The following Knot Works were produced in 2019. Marlinspike Seamanship, Macramé, Decorative knotting, what do all these have in common? It is simply KNOTS.
Macramé, as we know it, dates back to the 13th century. The Spanish word itself comes from the Arabic word migramah meaning decorative fringe. The art itself was brought to Spain by the Moors during their conquest in 711 AD. It was later passed into Europe and became the art of the sailor.
Sailors spent many hours at sea with nothing to do and Macramé became their pastime. Rope was readily available and so was the time. The art form was simple as it used square knots and half hitches a technique that could easily be done aboard ship. Sailors quickly turned this art form into something called Marlinspike Seamanship. This new form was passed on as sailors made their travels.
They quickly learned that Marlinspike Seamanship could be used not only for fanciful covering but it had a purpose as well. The covering of knife handles to prevent slipping. The covering of bottles to prevent them from breaking. The making of bell ropes, ship rail covering, mats, rugs, beckets for chests etc. Whatever the sailor’s mind could conger up it was more than likely capable of being knotted.
During the American Civil war period, sailors were no different. While on Blockading Duty, there was much idle time so the sailors would turn to their art. Today the Navy still upholds the tradition of knotting and true Marlinspike Seamanship. You will find many fanciful decorative knotting aboard any ship of any country. Those versed in the art are true sailors. The tradition lives on through many living history units and the International Guild of Knot Tyers.
2019 brings more art your way….. Enjoy, it will be updated after every creation.
3 Foot Yellow Oar This original knotted 3 foot Wooden Oar was knotted by hand with 60 ft. of Yellow Paracord in a French Spiral Hitching. Two blue Turk's head knots adorn the body of this oar. Columbus, GA Latitude and Longitude along with a map silhouette, compass and a Flat Turk’s head knot adorn the paddle head. This creation was knotted and hand etched in a period of 7.0 hours. (MADE 4/10/2019)
3 Foot Blue Oar This original knotted 3 foot Wooden Oar was knotted by hand with 82 ft. of Blue Paracord in a French Spiral Hitching. Two White Turk's head knots adorn the body of this oar. Columbus, GA Latitude and Longitude along with a map silhouette, compass and a Ladder Mat knot adorn the paddle head. This creation was knotted and hand etched in a period of 8.5 hours. (MADE 4/12/2019)
3 Foot Barber Shop Oar This original knotted 36 inch Wooden Oar was knotted by hand with 110 ft. of Red, White and Blue Paracord in a Spanish Hitching on top and Coxcombing on the bottom. Three Turk's head knots adorn the body of this oar. An ornate Mat knot and a Skeleton Barber Life Etching adorns the paddle. This creation was etched and knotted By hand in a period of 16.5 hours.
(MADE 1/07/2019)
Monkey Fist Ornaments These original knotted 5Inch and 3 Inch MOnkey Fist Ornaments were knotted by hand in a traditional pattern with 50 ft. and 72 ft. of White Rope and Manila Rope. This creations were knotted in a period of 1.5 hours.
(MADE 03/15/2019)
12 Inch Black on White Knotted Bottle This original knotted 12 inch Clear Bottle was knotted by hand in a traditional grafting pattern with 235 ft. of Waxed White and Black Cotton rope. Three Turk's head knot adorns the neck and body of this bottle. This creation was knotted in a period of 20.5 hours.
(MADE 05/05/2019)
3 Foot Red Award Oar This original knotted 3 foot Wooden Oar was knotted by hand with 60 ft. of Red Paracord in a French Spiral Hitching. Two white Turk's head knots adorn the body of this oar. Columbus, GA Latitude and Longitude along with a map silhouette, compass and a Flat Turk’s head knot adorn the paddle head. This creation was knotted and hand etched in a period of 7.0 hours. (MADE 4/06/2019)
3 Foot Black Award Oar This original knotted 3 foot Wooden Oar was knotted by hand with 68 ft. of Black Paracord in a French Spiral Hitching. Two white Turk's head knots adorn the body of this oar. Columbus, GA Latitude and Longitude along with a map silhouette, compass and a Napoleon knot adorn the paddle head. This creation was knotted and hand etched in a period of 7.5 hours. (MADE 4/02/2019)
3 Foot Barber Shop Oar This original knotted 36 inch Wooden Oar was knotted by hand with 85 ft. of Pink Paracord in a French Spiral Hitching. Two Teal Turk's head knots adorn the body of this oar. An ornate Mat knot and a Mermaid Etching, shells and bow adorns the paddle. This creation was etched and knotted By hand in a period of 10.5 hours.
(MADE 1/07/2019)
7 Inch long Begleri This Belgleris are not new to the world. They originated in Greece as a method to keep hands from being idled, much like prayer beads. The Fidget toy made its comeback in the 1960 and now in our times I enjoy creating these to break up dead time.
(MADE 05/11/2019)
12 Inch Decanter This original knotted 12 inch Decanter was knotted by hand with 102 ft. of White Cotton Rope and 18 ft. of Blue Cotton Twine. The Neck is knotted in a Graphing pattern. The body is knotted in a semi-netting pattern with Rose Knots. Two Turk's head knots adorn the neck of the Decanter. This creation was knotted in a period of 18.5 hours. (MADE 04/20/2019)
7 Inch Vase This original knotted 7 inch Vase was knotted by hand with 532 ft. of White Cotton Rope. The Body is knotted in square knot pattern and half-hitch pattern. This creation was knotted in a period of 3.5 hours. (MADE 05/23/2019)
7 Inch Vase This original knotted 7 inch Vase was knotted by hand with 504 ft. of White Cotton Rope. The Body is knotted in square knot pattern and rose knots. This creation was knotted in a period of 5.5 hours. (MADE 05/24/2019)
6 1/2 Inch Bottle Plant Holder This original knotted 6 1/2 inch Bottle was knotted by hand with 112ft. of Blue Cotton Rope. The Body is knotted in square knot pattern and a rose knot is on the top of the Cork. This creation was knotted in a period of 1.5 hours. (MADE 06/28/2019