Cod Michael's definitions

Barnard Castle

Market town near Durham, thought by some to be one of the first locations of yarndling in the north of England. Scrimming basins have been discovered from the air, dating back to Paleolithic times.

Have you seen the fascinating exhibition of yarndling stools at Barnard Castle?

by Cod Michael May 28, 2020

perice

When yarndling, if the perice grinds against the tallen it can produce an unpleasant rasping noise. Not to be confused with the peruce, which can produce a similar noise.

Did you know your tarifold is missing its perice lozenge?

by Cod Michael June 23, 2020

bifurcated

Chorns (special gloves used in the practice of yarndling) are often bifurcated. Bifurcated chorns have a deeper knap and often a finer degree of kedding than non-bifurcated chorns. Historians disagree on the first appearance of bifurcated chorns. Some say Kidderminster in the 1880s, others Wrexham in the 1890s. But what most experts agree on is that the bifurcation process is nowadays integral if one takes yarndling at all seriously,

Maxine showed me her bifurcated chorns yesterday, and I for one am deeply jealous of their magnificent kedding.

by Cod Michael May 22, 2020

platern

Platerns have been used since the 1840s for yarndling. They range in size and complexity. The largest ones are often found adjacent to scrimming basins.

Tony would often tell me about his grandfather's antique horizontal platern.

by Cod Michael May 27, 2020

threading

Since the late 1800s, competitive threading has been an important part of the yarndling fraternity. Marks are awarded for artistic kedding, skilful use of the verricule holder and overall 'authenticity of purpose'. The Tasmanian branch of the Yarndling Association in Hobart, Tasmania is a particularly strong contender in the Antipodean regionals, citing "fun, tempered with social responsibility" as their watchword.

During the 2012 London Olympics, Team GB would often remind the public of its commitment to the "spirit of yarndling", principally in its emphasis on fair play, equality for all, and competitive threading.

by Cod Michael May 18, 2020

Yarndling

Ancient craft carried out around the world, often using gloves called chorns. Nowadays, yarndling attracts a fair amount of attention, especially in the summer months, and it is not unusual for tourists to travel to those areas where yarndling is still performed. Since 1938, the British Isles Yarndling Association (patron: Prince Charles) has overseen all competitive threading activities.

The results of the threading competition had been posted in the East Grinstead Community Centre and Graham was pleased that his yarndling exploits had earned him second place, despite the rusty bevelling on his cotter pins.

by Cod Michael May 14, 2020

kedding

Kedding is used to denote thrush banding across the inlaid creases on certain bifurcated chorns. Certain forms of kedding are less useful than others. Can also be used to describe the irregular rim of a scrimming basin.

John: Hello Peter, how are you getting on with those bifurcated chorns you got last Easter?
Peter: Grand. The kedding on them couldn't be finer.

by Cod Michael May 19, 2020