Nope, this one isn't crochet. Or knitting. But it's so much fun - and you get to use yarn! I received a copy of Des Pawson's Knot Crafts & Rope Mats to review - and another one to give away! So here's my thoughts, my attempts at a new hobby, my honest opinions... and a chance to win your own copy and give it a try yourself!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.
So, what's this book about? Well, it's a lot like a crochet or knitting book. It's full of patterns, or "recipes" as Des calls them, for 60 different projects, all using knots. Sixty!!
And you don't have to be a boy scout or sailor to do it - but prior experience with knot tying (or at least the terms) does help. Nonetheless, there is a combination of written instructions and drawings to guide you through each project. And ideas for how to use them too! And a little bit of googling cleared up most of my questions.
Yes, there are lots of projects that might make more sense on a boat. But there are also projects you can use as a landlubber - including keychains, pretty mats to use as trivets or rugs, lapel pins, light pulls, even a simple lanyard!
Now, I was not a boy scout, or a girl scout, and I can't swim - so you won't get me on a boat unless it's got sufficient life rafts and an all day buffet. But I've always been fascinated with knot tying, and with the "Monkey's Fist" in particular. Lucky for me, it's included in Knot Crafts & Rope Mats! Unlucky for me... it's more advanced than I'm ready for. So I followed instructions, and tried an easier pattern first - the Portuguese Sennit Bracelet.
So with a skein of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick (the thickest yarn on my shelf) I waded in... and tada!
Not perfect... but not too shabby for a first attempt! And it was a lot of fun figuring it all out! I don't have any of the tools listed in the front of the book, and since this is my first go at knot craft, I don't understand all the terms used. But for someone who's tried knot tying before, I suspect it's a bit easier!
Will I abandon crochet and knitting for knotting? No, but I can see myself sitting down with this book in the future - and maybe another book on more basic knots beside it - and figuring out some more of these recipes! There are so many lovely patterns and ideas here, and I can see it would be a very relaxing hobby!
Do you want to give it a try? Know someone who does? You can pick up Des Pawson's Knot Crafts & Rope Mats on Amazon US, Amazon CA, Amazon UK, Amazon DE, and probably a few other places too! And you can enter to win a copy in the giveaway below!
The Knot Crafts & Rope Mats Giveaway on Moogly is open to worldwide and ends 12/8/16 at 12:15am Central US time. To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below. If you are on mobile and have difficulty entering, please use a desktop computer to enter. Only the email option is mandatory – all other tasks are optional, for bonus entries only.
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Lynndsei says
As someone who got into crochet after spending years doing friendship bracelets and hemp jewelry, this looks like it'd be right up my alley!
Your bracelet has a tendency to twist into a spiral, doesn't it? 😉
Tamara Kelly says
Yes! I thought I was making some newbie mistake - and maybe I am lol.
Lynndsei says
If you think about the strands as A and B knotting around center, you'll always want to have A on top and B on bottom. It helps to use two colors, so that you'll have a stripe of one color down the center (A) and edging of the other color (B). The underside of the bracelet will have the opposite colors, B in the middle and A on the outside.
Looks like you alternated A and B, so what you've got is a spiral knot bracelet instead of a square knot bracelet. They're both cool looks!
Tamara Kelly says
Ah! Thank you! 😀 I love learning new crafts!
Connie Meyer says
Thanks for the giveaway. What an interesting looking book. Would be fun to learn some of these great ideas.
Lisa Parker says
What a fabulous book. I work on an adventure playground and I have a little knowledge of ropes and knots but this would could take me to the next level x
Elizabeth Harvey says
Wow, what a great book. I had a look through the sample they show on Amazon for the kindle book. Showed my husband and he said he had most of Pop's tools still. The book would be great Only problem is the shipping cost. I can add between $9.00 - $13.00 for delivery then I get taxed for International purchase. I wonder if the Book Depository have it. Free Shipping.
Anyway aside,It looks like a fantastic book. A great new hobby for someone.
Tamara Kelly says
Well you can still enter the giveaway! 😀 And it might be available more locally as well of course.
Silvia says
If I see a video and learn this I will make some platemats and glasscoasters to match the colors i want. In the store is hard to find.thank you.