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Straw work and corn dollies – further steps

What will we do?

This is an intermediate course, aimed at those who have either done an introduction day, or, who have some experience already. Several dates are offered; our days will follow a similar structure, but will focus on a different larger project each time. For example, this may be a neck, a more complex corn dolly or a fan.
We start our day by sorting straw – always a valuable skill, building your confidence to do this well after the course. We re-visit basic knots that are useful in our work.
We’ll then set to work with straw, first of all making different plaits, and then moving on to our larger project. Each of these day courses will be different rather than repeated, focusing on a different larger project each time.
As well as making things, you’ll leave with an understanding of good practice, and with the knowledge and skills to take things further.

Please note – this course is aimed at those with an experience and understanding of the basics of straw and corn work. If you’re new to the skill, please come to an introductory day first!

See website for further details.

Further resources

Useful knots for straw workers

The use of the correct knot will ensure that your work will look tidy. Tying a bunch of straws together = Clove Hitch Tying two straws together at right angles = Transom Knot A knot that will not slip = Ligature Knot Joining straw threads = Weavers Knot Clove Hitch Method 1 Clove Hitch Method 2 Transom Knot Method 1 Transom Knot Method 2 (using a Clove Hitch) Ligature Knot This knot is sometimes called the Surgeon’s knot but the…

FAQs About Straw

1. THE BASIC MATERIAL For Corn Dolly making and decorative straw work a hollow stemmed straw is required, with a good length between the head of the wheat and the first leaf node. Some of these varieties are available from specialist growers who supply to straw workers (see List of Suppliers,) or you may be fortunate enough to have a farmer near you who grows an old fashioned variety of long stemmed wheat specifically for thatching. ‘Corn’ is a generic…

Thatched Roof Ornaments

There is no finer sight than to see a newly thatched roof glowing in the sunshine topped, if you are fortunate, with a stylish straw ornament that gives a flourish, and seems to say “well, this is a fine piece of craftsmanship, to be sure” . It is many a year since hayricks and straw stacks were thatched. Rick ornaments took various forms – a cockerel or a bird, a cross or a crown, a boat, an apple or a…