Recommended Macrame Reading

Handcrafted by Elaine - macrame instructions - additional resources FAQ: "CAN YOU RECOMMEND MACRAME BOOKS?

I am often asked whether I can recommend any books. There are many books, old and new, on macramé. I am not familiar with most of these books. There are two books that I know well and can recommend.

The first is The Macramé Book by Helene Bress. This book has instructions for lots of variations on the basic knots - similar to what I'm trying to do on my web site. It was originally published in the early 70's and was out of print for a long time. A few of years ago it was revived. It also shows the work of some artists including some spectacular wall hangings. The original edition is the only macramé book that I owned for many years. This is not a book for people who want step-by-step instructions for projects.

The second book is The New Macramé edited by Katie DuMont and published in March 2000 by Lark Books. A lot of the work used in that book is my work. This book is a macramé jewelry and accessories book which includes some really nice and very diverse work beautifully photographed. It also includes step by step instructions for specific pieces. Instructions were provided by the artists and then revised to fit the format of the book. Some beginners have found the format of the instructions in that book a little difficult to follow, but after a little experience you should be able to follow many of these patterns. I provided instructions for some of my work for that book. When my instructions were translated to the format of the original hardcover book some changes were made and I noticed a few corrections that were needed. I have created a corrections sheet for my projects that I can e-mail to anyone who has the book. Most of these corrections were made before the publication of the softcover edition. I do not receive any royalties from the sale of this book.

Well of course I'd want to add my book in there http://www.macramelovers.com, AND I know that to have more than one book on something you love IS a good thing, so do check them out, and thanks again to Elaine for her tips. :)

The House of Macrame

emyko: "my urge to create things is something I doubt will ever go away, and I think that is what makes me an artist. Maybe it will be hanging macrame plant holders or scarves or dishes or drawings. And maybe those things will appeal to other people and make them want to give me money. But mostly, I like to create because it makes me happy, not only to make something beautiful, but to make something that is useful to me. When I am an adult with my own home, I would like to make as many of the things in my home as possible. Obviously shoes and dishwashers would be a bit difficult, but I'd like to make my own furniture and plates and wall art. And anything else that I can figure out how to make. I think that would be immensely satisfying."

I loved this post from Emyko's blog - it just felt so magical reading it - being creative does fill us with such a wonderful feeling - satisfaction, completion, love, peace and whatever words you would use to describe it for you. What a beautiful share :)