Page 264 - Randy Penn Everything Knots Book

37-032-6-pp001-pp274.qxd 9/1/2010 2:49 PM Page 249

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

or another activity, you will find that new ropes and twines can
offer new possibilities for pursuing your interests. And now that you
know a little bit about telling ropes apart, it will help you decide
on some purchases the next time you see a mix of them for sale
at a flea market or wholesale outlet.
As many ropes as there are available for purchase, it is still an
insignificant number compared to the variety of ropes you can
make, should you decide to take up the hobby of rope making.
The combinations of structures, materials, colors, size, and many
other properties are infinite. Winders that do the twisting to make
three-strand rope are easy to make or can be purchased. Decorative
ropes can be braided in infinite patterns. Raw materials for rope
making can be anything from exotic silks to plastic grocery bags.
You can even make rope out of toilet paper!

ALERT!

With just a little knowledge about ropes and twine, you may
discover the opportunity to find cordage in unlikely places. If
you are experimenting with decorative knot tying, for
example, discarded window blinds contain very workable and
colorful string. Even a lawn mower pull cord might be just the
knotting practice cord you have been looking for.

Build on Your Knowledge
Learning knots is something many knot tyers never stop doing.
Once you start on your path to learning, you will find out more and
more about what works for you. Many people enjoy designing jigs
that help hold completed work in place, for everything from fishing
knots to elaborate decorative knots. It can be as simple as a small
piece of wood with a couple of nails in it, or a large bench with
wooden pegs to hold the strands for braiding. You might even want
to make apparatus for testing the strength or security of your knots.

249