Statement of Purpose

     I propose to develop handspinning techniques for:   spinning different fibers into suitable knotting yarns or cords to coordinate with other handspun yarns to be used together in a project, turning commercial yarns into suitable yarns for knotting to enable the final product to have adornments of coordinating yarns and spinning fiber into knotting cords that can stand on their own merit.   This study will include the use of many knots for:  closures and braids for woven garments and home furnishing, handbags, belts, jewelry and accessories, accents on knitted or crocheted garments or home accessories, finished fringe on woven curtains or blankets.
     I will explore different fibers and how they can be spun into suitable knotting cords for appropriate projects.  the study will include adaptation of currently available commercial yarns to the knot art.  In this way, the Chinese Knot Art can be integrated completely into current fiber art.  I believe adornments on sweaters and jackets can be made out of the same fiber that the garment itself is made of.  Necklaces, earrings, pins and handbags and other accessories can be matched perfectly in color and fiber content to the custom designed apparel.
     But there are some inherent problems in knotting.  To form many of the knots the yarn undergoes harsh handling.  Some of the designs of knot combinations require very stiff yarns or cords.  What yarns show off the knots best?   Are some knots just too complex and may be unsuitable to tie with handspun yarns?   As I investigate further, surely there will be more problems to solve.

Chinese Knot Art Incorporating Handspun and Other Yarns

I. Introduction and history
    A. Ancient times--including mythology
    B. Current trends
        1. Classes
        2. Books available
        3. What is on the market
    C. Enhancements for the future

II. Basic Knots--Knowledge of how to tie the knots and what knot combinations to put together is necessary before I can develop an understanding of how to spin the yarns for these knots. In order to gain this knowledge and achieve expertise in knotting, I will study the following:
    A. Knots for jewelry
        1. Design requirements (combinations of knots)
        2. Beads, clasps and accessories
    B. Knots for embellishments
        1. Design requirements
            a. Combinations of knots
            b. Combinations of yarns
    C. Knots for accessories
        1. Design requirements
            a. Combinations of knots
            b. Combination of yarns
        2. Beads, clasps and accessories
    D. Care and washing of knotted items

III. Technical requirements for yarns as discovered from the study of the knots themselves. Each of the following will be studied for each type of knotting technique.
    A. Twist
    B. Density
    C. Fibers
    D. Textures
    E. Wheel requirements

IV. Design requirements for the yarns--once again, knowledge of the knots themselves is necessary to be able to create designs using knots. Each of the following will be discussed relative to the intended finished product.
    A. Color of finished yarn
    B. Number of plies
    C. Diameter of singles, core spun, or plied yarns
    D. Density or softness of final yarns

V. Respinning commercial yarns to make them suitable for knotting. Each of the following will be studied and discussed relative to the intended finished product.
    A. Warp yarns to knotting yarns, including very fine yarns
    B. Weft yarns to knotting yarns, including very fine yarns
    C. Knitting and crochet yarns to knotting yarns

VI. Starting from Scratch
    A. Appropriate fibers
    B. Worsted vs. woolen
    C. Preparation
        1. Commercial roving
        2. Drum Carded vs. handcarded
        3. Flick
        4. Spin wool clean or in the grease?
    D. Core Spinning
        1. Advantages and disadvantages
        2. Silk Stretches, luster, history
        3. Hand and finish
    E. Finishing techniques of the yarn

VII.Project possibilities
    A. Jewelry
    B. Handbag
    C. Belt
    D. Sweater
    E. Jacket