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Sunday, July 31, 2005

Stunning, Stunning, Stunning Macrame Jewelry



My Naked Eye: "Some macrame stuff I've done.



This is the most stunning of jewelry - if you can't half tell how much I like it by the headline. Beautiful stuff! Carolyne :)

Complete Guide To Macrame

At last, this book was just what I needed to get me underway with Macrame, I have never done it before and was worried about how difficult it might be. And its easy!!! And fun. I am loving it, and I can't wait to get stuck into some of your more advanced patterns.

I'm a very happy customer, thank-you

Tammy Taylor
Bradley Beach, New Jersey


Hey, how cool is that to read this review from a happy customer!!!! I feel all warm and glowing inside. Bring it on, she says with glee. I hope if you decide to check it out you feel the same way....do let me know

Carolyne :)

http://www.macramelovers.com

Shirely Temple Takes Up Macrame

In The Cookie Jar: "Well for those of you desperate for an update on my life here it is. Okay so last week I went to the fair on Tuesday and saw what I got on my macrame and I am no the two years running reserve Grand Champion in macrame at the Marion county fair. Considering the fact that I thought I was going to get a red I was pretty darn happy."

I have asked Shirley Temple for more information please....maybe she can share with us her Macrame experience, what knots she used, did she create her own pattern...Shirley speak to us please!!! :)

Saturday, July 30, 2005

Macrame Christmas Tree

Princess in the Writing: "The last two nights I have spent a wonderful time doing things with friends. Tuesday night's adventure to the county fair was very enjoyable. Rebekah got a Reserved Grand Champion on her macrame Christmas tree. She was so happy! "

This sounds just awesome, I have posted on this site to see if I can get hold of the pattern and share it with you. I am imagining what it must look life?!

Carolyne :)

Macrame Continues To Lead In Fashion.......

Espadrille is back with plenty of sole - 07/29/05: "The versatility of the shoe makes it an easy choice to wear with almost any outfit, said Gregg Andrews, a fashion director at Nordstrom. Shorts, cropped pants, a sundress, jeans: any casual summer ensemble looks great with a lightweight shoe like an espadrille.

'They're familiar but they look new. It's not the same old redo. Things are fresher; they look updated. So it makes it easier for a woman to incorporate into her wardrobe,' says Andrews. 'When they're pancake flat they look great with a pair of shorts or a peasant skirt. Or they can go up to a 3-inch-high wedge heel, which looks great with a sundress or with a tailored cotton suit.'

Many women like wearing a wedge-heeled espadrille because it adds height without sacrificing comfort, and style without being too glammed-up for a summer's daytime outing.

'A lot of celebrities aren't very tall, which fans don't really know, and they don't want to wear flats around during the day because they know they're being photographed all day,' says Delaney. 'So this is a good way to still look casual and not overdressed and still get a few inches of height. And they are way more comfortable than wearing stilettos all day.'

No matter how high you wear your espadrille, or how many accoutrements you add to it, keep in mind one important thing about the shoes'"

I love hearing how integral Macrame is to so much current fashion. And worn by celebraties.......took them a while to cotton on (or should that be 'rope on' :) ) to what WE have all known for quite some time?!
Carolyne :)
http://www.macramelovers.com

Friday, July 29, 2005

One Stop Macrame Shop


One Stop Macrame Shop: "'Who Else Would Like To Find A ‘One Stop Macrame Shop’ ?'
Active Meter
Telling You Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Macrame…… & More!!!



From: Carolyne McCourtie, Friday, July 29, 2005


Dear Friend,

If you are wanting to find a single source of information that told you everything you EVER wanted to know about Macrame, then this is going to be an exciting read for you!

Here’s why:

There is an amazing new ebook out called “One Stop Macrame Shop”. It covers everything that you have said you want to know about Macrame....yes EVERYTHING!

Imagine having a resource that you know you can rely on to answer your own questions to do with Macrame? Would that make life easier for you? SAVING you bucket loads of TIME instead of trying to hunt out the answers yourself. Meaning you can get on with what you love to do....Macrame!

Imagine a book that offers you, at your fingertips, exciting and easy to follow Macrame PATTERNS.

Then when you wonder where to get the materials from, you have a LIST of SUPPLIERS for all of your Macrame Needs. You can find out what sort of YARN to use. Where to locate BEAUTIFUL BEADS. What size RING to use and where to"

Hey ho, hi ho, I want to spread the love - if you haven't done so check it out and let me know what you think when you buy and read the book - we have put a lot into it to make it something that is awesome for you!! C :)

Thursday, July 28, 2005

Sensational Macrame Purse Pattern



Hi everyone, this amazing woman from a fellow crafty blog, www.big_girlfeet.blogspot.com sent me the pattern to this awesome purse. If you would like to receive it please post to the blog here and I will happily email it to you.

Oh and if you haven't already, please check out my new book called the One Stop Macrame Shop
I think you will like what you find!!!

Wishing you all awesome days in whatever part of the world you are in.

Carolyne :)

Sensational New Macrame Ebook Just Hit the Market!!!

OK, ok so I may be a little biased about this, given I wrote it :). I have been spending the last 2 month's pulling together what I believe is the most comprehensive Macrame Book available.

Something I noticed with this blog - and even before I started it - and its why I did, to help you guys out - is that you have to lug yourself from site to site to find bits of information, or go from craft shop to craft shop.

So I sent out a posting a while back asking people what they most wanted to know, I then worked with a researcher, and together we came up with what I am calling the One Stop Macrame Shop .
It has over 13o pages all on nothing but Macrame!!! Can you believe it....

I go into depth with Macrame's history, the tools and materials needed, knots, knots and more knots, patterns, suppliers, how to make money from it, and so so much more.

Anyway I will stop there - I am excited (just like the Pointer Sisters sing) as I am so pleased to have something available for you that I believe will make your Macraming easier and more enjoyable.

You can decide of course for yourself, so check out the One Stop Macrame Shop and I would love to hear you feedback once you've read it - ooh I am offering a launch price, my advisers say I am mad - and hey, are they telling me something I already don't know....:).

Carolyne :)

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Macrame Your Own Gift Basket

Have you ever thought about blending Gift Baskets with Macrame. This wonderful woman approached me and I was so impressed with what she offers. You might want to check her out - if you want advice on creating your own gift basket, or why not create your own Macrame Gift Basket. Now there's a thought. :)

Knot Heads World Wide - Macrame Has Its Own Guilde!

Knot Heads World Wide: "


The Mission of the Guild is:

To promote the art, craft and science of knotting, its study and practice To undertake research into all aspects of knotting To establish an authoritative body for consulting purposes.

Who Knot Heads World Wide is:


Knot Heads World Wide is a community based website of Knot Tyers and Leather Braiders from all walks of life and from around the world.

Knot Heads World Wide Mission:


To promote the Art and Craft of Knot Tying, Leather Braiding and Scrimshaw.
To reach the isolated knotter. (For Frank)."

How cool is this?! There is a formal body for people who like getting into a knot! :)

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

BooksAndHooks

BooksAndHooks: "I bought some purse handles at Hobby Lobby and think I'll try working up a purse this weekend. Heh, I'm carrying a MACRAME purse I bought at a yard sale. I'd love to actually have a crocheted purse. I'll probably do sc and hope for the best, because I don't want to line it if I can get away with it."

No you wouldn't!! A Macrame Purse beats any other hands down!!!! Yes says the Macrame Lover!!! :)

Everyone Has A Macrame Story!

craftivism: wee, yet mighty!: "As a child, I spent most of my summers at camp (and as a young adult working at camp) in the North Carolina mountains. I can still remember the peace that existed late at night on the way to the communal bathrooms, tiptoeing along a well-worn path, enveloped by the sounds of frogs and bugs, freed by the light of the stars. After a day of running around with the other campers, following rote routines, making macrame bracelets, this nighttime ritual seemed like a gift."

This is just a snipped from something I came across, you might have worked out that I am a bit of a surfer - and not the watery kind..anyway ....what I have noticed big time is that EVERYONE HAS A MACRAME STORY! The above is a small snippet from a fellow crafti-ite and I saw about 3 others today in a quick 5 minute search...maybe our Macrame Moment is right up there with...hmmm, that first kiss?! :)

Monday, July 25, 2005

This is Not How You Keep Your Yarn - Oh My!


JenLa: "Wanna see it? Of course you do.
ugh!
Ack! Yup, that’s the “macrame” that Jen dumped on me blessed me with. Now, I was warned that it was a bit knotty before I ever took posession of it. I just hadn’t realized just HOW knotty. I think she tangled it more on purpose, like I was some sort of lab rat. You know, I think J-Jack may have been on to something when she advised that Jen pack up her yarn. She’s more clever than we give her credit for. Yup, cuz if Jen packs up all her yarn, and decides she wants to knit something, she won’t have any of her stash available. Oh darn! Guess she’ll just have to go buy more, adding to her ever-dwindling stash. Ah! Sweet revenge…"

I couldn't resist posting this as I know how I have felt all tangled up with yarn before - not a good look either when you are dying it yourself, let me tell you!!! Carolyne :)

Grab Your Bags Ladies - Check Out These Macrame Gems!



: "Our purses look delicate but wear tough and come in colors to match every outfit.


Macrame USA Purse
Ready to wear patriotism! Large enough for the essentials.








Beaded Purse
Add a bit of glitter to your outfit with this ready to wear purse.








Macrame Belt Loop Purse
Ready to wear style for your belted ensembles. Comes in five fashionable colors.








Macrame Purse
Beautiful threaded purses in eight colors to match any attire.





"
I thought these were kinda pretty - haven't uncovered a pattern yet, still searching - though I may have a surprise for all of you - a little project I have been working on - as one thing I have found since I have returned to Macrame is how everything is spread out - I have to hunt here and there.....stay tuned for the solution......:)

Sunday, July 24, 2005

Macrame Starters Kit

About.com: http://www.elainecraft.com/instructions/instructions.html

MATERIALS TO START WITH-the essentials
knotting board or foam core
T pins (available at most craft supply or sewing stores)
scissors
cord or twine (seine twine, hemp, and jute work well)

other useful materials
rubber bands (to secure long cords)
tape measure or ruler
accessories such as beads, buckles, rings, shells, feathers
mounting pieces such as dowels, sticks, handles, curtain rods

I have had some feedback from those just getting started - here's the essentials of the 'starters kit' for those embarking on their Macrame adventure.....ah hoy me heartees! :)

Sensational Cavandoli Macrame


Image:ArmenianNeedlelace.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia




How spectacular is that?! And its Macrame...just divine :)

Seat Yourself Down With Macrame


MacrameSuperStore: Macrame Books: " Have A Seat
Code: WBK100
Weight: 0.75
Price: $5.99
Quantity in Basket: none
Have A Seat Item # WBK100 - Complete step-by-step guide and patterns for chairs, footstools, chaise lounge, hammock and basic plant hanger. Includes 17 patterns and full color photographs of all projects. Published by Pepperell Braiding Company. CATEGORY: CHAIR PATTERNS"

This look like the perfect book for summer outdoor furniture made by our own fair hands!

Macrame Necklaces Spotted at Detroit Lakes

Phish singer may get fest off hook: "Attendance has doubled since last year, to about 14,000 this weekend. Festgoers have come from far and wide to experience 50 hours of live music by more than 40 bands.

'I've had customers from Colorado, Wyoming, West Virginia, Kentucky, California, North Carolina and Israel,' said Birdy Ruch, of St. Paul, who is selling macrame necklaces and tie-dye clothes at the fest."

Macrame.....Music...goes hand in hand. I love hearing tings like attendance has doubled from the year before...way to go!!! Hope those reading this that went had an awesome time! :)

Friday, July 22, 2005

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Macrame Knotted Bikini!!!

Here's what you need to know before you pick your swimsuit for next summer: South Florida Sun-Sentinel: "Foreign Ports: Whether it's beading from India, animal prints from Africa or boudoir frilliness from Paris, exotic ethnic touches (side-tie bikinis with beads dangling like jewelry, for example) bring a little diversity poolside next year. Also, load up on big wooden bangle bracelets, macramé edging, natural shell trim, wood-chip charms, tunic top cover-ups and even turbans."

OK I am becoming blown away by how much I am reading about Macrame making its (re)entre into the fashion scene, and I love the stuff!!! This is great for all of us Macrame enthusiasts, I hope you are taking note, getting creative and designing some fashion items for yourselves? :)

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner.....?!


Macrame: "I recommend right clicking & 'save target as' & then print offline.

From Macrame: Techniques & Projects A Sunset Book c. 1975
Pretty Placemat - pattern here
"



OK the picture and the instructions when you click on their link are a little 'rough and ready', still....how cool would it be to make your own Macrame Dinner Placemats....I would love to hear from someone who has done this....:)

Daily Pepper: This Woman Knows Her Macrame!

Daily Pepper: This Woman Knows Her Macrame!: "This Woman Knows Her Macrame!

But we are not giving her a Macrame Award - because the Macrame Award is usually used to honor poor macrame judgment.

The 1970s showed us that there is such a thing as too much macrame.

BUT there is a macrame blog out there, and it is pretty cool. And Carolyne, who runs it, really knows her macrame, and there are pictures of cool stuff on her blog.

A macrame blog will never earn a Macrame Award in our book!"

Ok I am risking self aggrandisement here, though moreover what a wonderful acknowledgement for the NEW world of macrame...and I do encourage you to check out Pepper's blog too - very clever! Carolyne :)

Thursday, July 21, 2005

Poolside vibe 2006: Macrame's what you'll be wearing

Herald.com | 07/20/2005 | Poolside vibe 2006: What you'll be wearing: "• Exotic details: Runways in New York last fall were filled with designer clothing inspired by passport-required destinations like Morocco and Bangladesh.

The theme of the casual, far-flung traveler persists, even in swimwear. Some bikinis have colorful beads dangling mid-chest. Others have macramé details or tiny beading reminiscent of South American motifs. And more still play with prints of animal skins of the safari variety."

Ahhh Macrame continues to sneak into the international fashion scene....ready to explode into a mainstream new trend.......you read it here first folks!! Carolyne :)

Cavandoli Knock-out


Do What You Can: "Artists I admire.



For the past couple of months I have been very inspired to create. I cannot draw or paint. I can do beadwork. I have been working on some pieces I will show here soon. While reading Beadwork magazine I came upon Joan Babcock

She creates awesome works of wearable art using a form of macrame called 'Cavandoli' or tapestry knotting. At first I thought it was beads, untill I looked closer and realized it was knots! Wow! I have become inspired to do this also. When I was 8 I took macrame classes. yes I made ugly plant holders and the requesit owl.

Googling for cavandoli doesn't really bring up much, but micro-macrame does. I guess it is a term meaning 'no ugly 60's knotted curtains'. It is more used for jewelry which is what I will be using it for. Now all I need is something to knot.

Picture© Joan Babcock"

Like Jamica writes...when I first looked at this I could not believe it was macrame either...how beautiful is that necklace!!!!!!!! :)

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Macrame Wedgies....oops Wedge Heeled Shoes.....

babycocktails and knitting...: "I managed to finish a small poncho made of Noro Lily. Either you'll love the colors or hate 'em. I kind of love 'em. The yarn itself is extra soft and comfy. And I have bright green macrame wedge(they look better than they sound) heels that go pretty well with it. I wore it out to dinner the other night with neutral colors and if I say so myself, it was pretty OK. Wouldn't wear it with any other patterns or colors though - people'd get dizzy.
"

I want a pair - where can I get them?

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

More Black Eyed Peas.......Get Started: Macrame Jewelry

Get Started: Macrame Jewelry: "Introduction to Macrame
If you wanted to get started making jewelry, macarame has a lot of promise. It doesn’t take a lot of supplies or tools, the basics are pretty easy to learn, and it’s making a come back in a big way.

Back in the 70s, I was very into macrame. I remember making plant hangers, wall hangings, and, of course, lots of jewelry. Here’s a picture of an actual choker necklace from my macrame glory days that some how survived.

In the 80s macrame’s popularity took a dive, and so did my supplies. So, today I had to start from scratch in order to get started making macrame jewelry. But, I literally spent less than $20 at Wal-mart to get started."

If you are interested in Macrame Jewellery - check out Tammy's site! Carolyne :)

Marketers Notice Macrame's Comeback

Online Idea Buzz: Niche marketing 2: Your niche must solve a problem: "For example, knitting is making a comeback. In the 1970s, handcrafts like macrame, crochet and knitting were huge. That trend seems to be developing again.

Does anyone in your circle of friends and acquaintances knit? Talk to her. What are her challenges? Next, do a Google search. Visit knitters' newsgroups. Do an eBay search on knitting and see what you discover."

Hmmmm feeling a little bit like 'told you so' to read on an Internet Marketers site that along with Knitting, Macrame & Crochet are on their way back!!! Well how many times has the mini or flairs been 'in' - it is just like the changing seasons, they always come around again! Carolyne :)

Design Your Own Macrame

Niki's "Why Macramé?" Page.: "Why do macramé?

Well, you need to find your own reasons, of course. :-) All that I can do here is to tell you why I do macramé.

Obviously, it's nice to do hand work and come out with something that you made yourself, and that you like. But, for me, that's not the main attraction.

I like the idea that if I need something and if it can be made well using macramé, I can not only make it myself, I can design it myself (after maybe a false start or two :-D) with very modest materials. I love being able to play with color in macramé. It's also interesting to see how the arrangement of knots can make a section strong or weak, thick or thin, light like a spider's web or heavy like gnarled tree bark.

Photo shows fine-gauge macramé: a black cotton necklace with tulip-cut shell pendant and a V-shaped écru cotton necklace with a sliced-shell pendant.

But I think the general theme that really draws me to macramé, with its weave, its shapes, its textures, and its endless possibilities, is the same force that draws me to most of my interests, work or otherwise:

the wonder of pattern.
Finding and expressing pattern from looking at materials, nature, and life around me; learning about it and wondering at it. (Origami, too, is very much like this.) Even the ways in which our lives interact "

Macrame is something that you really can make work for yourself - its fun when you get into designing for yourself. I have made many a pot hanger that developed in my minds eye and then just started to take shape - its about trusting yourself and letting go enjoying the process of knotting. Carolyne :)

Monday, July 18, 2005

Check This Macrame Jewellery Out at White Swan

White Swan




Hi everyone - this site super duper impressed me - the jewellery is just incredible. If my blogging skills are superior enough, I am hoping to cut and past some examples in to show you. Absolutel full credit and acknoweldgement to go to White Swan - please check them out if you are interested - and for the record - I have no affiliation to any of this info I am bringing up - I just want to help your own navigation, and if you can let me know what you are after I can get my hunting gear on and go a looking. Ciao for now :)

Let's Get This Macrame Started Said The Black Eyed Pea

Getting Started: "Starting

The yarn that you use should be smooth, firm and not stretching. It should knot easily and hold the knots without slipping. For instance string, (which can be dyed) is a cheap and excellent material for hanging plant holders - embroidery threads are brilliant for more delicate ornaments.

The yarns need to be anchored and held under tension. An anchor (usually called - a mount) could be a board or spongy pad, firm but soft enough to take pins. On the other hand, some yarns can be tied onto the back of a dining chair or to a door handle, or onto a rod or ring which has been pinned to a wall.

Mounting the yarn.
Mounting between pins Mounting on a ring

The cords are usually mounted to an anchor by an overhand knot or by lark's head knots.


You will need scissors to cut the yarn, rubber bands to hold the working cords in manageable bundles and good-sized pins (T-shaped or U-shaped are particularly good) to hold the threads in position.
Threading soft or frayed yarn through beads can be tricky, so pressing clear nail varnish into the ends of the cords will strengthen them.

Before you start knotting, cut the yarn into suitable lengths. In general, the cords should be cut to about eight times the finished length required.
For instance a bracelet which will measure 8 inches would have its threads 64 inches long. Normally, each cord is set on (or mounted) to make a double strand.

Some great advice for those of you who may fall upon this site and want to get the party started!!!! Thank you Ann!

Carolyne :)


Hemp Macramé Book -Triple A Review

Hemp Macramé Book Review: "Hemp Macramé Book Review


I have more than a few reasons to be nostalgic about my macramé days when I was working on that massive plant hanger in Mrs. Nagel’s arts and crafts class. I miss a lot of things from back then. However, now that I’ve renewed my interest in macramé, I especially miss my old macramé books. So, I’ve been on the look out for replacements. With the help of Soft Flex ®, I’ve found a nice book which is affordably priced ($6.95 U.S) called Hemp Jewelry by Marty Hite.

At 16 pages, this little book is packed with information. The front cover starts out by describing the supplies - hemp and beads - you will need for the 25 projects listed. Then a few basics are explained including some knot directions, supplies needed, and how to start a projects. The back cover also provides information on using jump rings and shows some clasp variations.

The rest of the book is dedicated to a variety of macramé jewelry projects and more knot instructions. I found the knot instructions to be pretty good. They aren’t fabulous, but after trying to do this for my own Knot Library, I know how difficult this can be to explain. If you have previous macramé experience, you should be able to follow the knot instructions with no problem. If you are a novice, it might take a little more tim"


Sounds like a great book!!! Thanks for the recommendation - little books often pack a punch! Carolyne :)

Macrame Loses Its Head

Sculptures: "A creative passion of mine is to make heads and masks, so far my repertoire includes; a Chinese head, a Saxon helmet and an elephant. My future plans are for an Egyptian wig and headdress and a North American Indian headdress. I have already worked out how to make feathers with knots and have converted the idea into jewellery (see Feathers page).

Knotted over standard size polystyrene wig stands the heads are eye catching sculptures. I use a lightweight cotton string in natural colour, but I can dye colours if required. Each sculpture takes between 30 to 50 hours to complete depending ion the complexity of the pattern. The heads can be worn as masks and for this you will need to supply specific measurements."

Wow - this is creative! How about a whole body sculpture? Anyone game enough? This is an awesome site - I encourage you to check it out! Thanks Wendy Elizabeth! :)

Friday, July 15, 2005

MacrameSuperStore: Macrame Books

MacrameSuperStore: Macrame Books: "Macrame Books



The Weekend Crafter

Item #JG5799 Includes 20 great projects. Create beautiful and charming projects from decorative home accents to jewelry. Includes the best knot guide we've ever seen ! A full 80 pages of great information. Published by Lark Books Author Jim Gentry."


Oooooh same site has some awesome Macrame books - check em out if you haven't already.....:)

Plant Hanger Pattern - Simply Sweet

Macrame Super Store - Macrame Project: Plant Hanger: "Basic Plant Hanger Macrame Project


Materials:
44 yards of either 4mm or 6mm Bonnie Braid Cord
One 2' brass ring
Four 22 x 32mm oval wood beads
Sixteen 16mm round wood beads

Instructions:
1. Cut 8 cords at 5 yards each, and two cords at 1 yard each.

2. Center the eight 5 yard cords through the 2' ring. Using one of the 1 yard cords, tie a wrap knot around all cords directly under the ring.

3. Divide the long cords into four groups of four cords each. With each group:

Tie 9' of Half Square Knots, put all four cords through a 22 x 32mm bead, and using the longest cords for tying, tie another 9' of Square Knots.

4. Drop down approximately 5' and tie on row of Alternating Square Knots. (This joins all 4 sinnets). Drop down 3' and tie another row of alternating Square Knots. Drop down approximately 3' and using the last one yard cord, tie a wrap knot around the cords.

5. Put a 16mm wood bead on each cord end at desired length, tie an overhand knot to secure under each bead. Cut, seal ends with lighter

I thought this might be fun for those looking for a relatively simple Macrame Pattern....thanks to Macrame Super Store
"

Moorish Macrame Stands The Test Of Time

Crafts, Traditions and Art of the Sea: "A Short History of Macrame
Macrame, the modern art of decorating with knots, is believed to have originated with 13th-century Arabian weavers. They knotted the excess thread and yam along the edges of hand-loomed fabrics into decorative fringes on bath towels, shawls, and veils. The original meaning of the Arabic Migramah, from which the word macrame is derived, is variously rendered as 'striped towel,' 'ornamental fringe,' and 'embroidered veil.' As a result of the Moorish conquest the art of macrame was taken to Spain, and from there it spread throughout Europe. It was first introduced into England at the court of Queen Mary, the wife of William of Orange, in the late 17th century.

Sailors played an important part in keeping alive and spreading this exported Arab art. From China to the New World they sold or bartered their own novel macrame objects made during the long months at sea. Macrame remained a popular pastime with 19th- century British and American seamen, who called it square knotting after the knot they most preferred in making their hammocks, bell fringes, and belts.

Macrame reached its zenith during the Victorian era. Sylvia's Book of Macrame Lace, a favorite at that time, urged its readers 'to work rich trimmings for black and coloured costumes, both for home wear, garden parties, seaside ramblings, "

I had no idea Macrame had such auspicious beginnings and colourful history - I am off on the hunt for Slyvia's Book....... :)

How to Make Money From Macrame

How To Start and Run a Profitable Craft Business: "CHANGING THEMES FOR BETTER SALES: THREE EXAMPLES

Example 1:

Macrame items are generally sold in plant shops, and sometimes in furniture stores. One clever artist, with declining sales, decided to work his macrame craft into a different marketing theme. This artist drilled holes in wooden 'ABC' baby blocks, which he used as beads in his macrame to make a plant hanger for a baby's room. He sold this idea to an exclusive department store that displayed his product with baby furniture rather than in the plant section. He thus transformed his macrame work into a new product and fitted it into a new marketing theme, where it found its natural outlet with other baby accessories."

How's this for a great idea? Gets you thinking....how many of you are interested to learn more about how to make money through your Macrame? Thank you to Mother Earth News for providing the article.......

Johnny Depp's Macrame Owl Fascination!

USATODAY.com - A shared taste for the surreal: "'At times, it's as if our brains are connected by some invisible hot wire that can shoot sparks at any second,' says Depp, who became close friends with Burton after Scissorhands. 'Growing up, we weren't all that dissimilar. We both have an odd fascination with things that were considered supernormal in the '70s. We can talk for hours about how people had resin grapes on their dinner tables. Macrame owls were widely accepted as normal. But as kids, we were both going, 'Ew, really gross.' '"

He must have seen the blog, read it then spoke to USA today - how freaky is that - on the same day as I post a link to Macrame Owls, Johnny Depp refers to his fascination with Macrame Owls....we'll just choose to ignore the 'really gross' comment now wont we - he he :)

Thursday, July 14, 2005

GORGEOUS Handcrafted Earrings

macrame earrings and bracelets - Handcrafted by Elaine: "KNOTTED WIRE EARRINGS

three copper wire macrame earrings | fine silver wire macrame earrings | macrame earrings on fine silver wire

macramé earrings in coated copper wire with Swarovski Austrian Crystal, shown in purple, turquoise and bright blue (other colors available - please inquire)

macramé earrings in fine silver wire with sterling silver beads

macramé earrings on fine silver wire with freshwater pearls [WE 6110]
(also available with sterling beads, black onyx or other semiprecious gemstones)"


Elaine, these are just divine!!! For blog visitors - the link to this post is included for you to suss out further. I am going to work out how to make these me feels....just too delish!!!! Carolyne :)

What a Hoot - Macrame Owls

Macrame Owls

Sanya left this awesome link- big fat thanks to Sanya everybody...'thank you Sanya!' - if you are feeling a little circumspect (isn't that another word for 'owlish') then check out these Macrame Patterns.

Thanks too for the lovely acknowledgement about this site - we are just getting up and rocking & rolling. I am wanting to bring you more patterns, tid-bits and so forth, so that you can actually find things on this blog that are of use to you. I truly welcome you adding your thoughts too, like the wonderful Sanya, everybody...'thank you Sanya' - no I am not a teacher, I have just always wanted to do that line - he he. BFN Carolyne :)

Where Knitting Ends and Macrame Begins...You Tell Me

Nutless A**Munchers: "Thursday, July 14, 2005
A Window Into My Home, Part 2
I recently purchased a 'ring knitter,' a Colonial-era toy used by very small children to knit endless chains of sturdy cord. The instructions have a list of things you can make. The verbatim quote:

'1. A belt.
2. A jumprope.'

There is no three.

Yeah, so, I MADE a three. I knitted six lengths of cord, and tied them together in a traditional pattern to make a Colonial Plant Hanger.

I have never made a Regular Plant Hanger.

This poor abortion of a plant hanger is badly proportioned, and constructed from thirty year old blue wool. No, really, my mother in law gave me the wool. The skein had a price tag that said 'Woolworth's: 29 cents.' It actually had the little cent sign, but they don't even put that symbol on keyboards anymore. Being genuine 1973 wool, it's got a lot of stretch to it. Macrame is really the best choice in plant hanger design, not knitted cord.

Anyway, I presented my opus to my mate, as a hunter presents a kill to the head of the tribe. Because he is an Advanced Husband, as previously discussed, he did not mock me. He did not praise the cobalt creation, however, and I slunk away.

You can't keep a girl like me down for long, though, so after we retired for the evening, I looked over to the love of my life and said, 'I'm... MACRA-MAZING.'

S"

And I hope this is the start of more to come. I love the feeling when we complete a crafty task, we just want to share it with our dearest through the MACRA-MEDIA :)

Napoleon's Josephine is the Leading Lady of Knots

More Fun with Knots: 'Josephine Knot'

Another ornamental knot.
To begin use the left cord and make a loop. Lay the right cord over the first loop, and under the bottom of the first cord. Now over the top of the first cord. Bring the right cord under the first cord and over itself. Go under the first cord. To tighten the knot, pull the cord ends one at a time.
(You can use more then one cord to tie this knot).

Josephine Knot #1











Josephine Knot #2










Josephine Knot #3"










This site I got this knot from is cool, and for any serious Macrame buff is worth a look. I just picked out the Josephine knot as it has always been my favourite and I wanted to share it with you. Ohhh and check out Charlie's story - he still loves his wife after 31 years just as much as when he met her....what a man!!!!


C :)

Brazil in a Knot Over Macrame - Fashion's Latest Must

ANBA: "Modernism should be shown in the geometric forms and cuts and should give priority to the comfort of the items. 'These are clothes for the executive woman, who likes the practicality of the casual,' she said. According to the stylist, everything that is artistic will also be very much valued in the warm season. Crochet and macramé, however, will be on the high."

Wow, our beautiful South American brothers and sisters are feeling the vibe, we better get knotting!

:)

Macrame found in time capsule along with Donny & Marie!

lisamommy: I <3 3: "Anyway, I have lived through a lot:
the end of the Vietnam War, eight track tape players, 'Three Dog Night', the birth of Seasame Street, 'I'd like to teach the world to sing' commercial, slinkies, the birth of a little sister, best friends just a lawn away, Pong, the original 'Walkman' radios, gauchos, Earth shoes, jazz dance classes, macrame, Dorothy Hamil haircut, Rubik's cube, the 'Donny and Marie' show"

Ahhhh memories!!! And the thing is, Seasame Street is still going strong, Jazz is still danced and Macrame is still adored by many!!!! I'm off to find some patterns to share with y'all.....

Carolyne :)

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Macrame seen on the Runways in France!

Google Search: macrame: "Chanel's hidden luxury; Lacroix's restraint
International Herald Tribune, France - Jul 7, 2005
... A lacy dress with a feathered headdress made a strong and simple statement, but the dense mohair crochet embellishment, the macramé bolero with fur embroidery ... "

Now what did I say about Macrame taking off in the new millenium - not that this century feels so new any more. Macrame is primed for a resurgence - the worlds leading fashion designers are leading the charge! I would be interested in your thoughts........

Carolyne :)

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

PixelPaxil: New-School-old-school

PixelPaxil: New-School-old-school: "This was tucked away in an issue of ReadyMade magazine. If you've never heard of ReadyMade...well, it's a magazine for hipsters who like to recycle stuff into new stuff. They're part of the whole movement that's rekindling the joys of crafting.

What? You didn't know there WAS such a movement? Look around! Old-school is the new New-School. Macrame pants are in! But instead of yarn, use old ethernet cable!"


I was browsing the internet and fell across this article. See Macrame just pops up everywhere! Imagine creating pants from cable! Hmmmm I don't think I'll be rushing to own a pair soon. Though big thanks for continuing to expand our creativity! :)

Saturday, July 09, 2005

Macrame in the Millenium

Hello there fellow Macrame Lovers!

This blog is designed to bring you the latest information, tools and tips for those of us who enjoy being 'crafty'. I am also interested to hear your thoughts, feelings and ideas as this blog is about being a news source that enhances your interest in macrame - so please do feel free to post what it is you would most like to know about this wonderful craft or share experiences you have had with it.

For myself - well I am back into the world of macrame after quite a long hiatus - I used to have quite a successful little macrame business as a...wait for it...8 year old. I sold plant holders, wall hangings, lamp shades, you name it!

And you know what, whilst scrapbooking is huge right now....I reckon macrame is coming back with a vengeance, our numbers are growing....and let us spread the word, as it is such a fun, easy (OK some knots can get curly to figure out) and visually appealing craft that anyone of any age can do - for pleasure....or for payment.

So stay tuned, and please post to your heart content, that is what this blog is here for!!!

Carolyne :)