Is there a knot tying event in your area?Please let us know about it.
do a google or other search for sheer (or shear) lashing.
A sheer pole is a pole that is secured across the tops of the deadeyes that form the terminus of the shrouds. It is there to prevent the deadeyes from twisting under load and is seized on to the shrouds in such a way that it is parallel to the sheer line of the ship..... Here is Grog's animated knots page of sheer lashing to form sheer legs http://www.animatedknots.com/lashshear/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com