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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
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