Macramé is a modern, simplified derivation of an old and far more varied craft. This book rescues and instructs in that nearly lost art. All through the age of sail, men who could neither read nor write whiled away the off-watch hours developing decorative skills from their knowledge of knots, splices, plaits, sennits, and of the twine and cordage of their day.They modified the severely practical techniques used in working and maintaining their ships' gear into countless variations with which they decorated nearly everything in their lives--knives, telescopes, needle cases, work baskets, sea chests, and hundred of other items. Creative Ropecraft presents first all the standard, practical knots and splices in easy-to-follow drawings and then proceeds to give step-by-step instructions in the variations that are to decorative ropecraft what the individual stitches are to needlecraft. Finally, it offers details of various specific projects, including mats, belts, rope-edged trays, lanyards, hammocks netting for planters, and others.This is a unique reference and guide for the sailor and the home craftsman.