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Tools of the Trade | ||
Materials: | ||
Click images to enlarge  |
Reed, rye straw and Scollops River or lake reed is strong, durable and has a coarse stalk. Rye straw (other available straw includes wheat, oat etc.) has a finer stalk. Hazel Scollops (hazel or willow) are used to hold the thatch in place | |
Tools: |
Hands. The hands are a thatchers most important tool. | |
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The reed pin, metal bittle and wooden leggat. The reed pin has measurement denoting different depths of thatch. The bittle and leggat are used to beat and sweep the thatch. | |
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Swan-nosed pliers for manipulating the reed | |
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The bittle at work. | |
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Sheep shears used to cut and shape. | |
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Mini-shears at work. | |
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The batha (a wooden paddle) applying the finishing touches to the shape. | |
| .. back up to the top .. | ||
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