Single hen

[Egzandra]

I have recently been watching the programme where some people lived for a year on a farm that was as much as possible as it would have been in Victorian times. I thought it was good. The lady on there, Ruth Goodman learnt how to plait with straw, and in those days they used to make hats with plaited straw. I don't know if many people would wear plaited straw hats nowadays, but I would love to try because we could make arty things from plaited straw, maybe adding beads for a modern twist?

 

It might be a good pastime for a chicken keeper, sitting in the garden plaiting straw and watching the chickens.

 

Not that I have got enough time to do it, or any of my craft interests really.

 

Anyone else interested in this, or know where I could get instructions?

 

Egzandra

[The Dogmother]

I did it when I was little - my grandma taught me to plait straw and make corn dollies, but I really can't remember how to do it! sorry.

[freddie]

I can make corn dollies all shapes and sizes, it's good to practice with rushes that grow in the ditches,

I've tried plaiting rushes and "stitching them together with other rushes, to make mats, but not hats!!

[Charlottechicken]

I was given a product called Artstraws when I was little, basically a box of very long white drinking straws plus instructions. I made loads of things with them, including basket type containers, it became very addictive I imagine the technique was the same but can't remember the finer points

 

Have you googled? There may be some simple downloadable instructions online somewhere

[Snowy]

I was watching that episode. Those hats looked lovely didn't they? I hadn't realised straw hats were made from one continuous, long, thin plait

[The Dogmother]

Gosh Claire, I remember Art Straws!

 

I remember it being easy to do

[Charlottechicken]

I just googled Art straws Clare, and you can still buy them, they are expensive though

 

I found this lovely corn dolly site, click on the links on the left to look at all the designs, they are really intricate

[Egzandra]

Yes, you can get the Art Straws on Amazon as well as a lot of other places. What a good idea - they might be easier to get hold of than straw for a lot of people, to practise on. This site looks interesting re straw plaiting and corn dolly making.

 

http://www.strawcraftsmen.co.uk/index.php

[The Dogmother]

I didn't know they were still around... that brings back memories

[Avalon Fantasy]

I know this is an old reply but I just thought you might be interested in this article,

This is from my local area and theres still a lot of craft like goings on here.

 

http://www.galaxy.bedfordshire.gov.uk/webingres/luton/0.local/hat_plaiting.htm

 

If you do get around to making a hat do post an image!

 

Oh and FYI this is supposedly the definitive book to try to get...

 

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Book-Knots-Clifford-W-Ashley/dp/057109659X

 

Oops, and this update for you...

http://www.strawcraftsmen.co.uk/index.php

 

Its the guild of straw-craftsmen.

[Egzandra]

Thank you for those great links! I live not far from Luton so I could go to the museum.

 

The book looks interesting. When I searched for straw plaiting on Amazon nothing much came up, I would never have thought of searching for knotting!

 

The guild of straw craftsmen! I see they have instructions for different plaits. Great!!

 

Don't hold your breath waiting for me to post a picture of a hat though, it may never happen.

 

Thanks again for your reply, it is very helpful.

 

Egzandra

[Avalon Fantasy]

Ohh brill..am glad I could help..sorry for the late reply...

But OMG did you see some of those beautiful designs...

I`ve plaited ordinary dollies but some of those dollies are deeevine!!!!!!!!!!!!

I make a lot of fantasy hair things for dancers brides and actors, but am wondering if I might not sneakily go into straw plaiting....

 

noooooooooooooooo I mustnt...L

Well should you ever make the hat it would be wonderful to see..!!!

Best of luck