ISSUE 53 SUMMER - JULY1996 ISSN 0959-2881 \'.. GUILD SUPPLIES I.G.K.T. STOCK LIST 1995 "'.. ::II:I:I:I.jlll~lllllllllj:i:i::li:l:iljl:::l:I:II:·1··:·II·lj·I:I:::III:I:ljl·:~lljl:lilll:lllllii.:I::·:1:::llilil::lil:ll jl·:::lll:::i::IIIIII:lil:llillll:::i:iil:l:I::I.i.i:lllil~:il:~~::.llillliil.~:··li·I::i·i::·:·I:lil::::~I:lljlillllllll::l::llllllll·: KNOTCHARTS 100 to choose from £0.10 each

POSTCARDS Set of 8 instructional (Brown & Cream) £1.50 Set Set of 8 Single Strand Ornamental (White on Blue) £1.50 Set

RUBBER STAMP "IGKT - Member" (excludes stamp pad) £4.00

TIES Polyster (Dark blue, with white motifs) LONG £8.95 each

BADGES Guild LOGO Enamel Brooch Type £1.80 each Cloth, Blazer Type £1.00 each Car Sticker (Solft Plastic) £1.00 7" Display Stand Logo £7.50 each

KNOT CRAFT· THE VIDEO elementary teaching aid VHSorNTSC Stuart Grainger £8.50 each

SUPPLIES SECRETARY 3 Walnut Tree Meadow Stonham Aspal STOWMARKET Suffolk IP14 6DF THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER of THE INTERNATIONAL GlTILD OF KNOT TYERS ISSUE No. 53 SUMMER - JULY 1996

PRESIDENT Des Pawson HON VICE PRESIDENT Dr. Vaughan Jones,F.R.S. PAST PRESIDENTS Perey Blandford - Geoffrey Budworth - Erie Franklin ­ Jan Vos - Stuart Grainger - Glad Findley

GUILD ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RATES: SECRETARY: Payable by cash/cheque EurocardlMastercard or Nigel Harding VISA. Juniors £4 3 Walnut Tree Meadow Seniors £14 Stonham Aspal Families £19 STOWMARKET Corporate By Arrangement Suffolk IP14 6DF Tel: 01449 711121 Taxpayers in the UK - We would prefer a covenanted subscription. EDITORS: Lonnie & Margaret Boggs Advertising Rates: Members Non-members 78 Marlborough Avenue Full page £32 £49 KIDLINGTON Half page ~19 £22 Oxford 0 X5 2AP Quarter page £10 £15 Tel: 01865 378104 For inclusion in one issue only. Except as otherwise indicated, copyright in Knotting Submission dates for inclusion of articles/letters: Matters is reserved to the International Guild of Knot KM54 16 AUGUST 96 Tyers IGKT 1995. Copyright in members' articles KM55 22 NOVEMBER 96 published in Knotting Matters is reserved to the KM56 07 MARCH 97 authors and permission to reprint should be sought KM57 07 JUNE 97 from the author and editor. All sources of quotations printed in Knotting Matters are acknowledged.

THE IGKT IS A UK REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 802153 submitted for him by Richard EDS BYTES & PIECES Hopkins. Page 45, Animals Knots What do you think of the new front should be 'ANIMAL KNOTS' and page and table of conrents? I heard a was written by Heinz Prohaska lot of good ideas about how to make Horsching, Austria. Also the letter KM better at the AGM at Gilwell in ends, 'Gorillas use knots to join the May. I hope we have included them ends of lianas (not lines) when all in this issue. The new 'HOUSE making its nest. Page 50, the letter STYLE' will include things like 'More on Clock ' was written indented parC;lgraphs and putting by Terry Ridings. Here is his address authors names and areas at the head so you can write to him: 121 Garner of the article or letter. We will try to Road, Salt Spring Island, BC, use some symbols to break between Canada, V8K 2B1 articles and letters to help alert the .(email:[email protected]) reader of the change. We try to retype Going back to KM50 (page 20) and all letters and articles but sonle times 51 (page 26) the two articles on 'The the quality of the item is as good as Use Of Knots On Inland Waterways, we could do and would loose the written by Stuart Grainger, was first distinctive look of the author, so we published in the magazine "Canal and scan it in or send it off to the printers Riverboat" in 1992- copyright Stuart as camera ready copy. So there will Grainger. be changes in columns and type face but its deliberate. There are some NOTES FROM THE spelling errors but not that many for SECRETARY'S BLOTTER 68 pages. We make_ every effort to proof read all the text at least four I am sitting here looking out at the times by three different people and sun shining on the garden, and still we see glaring mistakes when we thinking, why am I sitting indoors read the printed copy from the writing this, when I should be outside printers. We will continue to strive to enjoying a brief glimpse of summer. come up to the very high standard Such is the sacrifice one has to make, that was' set by our previous editor, especially when the deadline for copy Gordon Perry. for this edition of KM is tomorrow, Erratum KM 52: The article and Lonnie can be so persuasive, beginning on page 10 is of course by (and he is also one of the few people I Stuart Grainger, and I didn't include know who is bigger than me). his name. The letter beginning on As usual I am in a rush, as I have to page 34 'Nautical Unequal Ropes' get all those little jobs done before tea was written by Eric Jones but time today, which is Friday, because I

2 KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 shall be going to bed about that time other nationalities may be much more in readiness for an enjoyable laid back, as I have on numerous weekend of night shifts. On Monday occasions been specifically asked to when I start moving back into the change an individuals address label, land of the living, I shall be climbing not only to remove the title, but to into my car and setting off on my replace it with their Christian name. I touring holiday in France. By the shall continue the practice of the time you will be reading this, I shall formal address unless an individual be back home again, wading knee objects, in which case, if I am advised deep, through the piles of I will make the appropriate correspondence which will have piled al terations. up on the doormat, in our absence. If Whilst on the subject of you have written recently, and are correspondence, I have been asked by still awaiting a reply, that is probably Margaret Machado in Oregon, if the reason. there is anyone who would be Since I last put pen to paper we have interested in corresponding with her held our Annual General Meeting at on the subject of Tatting. She has Gilwell, which was an amazing started creating jewellery and gathering of knot tyers from all over accessories using a modified tatting the world. With well over a hundred technique. Other enquiries I have members present it must rate as our received, range from the covering of most successful gathering so far. Our the sheaths of Japanese swords, to a thanks must go to Charlie Smith and simplified introduction to the his team of helpers who made all the Schaake mathematics. Incidentally. necessary arrangements, not the Jug Knot is often referred to as forgetting David Doy, and his having been in regular use by the daughter Jane who kept us fed and Romans, can anyone confirm whether watered all day, with catering of the this is fact or fiction. highest standard. As others have A question raised at the AGM was prepared their own reports on the whether we should be organising a event, I shan't say any more about it, major event to coincide with the other than, I am looking forward to Millennium celebrations, or whether the next one. we should wait until our twentieth On to more mundane administrative birthday, in 2002. There was an matters. Here in the UK we are all a overwhelming majority in favour of little reserved about ourselves, and so the latter, however, that does not stop correspondence is usually addressed us from having a lesser event for the rather formally to Mr or Mrs former. Ideas put forward were quite Whatsizname, however, I suspect that diverse, however the one which KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 3 caught my fancy, was to tie a Turk's ERIC FRANKLIN Head around two thousand well FOUNDER MEMBER & SECOND known objects from.. all over the PRESIDENT world. This struck the as being a useful public relations exercise, We are sorry to have to record the achievable, and amusing. I must death of Eric Franklin, but are admit that I was in a substantial thankful for his long and busy life minority, but the thought of a Turk's and particularly for his love of and Head stuck on the top of the Eiffel skill in knotting, to the benefit of the Tower did rather catch my Guild. He was a founder member imagination. Must go now, it is now and our second president, and very Sunday afternoon, and I have run out active in putting the Guild on its feet. of time. More recent merrlbers will not have To all of our northern hemisphere met Eric because he was kept from menlbers, do have a good summer, meetings by a prolonged illness, but best wishes. those members from earlier days will Nigel Harding have happy memories of his knowledge, skill and ability to entertain. My connections with Eric go back at least to early post war years in Scouting. I first knew him when both of us were contributing to the boys' magazine 'The Scout' and the adult magazines 'Scouter' and 'Scouting'. We have both been life long members of the Scout Association and both, more recently, commissioners. By coincidence, and possibly to be regarded as a fitting tribute to Eric, our AGM has just been held in a new building on the spot at Gilwell where a few of us Guild members ran a knotting base at the annual Scout Gilwell Reunion when our Guild was not much more than one year old. On his own initiative Eric produced a Our esteemed secretary - Nigel few knot charts to sell there and they Harding have developed into our series of one 4 KNOTTING MATTERS· JULY 1996 hundred. Also around then we had been toying with the design of our THE FENDER BOOK Guild badge and Eric produced by several specimens mape of fine cord COLIN R JONES and mounted on backings with pins. Eric had an ability to draw and describe knots, as seen in his many books and articles. He prepared several Guild publications; the most recent one only just published. He was a man of many skills, as seen by his early athletic prowess and a career that spanned many professions. An unexpected skill was with a banjo, which he played in an The DIY book of Fenders. ISBN 0 orchestra for upwards of thirty years. 952838702 Eric was a member of the Magic Reviewed by Stuart Grainger. Circle and quite high up in its There is a big readership waiting for organisation. Guild nlembers fronl this book, which has been some eight earlier days will remember how he years in preparation and I do not entertained us with magic at think that potential readers will be many meetings. disappointed. If you are a boat owner, Eric led a full, active and useful life who wants to know how to make for most of his 89 years. We are practical fenders in a sorry at his going, buJ thankful for all traditional style, this book will he has done for others and in provide the guidance required, from particular our, and his IGKT. We start to finish, in well illustrated extend our sympathy to his wife and detail. family. Anyone who has published or Percy Blandford - Long time friend handled books about knots will know of Eric Franklin that there is a demand for a book specifically about making fenders and here, at last, is the response. Colin lones has been a Guild member since 1985 and has been From Nylon Novelties by working professionally with rope Eric Franklin (his last book) since he was a boy. He is not a professional writer and, here and there, it shows, but he writes clearly, KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 5 concisely and didactically, as befits traditional methods have been tried. an experienced teacher of the craft. Telling a reader to cut the side walls Colin is not a trained artist either, but off an old car tyre is not as helpful as his drawings, and they are his own, it might have been with the addition are of a high standard, clearly of the vital necessity of lubricating illustrating what is intended. They the knife with washing-up liquid. It show that much care and thought has would have helped many readers also been used in their preparation and to have given them some advice that most difficult of subjects, the about sources of supply for the human hand, has been treated recommended cordage. Although admirably. real enough, these are minor criticisms, of which a reviewer is expected to find some. My overall opinion is that this is a most worthwhile book and one that will be around for many years to come. 67 A4 pages wire bound, card covers. £9.95 P&P £1.25, published by and available from the author, I am insufficient!y qualified to Colin R. lones, 51 Ashmead Rise, criticise the methods,. recommended in Cotton Haekett, Birmingham B45 the book, indeed there are few who 8AE, England. Telephone 0121 445 are. The number of Colin's satisfied 5436 customers and pupils testifies to the quality of his advice on this subject, OLIN R which he knows far better than most. C/~, __ I confess to a minor disappointment - . 0 '.~ >~ that he has not said more about the -.sf" " generality of fender-making. Having told us in his introduction that, in his quest for the 'traditional' fender, he HOW ABOUT STARTING A has found that "Each river or sea area SWAP SHOP have their own idea on what is by Richard M Phelan 'traditional'." Very little appears in An idea that has worked in trying to the body of the book about design raise interest in the Guild is the variations, although to be fair, he promotion of a swap shop. This does exhort his readers to experiment enables members of the Guild to not and try new ideas, it would have been only collect their own style of work interesting to know what other and what they specialise in, but lots 6 KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 of samples of other Guild members NAME SPECIALITY work. For example, fenders do not Will Knot Splicing, Fenders, have to be full size, but can be made Knotboards just 6" long or whate~r, just to show Birdy Brain Coasters, what can be done and the finished Turksheads result, almost like a knotboard! If UR Nuts Lanyards, Keyrings everyone was to do something to Brain Hurts Chest Beckets & swap and do for example a dozen of Handles, Buttons each, then when we have the next I Tugs'em Macrame, Wall meeting we can all bring along our Hangings swap pieces for exchange. This way, It may at this point be good to we will build up a very good knot mention that materials cost money, collection and if we were to be therefore if members require, they promoting the Guild, for example in can either send the cord/rope etc to our local libraries or any other venue, the expert and ask them to make we would then have good examples whatever, or if you send in work, of what Guild members can do, and perhaps state how much material, of just what can be done with knots. what kind was used and the person We are normally limited to our own taking it could replace the material. speciality, this would also promote then cost should not be a problem. new ideas, and encourage us all to This way you are making the swap move from a favourite pieces to try the expertise of the person, i.e. you something new. wish to own a Chest Becket in your How would the Swap Shop work? I collection, so you contact the expert am prepared to buitd up a list and on Chest Handles, he/she tells you it send it in each month to KM, this list takes 500m of 3mm white cord, you would consist of the members names, send himlher the material and they addresses, phone numbers etc. along make it for you. with information of what they have I am willing to open a 'Swap Shop', sent in for swap. If you then see and will accept any work for passing something you would like, you could on, and will try to find what any send in and swap something of yours member is looking for. Anyone with for the desired piece. First of all I any other ideas please let me know, would like to collect all names of especially any members abroad who mernbers that would be interested and may require help, and cannot get to also what they are good at. Le.: meetings. Perhaps after a time we could have a list of members with really good collections showing a variety of

KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 7 work, and list these members in the Select a diameter to suit your back of KM (only if they agree of cordage, cut off short lengths, slide course), when you have a local event, the sleeves halfway over the ends of these members could then be called your cordage (see sketches below,) on to show their collections. I have heat and you are ready to go. already started a collection and any member is welcome to visit, just pop p!"'\. 'C,-"-'--'-TIt t ~__~ J along and ring the doorbell with your ~ofIslttYlls. elbow, (well you are not going to ~'---'-' """',",-"'\.\"'~ come empty handed are you) SlideCMlrIlllllway Happy Knotting ~'-><:'''''''''""l-.".~ Richard Phelan, 8 Teesdale Road, Heat shrink Slough, Berks SL2 1DD Tel: 01753 CJACI(B8l., HlrntilL..eFice. 714841. PUNCTURED SPHERE COVERING KNOTS Peiter van de Griend - Holland Bellpull makers often end their product with a blob. There are a number of knots which are excellently suited for this purpose, e.g. Star Knots, Crown and Wall knots. Here I want to introduce a class of covering which may form a P challenging alternative to the lliiiliiiiiiiLiiiAiiiSTiiiIiiiiC'iiiWiiii-HiiiiIPiiiiPIiiiiNGiiiiiiiiiiiil~ aforementioned classical knots. Jack Bell - Southampton, England. The ball at the end of a bellpull can I would like to share with other be covered with a spherical covering members an idea I had to stop the such as shown in (1,#2216), an S4C ends of cordage fraying while being from (2), or an adapted Regular worked, (I find heat sealing leaves a Nested knot fronl (4). The problem knob, and whipping time consuming.) with these sphere covers is that they The idea was to acquire some are completely closed and leave no 'HEAT SHRINK', (Maplin or some room for emerging parts such as the other electronic outlet,) this is plastic stem or a tassel of the bellpull. In the sleeving which reduces down to half literature there are a nunlber of its diameter when heated, (I use a solutions to this problem. Mario paint stripper.) Lopez Osornio gives a method (3, pp219-223) with an interweave. 8 KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 Clifford Ashley (1, #2224) shows CAPTAIN JACK CLARKE how to make a useful cover. MASTER MARINER Unfortunately, it is multi- stranded. The problem can alsQ be solved by by Janet Flack - Cornwall cutting a hole in a Spherical Covering Geoff and I made the decision to knot. This leaves one with a sphere visit our son in Cape Town, South with a hole, whence the name Africa. It was about time, as he had punctured sphere. Here we give four been living there for nearly nine single cycled examples of the years. Although he has returned to resulting kind of knot. Two string this country once during that time the runs have not been given a coding. It rate of exchange has been very much is left as an exercise to implement a again him revisiting England. nice coding. Should lack of Before leaving this country last imagination be one's fate, a simple November, I noted that on checking over 1 under 1 crossing sequence can with the membership list we had one always be applied! IGKT member living in Cape Town. REFERENCES Unfortunately, although I tried to 1 C W Ashley, The Ashley Book of Knots, Doubleday, New York 1944 contact Nigel and Des, both were 2 P A v d Griend: S4C, Privately publ ished, intent on other business. I was Arthus Denmark 1991 unable to glean any infonnation 3 M A Lopez Osornio: Trenzas Gauchos, Buenos Aires 1934, Editorial Hemisferio Sur SA and about Captain Jack Clarke before our Libros de Hispanoamerica, Pasteur 743, t028 leaving this country. Buenos Aires, Argentina. ISBN 950504-355-4, It was at least two weeks into our 32nd edition 1986. 4 A G Schaake, JC Turner and DA Sedgwick: stay that I finally found time to Braiding - Standard Herringbone Pineapple Knots. scrutinise the Cape Town phone Book 4/1 series of books on braiding. Department directory. To our delight we found of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand 1991. ISBN 0­ Jack listed and not too far away from 909930-07-6 our son's abode~ When we first arrived in Cape Town and had made our way to the CORRECTION KM 52 (noticed by Waterfront, we chose to have a cup of Geoffrey Budworth) tea in the Harbour Master's Cafe, and The editors wish to sincerely there tucked away at the end of the apologise to KANAT for the bar was a knot board. Of course I groundless slur implied by this went to inspect it while waiting the unfortunate misprint. The sentence arrival of the tea, and yes you've should read: ...and now, I ant told. guessed it there in the corner was the Not....and not I am told. name of the originator, Captain Jack Clarke. All knots were well known

KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 9 to me except one, a corned beef knot On our return to Cape Town we (what is that?). After enquiring about contacted Jack again and agreed to the board I was introduced to the meet him for lunch at the Royal Cape owner of the cafe whet informed me Town Yacht Club where he is a that Jack had demonstrated knot tying member. on the Waterfront during the summer A quick visit to see Cape Town and gave one of his boards to the from the Table Mountain Road and cafe. (I managed to make a drawing our son drove us to the Yacht Club, of the corned beef knot but what a swelter of a day, 30°+C. Jack somewhere between then and now was there to meet us at the door and have lost the piece of paper). sign us in as temporary members, and During the next four weeks Jack's there round the corner was another of knot board kept popping up out of the those now famous knotboards. blue. I was pleased to see the We were then introduced to Mary Maritime Nautical shop displayed his wife, I was relieved to see he had information about the Guild for all to one as I find it difficult to speak to see. The Maritime Museum also had strange men in strange countries, but one of Jack's knot boards ready to be one soon forgets oneself and part of the display. The children's conversation flowed. After a little display section had a large 'hands on' liquid refreshment we tucked into knot tying displaying of the most lunch; the waiter reminded us that if useful knots, good thinking by we were eating would we like to someone. order. Three weeks into our holiday I Jack had been a navigator in the plucked up courage and rang the Merchant Navy before reaching the number at Athlone, the phone was heights of Master Mariner. His wife, answered by a lady, Jack was out but Mary, joined him in South Africa could she give him a message, just fronl England years ago and they had my luck! Jack contacted us the next two sons. Jack had become interested day and we agreed to meet in about in knotting over the years and was ten days time on return from our given membership to the IGKT on travels east. retirement some 6 years ago. He was The owners of a B&B at Knysna introduced to the Guild by Captain were most interested in craft work Gordon Stockley who visited the and 1 have promised to send them Earls Court Boat Show and on seeing some literature about the IGKT. The the IGKT stand and being aware of husband, a sailing man, said there Jack's interest in knotting, enrolled were several retired people whom he him in the Guild. He has spent most thought would be interested. of his retirement making knotboards

10 KNOTTING MATIERS - JULY 1996 and he has been commissioned by his Apart from needle hitching and young grandson to make him one for knotted beadwork we saw very little Christmas, a potential recruit for knotwork in the Cape Province. One IGKT? other knotboard was found at Delaire The only contact Jack has had with while wine tasting, and signed to the Guild, apart from the quarterly Ruth and Storm, Arniston Oct 1980 magazine, was with Des Pawson on a from the Colonel (Rtd twice). The visit to the UK. Jack's work is being Colonel as I understand has since commissioned throughout South passed away, and Ruth and Storm Africa/AmericaIRussia yet he is still now live at a nearby farm. the only member of the IGKT in Finally what is a corned beef knot? South Africa (Cape Province). On returning home I found it in Time has passed very quickly and it is a shame we were returning to the UK on the following Thursday. On reflection there were so many things we would have liked to have asked, but now we have made contact I hope Jack will put pen to paper and write to the Guild giving us an update on his rope work etc. A tip Jack gave me was to use a knitting machine' n~edle to help pull cords through, when doing splicing and similar work. Jack and Mary are a delightful couple and we Ashley under the occupational knots. were very pleased to have made the I have since learned that Jack first effort to make contact with them. came across it in Charles Warner's They made us feel very welcome~ and Fresh Approach to Knotting. We when we left, it was like leaving old have recently had a letter from Jack friends. May I suggest that members and Mary part of which I am do what we did when visiting a enclosing for inclusion in the foreign country, look up the Guild magazine. members, you may be their only A quote from Jack's letter: contact in a growing organisation.

KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 11 I would appreciate it if you would From Ralph Lia - Queens - NY ­ convey nlY very best wishes to the USA.... IGKT, perhaps I will be able to attend a meeting as we are.. thinking of Can anybody tell Ralph if the making a trip home next year (all following two knots could possibly being well). I have no dates yet but be original, he cannot find them in towards the end of the year we shall Ashley's, Cyrus Day, Budworth or be more definite. Asher. Can anyone throw any light My boards are still in great demand on them? Ralph feels they are so . and I have just delivered a huge one simple, surely they cannot be to the Cape Town Training School original. for Seamen. Our young grandson was thrilled with the one he wanted for Christmas, of course, it was an extra special one, and a little more elaborate, he has mastered one or two while (knots) while sitting with me, which is a start. Ed: Well done Janet, you are right we should all look up our members in foreign surrounds, with such widely dispersed membership it has to be the best way to promote friendship and togetherness. How much richer a spe~ial holiday like yours was made by taking your c outrage in both hands.

Janet Flack - Cornwall taken at IGKT AGM - Gilwell Park May 1996 12 KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 BOOKLET REVIEW FIADOR KNOTS CONCERNING CROSSES Tom Hall - Texas - USA BYBR/AN FIELD In Owen Nuttal's letter in KM51 he Review by Geoffrey BUdworth shows an Indian Bridle Knot. Then Price UK £1.50 (plus 25p p&p) he tells that in Graumont's US $3.00 (inclusive) 'Handbook of Knots' (1945) it says: This booklet is simply five A4 paper "frontier men enhanced the Jug Sling pages, centre-stapled in two places Knot to form the Hackamore or and folded; nevertheless, a neatly Theodore Bridle." Whenever I hear hand-written text and working or read about this I wonder if they drawings go to make it the sort of know how a Fiador rope is used on a craft publication many of us Hackamore. Also, all the ways you appreciate. The author is that can tie a Fiador Knot. Let me tell bearded and besmocked Englishman you a little about the Hackamore, the who (when the weather is right) can Fiador Rope and the tying of the be found on the quayside at Maldon, Fiador Knots. in Essex, demonstrating and selling On a fully rigged breaking his knotwork.. hackamore there is a rope tied to the In this booklet he shows and frame of the bosal, just in front of the explains how to tie 'in the hand' heel knot. This rope goes up and seven interwoven crosses of the fastens to the headstall. Where it is Celtic idiom; a Sailor's Cross, Latin used as a throat latch. This rope is Cross (2), Greek Cross (2) and ~alled a fiador rope. The fiador rope Carrick Mat Crosses (2). This is the IS what makes the difference between latest publication from the inventive a breaking hackamore and a reining fingers and sharp mind of an avowed hackamore. flat knot freak. Previous ones were In figure 1 there is a drawing of a his popular Breastplate Pendants to breaking hackamore and a reining Make and Wear and A Single Strand hackamore. The main purpose of the Celtic Cross. Concerning Crosses can be obtained from the fiador rope is to keep the hackamore IGKT Secretary (Supplies) but Brian has arranged from coming off a horse's head. for North American members to have their own supplier, John Burke at 4417 Academy, Derebourn Heights, Michigan 48125-2205, (Tel: 3135624393)

KNOTTING MATIERS - JULY 1996 13 /. Leo.J rlJf. tieJ to ;'0110",. 'OD" or F:i).do,., R"f e . Reinin9 Hackamore Figure I. The fiador rope allows the breaking that make up a fiador rope are hackamore t~ be uses! to break horses becoming lost art. The purpose of to lead. Where the lead rope is tied to this article is to help keep the art of the bottom loops of the fiador rope, tying these knots alive. Or, at least the pull of the lead rope is on the the main knot that makes a fiador fiador rope, which pulls on the back rope what it is; and, that knot is the of the horse's heaa. The reining Fiador Knot. hackamore does not have a fiador The Fiador knot is tied so that two rope. The reining hackamore is used loops come out of the bottom of the on horses that are already broke to knot. At the top of the Fiador knot is ride. Where the hackamore would one loop and the two loose ends of not be pulled in a way or hard enough the rope. This is really all there is to to pul) it off the horse's head. the fiador rope. The other knots The reigning hackamore is the type associated with the fiador rope are most used today. Therefore not many used to either secure it to the bodal or people have hackamores with a fiador the horse. rope. So there aren't many people These knots are the Double that know how to tie the knots that Hackamore Knot and the Becket make up a fiador rope. There just I-litch. The Double Hackamore Knot isn't a demand for fiador ropes is used to secure the fiador rope to the anymore. So the tying of the knots bodal. The Becket Hitch is used to 14 KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 Figure 2. secure the two loose ends of the seen Fiador Knots on old hackamores fiador rope around the horse's neck or from old time braiders, knew the as a throat latch. For the rest of this 'Ole' Fiador Khot was not the best. article we will only deal with the Because of the way the strand of rope Fiador Knot, because both of these came out of the top of the 'Ole' other knots are better known. Fiador Knot, the knot will spread. So In 1984 I did an article on the Fiador these braiders were looking for the Knot for the 'Rawhide and Leather way to tie this other Fiador Knot. Braider's Association'. That article This other Fiador Knot is the generated many responses from the 'Theodore' Fiador Knot. It's the members. Through their comments Fiador Knot all the old timers said you could tell if they had learnt to tie they had been tying for years. They the Fiador Knot from an old time did not all agree that the way I had braider, from Bruce Grant's books or shown it was the best, but they all braiding or both. agreed that it was the best Fiador The braider that learnt the 'Ole' Knot to use. So I did another article Fiador Knot from Grant's books showing the way my dad had taught thought it was the only Fiador Knot me how to tie the 'Theodore' Fiador there was. The braider that had learnt Knot. Some of the old braiders then Grant's 'Ole' Fiador Knot, but had wrote back to say "That is how they

KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 15 had tied that knot for 50 years". when I was ten years old and I still Through all of this there were two remember it. So, he must have been Fiador Knots brought up. The 'Ole' right. Fiador Knot and the 'Theodore' The first thing you need to know is Fiador Knot. It was pointed out that how to tie the open ended knot that is each of these knots was the reverse of like the 'Theodore' Fiador Knot. Dad the other. If you could tie one of always called this knot a Turk's Head them, you could then it inside Terminal Knot. As I started studying out to have the other. Something that knots more, I saw that a lot of I thought more interesting was the different types of knots were called way the old time braiders used the Turk's Head Knots. When I saw this method of tying the Fiador Knot that open ended knot called a Walled was the easiest to remember. Not the Crown Knot in method that was the easiest to tie. some knot tying book, I thought it Because, when they learnt to tie the was a good name for it. Fiador Knot, there were no drawings Because when you tie it, you make a of it. If you have a book or a drawing Crown Knot. Then you tie a Wall of how to tie a knot all you need to Knot up through the centre of the remember is where you put the book. Crown Knot. Therefore you 'walled' That way you can get it out next time the Crown Knot. Since that time, one you want to tie the knot. When the of the old time braiders that information was passed by word of commented on my Fiador article, told mouth and by demonstration from me that he had always heard this knot one braider to another, it had to be called a 'Rosebud'. Whatever you remembered. Which is not hard if want to call it, the knot is tied by first you are tying the knot all of the time. tying a Crown Knot. Then take each But with the Fiador Knot, you may strand under the next strand, as if to only tie it two or three times a year. tie a Wall Knot, then up through the Then again it might be two or three centre of the Crown Knot. This is years before you tie it again. So, how shown in figure 2. did the old timers remember how to Figure 3 shows the method my dad tie the Fiador Knot? They tied it the taught me how to tie the 'Thoedore' same way as dad taught me how to tie Fiador Knot. As with the Walled it. My dad taught me to tie the Crown Knot, you first nlake a Crown 'Theodore' Fiador Knot by relating it Knot. Then starting with the strands to the way you tie the open ended in the loop, you take each strand knot that is like it. Dad said that if under the strand next to it. Then up you tie it this way, you will always through the centre of the Crown remember it. That was around 1965 Knot. To do thi~ with the strands in

16 KNOTTING MATTERS· JULY 1996 31'- '+B \'Theodor/ Rad.or knot

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Figure 3. the loop you have to pull the loose centre of the Crown Knot. This end of the rope out of the Crown method of tying the "Theodore" Knot. Fiador Knot is in Fig 4. You might Then put the strand that is part of the need to remember where you put this loop in the centre of the Crown Knot. drawing, so you can tie it next time Now put the loose end of the rope because it is not easy to remember the back in place. The subfigures 4 and 5 first method. show this in figure 3. The two loose ends are worked the same way as in the Walled Crown Knot as you can see in the last figure in each drawing. The next example is an easier or faster way to tie the "Theodore" Fiador Knot. Here we set up the knot a little differently. That way we do not have to untie part of the knot to get the strands of the loop in the KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 17 f;,. I f:,. '1

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Figure 4.

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18 KNOTIING MATTERS - JULY 1996 · 3P - 48 \\0 le U Fiador knot

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KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 19 The "ale" Fiador Knot can also be different Fiador Knots. Then in tied by relating it to how you tie the Pamphlet N03 Braiding Applications open ended knot it resembles. That Horse Halter by Schaake, Turner and way it is easy to rem~mber. This Sedgwick there are some Nested nlethod is also an easy way to tie the Fiador Knots that are not in the book. "ale" Fiador Knot. It is shown in Pamphlet N03 tells all about the Figure 5. This method is a lot like construction methods of a rope halter. the one Grant shows in his book. In the book BRAIDING - Only we are tying it in the hand Regular Fiador Knots is a whole instead of on a board with nails to new way to tie the Fiador Knots. It is hold the loops of the rope. on a Fiador Knot mandrel. Our next example is another way to It is a very easy way to tie a very tie the "ale" Fiador Knot. It is tied complicated Fiador Knot. The most flat on a table or a board as shown in important thing I got out of this Fig 6. It is a very good way to tie a Fiador book is that you can calculate Fiador Knot for the heel knot on a how to tie any Fiador Knot. So rope halter. This brings us to what I instead of learning how to tie a knot think is going to keep the Fiador in a way that you can remember it. Knot alive, which are its uses on the You can learn how to draw grid rope halter. There just haven't been diagrams and how to calculate the enough people using hackamores algorithms to tie any knot. Then, as with fiador ropes to keep an interest long as you remember this (or where in the Fiador Knot. Now that the the book is!), you will not only be rope halter, like the one shown in Fig able to tie knots that have been tied 7 has become pdpl!lar, more people before, you will also be able to tie will want to learn how to tie the knots that have never been tied Fiador Knot. before. The method of tying Fiador The demand for better looking or Knots on a Fiador Knot mandrel is unique looking rope halters will get much easier to hold the rope than the people to tie more elaborate Fiador hand method of tying. It will be well Knots. worth your time to learn it. I will let The two we have shown here: the George Schaake lead you through it. "ale" Fiador Knot and the Just to get your interest up and make "Theodore" Fiador Knot are the you appreciate how much easier it is simplest of all Fiador Knots. There to hold the rope on the Fiador Knot are many more that can be tied. mandrel, here are some drawings of In the book BRAIDING - Regular some different Fiador Knots tied with Fiador Knots by Schaake, Turner and the hand method. This method is Sedgwick there are around 60 what most braiders use so it will look

20 KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY ]90 (i familiar to them. These pictorial drawings also look better on paper. Have fun holding th~ese. Then try them on a Fiador Kno{ mandrel. You will be delighted

7P-1.I8, .z P&l.1' Hl!d.dhU1lier Fiador k,.ot

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KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 21 ~'fp,~ JIB IItyesed C"-OWlltd. -Mattl.,w W4lhcr Fiodor Hn"t

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22 KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 SP~~8 R~versed Impr~Ve4 T~rh's-U~4d Fia.d.or knot

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KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 23 6"",- If e MattheW' Walker Fiador khot

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KNOTTiNG MATTERS - JuLY \99fi 24 REPORT OF AGM AT GILWELL PARK 11 MAY 1996

Arriving on a new campsite is always 'food for SALE', in a walk around confusing until you find your friends. the whole sight of Gilwell including Even across the huge field and under the tents of the CAMPEX exhibition his 'Ranger Smith' hat, I could see where we were told to leave by the Charlie Smith busily showing. people guards. The food was 30 feet on the where to bunk up or put their tents left. Well, we wanted to see the sight, and caravans. maybe not just now though. After the After saying hello to the other early meal it was back to the corner until birds and pitching our tent, Margaret bed, eventually. Cubs never get to and I went over to the brand new, bed early the first night of camp and I never before 'used in anger', training can see how the excitement can do building. Some stalls were already set that. up and we plonked ourselves in a Who says you can only get great corner of the lounge with a big sign breakfasts up north? After limitless saying "EDITOR'S CORNER". It cups of tea and coffee, a breakfast of was made by Terry Barns who eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans pointed out, cheeky soldier, that he and tomatoes was consumed in large managed to spell both words amounts. After a lot of larking about correctly and in the right order !! Its we all went over to the hall to start going to be one of those weekends. the day. Most of the stalls were up by Many people did sit down with their now. Next to the fire door was the coffees to have a chat and give us Essex Branch display of knot plaques much very good advise and from Terry Barns. Don Woods suggestions on how to improve the displayed a beautiful knot board, a magazine, other than 'Find another head band and a hammock clew (I hobby.' didn't know what it was called Because of the CAMPEX going on before), that's the bit at each end of a this weekend, we were able to have hammock where all the cords are our evening meal in the cafeteria, gathered together and attached to the opened for their exhibitors, at a very ring. I knew what it was but not what good cost. Of course~ we were slow it was called. Bruce Turley also had getting up to follow Charlie out and some earrings and key fobs. The next went out of the right door but then stall around the left was Jeff Wyatt twice went passed the small sign and the IGKT Library and loads of KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 25 his most excellent and interesting bell filled by work from Denis Murphy, pulls, flat knots, fenders, knot boards Liz Pawson, Fred Carrington and of turks heads and mats. This space, Harold Scott. 1 am constantly amazed and Des and Liz's staB. at the other at the knot boards of Fred and Denis, end of the hall, were always busy such precise and delicate work under both days, so many people looking, glass. Liz had a large bottle covered asking and doing. Once again 1 saw in knots, made of cord from Russia of Jeffs practice piece, six cords of unusually bright colours, a real eye different colours, each about a metre grabber. Harold's wire work and long, seized together at one end and sphere coverings are always good to used to demonstrate and practice see. (I hate working with wire.) On doing multi-strand knots; walling, the next table Janet Flack, of the Lace crowning and Matthew Walkers etc. Guild, was demonstrating how to It seemed so practical and obvious make friendship bands and bottle that 1 immediately made myself one. covers. Willeke's stall was Going out through the doors and into demonstrating how to make nets the entrance hall was Sylvia, signing using a netting needle and a bar. The people in and giving them a name other side of the second hall door, tag. Sylvia also had the Guild behind which the Editors Corner was supplies. So people could buy back hiding, was Brian Fields display of copies of KM and any number of breast plates and his wonderful IGKT publications. Opposite Sylvia jewellery was for sale. The lovely was Shirley Berlin and Europa Chang man went home to fetch them only with a Lace Makers table because Margaret was disappointed demonstrating braidjng of different that he hadn't brought them. Next types. Very interesting and many was Lester Copestake's said they hoped that this would demonstration of basic bends and become a regular display at IGKT loops, splicing of linen clock ropes meetings. 1 can't always take it all in and why Poldo tackle need to have the first time 1 see something new, so friction, all tackles, not just Poldo. 1 have to go away for a chew, reading The great thing about the Poldo up and having a go on my own before tackle is that it has no loose ends to getting the full benefit of talking to look unsightly. an expert. 1 look forward to seeing The raffle table was groaning again them again next year at Bridgewater with extremely desirable items; (1 can't be at the Half AG'M in books, tools, spools of cord, a Holland). beautiful needle lace flower, bottles Going back into the hall and around of drink and a big bar of chocolate. to the left again, there was a stall The over thirty items, were provided 26 KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 by members from their own exquisite stall was Dave Pusill, showing his work and supplies and raised £180 to knot boards and a good cut-away to cover the cost of the venue for the show how to put a shadow box weekend. I think I will have to make together to get the depth you need something simple but pretty for the when turning a picture frame into a raffle next year. Geoffrey Budworth knot board under glass. Perhaps on the next stall was selling and someone can write an article or come demonstrating lariat twirling! This along next year and demonstrate how was also one of the subjects on which to do this with the simple sort of tools he spoke during the meeting. Next that I might have to work with? He was Maurice Smith selling his knot shared this table with Maurice puzzle, a 'get the ring off without McPartlan and a grand display of his cutting the cord or losing your 'ALPHABET' letters, as explained in temper' type. I bought one and took it his article (KM52 page 20), in to a christening on Sunday afternoon various sizes and materials. He was and most people had an entertaining showing the completed draft of his go at working it. Next was Dave new book describing and giving William's displaying his beautiful patterns for making them. We will knot boards. review this book when published, Des and Liz Pawson's shop corner hopefully, by or in the new year. filled up the next two tables and After the space left for the top table, going around the corner, dripping John Halifax from 'ENDEAV0UR with goods, oooh. Hanks, balls and ROPECRAFf'. The eye is assaulted spools of cord string and rope, books by the beauty in this whole room, no and pamphlets new Clnd old, tools like less so from John's knot boards, 's (several styles), pull loops and demonstrating and discussing tying sheath knives were all tempting and and knotting. he has a tool which no familiar after looking at the raffle one could put a name or purpose to. I table. I'm glad I'm not the only one think it looks like it could be used to that kept hearing the words "Buy me" hold a thimble of twine under every time I went near that corner of consistent pressure for an even the room. looking job. The thumb screw would The next stall was Richard be used to tighten the fixed roller Phelem's display of 'SWAPS'. It's against the lip of the thimble as the hard to describe the beauty and twine is pulled off, as it goes around craftsmanship that can be found on a the rope being seized. But this is only trunk handle, oh, sorry, a becket. He a guess, do you know anything about had bell pulls, covered bottles and his this intriguing tool? trunk was full of swaps. The next

KNOTTING MATTERS -JULY 1996 27 This screws in and out. moving the arm was told. The items to see, touch and closer to the spindle learn how to make, are a long day's ~ study. Ken Yalden, superbly dressed in his trade mark a bow tie, pulled everyone together to begin the business meeting. After welcoming everyone, Ken introduced Des Pawson, the President of the Guild. Des had the sad duty of announcing the recent deaths of Gus Ericson and Eric Franklin. Des spoke about Gus Ericson's life and connection with the Guild. Percy Blandford came forward to tell us some of what Eric did in his life and how important he was as a founding member of the Guild and a guiding So. what is it? Does anyone know? hand in its early days. There then followed a two minutes silence in The last stall, coming around the respect of these two men. room to the fire door where we Ken Yalden then called Glad started, is a fine display of pages Findley, former president and taken from the Internet, showing founding member and presented her what knot knowledge is already on with a pair of crystal goblets with the the net and the IGI\T Home page at Guild logo on them. Glad collects address; email: gordon@g­ crystal and she said these would cisc.demon.co.uk being run by make a wonderful addition. Gordon Perry for the Guild. Gordon After acceptance of the minutes and is controlling this home page for the a reading, with comments, of the G'uild at no cost to the Guild because Secretary's report (printed at the end he believes, as in fact I do, that your of this report), it was announced that Email address will soon become as Fred Carrington and Denis Murphy important, if not more so, as your (regular and long time tnembers of telephone number is now. your council) were retiring fronl the The room, a big one, was full of council. Elections were held after people, voices, movement and regular nominations and introduction of outbursts of hearty laughter as a joke candidates. Your new council is: or some self deprecating story of Terry Barns, the new Artefacts "Oh, what a fool I was to do that" Officer; Lonnie Boggs, Editor of

28 KNOTTING MATTERS - JUL Y 1996 KM; Brian Field, north American The next meeting is the Half AGM, Representative and full time knotter; 12/13 October in Rotterdam. Willeke Charlie Smith, knotter, demonstrator van der Ham gave a short talk on and Scouter; Bruce T-urley, Assistant Rotterdam and some of the scenic Treasurer; leff Wyatt, Guild tours that could be arranged to Librarian, Editor of Calendar of museums or whatever people wanted. Events and knotter of note; Ken Ken Yalden asked if anyone was Yalden, speaker and organiser; and willing to organise a coach, do so and the president Des Pawson who's post we will try to help to fill it. The is now into its second and final year. ferries offered good deals from Conlment was nlade that the Guild England and so best to go in filled is now on the Internet. The Home cars rather than only one or two in Page is held by Gordon Perry and we each car. have already gained two new The next AGM will be on 10/11 members from the Internet. May 1997 at Bridgwater, Somerset Richard Hopkins reported that we (South of Bristol off the MS). won't have our own stand at the There was then much discussion Festival of the Sea on May Bank about what the Guild would do to Holiday (24-27 May '96) at Bristol nlark the coming Millennium Historic Docks, but we are welcome celebrations. The subject was put on to space on another stand if anyone the agenda by Frank Harris but many would like to come along and help. people had much to say and suggest, We now have, three new branches; so what follows I hope is an accurate North America, Sweden and summation of the points made. Frank Weaverly. opened the discussion by supporting This short discussion period was the idea of the Guild doing something followed by the Treasurers Report, specific or spectacular for the given by Linda Turley. Comment millennium, perhaps similar to the was made about the rise in the audit very successful KNOT YEAR 90. fee's by Phil Cook. Linda reported We could try tying every knot in the that a new auditor had been appointed Encyclopaedia of Knots, as was and this was the proper charge for a attempted with the knots in Ashley's. professional job, even with a slight We could, all on the same day, tie discount. It is necessary to be seen to 2000 turks heads all around the world be doing the job properly under the or go for the most knots tied at one new Charities Commission time world wide. Perhaps we could regulations. It was agreed that think about getting an HQ for the Malcom Willcox is to audit again. Guild.

KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 29 Willeke said that wherever or Ken Yalden did agree that we need whatever it is, it should definitely be somewhere central to store our stuff, 'International' not just the UK. and stores. The use of a lightship is a Europa Chang. liked an good idea. 'International' knot tying day like the Glad Findley also agrees that we very successful LACE makers Day, need a building or whatever as a where we could still get together to central place where all over seas tie knots at some local public display visitors could visit. All our knots venue during the same 24 hour day, could be in one place, house or boat. say from 9an1 in England, six hours Colin Smith however thinks that a later in New York, at 9am and from headquarters would be against the five hours later in Los Angles at 9am, international spirit of our Guild. etc. around the world. Fred Carrington said, this comes up Janet Flack; If we have an all the time, what we need is international day, perhaps each commitment from all our members, country could produce a turks head not just from those on the council. for display all together. We could easily find 20 places, but Charlie Smith suggests that local what we really need is help from the libraries are always happy to put on members to actually do the work of displays of craft work free of charge. running and organising the activities Des Pawson agrees that it should be of the Guild. organised to happen on the same day Ken Higgs simply asked, Who in every country . would pay? Ken Yalden reminds us that Knot Bill Meakin reports that a Year 90 was very similar to what is Nottingham Motor Bike club have a suggested and went very well. museum above a shop and the shop By far the longest and loudest pays for the running of the museum discussion concerned the suggestion which brings in customers to the that the Guild get it's own shop. headquarters of some sort. Frank Harris Reminds us that we Lester Copestake suggested buying have plenty of money, we could work space in a museum, warehouse or the towards an HQ, perhaps form a sub­ Colchester Docks, where it would be committee to study the right place looked after when open by the regular and the financial implications on the staff and not need a member there all Guild. He would be willing to offer the time. his services for this. John Halifax suggested a redundant Bruce Turley pointed out that the light house or light ship which are Guild is not making mega-bucks. the going cheap. apparent surplus income is going

30 KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 down and supplies will need Willeke pointed out that we were reprinting and re-resourcing talking about many things here, (recovery of costs is over time), costs storage, millennium, HQ, lottery. of postage and printing, especially Any big shed would do for storage, KM at three time the page count, are can we get back to the question. going up. In a couple of years we David Pearson thinks the may very well be asking for a rise in Millennium would be a good subs and then the surplus income will occasion to publicise the Guild but again appear to be high. we should really concentrate all our Percy Blandford. This is pie in the efforts on our birthday not the sky, all this talk . Anything that floats millennium. Perhaps more publicity is a money pit. If we have a house, aimed at the general public. who is going to run it, live in or near Ken Yalden, as the chairman, put it it, look after it? We all know how to the vote as to whether the members expensive a little plumbing or a little assembled would rather put all our wood work or painting costs. We efforts into doing an event for the should concentrate on what we do millennium or for our birthday later. best. The overwhelming vote was for the John Briggs. A permanent display, birthday. owned by the Guild would be a Peter Goldstone closed the permanent drain. We should look discussion with a laugh by pointing closer at public buildings, in most out that there is a substantial cases we would not have to pay. Does argument for the millennium not anyone else support this view? actually starting until 2001!! Bernard Cutbush 'suggests buying a What followed could only be called lottery ticket for the Guild each week. an appetiser just before lunch. David Everyone laughed but Richard Walker demonstrated the butchers Hopkins thinks this is not a silly idea, skill and technique in tying sausages. other organisations have done this David has been tying knots for years and won bits and pieces of money. with out realising it. His fid is a Geoffrey Budworth thinks we cocktail stick. Tied in links of three should apply to the Lottery directly sausages, four links weigh one pound for funding, not for the millennium or very nearly that. Several of our but for our 20th birthday. younger members had a go at tying Jan Hoefnegel asks if we could sell some. Very well received item. shares to pay for an HQ? Lunch was a lovely cold chicken Nigel Harding thinks that this and salad plate. Everyone had another would have to be checked with the chance to sit around and chat. charities commission first.

KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 31 After lunch Geoffrey Budworth is very relaxing and makes beautiful gave a talk and demonstration on . You can make a start using a Rope Twirling. Twirling his rope card made from a cornflakes packet around, he explained how the loop is with slots cut around the edge and a counter balanced by the bellying of hole in the middle. I have done this at the rope going from hand to loop. On Scout and Cub camps and seen kids his stall were ropes, an instruction sitting against a wall with a can of sheet and help to get going for a Coke or Pepsi between their folded pound. I got one and practised the legs and 'locked' into not loosing the trick. What is the trick? Oh, I think rhythm. Ankle Braiding is done on a I'll wait for an article from the expert. franle, more like a small weaving Europa Chang then explained and loom, made of half inch dowels. This demonstrated how to do the very is also a very old technique. TABLET delicate NEEDLE LACE or HALF or CARD weaving is the same HITCH LACE, an exquisite example technique but done on a stiff card of which was in the raffle. The with slots at either end. So, what can backing cloth is folded over, the you do with braid? The utility uses flower was stitched on one side and are endless; belts, buckles, ties, straps when finished, a very sharp edge (a for watches and sun glasses, handles razor etc.) is used to cut between the for baskets and bags. As jewellery it layers of cloth to allow the flower to makes necklaces, bracelets, be lifted off the cloth to leave the lace ecclesiastical stoles and book marks. flower free standing and very Next was perhaps one of the more delicate. controversial speakers of the day. Shirley Berlih then gave a talk Peter Goldstone, Surrey Branch, about Braiding and demonstrating raised the question of the some of the methods and tools. Knot appropriateness of the original s'ix tyers and the Braiders Craft cover tenderfoot knots for today's uses. each others interests and have This is particularly appropriate here members who belong to weavers, at Gilwell Park, the home and world Knot Tyers and Braiders. At last wide centre of Scouting. First a look years Knitting and Stitching Show, at the knots of questionable use. 85,000 people were spoken to and - used by tradition as nlany had a go. They have members the Hercules knot for good luck, used in many countries. Japanese Braid in first aid for slings. Rarely used came from Korea over 800 years ago. today except for shoes and then its The braid is made, sitting on the the BOW REEF or more likely the floor, on a stool with a hole in the BOW GRANNY. middle and tensioned with weights. It

32 KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 - Used to be used Geoffrey Budworth was back to for pioneering but the new, cheap BT talk about DRAW LOOPS. That is plastic rope slips too easily when using a loop rather than an end to tie used to tie most knot&.• many knots to make them ROUND TURN AND TWO HALF 'SLIPPERY' and thus easier to undo. HITCHES- is really a round turn and Using a loop to make a FIGURE OF a collapsed or clove EIGHT CLOVE HITCH, hitch which also slips in new rope. AND all - has no use today are just as secure but simpler to undo. where lines are replaced long before The HIGHWAYMAN'S HITCH is they can become frayed or weakened. after all just a series of loops, each BOWLINE- perhaps still has a use locking the last on. to form a loop but a fishermans bend This brought to a close the official is more appropriate for joining two and unofficial presentations for the ropes of equal size. 1996 AGM of the IGKT. The FIGURE OF EIGHT-is a much knotting and talking and laughing and easier knot to form a safe loop in the intense attention went on until we end of a line, or a double figure of wandered off to dinner, where it eight for a non-slip loop and a figure continued, all the way back to the hall of eight formed on the standing part to continue into the wee hours. makes a slip loop. The double figure Margaret and I finally went to the of eight is clumsy and unequal in the camp site to find the party had simply middle of the rope but is safe and moved outdoors. We found n10st of easy to learn and use. the sausages made in the STOPPER KNOTS- are better demonstration had been bar-b-qued made from the parcel knot. Peter is and eaten around the camp fire with organising a survey of the various forms of flammable liquids. membership for your best six knots Its a good night when you can sit for practical uses, to be taught to all eating hot sausages and listening to users of knots. What would you use David Pearson, Charlie Smith and to do ·a square , a middle Graham Smith giving animated and man's loop or the way to join up two rousing renditions of humorous lines of equal or unequal size, or a 'NORTHERN' monologues and . Please send in your shanty songs. Eventually we all ideas and your reasons for preferring wandered of in ones and two leaving them to PETER GOLDSTONE, 23 St only the three or four working on JOHNS RISE, WOKING, GU21 finishing the bottle. Sleep was easy, I IPN. We will publish the results of just put my head down! your opinions.

KNOTTING MATIERS - JULY 1996 33 The morning caressed me with the smell of fresh coffee and wood Model Tug Boat Manoeuvring smoke, excellent. After another by Matthew Walker wonderful and animatedJime eating a Members of the North West Branch cooked breakfast, we packed up our attended this event. Bob Mitchell, a tent and belongings ready to go. We volunteer at the Museum, invited visited the CAMPEX exhibition, both members along , promising free entry of us being Cub leaders and having providing we tied a few knots and put an interest in camping and tentage, it on a good 'show' for the visitors. was a must and spent even more Dave Walker ( no relation to money. So many tents and bargains, Matthew! ) busied hin1self making wow. What a wonderful weekend. I large side fenders, two feet long and wish you could all have been there. It eight inches in diameter, for use by was so good to put faces to the names river barges. Bob enlisted the help of we had only seen on letters or talk to youngsters to make a normal six half­ on the phone. Well there is Rotterdam hitched side fender. Bob;s chain in October or Bridgwater in May next sinnet light pull cords were in year. demand as towing ropes for the r--TRYTHISONEFOR-sfzIT--] model tugs! The tug bost owners expressed an interest in fenders for How about this word puzzle from their vessels. I think 1.2mm sisal Geoffry Budworth. Can you convert might be the order of the day for the word REEF into the word these. KNOT, changing just one letter at a The North West Branch meets for time to make anoth~r word and using an informal chat and drink at the only six other words. The sixth word Albion Inn, Park Street, Chester. The is just a triffle vulgar. Can anyone meetings start at 7pm and are held on dream up another one or a crossword the second Sunday of every other puzzle even loosly bassed on knotting month. The meeting dates for the rest or rope craft. of the year are the 14th July, 8th REEF September and 10th November. Members of the north West Branch were also in attendance at a waterways display at the Chester Basin on the 22th/23rd June and will be at the next Model Tug Boat Manoeuvring Competition at KNOT Ellesmere again on, 25th/26th (Answer in next issue) August.

34 KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 STUART GRAINGER, CUCKAMUS END, CUCKAMUS LANE

NORTH LEIGH J WITNEY, OXON OX8 6RR, ENGLAND, TELEPHONE:- 01993 881453.

SEALED KNOT SOLUTION

Front Back a.K. so it's acon! But you were warned. As aheraldic device it only has to look pretty and this is only acceptable anyway if it is agreed that the change from left handed tassels to right handed loops is amistake or artist's licence. Nobody has explained the possible symbolism •if any.

KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 35 SECRETARY'S ANNUAL REPORT In addition, the Guild published the 1225 1995/96 edition of the 'Membership The Guild has enjoyed.another good Handbook', and an instructional book year, having had two successful and 'Nylon Novelties', by Eric Franklin, well attended public meeting and the latter proving so successful that displays, both of which were held in over half of the original print run had the UK. In addition membership been sold by the year end. levels have increased by over 12%, to The nlanagement of the Guild a figure of nearly 700, with merrlbers Supplies has continued to improve, both at home, and in 24 countries with this years Stock in Hand valued outside the UK, including 38 states of at less than £1900. All of the old the USA. Ultimately the future of the slow moving stock has now been Guild will be through the eliminated, either by discounted sale, development of local groups, or or scrap as appropriate, with 'branches' which are now evolving, monitoring systems being introduced there being 14 within the UK, and to measure the performance of the nine overseas groups. remaining stock items. Individual members themselves This year saw the first major have attended many displays and purchase of equipment for the Guild, events, both private and public, that of a PC, together with a printer throughout the year. At these they and associated software, to assist with have been demonstrating and the general administration of the teaching various aspects of the organisation. Although this cost, ancient skills and traditions of nearly £2000, there has been over knotting, to a multityde of audiences 100% return on capital, thus at a variety of locations, with justifying the expense. This is particular emphasis having been because it became possible to given to youth groups such as the effectively monitor belated Guides, Scouts and Sea Cadets. subscriptions and hence maintain This year has also seen a change in membership levels by 'reminder', editorship of the quarterly magazine, rather than losing members by 'Knotting Matters', of which four default. Consequently this will editions, plus a full supplementary generate much longer term benefits, index of the first 46 issues were as those retained members will published. These were much larger continue to renew their subscriptions and more regular than previous in future years. editions, resulting in substantially Financially, the Guild has continued higher printing and postage charges to grow, having increased its liquid having been incurred. assets by nearly .1 7%, to well over

36 KNOTTING MATIERS - JULY 1996 £17000, with net current assets much store on 20th anniversaries. increased by 23% to over £18000. The present generation reckon on Despite the doubling of expenditure, coming of age at 18 whereas my the net surplus for the ~ ~ear has still generation was prepared to wait until exceeded £3500, enabling the 21. But 18, 21 or the millenium we subscription levels for the current, have still to decide how and where and forthcoming year, to remain at we are going to celebrate. Putting off their 1991 levels. Encouragement making a decision is procrastination has been given to members to and we know that procrastination is a covenant their subscriptions, and with theif of time. about a quarter of the UK The next General nleeting has been membership taking up this option, arranged for September in Rotterdam; nearly £400 has been returned to the so why not put on your thinking cap Guild by the Inland Revenue. NOW, and decided which you think IIence, following an exciting and most suitable, the Milenium or our fruitful year, all the indications are 20th anniversary, and how you think that this success will be built upon we should celebrate the occasion, during 1996, leaving the organisation then write and let the Secretary know financially secure, with funds your ideas, so that they can be available to promote the objectives of considered whether you are able to the Guild to a much greater degree. attend the meeting or not. Furthermore, you might publish your ideas in the next issue of Knotting D Matters. Let us get a discussion ( .-.------., going as soon as possible. Another suggestion voiced was 'To A LETTER FROM FRANK mark the occasion could be possible HARRIS set up a Guild Headquarters where The Millenium I was a little our accumulation of work could be disappointed with the discussion at displayed?'. Your opinions would be the AGM. Despite my having raised appreciated on this subject too. the subject at the 1995 AGM and my Ed: As with all large meetings remarks on pages 18-19 of KM 52 the people tend to digress, with so duscussion was not worthy of such a many different ideas and so little momentous occasion. The little that time to discuss them, we was said seemed to centre around unfortunately do not always get a whether we wanted to celebrate the clear picture. So write to us let us millenium or whether we should save put your ideas in print, for people's out efforts for the 20th Anniversay of quiet contemplation. our founding. I myself do not put KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 37 PICTURES FROM THE AGM

Ranger Smith - NO Charlie Smith Dave Pearson - Monologue Master

Dave & Jane Doy our Chef de Cuisine

38 KNOTTING MATTERS -JULY 1996 Richard Hopkins - Bristol

Geoffrey Budworth

Your Editor Lonnie - Can he coach you to write to KM

Liz P awson & friends

KNOTTING MATTERS -JULY 1996 39 Fred Carrington - Thanks Fred for all of you years on the committee.

Past & present Presidents Glad Findley & Des Pawson

40 KNOTTING MATTERS -JULY 1996 splices wrong, or did out friend DID DARCY LEVER GET IT Edward get mixed up? Does anyone WRONG? IF SO, HAVE WE GOT IT WRONG? know of an earlier reference that will confirm the position? by Des Pawson - Ipswich, England Another snippet from Des about I recently purchased a second the 'Modern Monster Splicing edition of The Young Sea Officers Tools' Sheet Anchor by Darcy Lever, 1819. One tool not usually carried in the This book has seen the world there is modern day riggers tool box is the some staining by salt water and at forklift truck, yet I know of times some time in the early parts of its life when this is just the tool to help put it was bound, trimming the edges of in a splice. Bridon Ltd (used to be the pages. There is an inscription on British Ropes) make up giant the front page that has partly been mooring ropes at their Charlton trimming away, but leaves the fact works using a braid on braid rope that that the book belonged to one Edward must be all of 200mm dia and to pull AH- 15 March 1837. Throughout the core through the outer they enlist the book there are notes in pencil in the help of a couple of fork lift adding to or changing the advise trucks. They are not the only ones to given on rigging procedures and use the forklift truck, I was recently handling of the ship, but one set of told of a major piece of wire work corrections appears to reverse the carried out on the Macopari 7000 names and descriptions of the lifting barge of Hanoi Island in the artificial eye and the Flemish eye, this South China Seas by a group of has been done in ink whilst all the Chinese and Chilean oil rig workers other notes appear to be in pencil. making up a pair of huge 30000 ton What does this signify? I think that breaking strain wire lifting slings. Darcy Lever was the first to illustrate Making a long spliced continuous and describe these two splices, and cable laid sling of about 450mm dia. would be the departure point for later They used a forklift truck to open the seamanship manuals and books of strands and another to pull the strands knots. through, the twist factor from the Ashley #2745 and #2796 points out wire was such that they had to take that there was even as he was writing, the tyres and run the wheels between some confusion as to which splice 2H section girders rigged up to form should be called which. If Darcy a sort of rail gantry to stop the wheels Lever or his printers got the names of the forklift being twisted off the transposed would this mean that we ground. have all got the naming of these two

KNOTIING MATIERS - JULY 1996 41 I asked if there had been any photos Even though the smaller diameter taken, the answer was that everything line might have easily been broken was in such a rush that photography under other stressful circumstances, was the last thing on their minds! the method of binding was painful to the subject and strategically placed to HOJO-JITSU cut off the blood circulation to the THE JAPANESE ART OF limbs. So imagine how you feel after RESTRAINING sitting in a chair for hours absorbed in WITH ROPE a knotting project only to discover by Brian A Glennon - Massachusetts you cannot move your foot or leg - USA because they fell asleep. This Hojo-Jitsu is the Japanese art of tying numbness contributed to the and binding with rope. effectiveness of Hojo-Jitsu. In the It was a technique used by the preparation for use, a figure of eight Feudal Japanese Police and Saurai to loop (Ashley #1047) was made in the restrain captives, without the use of end of the line. handcuffs or leg irons. The figure of eight loop was then The knots used by these 15th placed over the thuITlb, and then a century Japanese police would easily small hank was made in hand! be recognised by today's Guild Coincidentally, Clifford W Ashley members as: Round Turns and Half had illustrated and described the Hitches, Clove Hitches, Figure of exact method of forming this hand as Eight knots, and the . the feudal Japanese Police (Ashley Yet it was the speed of application #3085) albeit for a different purpose. and ultimate purPose of these knots The hand, with a placed which was unique to this discipline. loosely about the wrist, was carried The hand made rope used in Hojo up the sleeve of the constable's robe Jitsu was woven from either natural ready to go into action. fibre, women's hair, or a blend of Binding a prisoner usually took both, into a three strand flat sinnet place after the individual was (Ashley #2965) or eight strand square subdued at the point of a weapon. sinnet (Ashley #3001). It varies in Two man restraining teams were used length from 18 inches to over a to bind multiple prisoners. Although fathom depending on whether the a skilled Jiu-Jitsu practitioner could fingers of a prisoner were to be tied simultaneously twist a culprit's arm together, or the entire body to be then slide the loop from one wrist to bound for extended periods of time. the other and immediately start the The diameter ranged between 5 to binding process before the victim 12mm. could recover his wits.

42 KNOTTING MATTERS· Jl'LY 1996 A handcuff knot (Ashley #412) was usually used to begin the binding process on the captured subject. This was followed by variations of round turns, half hitches, and clove hitches to the wrist, chest and limbs. The applications varied depending on the different schools of Hojo-Jitsu. Modern day enthusiasts of this art recommend a mannequin or dummy be used to practice these binding techniques because of the potential danger involved. The feudal Japanese police or Samurai showed little concern for the comfort of their prisoners as a captured felon might be trussed up in this manner for days as he was being transported to his fate. These binding techniques were specifically designed to be debilitating as part of their restraining effect. Numbness set in immediately Further news of Richard Hodges' and gangrene over a period of time. celebrated chess set. He not only So modem practitioners use dummies made it on TVNZ and 'The to practice speed tn binding and Christchurch Press', as I reported last security in knots without reducing the time, but also in "The New Zealand membership of Hojo-Jitsu. Herald", a copy of which found its way to UK and into the hands of an PONA TIKANGA acquaintance of our International OR President, Des Pawson, who made a NEWSLETTER FROM NEW congratulatory phone call to Richard. ZEALAND Well done Richard!. He tells me that by Roger Carter - Plinlmerton - NZ he has embarked on another chess set While our parent body in shivering in a thicker line. I look forward to in the Northern Hemisphere I seeing that. understand that we have just enjoyed This again in a "People Edition" and the hottest summer since records have up at the top of my list I must tell you been kept. of our Associate Member, Susan de Lange, wife of long time member,

KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 43 Bill, who makes knot boards and sticks of all kinds, some of which will other nauticalia, between sea trips for be displayed at the Dowse Art makers of Maritime Leisurewear Museum. We are arranging a display 'Action Down Under' <~hops. Susan, of some of those of a nautical nature bless her, has offered to take over at our museum. . Mr Beman visited editorship of this august broadsheet, me again recently and during the and fact this is her first edition. course of conversation I discovered Susan is adept at using the word that he does not own a fancywork processor, which is technology well covered stick! He is keen to pay a over my sinlple head. I note with not fair price for prime examples, so a little puzzlement the comments in anyone who is interested, get 'Knotting Matters' editorials such cracking. Let me know what you esoteric phrases as "pin dot matrix' have in mind and I'll be happy to and 40 meg hard drive etc. The rapid negotiate on your behalf. transition from quill to steel nib to In KMSO Gordon Perry described a ballpoint still has me traumatised so I use for chain shortening (Ashley am very grateful for Susan's kind #1144) and asked for other examples offer, Very Many Thanks Susan. and in KM51 Ian DeAth provided I enjoyed a pleasant afternoon with some. I am probably exceeding the Rebecca Sass from Pittsburgh, brief, but chain shortening by any Pennsylvania, USA. Rebecca, who other name is 'Drummer's Plait', has blossomed since I saw her last, Spencer and Irving name it so. developed her taste for knotting here Recently an avid militaria collector in Wellington while in NZ with her friend of mine acquired the entire parents. They all us~d to come down uniform and drum of a drummer boy to the boat harbour on Saturday of the Honourable Artilliery afternoons to discuss and practice Regiment dating from the late last knotting, nice to see Rebecca again. century. He asked me to replace the .I had the pleasure of entertaining missing plait which was traditionally the American Ambassador, Josiah made of white cotton braided rope, Beman, in my workshop a couple of reminiscent of sash cord. On times last year. I did some minor studying several examples in Books repairs to the rigging of a beautiful and Paintings, I found that though miniature Napoleonic Wars' bone there were always two loops hanging ship model that he bought at auction from the drum, they were secured to here, a real pleasure, the rigging is the drum, suggesting the shoulder human hair. The Ambassador is an slings of a rucksack! I discovered avid collector of beautiful handcrafts (after half a century of knotting) that and has a fine collection of walking the plait was not merely for

44 KNOTTING MATTERS -JULY 1996 decoration, but also allowed the which suggests the theme of the drummer to sling his instrument on chapter, ie Truelove knotangle knot, his back (stowing it away) during Rolling hitch, etc. route marches; and tlte plait spread Like Geoff I couldn't get into the the weight and didn't cut into the novel either, but I know a member drummer's shoulders, as a single line who did, but I digress. I coached would have done, one can learn Malcolm in bends and hitches something new every day, and often appropriate to the script and it's the obvious. philosophical needs, and went to the While on a few days R&R recently I first night. It is fringe theatre (or called aboard the Lake Taupo should it be Migramah Theatre?). passenger boat 'Ernest Kemp'. You Curtain up at 11 pm, I report that I will recall that I wrote about member thoroughly enjoyed it and it was well Pat Cunningham going up there to received by the audience. teach the owner/skipper Jack Grice The highlight of the summer for fancy work techniques. Sincer then Chapter members, Jack Sheaman, Jack has plastered the guard rails, the Otto Schutte and myself was doing wheel and most other projections, duty as Volunteer Guides aboard the including the bollards on his wharf, beautiful replica of Captain Cook's with all kinds of keckling and turk's Bark "Endeavour" which you no heads etc. To complete the picture he doubt know is doing the rounds of needs the plans for a covering knot NZ ports. One of my duties as a for the intersections where each guide was explaining the Cat 0' Nine spoke protrudes from the outer rim of Tails to visitors and it occurred to me the wheel. The knot requires four to wonder why the nine tails, why not openings top and bottom for the 8 or 10? I guess it's obvious when spoke and each side for the wheel you thing about it. Three pieces of rim. Anyone any ideas? three strand hawser laid rope are Recently I en~oyed several Sunday cable laid up to create the handle and mornings in the company of then stranded out to make the tails, actor/playwright Malcolm Murray, usually sennetted to give them from BATS theatre in Wellington. substance! Incidentally, the Blood He was writing a one act play, the Knot (Ashley pp 82 & 84) was put theme of which was equating life to into each tail to create a 'Thieves knot tying. Not a new idea, in fact Cat'. Stealing from ones messmates shades of the novel 'Shipping News' was the worst crime of all. I just which Geoff Budworth reviewed in thought I'd share that gem with you. KM46, wherein each chapter heading I had the pleasure of Rod Orrah's has a picture of a knot from Ashley, company yesterday afternoon. He

KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 45 was passing through on a holiday tour #1453. My own preference is a of the North Island. He brought some variant of #1453, not Hunter's Bend examples of his work to show me. #1425a. Before pursuing 'The Nice work Rod. It oCcurred to me Ashley Project' further, I would like while looking at his bellropes how we to have the concurrence and support all seem to create a style that is of recognised knot experts and recognisably ones own, a sort of organisations such as IGKT. autograph. On a number of occasions As a user of knots, not a tyer of I have been shown work and been knots, I have recently become told I made it X years ago. Though fascinated with the life-work of having no recollections of the piece, I Clifford Ashley. As a result of knew it was my work. developing and manufacturing Till next time, yours in knotting outhaul and downhaul controls for Roger Carter - President one-hand operation on both tacks Susan de Lange - Editor. while underway windsurfing and a 000 levered uphaul hoist for getting big From E-mail communication received sails out of the water, I use 16 by Gordon Perry our unofficial Web different knots (three being modified wanderer. known knots). In the course of Date: 6 June 1996 evaluating my products. the New To: [email protected] England Windsurfing Journal \vas (Gordon's E-mail address) impressed with my instruction From: Richard H Blackmer illustrations and asked me to write a knot column Subject: Ashley #1452 & #1453 In the course of writing six articles. I As part of a project to get recognition have become even more appreciative of Clifford Ashley as a national of Ashley's work and wit. treasure, I am trying to select one of The odd (and amusing) placement of his 'original' knots to be named after the security table, its different font him and to be placed on a US postage and other mysteries are probably well stamp. I am writing to IGKT to get understood by Knot Tyers names of individuals and somewhere. Perhaps the heavy hand organisations who might help me in of the publisher's lawyer's is the the selection and support of 'first explanation. The more I learn about documentation,' if not 'originality'. Ashley, however, the more I think Because Ashley included #1452 in that the explanation is his wit. his TABLE OF SECURITY (p273) In my research, I have as the most secure bend, I assume that communicated with Ashley·s he must have preferred it to his earlier daughters, Phoebe and lane, and \vith

46 KNOTrING MATTERS - JULY 1996 winning author of 'The Shipping to all knot tyers, especially of its News.' I have met with Jane day. On a purely selfish note, the (through a mutual friend in show IGKT can only benefit from any horse competition) 'Yhile defending resultant publicity. my National Senior Windsurfing Champion title in Florida, early April. These three, and everyone I've talked ...... -...... -.THE NENSTER'S KNOTS I to about 'The Project', have indicated enthusiastic support. With a little by Rolf Kvicklund - Karlsborg ­ encouragement from IGKT (and Sweden help), I believe that we can help How to handle rope and knotting preserve the appreciation for outdoors when the temperature is scholarship and skill that was below 50° centigrade? recognised in his life-time by It's an essential question for the Franklyn D Roosevelt and many Nensters, a reindeer keeping people, other peers. living in Siberia at the mouth of the Thanking you in advance River Jenisej. Nomad life demands Dick Blackmer, 109 Oakwood Drive, rope and knots, but how to tie and Scotia, NY12302. untie when the cold gets your hands E.mail: [email protected] frost-bitten in a moment? http://www.wizvax.net/easy Preferably the handling may be done 518 399 3799 with your gloves on, or by PS: Just this morning I talked to momentarily stretching your finger Albert Trout in Baltimore, MD., He out through a narrow gap in your indicated interest and will meet with gloves. In the booklet Forntida me at the Wooden Boat Show in TeknitlAncient Technics #2/1990 Mystic eT June 28-30. When Al Tomas Johansson describes two knots mentioned 'tying the book', while he learnt when he visited the visiting an IGKT meeting, I Nensters. remembered that Phoebe Ashley The first one is a type of a slipped Charden suggested Des and Liz Figure Eight Noose. The second one Pawson as a source of IGKT is a slipped Loop Knot with an menlbers in the US. appearance like a Sheet Bend. I cannot find them in any book Ed: So come on you members, available to me. I haven't used the what can you do to help this cause, knots enough to say anything about even if you have your disputes with their reliability, but they are used in Ashley's, it must surely be real life under hard conditions so they honoured as a wonderful reference must be secure. I think.

KNOTTING MATfERS - JULY 1996 47 1

HOW TO TIE THE NOOSE 1 Put the standing part in your left palm under the thumb, palnl up. underneath, between your thumb and Place the around the object and your fingers. the end one turn around your fingers of your left hand.- 2 Put the standing part on your forefinger and your thumb and make 2 Turn your left hand to the top of a turn around your fingers. the bight and grasp the end between your index and middle fingers. Here comes the troublesome passage. both to explain and to execute. T 3 Withdraw your left hand, bringing Johansson says that only the the end back forming a loop for the forefinger is to be used ~ but I prefer slip function. using my index and middle fingers together.

HOW TO TIE THE LOOP 3 Keep control of the end with your 1 Take the standing part in your left thumb and your ring finger. Turn hand, the bight around the object and your forefinger and your middle the end in your right hand, from finger forward and out between the

48 KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 strands that form the bight (the loop From Edna Gibson - Plymouth ­ to be), over the strand, bringing the Devon Re KM 52 part on the front side of your fingers A Diamond Fibre: This article along, and catch the-end. Withdraw reminded me of the Westem Indian your right hand, form the loop for the camel girths which are made from a slip function and complete the knot. 4ply thread, either cotton, camel or goat hair in the ply split technique from which many geometric designs I"'1 THUMP MAT KNOT _ I can be achieved according to the by Stuart Grainger - Witney arrangement of the coloured threads. England They can be 2ply light and 2ply dark The Ashley Book ofKnots only shows on the same thread or light and dark this Thump Mat Knot in a very 4ply threads arranged in different rudimentary linear diagram, which sequences. When I learnt split ply does not do justice to the beauty and technique we nlade a tight 4ply cord value of the knot. In my opinion it from belting wool. deserves to be better known. How to make rope sandals: I have A useful and decorative knot, making excellent coasters and table mats book entitled How to make Rope Soled Footwear by Alan Raddon; published by Aberath Publishing 1982, Clifton, Aberath, Aberairon, Dyfed SA46 OL ~ This excellent book shows how to make the soles to fit your feet, work rope tops, or use

1. 2. with leather or fabric tops. A very

THUMP MAT KNOT instructive publication.

(Ashley #2360) Definitions: When looking up the definitions of knot, bend hitch, braid in my dictionaries, I get the feeling that they have been defined by a person or persons other than knot tyers. Has the Guild definitive definitions for these works and if they don't agree with the major dictionaries perhaps a discussion could be started.

3.

Lead Tripled

KNOTflNG MATTERS - JULY 1996 49 INTERNATIONAL GUILD OF KNOT TYERS

Ca/ender ofevents - 1996 (as at June 1996)

DATE IEVENT !LOCATION CONTACT TELEPHONE Additonal Info July 4 - 8 West Cornwall Maritime Festival IPenzance IDennis Murphy 01752 568159 I July 8 Dia da Marinha (Navy Day) IPortugal (Please telephone for more info) 00351 1 3428105 July 13 - 21 International Sea Festival Brest, France Int" Rendevous for Boats & Mariners July 14 North Western Branch IGKT Meeting Albion Inn, Park Street, Chester David Walkins 101244 682117 IJUly 14 Craft Festival Butser Hill. Hampshire Ken Yalden 01705 251230 IJuly14-15 Pitstone Farm Open Day IP~stone, Nr Leighton Buzzard, Beds Bany Darkins 01297 661115 Disp,ays welcome July 16 W Yorkshire Branch Meeting Beulah Hotel Leeds Graham Smith 01484 846785 . I I July 17 Nonsuch Branch Meeting 44 Dundella Gdns, Worcester Pk, Surrey Frank Hams 0181 858 6728 August 25 - 26 Ellesmere Port Boat Museum Ellesmere Port Boat Museum David Watkins 01244 682117 Yes - displays August 31 W Yorkshire Branch Meeting Beulah Hotel Leeds Graham Smith 01484 846785 I I August 31/Sept 1 Huddersfield Canal Festival Huddersfteld, Yorkshire Davld Pearson 01532 572689 i I North Western Branch IGKT Meeting Albion Inn, Park Street, Chester David Watkins 01244 682117 I September 8 I I September 15-16 Pitstone Farm Open Day Pitstone, Nr Leighton Buzzard, Beds Barry Darkins 01297 661115 I Displays welcome September 17 W Yorkshire Branch Meeting Beulah Hotel Leeds Graham Smith 01484 846785 1September 18 Nonsuch Branch Meeting 44 Dundella Gdns. Worcester Pk, Surrey Frank Hams 01818586728 October 12 I.G.K.T. Half-yearty A.G.M. Rotterdam October 16 Nonsuch Branch Meeting 44 Dundella Gdns, Worcester Pk, Surrey Frank Hams 0181 858 6728 I November 10 North Western Branch IGKT Meeting Albion Inn, Park Street, Chester David Watkins 01244 682117 I November 19 W Yorkshire Branch Meeting IBeulah Hotel Leeds Graham Smith 01484 846785 I I November 20 Nonsuch Branch Meeting 44 Dundella Gdns, Worcester Pk, Surrey Frank Hams 01818586728 I. . IOther events In Portugal (telephone for confirmation for all events) IAll year (except IMuseo da Marinha (Navy Museum) Mostiero dos Jeronimos, i Mondays & holidays) (permanent museum with shop) Belem, Lisbon 100351 1 3620019 I ISaturdays (alt year) Feira da Ladra (a Lisbon Fair) near the Arch of S.Vicente Church, Lisbon Joachim Escudeiro 100351 1 9141222 I I I IAugust (7) Facint '96 (Handicraft Fair) Sintra Town Hall. Sintra (near Usbon) Joachim Escudeiro 00351 1 9141222 I

MORE EVENTS REQUIRED, PLEASElllllll

To those who have sent information on forthcoming events, many thanks. HOWEVER, the 'veritable flood of notifications' is still only a trickle! There must be lots more going on Come on Guild Members and Branch Secretaries, please let me know Jeff Wyatt about meetIngs and events in your area so that visrting knotters can meet like-minded souls. 91 Luton Road AdVIce of overseas events would also be most welcome. Dunstable, Beds LU54LW Tel: 01582664504 (Ansaphone) Knots from Medireval Perth

Tim Field 46 Tivoli Place, Little Horton, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD5 OPG - UK

On Tuesday, 28th September 1993, I was This sample was found amongst many privileged to be invited to the Depart­ other scraps of leather and it is thought ment of Archceological Sciences at the that the archCEologists had uncovered a University of Bradford in order to see cobbler's (shoemaker's) rubbish tip. hvo samples of textile cords. Each of the Again I spenta happy hour or two in the samples included at least one knot and laboratory making notes and a sketch. someone thought that one of the knots might be a Bowline - something to do Sample Number 1758 with a rabbit going around a tree and back down the hole! One Frayed stra~~l s. trand -~ ends yarted The samples were found in 1992 during ~.,~ l excavations in Perth HighStreet in Scot­ ~aYederldJ land (Excavation Reference PE12) and Material: sheep's wool with fibre they are thought to date from the late diameter ranging from 19J.l to 67~1 mediEeval period. Manyotherfragments of textile cords were recovered from the Cord length: 150 mm site, but these are the only ones involv­ Cord diameter: 3 mm ing knots. Structure: 2strandslaidleft-handed (S­ twist), pitch of 10 contlines in 50 mm; Mr Paul Harrison, Cl Research Assistant in the Department, gave me a great deal each strand consisting of of helpful information and allowed me approximately 40 fibres laid right­ to inspect the two knotted samples. They handed (Z-twist) are fragile and must be treated with Knot: at one end, a simple (single) care. I used large T-pins to investigate right-hand . the knots, someofwhich were distorted. Observations: The blot is a basic Slip Aftera fascinating couple ofhours, Ihad Loop Knot, formed by tucking a small made some notes and sketches and was bight (lllstead of a working end) in an ready to go and type the details. . There are so many Two months later, Mr Harrison invited potentialusesfor thisgeneralpurpose me back to his laboratory to look at a knot that it is not possible to suggest leather sample found in the sanle exca­ one application which is more vation. It was hard and dry but soon probable than any other. becamesupple when washed in alcohol.

KNOTTING MATrERS - JULY 1996 51 (Knots from Mediceval Perth ...) and the knot made to close the neck of the sack or net or to bind the loose Sample Number 18c=-..-=6'---=..-9__ objects together. LMed part -r{ . Sample Number 1216

Material: animal hair; probably horse Material: leather; unspecified animal or cow (to be confirmed in later tests) hide; encrusted and degrading Cord length: 354 mm Sample length: 115 mm Cord diameter: 5 mm Sample diameter: 2-3 n1n1 Structure: 3strandslaid left-handed (S­ Knots: at one end, a left-hand twist), pitch of 10 contlines in 35 nun; Thumb Knot with the \\'orking end each strand consisting of 2 yarns laid virtually unrove, but the shape right-handed (Z-twist), each yarn maintained; towards the other end, a consisting of 20 to 30 fibres laid left­ left-hand Thumb Knot \\'ith the free handed (S-twist); at one end, the cord end delaminated is unlaid and the strands plaited into Observations: the Thumb Knot is a a 3-strand flat sinnet common Stopper Knot; the sanlple is Knots: in the plaitedend,a left-hand probably a single thong or lace, bu tit ThumbKnot; in the laid part,a Gralu1Y is not possible to speculate abou t the Knot of two right-hand Overhand likely use of the sample. Knots, leaving a bight. Some questions - Observations: It is likely that the plait is an attempt to repair the cord as it (These questions first appeared ou t of began to unlay and that the Thumb context in KM49, p22.) Knot (a common Stopper Knot) was Why are the cords left-hand laid (5­ intended to preventfurther fraying. It twist)? Except for small stuff, most n1od­ is very unlikely that each Overhand ern cordage is right-hand laid. Knot in the Granny Knot (a Binding Whatmachineryormethodsmight have Knot) would have been tied in mid­ beenusedin theproductionof the cords? air. Probably, the cord was nuddled about an object, possibly the neck of a Is the direction of the final lay influ­ sack or net, or about a number of enced by the machinery used in the pro­ objects, possibly a bundle of tools, duction of the cords?

52 KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 He came to the house for the A comment- interview. He was very interested in (This comment first appeared out of the subject, I don't know whether he context in KM49, p34.). is going out 'West' to join a posse, Some researchers in the Arch~ological but he was more than interested in the Sciences Department refer to the lay of Hangman's Knot and the Slippery cord samples with the letters Z and N, where the direction of the cross-piece of Hitch for horses. the letteris parallel to the direction of the The Ashley Book of Knots we contlines in the sample. talked about, and thanks to myoid In my opinion, this is ambiguous. A tutor Colin lones he was very right-hand laid cord is Z-twist when impressed with my side fenders and held vertically, but it is N-twist when buttons. held horizontally. Similarly, a left-hand When it came to the actual broadcast laid cord is N-twist when vertical, butZ­ he had thrown in lots of facts and twist when horizontal. figures regarding the Guild and I Charles Warner renunds me (KM50, p7) certainly hope we may gain some that the International Organisation for further members from the South Standardisation (ISO) uses the letters Z Wales area. (as above) and S (instead of N for left­ hand lay). Well, I didn't know about the Ed: Well done David • local radio International Standard for Textiles No.2 is certainly a good cheap way to (1973) so I've learnt something, but I advertise. shall still find it hard to give up my right- and left-hand terminology.

A letter from David Evans ­ A NOTE FROM THE EDITORS: Cwmbran As you will have no doubt realised I thought it worth while to get In this edition of Knotting Matters is touch to let you know that recently I very late, we can only apologise, we have done my bit and put the Guild have many reasons for its late well and truly on the map here in appearance, cub camps, mine and South Wales. Margaret's, family duties etc. All of On answering the telephone some these of course sound like paltry time back I was surprised to hear the excuses, and anyway I can hear you voice of Mr Chris Kneebone, he does saying that is not our problenl, you a radio programme on Radio Wales are right, and more effort will be which goes out weekly. The series is made to get the next edition out on about people with unusual hobbies, time. he had read about IGKT in a magazine and got in touch with Nigel who in turn gave him my particulars.

KNOTTING MATIERS - JULY 1996 53 RECORDING YOUR IDEAS FOR POSTERITY BY JOHN HALIFAX tip to push the pin in with. Don't At last merrlbers, after years of forget to leave sufficient space agonising about not being very good around each progressive stage of your at drawing knots and being frustrated knotting for the instructional text at being unable to record your newly later. discovered knots -A Breakthrough ­ If you are displaying several items Photocopying. on the same A4 board, for NOW WE CAN ALL RE-CREATE photocopying remember, to lay them OUR IDEAS WITHOUT out as AS pages to correspond \vith DRAWING: the AS size Knotting Matters format Use 2 pieces of ordinary corrugated and remember to note on a separate cardboard cut to A4 paper size and piece of paper where and \\'hat it is spot stick thenl together for extra you have done so the text format thickness. Now spot stick a piece of matches the graphic images relative A4 paper to this board, depict your position later. ideas in 2/3mm braided cord, colour I copied my new ideas on a modern medium/light blue. If you cannot Rank Xerox copier at the local FE obtain the correct colour cord you can college. Set the contrast ink toner make the knotting ideas in white cord setting to minimum. Place your and colour each piece with board face down at the A4 setting and light/medium blue paint. (Des close the lid. Additionally cover the Pawson can supply the correct cord in whole lid of the copier with a thick small reels). dense cloth material to blank out and Fix your knotting ideas in position exclude any light from filtering in at on the paper board with tiny 3/16th the sides and causing black shado\vs 4mm length brass marine/model pins on the copying result. Press the with small hardly perceptible heads. button and should be delighted \vith Try and avoid using glue, particularly the results. Make as many copies as a shiny hard clear glue as this leaves you require and can afford. I have a black mark on the photocopy. found from experience that you \vill Use a pair of thin nosed pliers to need three copies to experiment \vith insert the pin through the cord into for fornlatting text purposes. the paper & board. File/grind the tip Ed: Material for KM is sent to printers of the pliers down to form in AS format, camera read)' COP)' in A4. approximately a 1/8th diameter flat format will lose some qualit)' in reduction.Thanks. 54 KNOTTING MATIERS - JULY 1996 through pre-cut slits in a single ROPEWORK MUSElTM thrust? This museum has one. NOW OPEN A hundred of us heard, one way or another, about the opening and turned KM's Suffolk 'stringer' reports.... up over three days to inaugurate the Des and Liz Pawson opened their venture. Des and Liz must have been small private museum to honour the especially pleased to see Floris Hin ropeworker's art and craft at 12 noon (Netherlands), Karl Bareuter on Friday, 2 August 1996. (Germany) and Rod Orrah (New The accumulation in their Ipswich Zealand). I spotted Rina Prentice home over many years of a rare (National Maritime Museum) and collection of knotted items and allied Des no doubt talked earnestly to her tools had been for them a magnificent about better displays of ropework in obsession. Then, growing aware that museums generally. Some members even maritime museums lack such of the Tool & Trade History Society treasure (often not even displaying were also there, enjoying the the scant stuff that is in their friendship and comnlon interest. storerooms), they grew keen to show My verdict: delightful eclectic the world their abundance of practical (although I would like to see sonle and decorative marlinespike explanatory display labels for lay handiwork. Well, now they have visitors who may be unsure what they done so, at the bottom of their garden are looking at - but is there room?). in a purpose built shed with a tiled Still, it is an experience not to be roof and exhibition lighting. missed. Next time you pick up the There you can' s~e: belaying pins, phone to seek advice or buy beckets and bellropes; deadeyes and something from Footrope Knots, other doo-hickies; and fenders; arrange at the same time to visit Des knives and knots; mats and & Liz's museum. They will be ; photographs; sail pleased to open up - free of charge ­ hooks, needles and palms; serving and show you around this wonderful boards and mallets; a carved ivory place, which is surely unique in the Celtic cross and an Ashanti reef UK. knotted gold weight; even a bespoke piece of commemorative Delftware The ropework museum is at: (and a loaned fragment of ancient 501 Wherstead Road Ipswich Egyptian netting) both courtesy of Suffolk IP2 8L Pieter van de Griend. Ever seen a England knife needle, which threads line if +44 (0) 1473 690 090

KNOTTING MATTERS - JULY 1996 55 KNOTTING MATTERS - 53

CONTENTS

PAGE SUBJECT 2 Ed Bytes & Pieces 2 Notes from the Secretary's Blotter 4 Eric Franklin - Founder Member and Second President ­ by Percy Blandford 5 The Fender Book - Colin R Jones 6 How About Starting a Swap Shop - by Richard Phelan 8 Plastic Whipping - Jack Bell 8 Punctured Sphere Covering Knots - by Peiter van de Griend 9 Correction from KM52 - Geoffrey Budworth 9 Captain Jack Clarke - Master Mariner - by Janet Flack 12 A New Knot? - by Ralph Lia 13 Concerning Crosses - Brian Field - by Geoffrey Budworth 13 Fiador Knots - by Tom Hall 25 Report of the AGM at Gilwell Park - by Lonnie Boggs 34 A Word Puzzle - by Geoffrey Budworth 34 Model Tug Boat Manoeuvring - by Matthew Walker 35 Sealed Knot Solution - by Stuart Grainger 36 The Secretary's Annual Report 37 The MiIlenmium Celebration -A Letter from Frank Harris 38 Pictures from the AGM - taken by Willeke van der Ham 41 Did Darcy Lever Get it Wrong? - by Des Pawson 41 Monster Splicing Tools - by Des Pawson 42 Hojo Jitsu, The Japanese Art of Restraining with Rope - by Brian A Glennon 43 Pona Tikanga, Newsletter from New Zealand - by Roger Carter 47 The Nenster's Knot - by Rolk Kvicklund 48 The Thump Mat Knot - by Stuart Grainger 48 Some Notes on KM52 - by Edna Gibson 49 The Diary - by Jeff Wyatt 50 Knots from Mediaeval Perth - by Tim Field 53 A Letter from David Evans 53 An Apology from the Editors 54 Recording Your Ideas for Posterity - by John Halifax GUILD SUPPLIES I.G.K.T. BOOK PRICE LIST 1995 Illllll.1IlllI1~~II:lll~1~lllllllllll~~ll~II~~:lll~~l~11~~~:~~III~IIIIII·I~·~·~~~::~~lll:~:~lll:.~I:·~~:·I:l':'~':I:ll~~'~~I:I~I~I~'~:::I~~II:~:ll:~:I~~I~ll~ll~111:llllllIIllII:llllllllII~'~\ltllllllllllll~llllllllll1_111111111 THE KNOT BOOK £2.50 Geoffrey Budworth

MUCH ADO ABOUT KNOTfING (The 1st 10 years) £2.50* Geoffrey Budworth

BREASTPLATE DESIGNS £2.50 Brian FIELD

TURKSHEADS THE TRADITIONAL WAY £1.50* Eric Franklin

NYLON NOVELTIES £2.00* Eric Franklin

KNOTCRAFT £3.60* Stuart Grainger

ROPEFOLK £1.30* Stuart Grainger

TURKSHEAD ALTERNATIVES £2.20* Stuart Grainger

SOMETHING DIFFERENT Over 50 Button knots £3.95 John HALIFAX

KNOTTING MATTERS • Past Editions £2.00* *Indicates 33.3% discount available on orders worth £30 or more at retail prices. Cheques payable to IGKT, or use your VISA, MASTER or EUROCARD simply by quoting your card number and its expiry date. Don't forget to allow for postage!!

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