Every November, Canadians pin red poppies to their lapels in a solemn promise: to remember. The humble poppy has become an enduring symbol of Remembrance Day – a tribute to those who sacrificed for our freedom. Now, in the heart of Nova Scotia, one artisan is weaving a new layer of meaning into this tradition. All For Knot Rope Weaving Inc. – a company devoted to preserving traditional maritime craftsmanship and heritage – offers a unique way to honour the poppy with a creation that blends artistry, cultural symbolism, and community giving.
All For Knot’s handmade 11-inch “Lest We Forget” Remembrance Poppy is crafted from new red lobster fishing rope and a black center of durable fishing twine, using the traditional Turk’s Head knot. The result is a striking maritime reinterpretation of Canada’s most iconic symbol of remembrance. Designed for outdoor or indoor display, each poppy is both rugged and refined – its coils of rope retaining the vibrant colours and textures that endure well beyond a single November.
Maritime Craftsmanship with Purpose
In maritime culture, the Turk’s Head knot has long been a sailor’s knot – decorative, functional, and imbued with meaning. Sailors traditionally used the knot for marking lines or creating handholds, but also wove it for ornamental purposes during long journeys at sea. All For Knot has adapted this centuries-old form into the iconic silhouette of the poppy, infusing it with new symbolism.
By reimagining this historic knot for Remembrance Day, the artisans at All For Knot connect Canada’s naval and fishing heritage with the memory of service and sacrifice. The use of genuine Nova Scotia lobster rope and black twine center ties the piece firmly to coastal identity while symbolizing the strength and resilience of those who served. Each handcrafted poppy is unique, shaped by skilled hands rather than machines, continuing the age-old tradition of maritime ropework in a modern, meaningful context.
This approach resonates deeply with All For Knot’s values: sustainability, heritage, and craft. These aren’t mass-produced symbols; they are tributes – designed with reverence, made to last, and imbued with local character. In a fast-paced world, this rope poppy serves as a tactile reminder to slow down and reflect.
The Poppy’s Enduring Symbolism
The red poppy became a universal symbol of remembrance following the First World War, inspired by the resilient poppies that grew across the scarred battlefields of Belgium and France. The image was immortalized in the poem “In Flanders Fields,” written by Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. Since then, poppies have stood for the lives lost in conflict and the freedom won through great sacrifice.
Wearing or displaying a poppy each November signifies a collective remembrance. But beyond the lapel, larger and more permanent expressions are gaining popularity – from home displays to business storefronts to community memorials. All For Knot’s rope poppy fits naturally within this shift. Durable enough for outdoor use and beautifully crafted for indoor tribute, it offers a timeless and bold way to honour veterans.
The coiled rope lends a sense of continuity – an unbroken line symbolizing the lasting impact of those who served. The vibrant red, a tribute to lives given; the black center, a mark of solemnity. Together, they become more than an object of decor – they are acts of memory in tangible form.
A Commitment to Giving Back
What sets the All For Knot Remembrance Poppy apart is not only its craftsmanship but also its purpose. With every sale, the company donates a portion of proceeds to support veteran communities:
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$5 from each poppy sold to online retail buyers is donated to a local Legion.
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$2.50 from each wholesale poppy sale is also donated, with an invitation for wholesale partners to match that amount.
This initiative strengthens the connection between remembrance and action. Each handcrafted poppy directly supports The Royal Canadian Legion and local branches that provide essential services to veterans and their families – from advocacy and mental health support to community programming.
By inviting wholesale partners to participate in the donation match, All For Knot fosters a broader community of remembrance. Retailers become more than sellers; they become contributors to a cause. Customers become more than buyers; they become supporters of veterans.
The act of purchasing and displaying this poppy is therefore layered with meaning: it commemorates the past while investing in the future of those who served. In this way, the poppy becomes not just a symbol, but a catalyst for care.
Honouring Through Intentional Design
All For Knot’s approach to the Remembrance Poppy reflects a broader philosophy: that objects in the home should carry significance, not just style. Their handcrafted pieces are rooted in story and built with purpose – and this poppy is a powerful example of that ethos. It reflects the dignity of military service, the memory of sacrifice, and the strength of community.
More than seasonal, this design endures. Display it at the door during Remembrance Week, or keep it visible year-round as a personal or communal tribute. It brings a moment of stillness into everyday space – a quiet honouring of those who gave everything.
In a time when much is ephemeral, the All For Knot rope poppy offers durability in both material and meaning. Its nautical rope and traditional knotting will hold up to coastal winds, snowy November days, or the quiet hush of indoor spaces. It’s a reminder that remembrance, like craftsmanship, should be enduring.
Lest We Forget
At its core, the All For Knot Remembrance Poppy is about connection – to history, to community, and to values that deserve to be upheld. It ties the past to the present with literal knots, each loop carrying intention. It invites us to honour veterans not only with words, but with actions and support.
As November approaches, this handcrafted maritime poppy offers a new way to say, “We remember.” One rooted in place, tied with care, and designed to give back.
Lest we forget.