The Art of Braiding, Romal Reins II

Product Information

The Art of Braiding, Romal Reins 11

By: Gail Hought

“The Art of Braiding, Romal Reins ll” is the second more advanced book in the romal braiding series. As in The Art of Braiding, Romal Reins 1, information and skills are taught in a clear and comprehensive manner with numerous detailed illustrations. Instruction is specific to the refined fancy Santa Ynez reins, a variation of the traditional romal reins. These plaited reins and accompanying buttons are made from kangaroo leather and kangaroo rawhide.

The rein pattern contains familiar buttons as well as a several new more intricate buttons. Groundwork information, button types and their uses are thoroughly discussed. Every effort has been made to make it easier for the braider to learn these buttons, their patterns and what makes them have an elegant look.

A String Chart, containing all necessary string lengths for each button along with the number of buttons required. This chart gives a braider some perspective when deciding to braid a larger project. These types of projects take much more string length then one would suspect.

When I refer to knots, buttons or skills that have been covered in other books, usually “The Art of Braiding, Romal Reins l”, the information will be cited by text page number or as a footnote.  If the button is new to this book, the page number(s) where the information can be found will be given.

As with our other books, it is important to read the beginning of each chapter, any accompanying emphasized text and Notes and Hints. ‘How to’ instructions are designed to reinforce the photo illustrations. To support understanding, a Key to Illustrations has been added to identify relevant information displayed on each photo, such as arrows and dotted lines. Occasionally other pertinent details will also be added.

Projects other than the reins included the Elko headstall and a curb strap.

The final chapter is dedicated to the exceptional leather and rawhide braider Ernie Ladouceur, who I had the honor of meeting in the fall of 1978. Although Ernie was in frail health, he enjoyed discussing braiding and generously took time to share his skills and knowledge with me. To preserve his expertise, I have included photographs I took of some of his original work and my notes taken during our conversations. There is also a scan of the hand drawn diagram Ernie made for me of his method for Curing and Preparing Rawhide.

The index has been revised to reflect information in this book, and a Glossary has been added to define notable terminology.

We trust we have included enough detailed information to support your learning and that you will be successful braiding this attractive set of Santa Ynez reins.