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Fun with Chinese Knotting. Lydia Chen
Читать онлайн.Название Fun with Chinese Knotting
Год выпуска 0
isbn 9781462916993
Автор произведения Lydia Chen
Жанр Сделай Сам
Издательство Ingram
Consideration must also be given to the compatibility between the knot formation and the embellishment(s). For example, hair clasps – long hanging ornaments with tassels – are designed in such a way that when the wearer walks the tassels will dangle in harmony, contributing to a graceful appearance. Diagram 32 illustrates a fan decorated with a knot formation sprouting a tassel. A woman using this fan will attract attention as the long tassel swings to the movement of her hand.
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See project 131 on page 158 for instructions on making this knot formation.
Planar options
Traditionally, knot formations are three-dimensional hanging ornaments, but they can also be used to grace planar or flat surfaces, for example as buttons on traditional robes. A knot formation can also be sewn directly onto a garment, making a unique outfit as well as imbuing it with a touch of elegance. Diagram 33 illustrates a necktie adorned with a knot formation, adding a traditional flavor to a Western concept. It is also possible, after a knot formation has been held in place, to draw on the outer loop and bend and twist it in other ways, such as into a lively wing or a bouquet of flowers and leaves, as shown in diagram 34. In addition, a different colored cord can be bent or twisted and sewn onto the lengthened outer loop for a more pleasing aesthetic effect.
A variation on sewing the knot formation flat on a garment is to pack the space between the two surfaces with a filler such as cottonwool and then sew around the edges of the knot formation. This produces the effect of a relief sculpture.
Color Blending
A traditional knot, tied with a single cord, normally comes in a single color, as in diagram 35. Being plain and – some might say – monotonous, a single color knot often needs other knots or embellishments to enhance it. Using the basic skills, two or even three different colored cords can be tied together to produce knots like those in diagrams 36 and 37. Adding or reducing cords freely during the knotting process offers many more visually interesting options than a single color.
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This beautifully knotted flying phoenix would look wonderful on any plain colored outfit. A series of similar formations, perhaps in different colors, could be used to decorate the corners of cushion covers or table mats. The possibilities are endless!
See project 132 on page 159 for instructions on making the phoenix.
Principles of color blending
Most people select colors according to personal preference. However, a simple insight into the principles of color blending can intensify knotting formations.
Through a prism, sunlight can be broken down into its seven colors, namely red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet, each having its own clarity and brightness. As shown in diagram 38, the blending of blue and yellow, with yellow being brighter and clearer than blue, produces a pleasant contrast and also emphasizes the weave pattern of the knot. Blending colors of low brightness and clarity tends to produce a harmonious effect, for example dark green and dark brown, dark purple and dark blue. For loud, eye-catching contrast, colors like yellow and purple, orange and blue or, as in diagram 39, red and light green, are best.
The matching of similar colors, for example warm colors together, such as red, orange and yellow, or cold colors together, such as blue, indigo, green and purple, tends to inject a sense of harmony and unity into a knot formation. Colors in between the warm and cold ranges, for example purple and reddish purple, as shown in diagram 40, are equally harmonious. Colors outside the normal spectrum, like black, white, gold and silver, have great potential to add interest to a knot formation as they are easy to blend with other any color.
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Color blending plays a central role in the design of knot formations. In this charming pendant, the blue of the stone face is carried through to the intertwining blue and gold of the stone chime knot, based on an ancient Chinese percussion instrument, to the golden side knots embedded in shiny beads – a fine display of the blending of cold colors with neutral colors and neutral colors with warm colors.
See project 48 on page 131 for instructions on making this bracelet.
Establishing the major and minor elements
When making knot formations, not only the knots but also the colors must be divided into major and minor elements in order to provide important contrast. For example, in diagram 41, while green is the major color, by adding a touch of red to the knot body, the whole design is made to stand out. Similarly, in diagram 42, orange is the dominant color, but by highlighting the shape of the body knot with a green rim, the elegance of the whole formation is greatly enhanced. In short, a judicious and harmonious selection and mixing of colors adds aesthetic value to any knot formation.
Blending knot formations with other objects
Not only must the individual knots in a formation blend harmoniously, but they must also coordinate – as a group – with the object(s) added to the knot formation. In diagram 43, for example, the knot formation combines superbly with a beautiful piece of jade to project an image of ancient, harmonious beauty. For a more youthful and trendy look, daring colors (including luminescent ones) and everyday or unusual objects can be introduced into a design.
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