Tied up in Knots: June 13^th 2009  

Historically knots have been used for many different purposes, from something purely functional to tie things together, for recording and sending messages and keeping tallies or the functional and decorative knot-work of seafarers for example. Focusing on the distinctive features of a small selection of knots (half hitch and double half hitch), this workshop explores the potential of knotting in the round.  We will be working over a variety of temporary and permanent moulds suited to making small-scale objects such as bead-like forms and small pouches and bags or sculptural art textiles. 

Initial experiments are in 2D so that the workshop participants can gain confidence with knotting patterns before moving on to creating three-dimensional structures.  No tools needed other than the hands!  Moving on into three dimensions participants will be encouraged to work with various shapes of three dimensional permanent and temporary moulds, for example cardboard cones and tubes, hot-water-pipe insulation, florists’ forms and found objects such as driftwood and stones.  The latter can be incorporated into a piece of work (small-scale jewellery for example).

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery,

Castle Street

Carlisle