My first marlinespike mat

I think I mentioned before the wonderful book I bought titled 'The Marlinespike Sailor'.

Well, I received my order of manila rope just recently - a good 30 metres of which I needed for this project.

Having readied myself with some smaller practice knots , I felt I was ready for a more difficult piece.

I'm happy with it, but a feel the rat tailing at the very perimeter could have been a bit tidier. Still this was my first shot, so am allowing myself a litttle error.... in the spirit of wabi sabi - beauty in imperfection.