Cordage.

[crosslandkelly]

This hasn't been touched on in a while. How important it is to keep skill levels up, and to try using the materials to hand. So i thought I'd make some cordage.

I think this is a Lilly of some kind?

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Using some of the dead leaves from the bottom, soaking them for 20 mins, then about 20 mins making, produced just over 4' of cordage. there is also Crocosmia in the garden, that also makes good cordage.

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[Mesquite]

Nice work Colin

 

[TeeDee]

I made a conical Fish Trap the other day as a little project , quite amazed how much cordage it required. Definitely a skill I need to practice and master.

 

[Herbalist1]

That look like good cordage - I would never have thought to use Lilly leaves. How does it seem strength wise compared to other natural cordage?

 

[crosslandkelly]

That look like good cordage - I would never have thought to use Lilly leaves. How does it seem strength wise compared to other natural cordage?

It would certainly be strong enough to use as a snare or fishing line. Other garden plants I have used are Cordyline and Crocosmia.

 

[decorum]

Nicely done . To be honest I'd not considered using Daylily (Hemerocallis) leaves ~ not sure why, it's not as if we don't have enough in the garden! :yikes:

 

[Toddy]

Neatly done Colin and timely reminder too.

I use the lilies and iris leaves for cordage too. They are both very good. Better as rope than string I find, but nettle's hard to beat for that, while lime is superb for both.

It's funny the way there's always something that's in season for good cordage through the year. From honeysuckle, to the withered iris leaves, inner bark like willow, to sweetgrass, etc.,

Funny too the things that make good cordage that we wouldn't suspect. Dried crocus leaves make really good stuff too, but weathered and withered lobelia does as well. It's part of the flax family.

M

 

[crosslandkelly]

Funny too the things that make good cordage that we wouldn't suspect.

M

That was my thought when I posted, looking at alternatives that may have uses, and to keep my hand in.

 

[Dean]

Nicely done Colin.