Book Review

Recently I had someone comment on this post: Pan Chang Knot and they asked if i learned how to tie the knot from a book. Yes, I did. I am self-taught with my Jewellery making and have learnt it all from books and magazines. I am a self confessed book addict so thought I could do some reviews of some of the Jewellery and craft making books I own. So, the first one:

Chinese Knots for Beaded Jewellery by Suzen Millodot

• Paperback
• Published by Search press (2003)
• 80 pages
• £7.49 off Amazon

This book was the first one I bought as a guide for tying knots and it is probably my most used one! It features instructions on how to tie 14 different knots and then 16 projects, mainly necklaces with a couple of bracelets. The instructions to tie the knots and the project using that particular knot all come together so you don't have to keep flicking backwards and forwards from the knot instructions to the project instructions.

Each knot shows step by step instructions on how it is tied, either with very clear diagrams or photographically or both. The written instructons are also very clear.

As well as the instrcutions provided for the projects there are also a number of other Jewellery items photographed for each type of knot that provides inspiration for attempting your own knotted jewellery projects.

At the beginning there is a comprehensive section on different cords, beads, findings, equipment and calculating cord lengths. All of this information helps when you have the confidence to develop your own pieces.

It is a really good book, particularly for beginners and one I would definitely recommend.

Pan Chang knot

I was practising a new Chinese knot today called a Pan Chang knot:

A Pan Chang knot represents birth and death due to its endless pattern and indicates that life can exist forever. It is also known as the Mystic Knot, representing the mysteries of the Universe. The Chinese word for the knot shares the same sound as the word for happiness so this knot also represents happiness without end. It is thought to bring great good fortune to the wearer and beholder.

It was quite a complicated knot to tie and had to be pinned to a corkboard during its formation to get the shape and overs and unders of the cord correct. It can be tied using one cord or two, though it is easier to use two different colours when practising to help with tightening it, hence the gold and red cord. This knot was tied using 1mm silk cord and i'm not sure what to do with it yet. Its not very big, I think a Pan Chang knot tied with 2mm cord would make more of a statement, though I will definitely do something with this one. I will of course put it on the blog when I have.