Design and Make Rope Mats and Rosettes by Nils Kristian Rossing
Skolelaboratoriet ved NTNU, Trondheim, Norway, 2013 ISBN978-82-92088-48-7 60pp
Nils Kristian Rossing is a mathematician at the University of Trondheim in Norway who has a great interest in decorative flat knots. His new book contains a substantial number of diagrams to allow a near-beginner to construct rope mats with many varied designs. He gives a brief mathematical introduction to show how these can be created using a two-axis pendulum and described by the techniques of Fourier analysis (the IGKT logo is subjected to this process) and Lissajou’s figures. Similar patterns are also generated by a Spirograph. The non-mathematician can skip the technical maths bit and go straight to the knot-tying instructions diagrams.
There is also a tutorial on the use of a freely downloadable program which allows the use of different parameters for these figures and hence the creation of new knot designs. The program is surprisingly easy to use after a short practice session. (Program now at http://faculty.madisoncollege.edu/alehnen/winptut/Install_Winplot.html)
I have enjoyed making most of the author’s designs and some more created with the program. This book is a valuable addition to a knotter’s bookshelf, whether they are mathematically minded or not.
Colin Byfleet
Note: With the author's full permission,this book has been published by the Guild and is available from the Supplies Secretary.