Module 3, Chapter 2 - Plaited Braids

This week I have been making samples of different braids in thick cord to understand how they work.

4 Strand braids - from left - Bedfordshire lace 2 pair plait; mirror image (left over 1, right under 1 over 1); 2 colour braid (right over 1, left over 2).

Simple 2 loop braid (loops pass through each other); macrame semi knot; macrame whole knot.

From left - 3 variations of 7 strand twill; 8 strand plait using 3 outer strands on each side as a single strand; 8 strand square braid - over 5 back under 2.

Useful references - The Manual of Braiding - Naomi Speiser, The Renaissance Tailor, Phalia's String Page.

Module 3, Chapters 1 and 2

As it feels like a long time since I last looked at my coursework, I have spent a little time sorting out what I have already done before carrying on.

First, the visual part of the historical study on strapwork - my notes have been typed up on a separate sheet

Next, pages from my sketchbook which is being filled with notes and drawings etc on knotwork.

Finally, making a background fabric for samples by using a large scale version of plaited braid stitch as a printing block.

Module 3, chapter 2

Continuing the theme of strapwork, I have been researching and drawing examples of Celtic knotwork. The first photo shows sketches on graph paper of knots made using David Nicholl's method as described in Celtic Inspirations for Machine Embroiderers (Valerie Campbell-Harding and Maggie Grey). The knots in the second photo were drawn on grids from How to Draw Celtic Knotwork by Andy Sloss. The one on the right, with the black background, is copied from a page of the seventh century Book of Dimma - I find it interesting that the ends are different with a closed loop at one end rather than a continuous line. In the central drawing, I used the same design but on a curved grid, and the one on the left is an attempt at drawing a tapered knot (it is a bit wobbly!). I have played with drawing simple knots before but never done anything more with it, so I am trying to take it further this time.