am not however advocating we adopt thousand years with not one descriptive Latin names, what I am saying is that we knot holding things together, then you all need tolerance of other knot tyers, can get a six page article on the merits those who have a different interest or of a right handed sheet bend over that of view of knotting. Vive-le-difference. a left handed one. In a way they are both Yours Aye correct. I notice also robust comments Ken Yalden flying about on the Knot Chat page of our web site.
Silver Jubilee IGKT 2K7
his edition of KM has a centrefold that has been designed as your call for Tpapers for the IGKT 2K7 Silver Jubilee celebrations. Please pull out the centrefold, cut out the postcard and fill it in, then send it to us so that we can build 2K7 around your requirements. To continue my theme of ‘Youth and Education’ it is planned that we shall run various “Focus on Youth” events. To ensure these are used to their fullest potential we shall be running an educational programme “How to teach young Folk”. Should you have skills or ideas in this area please be sure to contact Gordon Perry or myself in plenty of time. If none of the above entices you, please send a postcard anyway from your home as we would love to hear from you, and will be putting the cards on show at 2K7. Just a note, when we held 2K2 more than one attendee came up and said, “Can we please continue next week as well?” So, if you missed what went on last time come and find out for yourself this time. Ken Yalden 8 Knotting Matters december 2006 9 Young at Heart
Tim Field 4. Pull tight. Two pieces each 1 metre, jute or cotton string
1. Make loops - 200mm from the core 5. Next ends. half knot 2. Make first opposite to half knot. the last one, pull tight.
3. Second half knot opposite to the first, one complete flat (square) knot.
6. Pass the core ends to the back and up through the loops. 8 Knotting Matters december 2006 9 Flat (Square) Knot Bracelet
7. Pull the core through the 8. Continue with alternating knots, closing the loops to half knots, each opposite to clamp the the previous one, allowing the core ends. new loops (in the core) to come together to form the ring. Sto when the knotted band is long enough to make your bracelet. Check the length by putting together the ends of the knotted band.
10. Pull the core ends further through the end of the knotted band.
9. Tie the ends A and B on the inside of the ring with a reef knot. Cut the ends short.
11. Tie the core ends on the inside of the ring with a reef knot. Cut the ends short. 10 Knotting Matters december 2006 11
jewellery show the knot tyers partners please attractive designs to great note! Book effect, and will I’m sure Celtic Knots for be a source of inspiration Beaded Jewellery is a to jewellery makers. delightful book to have, The publishers are either just to dip in and Reviews aware of the errors on enjoy looking at, or to P42/43 regarding the find inspiration for the tying of the flat Turk’s knot tyers own efforts. head knot and have made Anyone wishing corrections for future to contact Suzen editions of the book. can do so at: - Celtic Knots for They will be pleased to [email protected] supply a copy of those SRP Beaded Jewellery corrections to anyone with by Suzen Millodot, an earlier edition. published by Search Press This book contains a ISBN 1-84448-054-2 little information about £9.99 the history of Celtic was delighted to be designs. And whilst there Iasked to review this are plenty of books on book as I had found the market for a more great inspiration in the in-depth study, anyone authors earlier book wishing to apply Celtic Another (different) pack Chinese Knots for Beaded designs to jewellery, of knot cards Jewellery. I am pleased to will find this is a very say that this second book useful book. Suzen has Knots & Their Uses is not a disappointment. some excellent ideas ISBN 0-7537-0996-1 It is visually attractive for the combination of Original price: £9.99 to look at, with clear knots, cords and beads, (approximately US and concise instructions which display the charm, $17.00), but now may be and diagrams for tying sometimes simple, selling for less. the knots. The colourful sometimes more intricate, hese cards are NOT photos of the completed of the Celtic patterns and Tactual playing cards, weaves. I am sure that any with knots added, like the jewellery maker or tyer of pack or deck featured in decorative knots can find KM76 (September 2002). inspiration here. Instead this is a The book contains teaching aid, 54 stiff some very useful tips that cards (dimensions 41⁄2 x could be applied to other 3 x 1 inches) in a robust areas of knot tying. I also box with a lid, distilled like the acknowledgement from the contents of to her husband for the the Hamlyn publication excellent meals he The Complete Book of produced whilst Suzen Knots (London 1997) was knot tying. Other by IGKT member 10 Knotting Matters december 2006 11 Geoffrey Budworth. A Booklet on culture of Health and Three cards are devoted Safety. Also, she deals to introductory text, while Lanyards with how to measure your the rest provide easy-to- by Willeke van der Ham lanyard and where to follow instructions and - self published (2006). obtain materials. background information Price: 5 euro Younger members of for choosing and tying 50 his handy little the Guild or youth leaders useful knots. These are Tbooklet gives a five will find these projects colour-coded in sections, simple lanyard projects, useful. namely: home & house using basic knots and Contact Willeke on (10 cards); angling and braids. The instructions [email protected] for tying the braids fishing (10); caving & CG climbing (10); outdoor are straightforward pursuits (10); boating & and accompanied by sailing (10); with a final computer-generated card headed Knot Lore. illustrations. This good looking Each project comes product was published in complete with a list of the 2004 by Bounty Books, materials required, and a division of the London there is a small section on Docklands company how to mix-and-match. Octopus Publishing Early on in the Group Ltd, and anyone booklet, Willeke deals engaged in teaching and with lanyard safety, an testing knot tying (or important area in this who just likes to acquire knotting stuff) can obtain it from: Littlehampton Book Services Ltd., Faraday Close, Durrington, Worthing, West Sussex, BN13 3RB, England (http://pubeasy/ books.lbsltd.co.uk) (tel: (01903 828801) (email: [email protected]) 12 Knotting Matters december 2006 13 Double Monkey’s Fist
1 - Set-up Make the cord fast so that the first end used - ‘A’ - is 2/3 length of the cord.
2. First pass 3. Second pass - first half 4. Second pass - second Make eight complete turns. As you cross the first pass half turns, make four turns The next four turns go under-four-over-four. over four under four. NOTE: end ‘A’ should con- tinue straight up so that there are 9 parts viewed from the top. 12 Knotting Matters december 2006 13
Tony Doran
5. Third pass - first half 6. Third pass - second half 7. Third pass - second half The first four turns of the The second half of the Viewed from the bottom. third pass start the same third pass starts off by Over four under four to way - under four over four going over five at the top complete the third pass. when crossing both first (remember the 9 parts). and second passes.
Before starting the second half, the cord passes under all eight strands (viewed from the bottom).
The finished knot
There are three places where one When the knot is The ends come out so. strand goes under eight. tightened these features do not show. 14 Knotting Matters december 2006 15 Knotmaster Series No. 31
‘Knotting ventured, knotting gained.’
Chinese cloverleaf
If you never 1). Take the working over 1/under 1/over dreamed of tackling end around to tuck a 2, then under 3/over ornamental knots, at third bight through 1 (fig. 3). Finally tuck least tie this one. It is the second one the working end up quite a party piece. (fig. 2). Then pass through the centre of the working end the completed knot - In the working end through the third over 1/under 2/over of a suitable length bight, around bight 1/under 1. Tighten of cord make a bight, one, and back out the knot carefully, a and tuck a second through bight one, in bit at a time, so as not one through it (fig. a locking tuck - going to distort it (fig.4).
Early in the 17th century, guns aboard warships were supported by heavy planks fastened to the vessel’s side. Seamen harnessed with lines hung from them to make hull repairs. It was dangerous duty in rough weather. That particular sort of plank was called a “devil”. The sailor clinging to the woodwork out there gave us the idiom that survives “Between the devil and the deep blue sea”. Bob Schwartz 14 Knotting Matters december 2006 15 16 Knotting Matters december 2006 17
Fender making in Sydney Madeleine Rowles with thanks to Geoff Smithson for assistance
uring a hastily- that a Knotting Matters country, leaving your Dconvened IGKT article on the fender- correspondent and meeting last October at making exploits of one ‘Snapper Dave’ to do the Salthorse Café, Garden David Glasson would be a hard yards. Island, Sydney, Australia, ‘flogging good idea’. So, after purloining a visiting delegate Willeke Having done thus, camera and tripods, to-ing van der Ham proposed Willeke (clearly the and fro-ing in workboats, a motion, heartily (but smartest cookie at heaving around of fenders in retrospect, somewhat this august gathering) in various states of foolishly) seconded and promptly legged it undress, riffling through thirded by those present, for a plane out of the the ABOK and old photo 16 Knotting Matters december 2006 17
albums, minor cosmetic of Knots #1289, and it rearrangement of the is made here in 12 mm Spectacle Island rigging manila. shed and Dave’s hair, Picture 1 shows the buffing of eyeglasses, knot at the two-strand stage, with the core exposed. The core is made up of a chain spine over which the middle is laid up, shaped and lashed, then covered was designed by Arthur saying of ‘Cheese!’ and with a canvas bag for N. Swinfield, built by popping of flashbulbs, waterproofing. The chain S.G. White, launched finished off with a dash of spine protrudes at each at the Ballina Slipway technological wizardry, end to provide anchorage Engineering Company in points. 1960 and measures 45’ in Picture length, 14’ 5” in the beam 2 shows and draws 7’. She is now the a private vessel listed as a finished Historic Tug Boat. quarter Picture 4 shows the pile fender and of ‘leftovers’ and old rope Picture 3 a to be used in the core and completed hitching, and Picture 5 bow shows the unlaid hitching fender strands prior to assembly. for the In Picture 6, the core same boat, strands have been laid we now proudly present worked in 24 mm manila. out and bound, with extra an illustrated step-by-step Among David’s many thickening in the middle exposé of the birth of fender-making credits is a for shape and chain to large fenders. bow fender for the motor provide an anchorage The knot used for this tug Sydport. Sydport point at the bow. fender is Ashley Book 18 Knotting Matters december 2006 19
In Picture 7, the hitching covering the core is about one-third finished, and in Picture 8, Turk’s heads are being tightened on the nearly complete fender. The fender, weighing about 120 kg was installed after 7 hours’ puffing, sweating and cursing by a crew of six persons, and is show in situ in Picture 9. The 7 hours included moving the fender from workshop to dockside, lifting it onto the boat, bending it to shape and shackling it into place. David has also made an immaculate, fully detailed 6-foot scale model of Sydport, complete with ‘baby’ bow fender. Pictures 10 and 11 show the model with its miniature fender and mooring can, and the model in action towing its maker at the St George Model Boat Club [7/5/06] Birthday Regatta. In Picture 12 the model’s tiny bell rope can be seen hanging outside the wheelhouse, over the boat’s ‘head’ (which is functional-fair dinkum!). 18 Knotting Matters december 2006 19
And in the believe- it-or-not department, strange though it may seem under Australian conditions, no beer was harmed in the production of this article. 20 Knotting Matters Knotting Matters 21 Life Line Owen K Nuttall
he simple reef knot seems to have been given a new lease of life. For Tyears the reef knot has been given bad publicity on its safety when tied in rope (with its tendency to turn into half hitches with drastic consequences). But not anymore. Modern mountaineers have put it to a new advantage. After years of tying their ropes together with the knot with more names than any other, whether single or double. The fisherman’s knot, the waterman’s knot, the Englishman’s knot the true lovers knot, the grapevine knot and its modern name the grinner knot. I have also seen it referred as the Halibut knot. The fisherman no longer use this knot, it seems to be used extensively by mountaineers. To over come this knots tendency to jam, the reef knot becomes a stop knot or buffer in the middle of the fisherman’s knot. A marriage that actually works! What do fellow K.M readers think? Do You Advertise?
Vehicles seen outside the I.G.K.T.’s 24th A.G.M. held in Shrewsbury, England on 13th May 2006
[Photographs by Geoffrey Budworth] december 2006 21 25th Anniversary Mugs
As part of the 25th Birthday, we are selling the above mugs. The picture shows the design which will be on the mug and the wording. We have been told that we can also have your name put on the mug.
These mugs will be available for collection at the meeting if pre-ordered (final date for odering 12th May) at a cost of £5.00. In order for you to avoid postage costs we can take your order prior to the meeting and you can then collect them. We will however require a deposit of £2.50, this can be either by cheque, made payable to IGKT or by credit card. With the latter you will need to contact me to give me the details of your card and security code, (Tel 0121 453 4124/ Fax 0121 258 2363). Alternatively if you cannot get to the meeting you can still place an order for the mug, however you will incur postage charges which is as follows :
UK P&P £1.75 any additional mugs will cost £1.25 each postage, 2-5 days
Europe P&P £3.50 any additional mugs will cost £2.50 each - Airmail
Worldwide P&P £5.50 any additional mugs will cost £4.50 each - Airmail
The supplier will be at Fareham to take orders, however these will have to be posted out to you and will incur postage costs. 22 Knotting Matters ORDER FORM
Name -
Address -
Telephone Number -
Number of Mugs -
If to be collected at Fareham -
Method of payment -
Credit Card Details -
Card Number -
Expiry Date
Security Code
Name on Card
Supplies Secretary: Bruce Turley 19 Windmill Avenue, Rubery, Birmingham B45 9SP email: [email protected] Telephone: 0121 453 4124 International Guild of Knot Tyers Silver Jubilee Year
1982 2007 Celebratory Meeting Pre-Meeting Gathering and Knot Craft Workshops at: The Red Lion Function Suite
West Street, Fareham 21st, 22nd & 23rd May
Public Meeting at Ferneham Hall Fareham, Hants PO16 7DB on Thursday 24th May 2007 Friday 25th May 2007 Saturday 26th May 2007 Information Call for Papers
For further information please contact: www. [email protected] Outline of Programme Venue
Red Lion Function Suite Red Lion Foyer
Gathering of Knot Tyers Monday 21st May Sponsor t.b.c.
Workshops & Members’ Displays The hotel foyer Tuesday 22nd May Sponsored by The Solent Branch can be used for hospitality Knot Academy Day Quality time for knot tyers for teaching and rd Wednesday 23 May learning knot crafts. Sponsored by Footrope Knots Ferneham Hall Meon Suite 0900 – 1130 1200 1200 – 2300 th Members’ Papers Thursday 24 May Setting up Opening by Show open to as programmed Mayor public
Friday 25th May 0900 – 2359 1600 – 2100 Members’ Papers Show open to public Focus on Youth
0900 – 1100 1300 – 1700 1100 – 1230 Show open to public Show open to public 25th AGM with Focus on Youth Saturday 26th May Red Lion 1900 - 2330 Knot Supper
Call for: Members’ papers (subject and 50 word abstract)
Members’ Papers: Papers for oral and visual presentation will be an integral part of this conference. Presentation will take place as promulgated. A Power Point projector will be available Thursday and Friday.
Call for: Tutors - students - subjects
Knotting Academy Day Learning within formal workshops. lectures or tutorials - one to one or (limited) groups. Subject Nominated by students ot tutor Tutors Volunteers or by invitation Student Name the subject or select the tutor Associated Crafts Associated crafts will be most welcome to join in to display and demonstrate their craft skills. Call for: Pre-booking advice on your display requirements - table (individuals) , area (groups/branches)
Display Areas Members will be provided with display table/area - for individuals - by subject or for branches, providing notice has been given. Please do not expect a table/area if you have not booked. Commercial Space Please apply separately for details of vendor space allocation.
“Focus on Youth” ‘Brief and Bright’ tuition to demonstrate how knot craft does not have to be boring. It is planned to hand out complementary packs to young folk and youth workers. With the close proximity of Fareham Shopping Centre, young folk can be expected and welcomed. Registration There will be a registration fee for this meeting. There will be no fee for those attending the AGM only, in the Meon Suite, on Saturday 26th.
Reply Form Knot Year 2K7 I plan to be present all week I plan to attend AGM only I plan to attend part time I plan to be at the Knot Dinner I intend to submit & present a paper (subject) ______I wish to book a Branch Display Area (branch) ______I wish to book a Subject Display Area (subject) ______On the Knotting Academy day I would like to: Teach ______Learn/practice ______
Learn From (name) ______Name e-mail: Address Accommodation
Accommodation is available to suit all tastes, from coaching inns to a place to pitch your own tent. A selection, with an indication of how close they are to Ferneham Hall: Red Lion, Fareham +44 (0) 1329 822640 walking distance Lysses House, Fareham +44 (0) 1329 822622 walking distance Post House Forte, Fareham 0800 404040 transport required Bembridge House (B&B) +44 (0) 1329 317050 nearest Nutcracker House (B&B) +44 (0) 1329 829884 next nearest
Camping & Caravan Sites - Details from Ed Bentley +44 (0)1329 233257
Tourist Information at +44 (0) 1329 824986
To: Ken Yalden 3 Latchmore Gardens
Reply Form Cowplain Silver Jubilee Year HANTS PO8 8XR UNITED KINGDOM 2 Knotting Matters december 2006 23 ALTERNATIVE TRUE LOVE KNOTS
‘Jack Fidspike’
he identity of the first real True bellies of both knots creates a couple TLove (or Lover’s) Knot is vague and of interlaced hearts. Those illustrated, unverifiable. Perhaps it was only ever a and several more, can be discovered in literary metaphor, which later artists and the knotting manual Symmetric Bends knot tyers felt the need to illustrate and [ISBN 981-02-2194-0] by Roger E. actually tie by resorting to various so- MilesIGKT (New South Wales, Australia) called ‘shamrock’ and ‘handcuff’ knots. published in 1995 by World Scientific There is - it occurs to me - another, Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.; while, to learn overlooked family of knots which are about the pedigree of the True Love better shaped for the role of lovers’ Knot in English literature, locate and eternity pledges, namely those bends that read Chapter III of Notes on Knots consist of a pair of interlocked overhand [ISBN 87-983985-6-3] by past-Guild knots. For, when either drawing them member Pieter van de Griend, published on paper or forming them in expensive in a limited edition of 50 copies by him jewellery wire, simply pinching the in March 1993. 24 Knotting Matters december 2006 25
or many years now I have pretty to cover both longer as well as wider Fmuch devote my efforts to braiding, surfaces. I then worked out all the above ignoring knot tying almost completely. in multi-pass, meaning an over three The exceptions are an occasional piece under three, or over four under four of macramé and the knots/ropework tucking sequence. Along the way my necessary for horsepacking and camping. leatherworking skills improved too. Most knot tyers it seems are on an endless After experimenting I found I could get search to learn more knots. I on the other excellent coverage of all kinds of shapes hand work more towards finding the by using two pineapple knots instead of specific knots and braids that will work one. I would first put on a pineapple of best for me, then set out to master and just sufficient size to cover a piece, then possibly improve on them. By way of add another pineapple of one more pass example, allow me to speak of my all over that. For example, I might add a 6 time favourite, the pineapple knot. bight x 1 turn x 5-pass knot over a 6 bight My first was built on a 6 bight by 7-part x 1 turn x 4 pass knot. The one extra Turk’s head. I had the added difficulty of pass gives an incremental increase, with learning to work with leather as well. a fuller and more balanced appearance. Then came the 8 bight and 10 bight Time and material costs are up, but I find versions. As I became more drawn into it works better for the things I am doing things, I worked out two, three and more than the accepted method of building a turn variations, which would be able foundation with lots of string or tape. I 24 Knotting Matters december 2006 25 My Favourite - the Pineapple Knot ‘Hooey’
prefer to work with finer cut strings (from One last thing I’d like to pass on is 1/8 in down to 1/32 in width at times) and how my previous knot tying experience my method of covering seems to give me applies to my braidwork. One example more control. is when I find it necessary to join two I usually work my strands dry, even the round braids. A splice would work, but I fid work, unless special considerations find it better to use a shroud knot, which exist. I find Williams Saddle Dressing I then cover with a pineapple knot. Of or Pecards Leather Conditioner fine to course a splice covered with a pineapple work with on those occasions. Otherwise, knots fine too, but in the confined spaces I usually clean the hide before cutting, allowed by finely cut strings I usually do with white saddle soap, which removes better with the shroud knot and pineapple tannery residue and makes the cutting go combination. a little easier. This is not a necessity, but much like two pineapples instead of one, I prefer it. 26 Knotting Matters december 2006 27 On the History of the Semi- Mechanical Friction Knots Heinz Prohaska
dead hanging in abseil position on his rope below an overhang. “The Prusik knot which would it have made possible to climb back on the rope with slings wasn’t rusiking with the original Prusik knot invented yet.” was written in the book. Pcan be a hard work. Franz Bachmann Bachmann found no climber who had the idea to a better solution - the could show him the knot. So he took karabiner knot. The author spoke with his climbing him. equipment and Franz Bachmann was born in 1930 went up to the as fourth child of an upholsterer and loft to invent saddler in Toblach, South Tyrol. Political the Prusik knot reasons brought the family to Feldkirch a second time. in Vorarlberg, Austria. After the war, But he couldn’t when Bachmann was about 15 years old, manage that. The he wanted to learn climbing. Knowing only result of nobody who could teach him, he began his work was a reading climbing books from libraries. device consisting One of these books reported of the of a little metallic formidable dying of a soloist on the tool and a sling of descent through a wall. He was found cord. He named 26 Knotting Matters december 2006 27
it ‘Estrichkiemme’ (loft clamp). This Swiss Alpine Club SAC [3]. was the first alpine semi-mechanical Not knowing that Prusik was president friction knot1 Outside of mountaineering of the Austrian Alpine Club OAK, such knots didn’t be new [1]. A semi- Bachmann finally sent an article to the mechanical knot used by sailors shows editor of the Osterreichische Alpenzeitung fig. 1, a full-mechanical fig. 2. Woodsmen OAZ. He received no answer, but two work similar when they are pulling logs. years later, 1952, he found in the OAZ Details not published till now a mostly Finally, at the end of 1946, a climber negative, in showed Bachmann the Prusik knot. his eyes one- Bachmann realized how difficult it could sided and be to move up the knot on the rope, ex a g g e r a t e d especially when it was wet. Moreover, c r i t i c i s m . the knot had Author was to be tightened Prusik [4]. by hand after B a c h m a n n , every move, young and and moving it inexperienced, up with gloves not knowing was nearly how life is, was impossible. His so disappointed ‘loft clamp’ from Prusik worked well. In that he didn’t publish again in a order to need mountaineering magazine for more than no special tool, 50 years. But the view of Prusik the Bachmann tried development of friction knots wouldn’t to find a similar be finished with Bachmann’s karabiner solution with a knot proved to be right. screw karabiner. As a member of the Austrian mountain This led to the rescue organization, Bachmann had first karabiner good contacts to the Tyrolian mountain knot in spring 1948. Bachmann began to rescue expert Mariner. Mariner saw the use it in the mountains in the same year advantages of the new knot, but in his (fig.3). opinion it wasn’t everybody’s cup of At the end of 1949, Bachmann began tea. Bachmann continued his work, and to think on a publication. It was the time finally, at the end of 1951, he found a when nylon ropes came in use in the better solution - the Bachmann knot Alps but cord was still made of hemp. (fig.4). Taken up in many climbing and It could happen that the Prusik knot with caving manuals, this knot became one of four coils failed. The knot with six coils the best known friction knots around the wasn’t invented yet. In this situation the world. editors of climbing magazines showed The karabiner in the knot makes it much interest on the new knot, and the easier to move up the knot on the rope, articles of Bachmann were published but it lessens the friction on it. Already by the Nature Friends NF [2], by the Bachmann himself had seen that his knot Austrian Alpine Club OEAV, by the could fail on a smooth rope. German Alpine Club DAV, and by the The impregnation of the ropes against 28 Knotting Matters december 2006 29
abrasion and rescue training that water, modern it sometimes could k a r a b i n e r be impossible design and the even for mountain introduction of guides to climb up tape slings into on the rope with mountaineering Prusik knots in a i n c r e a s e d crevasse. Finally, the problem. some years after B a c h m a n n his first knot ideas, thought to Bachmann had the solve it with idea of the ring an additional friction knot. The turn around the ring decreases the rope, but the friction of the sling knot looses its simplicity and its easy in the point where moving through that (fig.5). In addition, it comes out of it would be a new knot, and no longer a the knot. The knot Bachmann knot. holds better on the rope, and it is easier to Dutch climbers move. The best solution Bachmann could told Bachmann find was named by him Bachmann ring that the effect knot (fig.8). of a friction knot could Shoulder problems after an accident be increased with his motor bike made it impossible through a half for Bachmann hitch around the to become a rope below the mountain guide. knot (fig.6). This Director of the may work on mountain rescue tightened ropes o r g a n i z a t i o n in the rigging of of Vorarlberg ships. Used on became another a free hanging one. Finally, his climbing rope, job brought him the half hitch has a tendency to capsize from Austria in the (fig. 7). Moreover, the Bachmann knot northwestern part could easily fail if beginners in climbing of Switzerland, courses tried to grip into the karabiner far away from - in the clubs a reason to reject it in the the Alps. He didn’t want to hear another instruction. Its importance decreased. word about knots. But unnoticed by Bachmann, the development went on. In the workshop of Bachmann’s father The karabiner knot Prohaska is said to were rings of different size, homemade of be the most universal friction knot today. wire. Bachmann had the impression that It works with nearly anything on nearly his karabiner knots would be too bulky anything (fig.9). And the Bachmann ring and heavy to supersede the Prusik knot knot with its homemade ring of wire is on glacier tours. But he also knew from history. The author uses chain links, and 28 Knotting Matters december 2006 29
after experience with material faults in every knot too (fig.10). Franz Bachmann was the first climber who developed friction knots for prusiking which could easily moved up on the rope. But he couldn’t supersede the Prusik knot with that. Half a century later, as an old man, he tried it once more [5]. But new ground had become rare in the course of the years in the field of knots. His new idea wasn’t new.
References [1] Ashley, Clifford W: The Ashley Book of Knots, New York 1944, p300 [2] Bachmann, Franz: Der Karabinerknoten Fels and Firn, vol. 4, April-June 1950, pp46-47 [3] Bachmann, Franz: Der Karabinerknoten! Die Alpen, No. 6-VI 1951, pp109-111 [4] Prusik, Karl: Der Karabinerknoten. Osterreichische Alpenzeitung, No. 1261, Jan/Feb 1952, pp15-16 [5] Bachmann, Franz: Der FB- Klemmknoten Bergundsteigen 3/2005, pp56-60 30 Knotting Matters december 2006 31 Knut Canute musing once more Hypothetical Knots upon a philosophy of knots
‘My soul is an entangled knot Upon a liquid vortex wrought. The secret of its Untying In four-dimensional space is lying.’ (James Clerk Maxwell, British physicist, 1831-79)
nots cannot exist in two-dimensions Kas they would be mere outlines, like cut-out paper silhouettes, so that it would be impossible to identify for instance [fig. 1] a reef from a thief or a granny from Ashley’s #1406 (the Whatnot). Are they then three-dimensional things, plain - but not a plane - and simple? Well no, since the renowned scientist who wrote the opening verse evidently believed that knots could visit a fourth dimension. So did (and do) others: ‘For the sake of simplicity ... we shall confine our attention to Lion whose habitat is the Sahara Desert ... Method 7 (topological) ... We transport the desert into four-space. It is then possible to carry out such a deformation that the lion can be returned to three-space in a knotted condition. He is then helpless.’ (Pétard, The Mathematical Theory of Big Game Hunting, 1938) And: ‘... knots cannot exist in four dimensions ... However ... knotted string can be untied in four dimensions.’ (Professor Ronnie BrownIGKT, University College of Wales, 1993) This is Kelvin (William Thomson, 1824-1907) even hypothesized that atoms were knots brain-stretching stuff. in this ethereal fabric, a different one to Before Einstein taught us to think represent each of the individual elements differently about space, it was impossible [fig. 2]. This notion was superseded at to explain the everyday phenomenon the end of the 19th century by a more of ‘action-at-a-distance’ such as heat, realistic theory of atomic structure, after light and UV radiation from the Sun, which scientists lost interest in knots. or the influence of the Moon upon Mathematicians, on the other hand, tides. Something was required to fill became intrigued by them, laying the the intervening void and so the unreal foundations of today’s abstruse knot substance ‘ether’ was introduced. Lord theory. 30 Knotting Matters december 2006 31
Yet what goes around comes around, located within the nucleus of every cell as they say, and efforts to reconcile the of the human body (and other organisms), discoveries of Newton and Einstein containing the unique gene sequence that with data emerging from 21st century is the recipe for its owner’s make-up. quantum physics have led some theorists to postulate that what were previously How do you tell the sex of a thought to be the tiniest fundamental chromosome? Take down its genes! particles of all matter (quarks, leptons, bosons) may in fact be vibrating strands These long filaments of DNA tangle or strings of energy. This seething mass and can become knotted, making it of ‘superstrings’ would occupy as many harder for the cell to read and react as eleven dimensions (the three we correctly to the genetic code they contain. are familiar with, plus time, and seven Researchers who study such tangles have others incomprehensible to all except actually tied a variety of experimental young mathematicians and theoretical knots [3] in DNA, using lasers as optical physicists). Superstrings are also unimaginably small. An atomic nucleus is bigger than a superstring by the same ratio that the planet Earth is larger than that nucleus. If they really exist, however, they are curiously reminiscent of Lord Kelvin’s fanciful knots. We already have electron-micrograph images of some tangible knots that are biological in nature. These are found in the strands of chromosomal DNA, 32 Knotting Matters december 2006 33
‘tweezers’ (miniature sci-fi tractor beams) Without deriving any profound to manipulate and join the two ends. By philosophical conclusions from all of doing so they hope to find out more about the above, it is nevertheless justifiable the biochemical cut-&-shut function of to observe, when it comes to the ongoing enzymes upon cellular DNA, and this in ‘discovery versus invention’ debate, turn may suggest ways to combat the sort that some knots occur naturally. As the of disrupted cell mutations that produce editor Timothy Ferris commented in his cancerous tumours. preface to The World Treasury of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics, 1991; ‘The delights of science and mathematics ... their revelations ... their visions of things to come ... are too profound, and too important, to be left to scientists and mathematicians alone.’ EXTRACT from: THE GREAT DAYS OF SAiL - Some Reminiscences of a Tea-clipper Captain by Andrew Shewan (late master of the ‘Norman Court’) edited by Rex Clements and published by Heath Cranton Ltd. (London, 1927)
y the year 1856, British shipowners were waking up to the fact that there was Bmuch room for improvement, as well in the modelling of their ships as in their rigging and sail plans. Wire rope for shrouds and stays was displacing the less enduring and more clumsy hemp. Hand-reefing topsails were giving place to the so- called “self-reefing” variety - Cunningham’s patent. The great advantage of these was that they could be reefed from the deck, by means of double halyards fitted in such a manner that on lowering one of them the topsail yard was made to revolve and roll the sail round it. Patent capstan windlasses had not yet come into use, but were not to be long delayed. The “Chea-sze” was one of the first ships to be fitted with one of them in 1860. Many of the old shellbacks despised these new-fangled methods and could not be induced to see good in any of them. They preferred ships where reefing topsails meant a “labour of love”, to speak sarcastically, and would rather lay out on a topsail yard for hours securing the close reef than do the same thing from the deck by a few minutes’ work at the reefing halyards, with a shanty to help them ... Then again men of the older school could see no security in the “gingerbread” wire stays and backstays. The “Merse” (1853) had been fitted in the old style, and when in 1856 my father was transferred to the “Lammermuir”, fitted with all the latest improvements, he was anxious to take his boatswain, a hardy old veteran and an excellent seaman, with him. It meant an increased wage, and the ancient mariner accepted. But when he saw the new ship he shook his head and begged to be allowed to back out. Being asked for a reason he declared he had no confidence in “them damned fiddlestrings” and had nothing but contempt for reefing-topsails, “same as a girl rolls up a b - - - - y window- blind.’ december 2006 33
The Bowline Gino Petrollini
he word bowline (gassa d’amante The end of bridle is reeved through the Tsemplice; per gli alpinisti: nodo cringles, taken round the standing part, bolina, bulino, bulin; pahlstek, noeud de forming a circle; two rounds seizings are chaise simple, as de guia) comes from clapped on. The name of this knot was bow and line. It shows a knot tied with clinch knot (nodo per ormeggio o ancora a line (bowstring) to a stick of wood to o gomena) but French called it noeud make a bow for throwing spears. The de bouline (bowline) and now we have knot is universally used and known by two different knots with same name. To seamen. Climbers often make it wrong clinch means double working end, after with the standing part out. The same name secure it with seizure. With Bermudian bowline is a rope tied on the boltrope (Marconi) sails for to haul to windward (leech-rope, tabling in the band). Bowline (to luff, to sail close to wind; (French - is tied on the side of sail to cringles lofer- aulofée = to haul + to luff) bowlines (brancarelle) with bridles (zampa o are unnecessary. In Italian right verb is patta d’oca). When the wind blows the orzare but usually is used the wrong verb sail make a bow (arch, curve, bend). The bolinare. But I am wasting my breath, see bowline leading to the fore-castle, take the picture. open the sail toward the prow (ahead). 34 Knotting Matters december 2006 35
Jury Rigs ‘Then things stop going wrong, and it’s time to jury rig.’ ‘John Shaw’ (Brion Toss, The Rigger’s Apprentice, 1984)
n the early part of 2004 a pair of British (1); a double jury knot (2); the classic Imen abandoned an attempt to row mast head knot (3) or a subtle variant across the Atlantic Ocean when their of it (4); and a French jury knot (5) - all rudder failed due to metal fatigue. Did of which could be handily tied ‘in the they, I wonder, try a jury rudder? bight’. A jury-rig always used to be how These mast head knots tend nowadays sea-goers improvised makeshift steering to be mere party-pieces tied as trick knots; gear or a mast when either item was although IGKT member Nola Trower, in damaged or carried away in battle or her 1992 book Knots and Ropework, bad weather. Such resourceful lash-ups points out that a jury knot might also be made it possible for disabled ships to used to retain the foot of a mast sheared limp to safety or continue their voyages off at deck-level which cannot be re- until a source of more lasting repairs was stepped there and then. reached. The adjective ‘jury’ for this kind Other double and multiple loop knots of nautical self-help may, incidentally, that might be employed as jury mast have come from ajurie (Old French: knots include: jug, jar or bottle slings; aid). blockade knots; shamrock knots; so- A jury-mast and sail was also used by called handcuff or hobble knots; and dockyard riggers to manoeuvre newly simple Turks’ heads. launched hulls prior to the installation of Jury rigging a rudder is something their actual poles and spars, when points else, but IGKT members ought to of attachment for temporary stays and consider the possibilities ... for we claim shrouds would be formed from the loops to be the high-priests of low-tech cordage of one or other of several jury mast knots contrivances. - such as the single jury or Spanish knot
To find out how to tie and apply jury mast knots, see: A#1167, A#1168, A#1169, A#1170 and A#2563. Alternatively go to: G&H page 60, plate 23, fig. 31; page 62, plate 24, fig’s 43, 44; page 62, plate 25, fig’s 49, 54; page 74, plate 31, fig. 132; and page 92, plate 42, fig. 267. Quotation ‘Some of my friends did not hesitate to take me to task for what they regarded as a flagrant waste of time ..... Without doubt my critics would have been entirely satisfied if I had announced that I proposed to write a book ... But I had given no thought at that time [c.1920’s] to writing a book of knots, a fact which I have had on occasion to regret many times since, for my early notes were very fragmentary.’ (Clifford W. Ashley, The Ashley Book of Knots, New York, 1944) 34 Knotting Matters december 2006 35
Camel or cable in the Gospel?
According to St John’s Gospel 19-24 (the young rich man):...it is easier for a camel to pass through a needle’s eye than... Camel, by a very bad translation, comes from greek - kamilos. The true meaning of kamilos (latin - camilus) is cable (hawser, mooring line; italian - gomena) and it is logical with the needle’s eye while, this last, is not with the animal. 36 Knotting Matters december 2006 37 CROW’S FOOT LOOPS ‘Knut Canute’
rows’ feet occur not only as laughter Clines on the faces of genial old Guild members but also in hawser-laid ropes. The practice of making a crow’s foot [fig. 1, 2] is disliked by rope-makers because it deforms the individual strands, end within a second trio of loops further which cannot then be restored to their along the standing part [4a]. original state. The unorthodox technique A crow’s foot can also be made to is, however, employed to splice an grip a pole or spar inserted at right- adjustable loop. Create a neat trio of small angles through it [5, 6]. Waste (k)not, loops [3] and merely tuck the rope’s end back through each one to create an eye, into which thimble may then be fitted [4]. For extra security, trap the working 36 Knotting Matters december 2006 37
want (k)not. This touwverbinding: de Beatrijs. For other application seems crow’s foot usage, see G. & H. page to have been first 184-5, plate 92, fig’s 98-99; also Ashley mentioned by #2585; and the singular Trident Splice a young Dutch devised by John KempIGKT (Leicester, woman, Beatrijs UK) as explained in KM83 (June 2004). van Westerop, in a 2001 magazine article - no further details - where she was also p h o t o g r a p h e d holding an innovative crow’s foot loop [7] with apparently two sets of three loops interwoven to act much the same as figure- of-eight racking turns. No step-by- step illustrations accompany the finished knot, and the text is in Dutch, so I can only guess how this might have been accomplished. Can you? If so, do let us KM readers know. I am indebted to Willeke van der HamIGKT (The Netherlands) for supplying me with the article Nieuwe 38 Knotting Matters december 2006 39
makes an effective and quite strong shackle. We decided to Branch Lines celebrate the Guild’s 25th anniversary next year by making two short lengths of rope, decorating them with various small inner core. He pulls out a East Anglian Branch individual contributions, foot or more of the core and then sending them to eventeen members at the end of the line, and two other branches. Each and friends met at then forms the eye by S of us will try to devise Stowmarket on Saturday, pulling that core down and prepare an item of 23rd September 2006. inside the outer casing up to about 50 grammes/ Ken Higgs talked of the standing part a 2 ounces ready for our to us about various few inches back down next meeting, planned developments on the from where it comes for Saturday, 14th April theme of ‘French out. He then pulls the 2007. Knitting’. He started off hollowed-out end of the with a ‘lucet’, a small reel outer casing down inside ‘Tuffy’ Turner or spool with two pins the standing part beside or pegs. He showed us the inner core that came how to start hollow round out of it. He said it is or square sennits with sometimes necessary to varying numbers of pegs cut down the exposed core and yarns and various by up to about a quarter West Country colours working up to to get it in, but the splice Knotters a “purse mould” with is not fatally weakened. kimming over the fifteen or twenty pegs. It is a good idea to bind Spleasant and diverse Irene Warner showed us the point of the eye to the knotting activities of a plastic ‘daisy-winder’, standing part to prevent Saturday, 29th July which looked to be a slippage. 2006, our get-together similar device, and Des Geoff finished by was notable for a trio of Pawson showed us two showing us a few ‘rope reasons: first, the arrival quite bulky boat-fenders shackles’ he had made by of Europa Chang who has that he said had been a similar method to his relocated here (no longer made using a much larger ‘Marlow splicing’, but an Essex girl but now version of the purse using only the hollowed- an Avon lady); next the mould. out casing. He pulls it farewell appearance of Geoff Youngman back down inside itself rigger Tony Fisher who, showed us ‘Marlow leaving a very small after a busy sojourn in splicing’. He uses home- eye, and then out again England, will soon return made stout needles, a foot leaving two roughly equal home to New Zealand or more long with very ends long enough to tie and there take up again large eyes, to make fixed a two-strand Matthew his presidency of their eyes in synthetic cordage Walker knot as a stopper. Chapter of the IGKT; and with a hard woven outer That stopper-knot lodged third, the question posed layer and a fairly solid inside the small eye by American member 38 Knotting Matters december 2006 39 Jim Wolf on behalf of Germany IGKT France his father James Wolf e will have a ver the summer, (Indiana, USA) who is good meeting in members of also a Guild member. It W O Cuxhaven Germany from the French branch was this. Can anyone tell 27th April to 29th April participated in many us how to tie a Turk’s 2007. festivals and events which head with two holes? In It shall take place in are far too numerous other words, it should the Fishing museum in too mention here but be like two TH’s stuck Cuxhaven (Germany) in you can get a flavour of together side-by-side in Ohlogge Street-Hall No their work by looking a figure of eight, to form VII. at the igktfrance.com a Scout woggle with galleries. Suffice it to say twin spaces (one for each The meeting is this activity has resulted leg of a neckerchief). compending with in the public seeing and It seemed to us that Exhibition and Displays hearing about knots with this could be quite a of Ropework in the some joining the local challenge, with more than Boathall of the Centre membership whose ranks one solution. So, if you of Watersports called have swelled to at least already know how to do ‘Ultamarin’. We hope you eighty knotters. Obviously it, or can contrive to find will enjoy it and we want the high point of the a way, please tell us via to see a lot of members autumn was the half- the pages of Knotting and other interesting and yearly meeting held on Matters. interested people. the continental side of the South of England stringer Peter Willems Channel in Caen, Lower- Normandy. The turnout Gabriel Richire explains was not enormous as IGKT meetings go but 36 knot tyers are a handsome crowd and make for an enjoyable day. I arrived at the Caen cultural centre at 9 a.m. only to find that it opened at 9.30 and so went to the nearest cafe only to find a conspicuous bunch of IGKT members drinking their morning beverages. It wasn’t long before the centre opened and we could start setting up. Everyone lent a hand arranging the tables, lining up the seats and getting the tea and coffee on. The knot displays seemed to go Photo- Graham McLachlan 40 Knotting Matters december 2006 41
up in an instant, which off their skills to the to give sailors a better really does go to show public and making new grip without putting too how professional you’ve friends. The other thing much weight on the sail all become! The first real is the chatter: hearing in light winds. In addition job was to get the meeting three dozen people having to the displays, there were underway. It was presided passionate conversations also some workshops on by the great Ken Nelson about something that gets themes such as education who bashed his gavel (I them fired up is a real and terrifying knotting think it was a heaving delight. techniques (I am so mallet) to great effect. So what was on offer? simple!). It is much too We had an enjoyable chat As usual there was plenty difficult to describe all the with plenty of banter, of members’ work to wet fantastic work that I saw even Ken Yalden telling the appetite and some of so I hope that the photos the French members that the quality was absolutely speak for themselves. the ferries go both ways, outstanding. Most of The day was rounded that is to England, didn’t it was marine-related off with a delicious seem to dull the good work but there were Knotters’ Dinner in a humour of the assembly! other genres too, notably restaurant in the town. I After a cold buffet lunch tatting and rope animals. hope that all those who and a few glasses of wine, There were also a lot of came enjoyed themselves the doors were opened to old pieces of sailorizing as much as I did and I the public. A steady flow and rigger tools on would like to thank on of visitors satisfied their display, it is surprising their behalf the tea ladies curiosity throughout the the similarity between who kept the meeting afternoon and I think we the French and English afloat throughout the day. put on a good show. The ditty bags. I enjoyed The next French meeting IGKT members seemed immensely watching the will be at the aquarium- to be having a whale making of a tapered rope museum La Cité de la of a time anyway. I’ve in wool yarn with Gordon Mer in Dieppe on the organized a few meetings Perry’s mini-ropery. March 31st and April 1st, like this and there are Apparently the sheets of you’d be a fool to miss two things I adore about medieval sailing ships it... them. Firstly, I love were made thick at one Graham McLachlan seeing members showing end and thin at the other
Photo - Graham McLachlan 40 Knotting Matters december 2006 41 Pacific Americas However, as last year the don’t hand out printed GKT-PAB had two folks spent more time material as a barker at a Igood shows. Fall with us, as there were carnival, we can’t afford Fishermen’s Festival, Sept fewer exhibits to divide the publication cost. 9 and Family Fun Day’s the time. FFD is about Someone says, “How Sept 23/24. At FFF we kids and wooden toy do we reach you?” We have about 14,000 visitors boats made from scrap hand a card or a printout. but most pass us with a wood with wine bottle Maybe a few will join? glance. However we still corks for fenders. Maybe Always they get the had the training table 1,000 visitors at FFD. Of Internet contacts with busy all day and we still course no event in the the paper contacts. We went home exhausted. So PNW can be held without may become an Internet it must have been a good the obligatory Salmon Guild on a Snail mail time had by all. Again BBQ. Alder smoke and base. I’ll hope that Patrick Ducey donated all the side dishes. As to Lindsey will post from a cross for the coming contacts for future IGKT the South end of PAB. auction, we made good membership (part of Much has happened contacts and met old the quest) we may have there. We posted some friends. At FFD (the netted one or two. Hand pictures of our events at second year) we had a out a few hundred single www.khww.net in the fine time and more than folds and some may come PAB gallery. double the attendance. back. As a practice we Roy Chapman
Charlie Bell and Jimmy Williams in attendance at the Dana Point Tallships Festival with prospective new members from brig ‘Pilgrim’. Photo - Lindsey Philpott Photo - Lindsey 42 Knotting Matters
Photo - Lindsey Philpott Tom Mortell and Jimmy Williams in attendance at the Autumn Sea Festival, Cabrillo Aquarium, San Pedro shorter report from Conference and AGM sojourn to Dana Point Athe Pacific Americas next year! August came with a visit for the sixth Branch in Southern and went in a flurry of year to the Cabrillo California - we have been fires and traffic jams to be Aquarium’s Fall Festival. enjoying the sunshine and followed rapidly by the The crowds were a the challenge of which annual Toshiba Tallships little thinner but no less pair of board shorts to Festival at the Ocean enthusiastic and certainly wear for our next trip Institute in Dana Point. the kids have the best on the waves of SoCal We were there with about questions (Why do you beaches. Roy Chapman seven thousand other have so much string?). has prepared a report folks and it seems like While we were there we (Thanks Roy!) for all the all of them visited our got an invitation to attend activities up north in our table! We (Joe, Charlie, the re-installation of the area so here goes with Tom, Jimmy and myself) original fresnel lens in the ours. We attended the attended to the questions Point Fermin Lighthouse, Pier at San Francisco in and oohs and aaahs of San Pedro, CA, which had July for our AGM and most of them. We have gone missing for about 38 resolved to try to get sent on a photograph or years. The word of our things together for all two of the setup - don’t participation is getting of those people living know if they will get out and we are becoming in the North American into this issue but we’ll sought after! Continental land mass, try to post them on our Great to be able to from Mexico and own web-site for all to let others know about Honduras up through see. Two days of glorious knot-tying and we shall the USA and to the far sunshine, shanty-singing certainly continue to pass reaches of Canada. Watch and sudsy adult beverages the message on. Tight your mailboxes for an made for a great leads to all! invitation to the Pacific weekend! Lindsey Philpott Branch’s tenth annual We followed our december 2006 43 I don’t know if this Secrets of Knots is just a U.S. thing and Postbag a difference in dialect was delighted to read within the English Iin KM 87 [June 2005] The views expressed in reader’s letter do language. I thought your of Selby Anderson’s not necessarily reflect those of the Council. discovery that the The Editor reserves the right to shorten any readers would like another letter as necessary. perspective on the word. Carrick bend enlarges in a Fibonacci sequence Bight or Loop? Regardless, but I loved approaching Golden reading the etymology Mean proportions. We aybe it is a U.S. of the word in Mr. may know less than half Mthing. I was taught Budworth’s piece as I of all there is to learn in the Boy Scouts of always enjoy reading about knots and they America that a ‘bight’ every page in Knotting probably conceal many is made by bringing Matters. more secrets, which like the bitter end of the Grey Chisholm this one hint at underlying line (or the working Master, U.S. Merchant order and meaning. part) alongside and Marine Whether detecting them more or less parallel Captain, U.S. Navy will enable us to discern to the standing part. Madrid, New Mexico, USA some supernatural This method was made power in the universe, most clear when tying a or is merely the way we bowline on a bight. The humans are hard-wired bight is similar different to comprehend things, I to the ‘loop.’ A loop is find this latest revelation made by crossing the bitter end across the standing part. The difference is subtle, but important in many knots. I have taught these definitions at California Maritime Academy, The State University of New York Maritime Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis as well as to hundreds of mariners and sailors over the years. 44 Knotting Matters december 2006 45
exciting. As he (or she) drawing but, to some the sympathetically those is not a Guild member, jargon is unintelligible who are slow to see what and I have been unable and a drawing of a you are attempting. This to contact him (or her), I figure-of-eight knot applies especially when would simply like to say is a mind-blowing, going into print in KM here and now; ‘Selby, incomprehensible tangle! because someone who well done indeed’. may be in the ‘Have To’ Some years ago a Geoffrey Budworth class may lose a job! member criticised the Salisbury, UK Ken Higgs tree, hole and a rabbit Felixstowe., UK method of teaching the bowline as ‘childish and Do They Have To? simplistic’ and ‘should not be used by the Guild’. o they want to, or do Many of us disagreed they have to? ‘They’ D then, and still do, because being people who come Symmetry or Knot it may be, as a last resort, to us for help in any part ith regard to the only way to help the of our craft. Especially in Dick Clements’ student to see the knot. W the latter category, I have interesting extensions of found the need to consider Whether you are face- Harry Asher’s Simple one other characteristic - to-face with an individual Simon bends [KM92, do they have the ability to or a group, or you wish pp10-13], the bends with see how a knot has to be to teach-the-world by diagrams Figs 4 & 6 formed, or not? You may offering an article to be exhibit ‘plus’ symmetry find it easy to understand printed in the KM, please, (like the reef knot, working ends, leads and please allow for the Rigger’s (or Hunter’s) bights, or follow a line worst scenario and treat, bend and Shakehands); those with diagrams Figs 5 & 7 ‘minus’ symmetry (like the thief knot and Zeppelin bend). Answers to Caption Corner As far as bend These are two answers I have receive to last issues symmetry is concerned, Caption Corner (KM92 p42). plus seems to be far more prevalent than minus. “I’m 100% convinced that you’re demonstrating the lost For instance, among the art of making Donkey’s Breakfasts. I can even see an 60 examples in my book empty, white duck-canvas mattress, hanging up at the Symmetric Bends: How to far left of the photo”.(Thomas Simpson) Join Two Lengths of Cord, “My guess re pic in KM92 was you were putting down [World Scientific, 1995] plus outnumbers minus straw to soak up mud--- seeing the event is in the 53:7. Thus, interestingly, middle of summer there”. (Frank Brown) the one of these four The correct answer is the second - we did have a lot of favoured by Dick is the rain! (Ed.) minus one of Fig 5! Roger E. Miles Sutton NSW, Australia 48 Knotting Matters
Netherlands Last Saturday of each month Knotting Diary De Hoop, Nr Rotterdam Maritime Museum, Rotterdam Contact: Jan Hoefnagel GUILD MEETINGS Tel: (0031) 078 614 6002 25th AGM & 2K7 24th-26th May 2007 Pacific Americas Fernham Hall, Fareham, Hampshire 2nd Tuesday of each month Contact: Ken Yalden Los Angeles Maritime Museum, Tel: (0044) 023 9225 9280 San Pedro, California Email: [email protected] Contact: Joe Schmidbauer Tel: (001) (909) 737 4948 Half-Yearly Meeting Email: [email protected] 13th October 2007 Quarry Bank Mill, Styal, Cheshire Contact: Dave Walker EVENTS Tel: (0044) 01244 682117 Australia Email: [email protected] 9th - 12th February 2007 Australian Wooden Boat Festival Hobart, Tasmania BRANCH MEETINGS Opportunity for Australian IGKT members UK to meet - visitors welcome East Anglian Branch Contact: Frank Brown 14th April 2007 Email: [email protected] Museum of East Anglian Life, Stowmarket, Suffolk France Contact: John Halifax 31st March - 1st April 2007 Tel: (0044) 01502 519123 La Cité de la Mer, Dieppe Email: Contact: Graham McLachlan [email protected] Tel: (0033) 0233 076 704 email: [email protected] Midlands Branch 12th February 2007 Germany The Old Swan (Ma Pardoe’s), 27th-29th April 2007 Halesowen Road, Halesowen Fishing Museum, Cuxhaven Contact: Bruce Turley Contact: Peter Willems Tel: (0044) 0121 453 4124 Tel: (0049) 04 61 73176 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Non-UK Branches Alaskan Every Wednesday evening 6.30-8.00 Anchorage Senior Center 1300 East 19th Avenue, Anchorage Contact: Mike Livingstone Tel: (001) 907 929 7888