2 button blue green extra wide beaded cuff 1643

 This two button cuff is another in the clothesline series made with a grey hand dyed clothesline which forms the ribs and loops in combination with 3 mm hand dyed cotton cord. Glass seed beads are worked into the seams of the large cord. A row of glass beads forms a seam between the two halves of this bracelet. A pair of buttons and loops hold this cuff securely closed.
The colors are grey, green, and black. Bead colors are cobalt, light turquoise, light blue, and a mix of amber, yellow, pink and clear glass in the seam.

This item is available part of a series of clothesline cuffs in the design section of my Zibbet marketplace

The size is a large measuring 8" (204 mm) interior circumference when closed and 2 7/8" (71 mm) wide.
These unique constructions require between 12 -16 hours of work to build. This one was laid out on a PVC pipe mold where the larger cords were formed into the ribs and loops. The smaller diameter cords are laid out in the valleys and hand stitched into a fabric-like pattern. The bracelet is then removed from the mold and the beadwork is completed. Finally the two halves are stitched together using nylon thread and the larger glass beads.

design and photographs © copyright 2011 WhatKnotShop

clothesline bangle with beads n' floss 1450

 This chunky bangle style bracelet is made with un-dyed clothesline and other cotton and synthetic cords. The cords have been loosely bound together on a tapered mold to form the layered shape of the bangle. The beads are then worked in between the cords and bound in place with four ply nylon thread. As the nylon thread is used to secure the beads the cord stiffens up to hold it's shape.

Cotton floss is used to wrap some of the exposed cords adding funky color.

The result is ...? Well it's different and not subtle. It weighs about 1 1/2 oz and is a little over 8" inside circumference. Reminds me of the heavier bangles made in white metal from the Indian subcontinent. The cotton clothesline is a more friendly feel than metal and somewhat easier to work with.

design and photographs © copyright 2011 WhatKnotShop

braided, woven, or tied? (shaken or stirred?) Etsy treasury

Looking through the huge offering of cuffs on Etsy got me thinking about the indirect structure that knotted fibers create. Think about it, an ordinary piece of string is a relaxed almost limp piece of material that can be pulled and if connected to something will exert force on that object. Otherwise it's not got much to it until it is bundled together, crossed over, twisted, or knotted with other "weak" strands to form  a substantial object.

In this collection of cuffs are examples of soft and seemingly insubstantial materials that have been made into colorful and comfortable accessories.

From the organic Fancy Vintage Button Crocheted Cuff Grey, Black, Purple to the exuberant Crescen-T Upcycled T-Shirt Macrame Cuff Bracelet Light Blue and Yellow  to the bold Cuff with kangaroo laced braid over Italian leather there is a common construction technique that (pardon the pun) binds these designs together. So be sure to click through to see many other interesting items that lurk in the shops behind this treasury.

Happiness is a pair of nautical chic knot bracelets

Michalle sent this self portrait photo showing two BASIC turks head knot rope bracelets. One is black the other is battleship grey. Both have been worked up to Michalle's comfortable fit size.
These BASIC rope bracelets are available in a wide range of colors including the black and grey show here as well as lighthouse red, starboard green, several colors of blue, sunshine yellow, orange, brown and classic white.
Illustrated instructions are included with each order. These adjustable bracelets are supplied in a "large" size which makes it easy to slip them over your hand. A few simple steps are all that is required to create a custom fit just right for you.
Here's a tip from Michalle: After working up the bracelet to a comfortable fit use a needle and thread to secure the loose ends. Trim the ends then turn the bracelet inside out to hide the stumps.
design and photographs © copyright 2011 WhatKnotShop

cotton cord fabric cuff bracelet with glass beads 1231

 A pair of blue plastic buttons and loops hold the corners of this organic collection of cord and beads. Multiple mixed fiber cords are laid out then stitched together with a collection of irregular glass beads. The binding process compresses the cords together and the beads are embedded in the layers. Two opposing loops overlap with a seam of turquoise bubble beads between them. Cotton floss is applied to the edges to highlight the structure. This is one of the design )strata( series of fabric cord bracelets.

This view shows the buttons and loops.  The four ply nylon binder remains in constant state of tension holding the cords and beads firmly in position. This is a medium-small size measuring 7" (178 mm) circumference when closed.
This and other unique fiber art items are available in the design section of the Etsy shop.


design and photographs © copyright 2011 WhatKnotShop

BASIC turks head knot adjustable rope bracelets

Adjustable to make a perfect fit...this is the BASIC line of rope bracelets offered in a variety of colors. In the photo to the left you can see the end of the cord used to weave the bracelet. These loose ends are intentional and allow you to work the extra slack out of the knot to reduce the size to a more comfortable fit. All of these are shipped with illustrated instructions showing how to make this adjustment. The knot tying is all figured out. The final size adjustment is all yours.


After working out the extra slack the remaining cord can be trimmed off. To keep the ends from coming undone You can use some dental floss to sew the ends together.


A recent buyer suggested that after working up the bracelet to the final fit   with the ends trimmed off you turn the bracelet inside-out to hide the cut off ends. 


design and photographs © copyright 2011 WhatKnotShop

Grey and white two button cuff 1200

 Subtle colors of a windswept beach. The sand filtering in among the dune grass. The sky and water alternating between light grey and Atlantic ocean green. A tangle of material partially embedded in the wet sand.


Two button secure the loops which are offset across the bias. The size is medium-small only 7 1/4" (184 mm) inside circumference. 

 Construction is cotton cords laid up around a mold and compressed with super-strong nylon thread. Texture is cotton-soft.

The biased tensioning creates a dynamic shape.








design and photographs © copyright 2011 WhatKnotShop

red cord fabric double toggle cuff bracelet w beads 1199

 This is a double monkey fist knot and loop closure cuff in bright colors. The cords are a mix of hand dyed cotton and synthetics. There are three different textures: the smooth cotton Darice cord that are the red, orange, blue and yellow colors; the cotton cable cord which is the yellow and purple color; braided synthetics colors electric green and light blue.

The monkey fists are tied in a pair and the cord is wrapped around to form the toggle loops. The entire structure is "post tensioned" with nylon thread which stretches then compresses the cords and makes a stiff shell our of the cord forming a fabric. Three glass beads accent the piece.


Size is a "small" measuring 7 1/4" (184 mm) circumference.

This design is similar to a number of other design )strata( bracelets like this double button cuff and this three button cuff and this double toggle beaded cuff  although these designs use buttons and large beads as toggles.


All these are unique designs which share similar details.
design and photographs © copyright 2011 WhatKnotShop

4 button fiber cuff bracelet 1191

This is a project that started then got put aside for awhile then finally was finished. The concept is to create an organic "bark" that wraps around the wrist much the way a tree protects the fragile xylem layers with a resilient coating. The materials are hand dyed cotton cord, four plastic buttons obtained at a thrift store, six irregular glass beads, and four ply nylon thread.

The buttons and loops are offset so the seams are highly irregular.There is an opening near the center formed by the pulling away of the cord bundles during the assembly process. Another "hole" is filled with the glass beads.

Open the bracelet by releasing the buttons from the loops.

Built on a 7 1/2" mold this piece is a "small" size inside but varies from 2 5/8" to 3 1/4" wide.

The colors are a mix of greens, greys, blues, with purple, black and magenta red.  The texture is firm but friendly. Most of the cords are hand dyed cotton.

Six irregular glass beads cluster like eggs in a nest.

This item is available here in the design section of my Etsy shop.








design and images © copyright 2011 by WhatKnotShop

cotton fiber cuff - custom work

Recently I received a request from a person who wanted a wider version of a design )strata( bracelet purchased previously. This project started out to replicate the colors used in the original in a wider finished size. 


Getting consistent color from my small batch dye lots is a significant challenge. I use standardized recipes for the dye baths but there are a number of other variables that control the outcome:  Length of time the  cord spends immersed in the dye bath, the rinse-out process including the temperature of the rinse water and the length of time in the rinse; and of course the absorption characteristics of the cord.

The creation of this design also involves layout of the cord and the binding process which compresses the cord together. This compression reduces the width by about 50% so a 1" wide finished bracelet starts out at about 2" on the mold.

The finished piece came out a bit narrower than I wanted but the results are I think rather pleasing. Greys, white, pink, and a yellow accent are subdued but interesting and the compression process enables the bracelet to hold it's shape.


You can see more of this type of work in the design section of the Etsy shop and a much larger selection on ArtFire and Zibbet as well. 

A few examples of the toggle closure style can be found here and here and here. 








design and photographs © copyright 2011 WhatKnotShop

Black and grey turks head knot cuff bracelet

A 13 part turks head knot weave featuring 3 mm midnight black and fog grey cord. Made to a customer's specified size and pattern.


This design is available in solid and mixed colors such as white and grey  and white and olive green.


If you like the black and grey please request your own size  click here.


design and photographs © copyright 2011 WhatKnotShop

double button toggle fiber bracelet 1041

Small wrap around fiber bracelet made with up-cycled bits of cord from my scrap box. Colors are grey, dark blue, brown, lime green, purple, red and black. Bracelet is easily opened and closed with small buttons and loops to to hold it securely closed.

Size is a "medium" for most people 7 1/4" (183 mm) inside circumference when closed but will stretch out a bit.

Constructed with four ply nylon thread.

If you like this design you may also be interested in this one  click here
or perhaps this one  click here

This is item is available  click here



design and photographs copyright 2010 WhatKnotShop

pair of fiber bracelets in team colors 963 964

 A custom made pair of cotton fiber bracelets in NFL team colors. Have a favorite team? Ask for a custom made bracelet in your team colors.   Click here  to be taken to the Alchemy request page where you can ask for your special design to be specially made for you.






Washington Redskins colors burgundy, gold and white 

Pittsburgh Steelers colors black, gold, and white


Both are made from cotton fiber cores wrapped with hand dyed cotton and cotton floss.


If you like these you may interested in similar items like these   click here    or check this collection    click here   all these are similar construction with different colors.




design and photographs copyright 2010 WhatKnotShop

design )strata( collection

Sea snail double toggle bracelet with large blue beads 887

details click here

Tide pool double toggle bracelet 891

details click here

 

 Tangled string bracelet toggle closure 912

details click here

 

 Pink double toggle bracelet 908

details click here

 

 Extra wide double toggle bracelet 898

details click here

 

 Wood beaded cuff bracelet 911

details click here

 

Beaded double toggle cuff bracelet 910

details click here

pink double toggle bracelet with beads 908

Pink and purple hand dyed cotton cords with grey and white accents worked in a double toggle design. multiple rows of glass beads are worked in between the cord plies.
Constructed with four ply nylon thread this bracelet is a unique piece of fiber art.


Pink plastic beads and loops provide a secure fit. Toggle beads are held in place with heart shaped tabs. This item is available for sale  click here

Size closed is 8" (203 mm) which will fit comfortably as a bracelet or an anklet for someone with smaller feet. About 1 3/8" (35 mm) wide (a bit wider at the beaded ends shown here) Water tolerant made with all cotton hand dyed fibers.


This is part of the design )strata( collection available  click here      to see the other items like this one in the collection.
design and photos copyright 2010 WhatKnotShop

BASIC rope bracelets fall color series

natural white   left

fog grey   center

skye blue   right


materials are 100% cotton
all except white are hand dyed in small batches

Find these in the Etsy WhatKnotShop BASIC section

chocolate brown   left

fog grey   center

dark green   right



All are supplied with loose ends to permit final adjustment to your custom fit.

Instructions included with each order and available online right here:   Instructions

natural white   left

skye blue   center

denim blue   right

fog grey   left

natural white

dark green

chocolate

denim blue

skye blue   right

design and photographs copyright 2010 WhatKnotShop

custom work for kids 816

Every now and then I receive a request for a custom piece for a younger person. I like making these for kids as it continues the tradition of having something cool and special that is yours alone.

This is a special request for someone who was passionate about purple but needed a smaller size than was offered in the online shop.

I had a bit of the purple cord remaining from the original dye batch which was long enough to make this 12 x 5 x 3 double diamond design.

So don't be shy about asking for a child sized version of work that is listed in the online shops. Most of the pieces offered can be made in smaller sizes that will fit younger kids as well as tweens.

Measure according to this guide then visit any one of these online shops to look over the selections, and contact me if you would like a special order made to fit a special child.

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatKnotShop
ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/WhatKnotShop
Zibbet: http://www.zibbet.com/WhatKnotShop

soft bangle bracelet grey and lavender cotton design )strata( 271

No beads or toggles, just a frayed fiber slip on style bracelet made from hand dyed cotton cord. These extra bits are up cycled scraps from other projects brought into a new piece of fiber art.


This item is available for sale here.


Similar items may be custom ordered to your specifications, click here.

Size is "large" measuring 8 5/8" (220 mm) inside circumference. Measure your size here.

Colors are predominantly grey and lavender with some green, blue and black.






design and photos copyright 2010 WhatKnotShop

three sailor bracelets in copper green 702, 703, 704

A set of three classic turks head sailor bracelets made with hand dyed twisted cotton cord. The color is a copper green made by diluting the concentrated dye packet and limiting the time the cord remains immersed in the dye solution.


It's pretty amazing how much color range is available from a single colored dye packet. Even within the cord hank as it is immersed there are slight variations in color. Some areas take a bit more pigment, others less which creates a pleasing variation

The color will continue aging as the bracelet is worn. Repeated wettings can cause the color to fade even more giving the bracelet that "forever" look.


Sizing:
The small one is 14 bights, child or tween
The medium one is 17 bights, older teens and women
The large one is 20 bights, adult males and knuckle draggers (guys you know who you are...)

Each is made with three passes and worked to a firm shape. There remains some stretch in the material as the cord is naturally elastic.

These were photographed with the working ends in place although there isn't much slack to work out of the weave.


A note for the photography class: the background is actually a grey cardboard although the color in the photos appears to be light purple. White balance was set prior to the shoot with the light sources fully warmed up. (3600K CFL lamps)


design and photos copyright 2010 WhatKnotShop

beaded ankle bracelets with toggles 489 & 490

Casual summer sandal ankle bracelets for your next trip to the beach. These are toggle closure anklet/bracelet pieces that have embedded rows of glass beads.

This is the blue-green one showing the embedded blue beads in the center.

This is the pink/red one. Here you can see the loop detail containing the shiny beads with the matte finish beads adjacent.

The toggle bead is a nice irregular red piece that almost looks line a button.

These are both about 8 3/4" (223 mm) just right for a smaller foot or a larger wrist

The outer cord forms the toggle loop.

In this one you can see how the big glass bead toggle works.

Both of them are constructed with 4 ply waxed nylon worked across the strands securing the beads in the center.

similar designs and more traditional rope bracelets in these online shops:
WhatKnotShop on Etsy
WhatKnotShop on Zibbet
design and photographs © copyright 2010 WhatKnotShop