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Creative RopecraftBy Stuart GraingerLatitudes & Attitudes, March 2007: “If you’d like to get all tied up in knots, literally, here’s the book for you. This forth edition covers the basics, and then goes into the more complicated and decorative knots. The excellent illustrations make it all look easy, however. It will walk you through various projects that will keep you occupied on a long crossing.” Latitudes & Attitudes, March 2006: Here's something to keep you busy on a long ocean crossing. Creative Ropecraft goes way beyond your basic knots into some very fancy stuff that looks way too complicated, but the detailed drawings walk you through step by step. You'll learn to make mats, hammocks, etc., along with a wide range of decorative ropecraft designs. Watercraft, July 2003: “I once read that the manufacturers of ready-mixed mustard make their real profits from what we invariably leave behind on the plate. I suspect much the same principle operates for the makers of ropes for boats. When building SIMPLICITY – gaff schooner, ergo what seemed like miles and miles of rigging – I first tried sizing every length of line precisely to save money and later found most were too short. I then tried leaving every one of them overlong which meant with all working canvas up, it was like trying to sail a plateful of spaghetti. “Both ways, we ended up with lots of bits of string and thus, eventually, assorted items of fancy-ish ropework. I had read the books, of course and soon concluded that the merit of any rested not with the writer but the illustrator. Stuart Grainger is both but though he writes clearly, it's in his exquisite line art that he really excels. The usual boat knots, whippings and splices are all covered but we're soon into the 'Look, you guys go the pub, I just want to finish this' stuff: Matthew Walkers, Turks Heads, Star Knots, all kinds of sennits – all oddly addictive.” Excerpted from The ENSIGN, December 2001: “Now in its fourth edition, Creative Ropecraft still remains the best book about ropes and knots that I have read. This book covers the basics just like Chapman Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling, and the USPS learning guide Marlinespike. So, if you get excited about making a 'monkey's fist,' 'grommets,' and 'pants' belts,' or you just want to know what they are, this is the book for you. “Author Stuart Grainger extends credit for his knowledge to the International Guild of Knot Tiers and its publication, Knotting Matters. He also mentions other books if you're interested in continuing your pursuit of rope and knot knowledge. “This detailed and well-illustrated book easily explains the more complicated knots, although it can be helpful to mark up the illustrations with colored pens. If you try one of these projects, which can be completed in 1 hour, you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish just by following the instructions in Creative Ropecraft.” Excerpted from Good Old Boat, March/April 2001: “The author has diligently laid a foundation for the novice knot tyer, while at the same time providing a concise refresher course for those who have already been to sea in ships. Essentials such as splicing an eye loop, joining two ends together for a short or long splice, then constructing the handy monkey fist to weight down a heaving line, are just a few of the stimulating exercises offered… “The tradition of maritime artcraft with dreams of square-riggers will live on as long as there are people like Stuart Grainger to lead us through life with readable and workable books like Creative Ropecraft.” Cruising World, March 2001: WoodenBoat, January/February 2001: “New fourth edition of an excellent handbook on standard and decorative knot work; first-class, easy-to-follow step-by-step diagrams.”
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