Phil--I almost always use a LAZY STRAND to provide color and to help standardize size, tightness, and spacing since my eyes and hands won't do this on their own. Usually, for the lazy strand I work from a spool I know to contain more than enough length. The once or twice I have run out before completion I just had to splice in a new piece. Since there is not much stress on the lazy strand it also usually works to trim the ends at an angle and glue them with super glue. Once the hitching has resumed the lazy will be working well. As to the WORKING STRAND, on the big bottle I used pieces 30' long. On standard bottles I usually use 18' to 25', depending on the size of the cord and bottle. I've come up with a way to add the new strand that, for me at least, is easier than splicing the small stuff. I take the old strand up through the hitch above as usual, but instead of coming back down I take it up a couple of more rows and bring it out to the surface. Then I take the new strand and enter on the same row as the old strand came out. Take it down behind the lazy strand and out above the old strand. Pull it all the way through except for for about 4 inches. Then I tie overhand knots in the two ends that are sticking out two rows above the working row. Later they will be cut off and the ends will sink into the body of the knotwork. This in effect will look exactly like a standard half-hitch and your new section of working strand is ready to go. Sounds complex in writing but it's much simpler in your hands. I'LL BE VERY GLAD TO HEAR ABOUT ANY EASIER WAYS TO PROCEED. Sam
