tied up

MACRAME:

This craft has been around for ages, and more recently has been making appearances

on the runway... for example, Mr. Matthew Williamson S/S 2011.

"Macrame has evolved, in large part, thanks to missionaries and sea dogs.

Early missionaries spread more than just their faith when they traveled the world.

Their religious vestments and linens were frequently adorned with macrame, knotted by

nuns. So, they carried the craft with them to far and remote regions. Seafaring men, too,

played an important role in the history of macrame--is it any wonder, with their

knowledge of knots, endless hours spent on the water, and all that rope! Mariners were

truly some of the earliest prolific fiber artists."

Dig it.

Photo by Berni Gorski, 1972

This article from a Ladies Home Journal in 1911 indicates that macrame was

still riding the crest of its popularity in the years just following the Victorian Age.

No fancy tools or materials required.

Some cords that work include (but never limited to), rattail, soutache, waxed linen,

hemp, polypropylene, embroidery floss, cotton crochet and carpet warp thread, wire.

You may also tie in beads and other raw materials when you'd like.

Here is an example of what your work space would require.

Any lightweight, portable, porous surface you can push your pins into, but not through,

will work. Pick yourself up some T-pins, in order to secure your work.

Now, macrame does look a bit harder than it actually is.

Really, its a matter of learning basic knots, and applying these skills to your work.

The apparent difficulty comes from simply arranging these knots together to form

something complex and intricate-looking.

These two photos contain necklaces created by Jane Olson

Work by Elaine Lieberman.

Circles In Time I | Nylon cord, K. Ovington glass disks, and seed beads

Macrame Lace | Silver leaf agate, pearls, seed beads, and silver

The previous four photos contain the work of Sandy Swirnoff.

Morning Glory Smile | Neckpiece with glass beads

Africa Revisited | Antique beads, flame-worked glass beads

Bib and Collar | Formed glass pieces and seed beads

The previous three photos contain the work of Bernadette Mahfood.

Dani-- these next couple are for ya!

The previous four photos contain the accessories of Dr. Keith Russell

Essential Oil Necklace made by Jennifer Lake

Enchanting Amulet Bag made by Jane Olson

Maple Sugar Necklace made by Elaine Lieberman

Rainbow Card Caddy made by Jim Gentry

Neck Ring Choker made by Lynn Smythe

Heart Stopper Copper Ring made by Linda Rose Nall

Photos found in this incredible book:

The New Macrame by Katie DuMont

Get to know your own hands!