Hi SR!
(Apologies to those who think some of us are too keen to reply to posts, but repetition (ok, rambling too) sometimes helps to emphasise main issues. Bouncing ideas in the forum will help me produce a course that students will enjoy.)
You raise some interesting points!
"Know it all" - I'm guilty! I once attended a one-hour "knot tying course" on a cruise ship. I wore my "Phil The Rope" T-shirt and asked if the bosun had heard of the IGKT (he hadn't). He was only teaching a few basic knots (bowline, reef, sheet bend etc), and wasn't really teaching anything about their applications, it was just for a bit of fun. I confess that I did start to interfere, but thankfully realised soon enough that I wasn't helping, and held back. Even as a non-practical knotter, I knew more than the teacher, but so what? He was providing entertainment to a group of novices, and they enjoyed his presentation, so why should I spoil it? Unfortunately, as you say, there are some who will possibly try to take over. I will watch out for that.
Camera position - yes, I'm grateful to those on the forum who helped me get the videos sorted for my web site, and I'm now more aware of what's required. Just because you spend ages producing something, it doesn't mean it can't be improved.
Star Knot? You're absolutely correct - it's not on my list! It's one of my favourite knots, and I can't understand now why I found it so difficult to learn, but I do remember it took me ages to master all those years ago.
Some of your hints I've already thought about, but the fact that you mention them really does make me think hard about certain things.
Matthew Walker - hmmm ... this is one I really do want to use. I'll certainly limit it to four strands to start with (in fact, for this one day course I don't expect to get beyond four strands for anything).
My ambitions will be limited. Simple knots that can be strung together (forgive the expression) to construct a simple bell rope is the main aim. I remember constructing my first light-pull many years ago, and I was SO proud of the end result, even though it consisted of nothing more than a four-strand braid. The vital thing for this course will be to ensure students can start and finish the bell rope - what goes in between is almost a bonus!
I will certainly have some "extra stuff" up my sleeve just in case people catch on quickly, but I will try to keep things simple initially. If everyone can tie a simple bell rope with a (very) limited number of knots then I'll be happy (and so will they I hope). If one or two are able to learn something more compicated that's great, but it won't stop the others constructing something less complicated. You are absolutely right about people giving up if they find it difficult - I MUST endeavour to teach the slowest learner something to take home which he or she can be proud of.
Cord - yes, this is a dilema! Stiff cord does indeed produce a more uniform end result, but can also be hard on the fingers. I await Des and Liz's recommendations!
A helper - what a fantastic idea! As I said, the college will keep the numbers down (probably 6 for this first attempt, which I know will make you all groan with jealousy). So, at least on this course, I will manage without a helper, but you've planted a very useful seed for any future, more adventurous courses.
So, what next ...?
I'd really appreciate your thoughts on what knots are appropriate and easy (or easier, at least) to learn in order to construct a simple bell rope. This will really help - thanks!
Regards,
Phil
http://ww.gr8-knots.com