Ancient crafts

Curious things to do with cardboard and paper clips

(Note the interested onlooker under the table)

So, this weave is just a bunch of cardboard pieces with holes in the corners. Make your own with some coasters and a puncher. The whole setup looks like a cobweb to start; however, follow the instructions and beautiful patterns start appearing. The clue is alternating between two directions of turning the plates. How someone was able to come up with this is beyond my comprehension.

Close-up of the result:

Not hard once you get used to which threads go where. Only for all your life never let go of the plates! I did for a split second, and was in the same instant back to cobweb state.

But there is more! I have spent my hour-long commutes needle-binding the past week. I’ve found this technique very bus-friendly as it can be put down any time without worrying about losing a loop -just pull the thread and chuck it in your bag.

This sock I made using a paper clip as some gremlin seems to have borrowed my needle. I feel McGyver-ese.

Finishing another pair, working the clip:

One is still waiting for its colorful top band, I was just too impatient to get something up here. Obviously there is one bigger and one smaller in the pair. For the first one, I was instructed to make it huge, as it will shrink. So I made it huge. Now, “huge” is a pretty loose standard when matching up a pair, so I’ve later stuck to fitting them on while already wearing warm socks. We’ll see if that’s sufficiently huge.

Cutesy wrist warmers (mittens not included):

Both the weave and the needle-binding (not the clip amendment) are over a thousand years old and forgotten by most, still completely functional and in several ways even better than current techniques. I feel lucky to have gotten to learn and utilize them. It is all thanks to my treasured teacher Anette Kvist. This dear lady lives way out by the ocean with her chatty parrot, in a house that’s full of crafts.

There had been a crafting group for some time, but only after Anette joined in did we really get stuff done.

The rest of the crafting group can hardly be called experienced crafters, yet suddenly we all have self-designed wear to show off. That is how inspiring it is to work with Anette. Somehow, she makes us good. Last time I learned needle-binding, I couldn’t quite get the hang of it. With Anette, it’s easy as peas.

What I love about these grand old crafts is their serenity. No fancy nicnac needed, and as such this stuff is quite non-materialist. Imagine the price of a “proper” weave  – not student friendly, I can assure you. Also when knitting, each and every recipe requires a different set of sticks, which alone makes the price of the finished garment touch the price of a fabricated one.