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This is the information submitted to the committee for approval before starting the second part of the COE.

Proposal

     The ancient art of Chinese Knotting is once again making a comeback. Many classes are offered at craft stores, bead shops and adult centers. Current and antique necklaces, earrings and ornaments are once again found in novelty shops. Knotted adornments are incorporated into some of the top of the line women's wear.
     Ancient Chinese Knot Art was made of silk, cotton or hemp. Some of the yarns were singles, core yarns and multi-plies. Today most knotted novelties are made from synthetics: nylon, polyester and rayon. But I prefer natural fibers and feel these synthetics do not do justice to the beauty of the Chinese Knot Art. Silk and ceramic beads become one in a necklace, hemp and wood beads have rustic appeal knotted together in a handbag. Natural fibers have a unique and beautiful signature all their own.
     I choose to adapt currently available commercial yarns and handspun yarns to the Knot Art or spin my own yarns coordinating knitting, weaving or crochet yarns with knotting yarns. In this way the Chinese Knot Art can be integrated completely into current fiber art. Adornments on knitted sweaters and woven jackets can be made out of the same fiber that the garment itself is made of. Necklaces, earrings, pins, handbags and other accessories can be matched perfectly in color and fiber contents 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. Very round yarns show off the knots best. Some knots are just too complex and maybe unsuitable to tie with handspun yarns. As I investigate further, surely there will be more problems to solve.
     I propose to develop handspinning techniques for: turning commercial yarns into suitable yarns for knotting to enable the final product to have adornments of coordinating yarns, handspinning different fibers into suitable knotting yarns to coordinate with other handspun yarns to be used together in a project. This study will include the use of many knots for: finishing fringe on woven curtains or blankets, closures and braids of woven garments and home furnishing, handbags, belts and accessories, accents on knitted or crocheted garments or home accessories, and jewelry.

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