Wendy Elizabeth Exclusive Designs in Knotted Art
Talks
The history and art of knotting
What do Hercules, the vestal virgins, sore throats and DNA have in common? The answer, and lots of other weird and wonderful ways knots have been used from the stone age to the 21st century, can be found during my talk.
The art of Oriental knotting
From love tokens to martial arts, discover how the exquisite art of oriental knotting has passed from ancient tradition into 21st century fashion .
Both talks are presented in a fun and interactive way with many items and pictures passed around the audience. There is also an extensive exhibition of my work, as a designer of knotted art, with many items for sale. Commissions are happily undertaken.
Duration is approximately 45 minutes.
Current fee is £40.00 per talk. Travel expenses to be agreed at time of booking. I am willing to travel approximately 60 miles from Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Further distances may be considered.
Previous talks include: Women's Institutes. Townswomen's Guilds. British Cardiac Patients Group. Friendship Clubs. NHS Trust Retirement Fellowship. Ladies Circles. Lace makers, embroiderers', spinners, and weavers Guilds.
I am listed in the Peterborough speakers directory and currently on the speakers panels of the following Women’s Institutes; Cambridge. Huntingdon & Peterborough. Ely. Leicester & Rutland. Norfolk. Northamptonshire. South Lincolnshire. Suffolk West.
Macramé is a relaxing and therapeutic craft and may help to keep your fingers nimble. You can only work as fast as your fingers will allow so rushing your work is not an option. However, I have to warn you it is addictive as my partner and friends will testify; once hooked you will be tying knots in everything!
BESPOKE WORKSHOPS
Tailor made tuition on a variety of knotting techniques, either to a single pupil or a maximum of six. By limiting the numbers I can pass on my knowledge on a one to one basis and boredom won’t set in while I’m getting around the group! (Although larger groups can be accommodated for basic knot tying. only.) These informal workshops can be held at someone’s home daytime or evening. A formal venue can be arranged if preferred but would need to be priced separately.
A selection of materials will be available to purchase for “take home” items or you are welcome to bring your own.
My fees are £11.00 per hour, plus travel expenses (currently 35p per mile).
2012 Workshops
15th February – Don’t tie yourself in knots, Flag Fen, Peterborough
Learn basic ancient
knotting techniques that were used up to 7,000 years ago to handcraft all sorts of
clothing, decorative arts or jewellery. A truly ancient craft! Details at http://www.vivacity-
6th October Fincham Women's Institute, Stoke Ferry Village Hall, Stoke Ferry, Norfolk.
2012 Talks Schedule
9th February Stanground Evening Towns Women's Guild, Southfields Infants School, Southfields Avenue, Stanground, Peterborough
13th February Deepings Lunchtime Women's Institute The Priory Church Hall, Deeping St. James, Peterborough
5th March Nene Valley Ladies Organisation Oundle Golf Club, Benefield Road, Oundle, Northants.
7th March Lynn Heart Support Group King's Lynn Masonic Centre,Hamburg Way, King's Lynn. Norfolk.
3rd April Thorney Plus Thorney Chapel, Thorney, Peterborough
4th April Fulney Women's Institute Ivo Cottage Day Centre, Albion Street, Spalding, Lincs.
11th April Great Doddington Evening Women's Institute Memorial Hall, Great Doddington, Wellingborough, Northants.
17th April Somersham Women's Institute, Victory Hall, Parkhall Road, Somersham, Cambs.
26th April Huntingdon Civil Service Retirement Fellowship Little Stukeley Village Hall, Little Stukeley, Huntingdon
9th May Market Harborough Business Ladies Luncheon Club The Three Swans Hotel, Market Harborough, Leicestershire
17th May Kettering Embroiderer's Guild Cornmarket Hall, London Road, Kettering, Northants.
4th July St. Mary's Afternoon Women's Institute Church Rooms, Church Walk, St. Neots, Cambs.
11th July Farcet Women's Institute, Farcet Village Hall, Farcet, Peterborough.
16th July Twycross Women's Institute, The Village Hall, Twycross, Nuneaton.
19th July Kettering Thursday Ladies Club, Henley Centre, Kettering, Northants. NN16 0AP
4th September NHS Retirement Fellowship Sports & Social Club, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester.
16th October Stanion Tuesday Ladies Club St. Peter's Hall, High Street, Stanion, Kettering, Northants.
13th November Reepham Women's Institute Reepham Methodist Chapel Hall, Reepham, Lincoln.
Workshops
Recent press coverage,
Stamford Mercury (12/11/09)
Ever since the Stone Age, human beings have been tying knots in one way or another. Sailors, Boy Scouts and even Vestel Virgins have all practised the art, and the phrase 'tying the knot' for couples getting married goes back to traditional handfasting ceremonies. Athletes in ancient Greece tied knots before taking part in the Games, though the details would make a modern participant wince (and are perhaps best not described in a family newspaper).
The source of this information was knotologist Wendy Elizabeth Smith, who presented
a comprehensive history of knots to Uffington WI's November meeting, and brought
along examples of her own hand-
One unusual aspect of her talk featured her work in reconstructing Bronze Age clothes
(which used a form of knotting) for the Flag Fen archeological site in Peterborough.
Members were fascinated to see the beautiful garments made from yarn originating
from flax and nettles, including a surprisingly modern-
BASIC KNOTS FOR JEWELLERY
Practice materials supplied. A selection of yarns, beads, pendants and fittings will be available to purchase for “take home” items or you are welcome to bring your own. Please note that beads will need to have a 2mm hole. With knowledge of just a few knots you can create your own designer jewellery. The illustrations show what is possible to produce.
CHINESE KNOTS
An ancient craft with a modern twist. Learn a few basic knots to create stunning necklaces and bracelets.
JAPANESE FABRIC WRAPPING
Furoshiki cloths were once used by Samurai households in the 12th century as reusable gift wrappings. The more expensive the gift the better the wrapping!. Now it is a wonderful way to recycle scarves and material , even making the scarf part of the gift. Learn the simple techniques to wrap an assortment of shapes. Bring along “presents” to wrap. Empty boxes, tubes, plastic bottles etc. all sizes, and scarves (not thick wool ones) square preferably or rectangular, even fancy hankies . Scarves and packages will be available for use on the day with some wrapping fabrics available to buy.
ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY
Tuition covers the basic techniques needed. Small items may be made to take away or a larger item can be started to finish at home. Practice materials are supplied. A selection of yarns will be available to purchase for take home items or bring your own. Be adventurous, authentic yarns are not essential. The illustrations show what is possible to produce using the techniques.
Needle Hitching
Needle binding or Needle hitching can be dated from the late Mesolithic period (7000 years ago). This technique uses half hitch knots to make fabric and can produce items such as socks, mittens, hats, baskets and mats. The half hitches can also be worked over a rigid form to make a protective covering. This technique is not currently included in the basic tuition.
Knotted Fabric
The reef knot is one of the oldest knots found and can be used to make fabric as well as its many other practical uses. By using reef knots and half hitches a wide variety of items can be made including clothing, bags, mats and belts.
