money to fill his five gallon gas can, he would fill his skiff’s mo- tor, and off he’d go, until he ran out of gas and needed a tow home.


At seventeen Dant enlisted in the Navy and became a boat-


swain’s mate, where he learned to tie more knots. He admired a fellow sailor’s Turk’s Head key fob and learned how to tie it, half hitches, and other decorative knots. Mustered out, Dant became involved with teaching Boy Scouts how to knot, collected knot tying books, and began making Monkey’s Fists and knot boards he sold as fast as they were finished. In the 1990s, he taught knotting classes throughout the region that were extremely popular. Now an active septuagenarian, Dant continues to accept commissions and is still tied up in knots! “Anyone can learn to tie a knot,” says Dant. “Check out


the Guild’s website and you will find links to some of the best knot tying sites on the web. There are clubs all over the world, including the USA.” The Internet is filled with video tutorials and numerous books have been written on the subject. As you glance around, how many knots do you see? It’s impossible to think about our world without acknowledging the humble knot. If you’re not into boating or tying your own knots, just look


around at our ever-popular coastal décor. Pillows, rugs, bed- ding, cocktail accoutrements, art work, and clothing all sport a variety of decorative knots.


So, do sailors actually tie knots? Dant laughs and offer’s his sailor’s perspective:


A splice is put in. A rope made fast to an object with a hitch. Two ropes are bent together. A knot is put in, made, or cast in a rope. A sailor takes a turn and he belays. He claps on a stopper. He slacks away and casts off a line. He clears a tangle. He opens a jammed knot. He works a Turks Head or a Sinnet.


But the only time he ties is when his voyage is over and he ties up to a wharf.


We think that says it all! H


Special thanks to Fred Dant, who taught me how to tie a proper Monkey’s Fist years ago.


The House & Home Magazine


27


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