Stopper Knots:  Overhand Knot, Slipped Noose, Slipped Overhand Knot, Figure Eight Knot, Slipped Figure Eight Knot, Stevedore Knot, Double Overhand Knot, Triple Overhand Knot, Oysterman’s Stopper.  That’s all I’ve tried so far.

I’ve always been fascinated by knots, they can do so much, have so many patterns, but I’ve never known how to tie them.  Sure, I can do an overhand knot – but I didn’t know that was what it was called.  I could do a Slipped Noose or a Slipped Overhand Knot – not by choice, because I didn’t know the difference, but at least out of necessity.  The rest of my knots were just tangled messes.  Some had patterns, some did not.  Now I am able to practice knots and learn how they are used.

I even bought myself a book.  On my list of 50 new things to do this year, knot tying was on it.  Sometimes, I even surprise myself, I’m not sure how it came up, but it was something I added to my potential list last fall when I was trying to come up with 50 new ideas.  We walked in the door to Barnes and Noble and there it was, a book, complete with rope called The Handy Box of Knots.  So I’ve begun, it’s going to take practice for me to master the knots, to be able to remember which is which and be able to tie them on demand, but I’m determined.

Before I’m done, I should know how to tie stopper knots, bends, loops, and hitches; I should be able to tie knots that bind and knots that lash, even some decorative knots.  If I’m really good, maybe I can join the International Guild of Knot Tyers.  Did you even know there was such a thing?  Neither did I, for a mere 23 pounds, I too can be a member.  Might just have to do that.