Handcrafted by Elaine - macrame instructions - additional instructions FAQ: "HOW CAN I FINISH A NECKLACE, BRACELET, ETC. AT THE CLASP?
When you are down to 4 cords, working up toward your clasp, you can make a square knot sennit. Bring the core cords around a jump ring or the loop in your clasp, leaving at least a half inch between the end of your sennit and the ring. Using 4 core cords (the original ones and the same cords looped back behind your piece), tie some more square knots until you are near the clasp. Tie the ends of your cords behind the square knots and glue.
HOW CAN I ADD MORE CORDS TO MY WORK?
One method of adding cords would be to separate 4 cords into two groups. Take a new cord (folded in half) and use it as your knotting cords to make a square knot with two of the old cords as core cords. Then repeat the same thing with the other two original cords as core cords for another added pair of cords - this brings you to 8 cords where you originally had 4 cords.
Another method of adding would be to take a new cord and, starting at the center, use that cord as a knot bearer and double half hitch the other cords to the new cord. This will give you two new cords.
HOW CAN I DECREASE THE NUMBER OF CORDS I AM WORKING WITH?
The easiest method to explain for decreasing cords would be to use several core cords in a square knot"
Thank you Elaine. Please do go and check out her website - there is quite a lot there that might take your fancy...... :)
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Macrame - How Do I Start A.........
Handcrafted by Elaine - macrame instructions - additional instructions FAQ: "HOW DO I START A NECKLACE, BRACLET, CHOKER, ETC?
If you are going to close a choker by tying it you can just start with square or half knots leaving enough extra cord at the end of your core cords for tying. (You can pin or tape the cords to your board to hold them in place to start). Another alternative would be to tie them together in one overhand knot to start. If you are mounting it onto a clasp you can use two doubled cords and loop them around your clasp to get started. Then use your 4 cords to make square knots.
HOW CAN I START/END MY WALL HANGING?
The easiest way to start a wall hanging is to mount cords on a dowel using either the lark's head or double half hitches.
There are many different ways to end a wall hanging. A few of the options are:
End with a row of double half hitches and let a fringe hang down.
End with overhand knots.
You can tie overhand knots in each cord, every two cords, or larger groups of cords."
Check out Elaine's Macrame website by clicking on the link - these are some questions I have readers frequently ask me - and here are some great thoughts in response. Thanks Elaine! :)
If you are going to close a choker by tying it you can just start with square or half knots leaving enough extra cord at the end of your core cords for tying. (You can pin or tape the cords to your board to hold them in place to start). Another alternative would be to tie them together in one overhand knot to start. If you are mounting it onto a clasp you can use two doubled cords and loop them around your clasp to get started. Then use your 4 cords to make square knots.
HOW CAN I START/END MY WALL HANGING?
The easiest way to start a wall hanging is to mount cords on a dowel using either the lark's head or double half hitches.
There are many different ways to end a wall hanging. A few of the options are:
End with a row of double half hitches and let a fringe hang down.
End with overhand knots.
You can tie overhand knots in each cord, every two cords, or larger groups of cords."
Check out Elaine's Macrame website by clicking on the link - these are some questions I have readers frequently ask me - and here are some great thoughts in response. Thanks Elaine! :)
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Macrame Used In Cutting Edge Interior Design
The Globe and Mail: New suites in Amsterdam owned by young chef: "Suite seven features Wanders' iconic macramé-like 'knotted chair' made out of rope soaked in glue. Vases are made from casting the shape of an egg stuffed into a condom, and a wall is given over to his one-minute sculptures. You get the idea.
You know by now my passion is also to reinforce what a force and contemporary craft Macrame is.....well here is a snippet from an article that talks about Macrame as part of a Leading edge Interior Design project for a Hotel - way to go for the Big M!!! :)
"
You know by now my passion is also to reinforce what a force and contemporary craft Macrame is.....well here is a snippet from an article that talks about Macrame as part of a Leading edge Interior Design project for a Hotel - way to go for the Big M!!! :)
"
Russian Macrame - Macrame Spans The Globe!
Kommersant - Russia's Daily Online: "Rare crafts such as woodcarving, basket weaving, macrame, and wonderful lacework and embroidery have been preserved in various villages in the region. The hands of the lacemakers produce patterns in fine, nearly weightless threads that rival the frost patterns on windows in delicacy.
Craftsmen who model clay toys and ceramics also make their contribution to Orel's cultural heritage. Orel potters have their own style of painting distinct from the work of craftsmen in other regions.
The art of Orel masters has been presented twice at fairs in Germany and France, as well as in Russia (Kaliningrad, Moscow, and Sochi). The cultural legacy and knowledge of Orel masters is being carefully passed on to their children and grandchildren, who are continuing the work of their forebears."
This article is fascinating!! And to hear that rare crafts such as Macrame have been found here conjours up such rich visuals!!! Check out the article - and know that when you are creating your piece de la resistance that this is a global passion pursued by many!!! Carolyne :)
Craftsmen who model clay toys and ceramics also make their contribution to Orel's cultural heritage. Orel potters have their own style of painting distinct from the work of craftsmen in other regions.
The art of Orel masters has been presented twice at fairs in Germany and France, as well as in Russia (Kaliningrad, Moscow, and Sochi). The cultural legacy and knowledge of Orel masters is being carefully passed on to their children and grandchildren, who are continuing the work of their forebears."
This article is fascinating!! And to hear that rare crafts such as Macrame have been found here conjours up such rich visuals!!! Check out the article - and know that when you are creating your piece de la resistance that this is a global passion pursued by many!!! Carolyne :)
Friday, September 09, 2005
Beautiful Macrame Sunflower Necklace
One of my subscribers to my free 'One Stop Macrame Shop' Tips & Tidbits Email Course, emailed me this photo of the result of following one of the patterns I sent her.
It is just too gorgeous!! And check out her website: http://sujenwebs.com/beadsjewelry.htm
She is one very talented lady - and it does not stop at Macrame!!!
If you would like to subscribe to the free email course simply click onto the "One Stop Macrame Shop" link and you can automatically sign up for it, no strings attached :)
BFN
Carolyne :)
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Be Part Of Macrame & Knotting's International Guild
IGKT: Welcome: "International Guild of Knot Tyers
Guild President
Ken Yalden
Past Presidents
Who are we?
The International Guild of Knot Tyers is an association of people with interests in knots and knotting techniques of all kinds. We have over a thousand members world-wide, from all walks of life, including academics, surgeons, sailors, sportsmen and women, scouters, magicians, farmers, miners and accountants. Membership is open to anyone interested in knotting (whether expert or simply hoping to learn from others).
What do we do?
We are an educational non-profit making organisation dedicated to furthering interest in practical, recreational and theoretical aspects of knotting. Our aim is to preserve traditional knotting techniques and promote the development of new techniques for new material and applications. We attend public events to advertise the Guild and its work, and conduct talks and demonstrations by arrangement with interested groups. We keep in touch with each other by correspondence, by holding regular meetings and exhibitions at both international and regional levels.
The Guild publishes a quarterly newsletter, Knotting Matters.
The IGKT Mission
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.
"This is just too fabulous - and certainly cements for me both the longevity and future growth in popularity of our favorite past time!! Yes yes I am biased....and I bet I am right too :)
Guild President
Ken Yalden
Past Presidents
Who are we?
The International Guild of Knot Tyers is an association of people with interests in knots and knotting techniques of all kinds. We have over a thousand members world-wide, from all walks of life, including academics, surgeons, sailors, sportsmen and women, scouters, magicians, farmers, miners and accountants. Membership is open to anyone interested in knotting (whether expert or simply hoping to learn from others).
What do we do?
We are an educational non-profit making organisation dedicated to furthering interest in practical, recreational and theoretical aspects of knotting. Our aim is to preserve traditional knotting techniques and promote the development of new techniques for new material and applications. We attend public events to advertise the Guild and its work, and conduct talks and demonstrations by arrangement with interested groups. We keep in touch with each other by correspondence, by holding regular meetings and exhibitions at both international and regional levels.
The Guild publishes a quarterly newsletter, Knotting Matters.
The IGKT Mission
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.
"This is just too fabulous - and certainly cements for me both the longevity and future growth in popularity of our favorite past time!! Yes yes I am biased....and I bet I am right too :)
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Macro Weaving - Macrame's Close Cousin!
The Daytona Beach News-Journal: East Volusia: "For years Ulery worked in soft sculpture, later switching to macroweaving, a macrame hybrid. While teaching a workshop on personal development, she said she heard about a class on basket weaving.
'I offered to teach it for free,' she said. Soon, she began taking classes in Florida and Georgia, sometimes finding herself the only student in the class, she said.
Baskets can be plain or as intricately patterned as cloth, but Ulery said she doesn't plan her designs too much. For her, the pleasure is watching them take shape in her hands, she said, describing them as being as pliable as clay.
'It's so neat. It's very simple and cheap to create, coil basketry has been practiced for thousands of years around the world, including Polynesia and Africa, where handicrafts form an important export trade.
The craft's zenith may have been reached in North America, where hundreds of American Indian tribes improvised distinctive styles using bark, hides, leaves and other material."
This sounds fascinating, I would love to hear from someone who does this. I am familiar with the beautiful flax baskets from the Polynesian nations. Love this woman's crafitness! :)
'I offered to teach it for free,' she said. Soon, she began taking classes in Florida and Georgia, sometimes finding herself the only student in the class, she said.
Baskets can be plain or as intricately patterned as cloth, but Ulery said she doesn't plan her designs too much. For her, the pleasure is watching them take shape in her hands, she said, describing them as being as pliable as clay.
'It's so neat. It's very simple and cheap to create, coil basketry has been practiced for thousands of years around the world, including Polynesia and Africa, where handicrafts form an important export trade.
The craft's zenith may have been reached in North America, where hundreds of American Indian tribes improvised distinctive styles using bark, hides, leaves and other material."
This sounds fascinating, I would love to hear from someone who does this. I am familiar with the beautiful flax baskets from the Polynesian nations. Love this woman's crafitness! :)
Jessica Simpson Loves Macrame!
The Cornell Daily Sun - Campus Couture: "Dress those designer jeans up with this season’s glam crystal belts with oversize buckles or macramé belts that are soo Daisy Duke. They add a more metropolitan twist to every southern girl’s favorite accessory, making them a perfect choice if you’re looking to add a little flair to your favorite outfit. These must be worn with a simple shirt. Anything too extravagant on top will make you look like Dolly Parton … not Jessica Simpson."
Not sure if comparison to Daisy Duke is a good or 'bad' thing depending on how you feel about Jessica Simpson - personally I think good on her for working hard and marketing what she's got! More importantly - check out...macrame is still the height of fashion!!! Way to go knots! :)
Not sure if comparison to Daisy Duke is a good or 'bad' thing depending on how you feel about Jessica Simpson - personally I think good on her for working hard and marketing what she's got! More importantly - check out...macrame is still the height of fashion!!! Way to go knots! :)
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Awesome Human Beings Give Their Time To Hurricane Victims
Hi fellow Macrame Lovers,
I have not posted for the past few days - my mind has been taken up with those being directly affected by the Hurricane and the reality they are now having to cope with.
I am currently residing down under in Australia so I am very removed from it. At the same time I want to send my love and support and well wishes to all those directly affected by this natural disaster, and to all Americans - I think the US is an awesome country, I love North America (so Canada's in there as well :) ) .
I have done what I can from this far away and have contributed to a fund that was put together by an awesome man I have had the good fortunate to get to know over the interent, and his business partner, wife and other wonderful friends.
He has organised a team of people, a big van and through our donations are getting much needed supplies to the refugees from the Hurricane.
Please do check out his site http://www.helpwithkatrina.com and if you feel comfortable donating I can vouch for his legitmacy and integrity - with the choice and comfort level being up to you.
Here is a couple of photo's that shows you some of the stuff he is doing - it takes my breath away and I think thank goodness for people like him:
So again - my thoughts and prayers are with the people affected by the Hurricane and those who may be worried for the wellbeing of their loved ones.
Your gratefully
Carolyne :)
I have not posted for the past few days - my mind has been taken up with those being directly affected by the Hurricane and the reality they are now having to cope with.
I am currently residing down under in Australia so I am very removed from it. At the same time I want to send my love and support and well wishes to all those directly affected by this natural disaster, and to all Americans - I think the US is an awesome country, I love North America (so Canada's in there as well :) ) .
I have done what I can from this far away and have contributed to a fund that was put together by an awesome man I have had the good fortunate to get to know over the interent, and his business partner, wife and other wonderful friends.
He has organised a team of people, a big van and through our donations are getting much needed supplies to the refugees from the Hurricane.
Please do check out his site http://www.helpwithkatrina.com and if you feel comfortable donating I can vouch for his legitmacy and integrity - with the choice and comfort level being up to you.
Here is a couple of photo's that shows you some of the stuff he is doing - it takes my breath away and I think thank goodness for people like him:
So again - my thoughts and prayers are with the people affected by the Hurricane and those who may be worried for the wellbeing of their loved ones.
Your gratefully
Carolyne :)
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Holes Tied Together With Macrame String
Netting ... Holes Tied Together With String: "LET'S MAKE A STRING BAG
A good way to start your first project is with a ball of macramé twine, which is both easy to manipulate and makes a satisfyingly strong net. Don't be afraid to use another string if you can't get macrame, though ... any strong cord about as thick as a pencil lead will do.
Load your netting needle (sometimes called a bobbin) with the twine: Take a turn of the free end of the ball of string around the tool's pin and carry the cord around the bottom end of the bobbin, back up the other side, around the pin, back down under ... and so on until the reel is full. Cut the twine.
Tie a loop—big enough to let the needle slip through freely—in the end of the string coming from the needle. Call this Loop 1. Slip the circle of cord over a hook in the wall or tie it to a doorknob, a low branch of a tree, the back of a chair, whatever. When I was young my embryonic long-net for rabbiting was constructed with its first loop tied to the U-trap under the washbasin in the bathroom."
I feel across this wonderful pattern - just click on the title to go to the webpage with the whole pattern. It is not 'pure' Macrame, and it actually reminded me of the Onion Baskets I used to make when I was a little'un. Does anyone have an old pattern for that? Mine seem to have been turfed by my parents in a house move...guess none of us were fortune tellers and knew I would be getting back into Macrame :)
A good way to start your first project is with a ball of macramé twine, which is both easy to manipulate and makes a satisfyingly strong net. Don't be afraid to use another string if you can't get macrame, though ... any strong cord about as thick as a pencil lead will do.
Load your netting needle (sometimes called a bobbin) with the twine: Take a turn of the free end of the ball of string around the tool's pin and carry the cord around the bottom end of the bobbin, back up the other side, around the pin, back down under ... and so on until the reel is full. Cut the twine.
Tie a loop—big enough to let the needle slip through freely—in the end of the string coming from the needle. Call this Loop 1. Slip the circle of cord over a hook in the wall or tie it to a doorknob, a low branch of a tree, the back of a chair, whatever. When I was young my embryonic long-net for rabbiting was constructed with its first loop tied to the U-trap under the washbasin in the bathroom."
I feel across this wonderful pattern - just click on the title to go to the webpage with the whole pattern. It is not 'pure' Macrame, and it actually reminded me of the Onion Baskets I used to make when I was a little'un. Does anyone have an old pattern for that? Mine seem to have been turfed by my parents in a house move...guess none of us were fortune tellers and knew I would be getting back into Macrame :)
Monday, August 29, 2005
Cool Cubes Beaded Bracelet Pattern
Cool Cubes Flat Netting Beaded Bracelet
What You'll Need to Make Your Own Cool Cubes Flat Netting Beaded Bracelet
Cool Cubes Flat Netting Beaded Bracelet
Cool Cubes Beaded Bracelet
Paula S. Morgan
Here's what you'll need to make your own Cool Cubes Beaded Bracelet:
* Approximately 60 5mm X 5mm Cube Beads.
* Approximately 350 Matte Dark Copper round seed beads [/link]
* 10 Size 8/0 Matte Gold seed beads
* Two 10 mm pieces of French Wire
* One 10 mm Toggle Clasp
* Size 12 Beading Needle
* Nymo "D" or other beading thread
* Beeswax or Thread Conditioner (optional)
Make your Base Row of Flat Netting
Thread a size 12 beading needle with Nymo "D" and approximately 5 feet of beading thread. Wax or condition the thread (optional). Add one Mattel Gold size 8/0 bead, three Matte Copper size 11/0 seed beads and a 5mm X 5mm Cube Bead. Repeat until you have added a total of 17 5mm X 5mm Cube Beads. Add another 3 size 11/0 Matte Copper seed beads and finish with a Matte Gold size 8/0 seed bead.
Make the First Turn in the Netting
Now add another three matte copper size 11/0 seed beads, a 5mm square bead and then three more size 11/0 matte copper seed beads. Next, pass your needle through the second size 5mm square bead on the previous row. This will create the first join in your netting. Your row will have two of the 5mm square beads sitting side by side. Continue netting by passing the needle through every other 5mm square bead until you reach the end of the row.
Begin the Third Row of Beaded Netting
Now you will be making the turn for the third row of beaded netting. After your needle exits the final 5mm cube bead for Row Two, add 3 size 11/0 matte copper seed beads, a size 9 matte gold seed bead and another 3 size 11/0 matte copper seed beads. Pass the needle back through the last 5mm cube bead you added. This will create a small loop of beads above the cube bead.
Continue beading from top to bottom for 2 more rows of netting.
Close the Ends of the Netted Rows
After completing the fourth row of netting, add the final 3 size 11/0 matte copper seed bead and one size 8 matte gold seed bead. Add a single size 11/0 matte copper seed bead and then pass the needle through the size 8/0 matte gold seed bead on the adjacent row. Add another single matte copper bead, then pass the needle through the next adjacent matte gold seed bead. Continue until you have passed through all of the matte gold beads.
Add The Toggle Clasp to the Bracelet
Place 8 size 11/0 matte copper seed beads and 3 size 8/0 matte gold seed bead on your thread. Place a 10mm piece of French Wire on the thread, then add the bar portion of the toggle clasp. Pass the needle back through the 3 size 8/0 matte gold seed beads, add 3 size 11/0 matte copper seed beads and pass the needle back through one of the matte gold seed bead. Weave the thread end through the work several times to secure and clip off the remaining thread.
Finish Adding the Toggle Clasp and Bury the Thread
Repeat the step above on the other side of the bracelet adding a single size 8/0 matte gold seed bead instead of the 3 above. Pass the thread back into the bracelet body, weave it in to secure it, and then tie it off. Your new Cool Cubes Flat Netting Beaded Bracelet is ready to wear!
Check out this awesome bracelet pattern that I found one day travelling onto About.com. The complete instructions are here - as it looks like they have taken it off their site now :(. Though they do offer many other great patterns if you click on the link above. Alternatively click on http://www.macramelovers.com. Carolyne :)
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Cavendoli Macrame Experts Help Wanted!
Hi there everyone,
I am hoping that someone out there in bloggersphere can help me with some more great info on Cavendoli Macrame. I have had some delightful readers send me emails asking me for more information.
Specificially rather than what it is, we would love some patterns. So please......send us through ANYTHING that you know about this subject. Just post in response some links or your thoughts.
Many many thanks in advance
Carolyne :)
I am hoping that someone out there in bloggersphere can help me with some more great info on Cavendoli Macrame. I have had some delightful readers send me emails asking me for more information.
Specificially rather than what it is, we would love some patterns. So please......send us through ANYTHING that you know about this subject. Just post in response some links or your thoughts.
Many many thanks in advance
Carolyne :)
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Updating Your Macrame
My Life in Words - Sitting in the Bathroom Floor: "Oh, a fun thing - I'm so pleased!
I have this incredible macrame table....it hangs from the ceiling.
Totally retro - and I've dyed it once - to a peach color.
Well, yesterday I dyed it a wine color.
The cool thing is that the cotton rope is so wonderful - it takes the dye so nicely.
The table looks amazing!!"
I thought this was a great idea to re-invigorate your Macrame if you are tired of its current look. Understanding that some yarn takes to dying/redying more than other. Any other suggestions for updating/renovating your work? :)
I have this incredible macrame table....it hangs from the ceiling.
Totally retro - and I've dyed it once - to a peach color.
Well, yesterday I dyed it a wine color.
The cool thing is that the cotton rope is so wonderful - it takes the dye so nicely.
The table looks amazing!!"
I thought this was a great idea to re-invigorate your Macrame if you are tired of its current look. Understanding that some yarn takes to dying/redying more than other. Any other suggestions for updating/renovating your work? :)
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Important Macrame Techniques
Techniques: "Techniques
Adding a cord
Sometimes you will need to introduce new cords to make the work wider or to add coloured yarns.
Sometimes a cord breaks or becomes shorter because it has been used more than the others in knotting.
Just slip in a new cord as a filler in a flat knot or secure it within a couple of neighbouring double half hitches.
Subtracting a cord
Just leave it hanging at the back of the work and work it in later. Or knot over it by using it as an extra filler cord inside a flat knot.
Tassels
Wrap the yarn thickly around a firm piece of plastic or cardboard. The length of this should be the same as the desired height of the tassel. Tie a cord around the whole bundle to hold all the strands together and then cut them all at the other end of the bundle. Near this bound end, tie the bundle up in a collecting cord. Trim the ends of the strands evenly. "
Check out Ann's Macrame website for information on all sorts of wonderful things to do with Macrae - it is really great for the beginner! :)
Adding a cord
Sometimes you will need to introduce new cords to make the work wider or to add coloured yarns.
Sometimes a cord breaks or becomes shorter because it has been used more than the others in knotting.
Just slip in a new cord as a filler in a flat knot or secure it within a couple of neighbouring double half hitches.
Subtracting a cord
Just leave it hanging at the back of the work and work it in later. Or knot over it by using it as an extra filler cord inside a flat knot.
Tassels
Wrap the yarn thickly around a firm piece of plastic or cardboard. The length of this should be the same as the desired height of the tassel. Tie a cord around the whole bundle to hold all the strands together and then cut them all at the other end of the bundle. Near this bound end, tie the bundle up in a collecting cord. Trim the ends of the strands evenly. "
Check out Ann's Macrame website for information on all sorts of wonderful things to do with Macrae - it is really great for the beginner! :)
Macrame Beads Have Many Uses!
3-D Tick-Tack-Toe!: "Keep cabin fever at bay with a new version of an old pastime...
3-D Tick-Tack Toe!
David Dyer
This little game—the 'board' for which can be made in one evening—is simply a much more challenging version of the tick-tack-toe almost all of us played (and quickly mastered) as children . . . and the three-dimensional version makes the childhood pastime fun again, even for grown-ups!
The only tools required to construct a 3-D tick-tack-toe set are a saw (a handsaw will do) and a drill (preferably electric) with a 17/64' or 9/32' drill bit. The materials list is equally modest. It includes a 26' section of a 1/4' dowel (you should be able to purchase a 36' length for under 25¢) . . . a scrap of 1 X 4 (preferably hardwood, but softwood is OK) ... 28 macramé beads with 1/4' holes, which cost 10 to 20¢ apiece (get 14 each of two different colors) ... and finishing materials (sandpaper, glue, and stain or varnish)."
If you have some spare beads left over from some of your Macrame Projects, check out this great linke to Mother Earth News! Carolyne :)
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Creative Macrame
Another photos from International Artist and Macrame Designer Jasmina's collection of work and inspiration. Some intricately knotted Macrame Vases.
Please do send in any photos you may have of your work. We would love to see them.
Carolyne :)
How Long Is A Piece of String...Oops Macrame Yarn?
Handcrafted by Elaine - macrame instructions - cord lengths: "Unless you are copying a piece exactly and using the same materials, cord lengths are really a guess.
A rule of thumb for an unknown design plan using a mixture of open and closed spaces:
Your cord should be approximately 4 times the length of the finished piece.
If you are doubling your cord and folding it in half as two cords it should be approximately 8 times the length of the finished piece.
If you are making a piece with a lot of open space, you may be able to use shorter cords.
If you are making a piece with a closed look you will be making more knots and you will need longer cords.
The amount of cord used up in making a knot will be greater for heavier cords than for thin cords.
Some knots will use up different cords at different rates. For example, if you are making a long sennit of square knots, your knotting cords will get used up much faster than your core cords. You may need to allow, for your knotting cords, 5 or 6 times the finished length, while your core cords might only need to be twice the finished length.
Always remember to leave a little extra length for working space. You cannot make the knots at the end of a piece if you are almost out of cord. And allow a little extra for fringes or other decorative endings.
If you are working with very long cords you can wind"
People often ask me about how to know about how long to cut the cords. I know for myself I have always erred on the 'too much just in case' approach. Here is Elaine's take from her website, and there is also a chapter devoted to it in the Complete Macrame Guide..."One Stop Macrame Shop" :)
A rule of thumb for an unknown design plan using a mixture of open and closed spaces:
Your cord should be approximately 4 times the length of the finished piece.
If you are doubling your cord and folding it in half as two cords it should be approximately 8 times the length of the finished piece.
If you are making a piece with a lot of open space, you may be able to use shorter cords.
If you are making a piece with a closed look you will be making more knots and you will need longer cords.
The amount of cord used up in making a knot will be greater for heavier cords than for thin cords.
Some knots will use up different cords at different rates. For example, if you are making a long sennit of square knots, your knotting cords will get used up much faster than your core cords. You may need to allow, for your knotting cords, 5 or 6 times the finished length, while your core cords might only need to be twice the finished length.
Always remember to leave a little extra length for working space. You cannot make the knots at the end of a piece if you are almost out of cord. And allow a little extra for fringes or other decorative endings.
If you are working with very long cords you can wind"
People often ask me about how to know about how long to cut the cords. I know for myself I have always erred on the 'too much just in case' approach. Here is Elaine's take from her website, and there is also a chapter devoted to it in the Complete Macrame Guide..."One Stop Macrame Shop" :)
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
See Macrame Is Just Part Of Our Vernacular!
My Aunt the Carnivorous Moose: "I can't help thinking though that a stalker could provide untold health benefits, spurring me to walk faster and faster especially past the Police station....naturally we would have an unspoken stalker/stalkee bond where he/she only agreed to view me from afar from behind street lights - they would have to be an anorexic stalker to accomplish that - and did not under any circumstances feel the need to pray with me/marry me/do macrame with me..."
Hey there Macrame-ites, I am going a little left of centre, I hope I do not scare you with the seeming macabre posting - it just caught my attention - this is an excerpt from an aspiring novelists post - and he mentions Macrame. I wonder what role it will play in his first published novel... NYPD Macrame, CSI Macrame, Desparate Macrame-ites....the possibilities are endless..... :)
Hey there Macrame-ites, I am going a little left of centre, I hope I do not scare you with the seeming macabre posting - it just caught my attention - this is an excerpt from an aspiring novelists post - and he mentions Macrame. I wonder what role it will play in his first published novel... NYPD Macrame, CSI Macrame, Desparate Macrame-ites....the possibilities are endless..... :)
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Chunky Man's Necklace Pattern
Chunky Man’s Necklace
Materials:
1. Cord of preference, comfortable against, skin, for a man, bulkier yarn often preferred.
2. 9 beads, 5 of one kind, 4 of another.
3. Macrame Board
Directions:
4. Cut outside cord 3 yards and inside cord 1 1/2 yards long in length.
5. Tie together in center and pin to board thru knot this makes four ends. Cords 1 and 4 are 1 1/2 yards each and 2 and 3 are 3/4 yards each
6. Measure neck and mark board, indicating center. Note: Add beads to cords 2 & 3.
7. Make 3 square knots and drop 1/2 inch to make square knot. Continue in this manner.
8. Make 3 square knots on opposite end.
9. Turn under & glue or sew.
Fasten with hook & eye.
Materials:
1. Cord of preference, comfortable against, skin, for a man, bulkier yarn often preferred.
2. 9 beads, 5 of one kind, 4 of another.
3. Macrame Board
Directions:
4. Cut outside cord 3 yards and inside cord 1 1/2 yards long in length.
5. Tie together in center and pin to board thru knot this makes four ends. Cords 1 and 4 are 1 1/2 yards each and 2 and 3 are 3/4 yards each
6. Measure neck and mark board, indicating center. Note: Add beads to cords 2 & 3.
7. Make 3 square knots and drop 1/2 inch to make square knot. Continue in this manner.
8. Make 3 square knots on opposite end.
9. Turn under & glue or sew.
Fasten with hook & eye.
The Richness of Macrame's Multi Cultural Reach.....
Adrian's Embellishments: "A tallit is a prayer shawl. It is just what it says. It is a garment worn for prayer. In Synagogues and observant Jewish homes around the world, it is worn every morning for the full participation of communion with G-d. Each corner of the tallit is adorned with 4 doubled strands of kosher yarn, usually wool, but sometimes silk or rayon, that are tied in a ritual macrame which relates to the numerology of the Hebrew name for G-d. It is also a reminder of the central prayer of Judaism, 'the Shema.'
The Shema: 'Hear, O Israel, The Lord, Our G-d, The Lord is One.'
I'll explain, in English, what the Hebrew word for the name of G-d in the Shema, means. The Hebrew reads from right to left and is, 'Yud-Hey-Vav-Hey'. Each letter has a numerical equivalent. Yud = 10, Hey = 5, Vav = 6 and Hey = 5 again. If you add these numbers, you get 26. The word for G-d = 26. Add the 2 and the 6 and you get 8. G-d = 8. This symbology is tied into the tsitsit, the ritual fringe.
This is how you tie the macrame for the ritual fringe;
start with-2 double knots, then wind one long string around the remaining pieces of yarn, 7 times,
another double knot, then wind the string 8 times,
double knot, 11 times, double knot.
If you add up the number of windings at this point, 7 + 8 + 11 = 26. The 2 + 6 = 8 = G-d.
The last set of windings of the tstsit is 13, followed by the final double knot (which conveniently keeps it from raveling). This last set is related to the last word in the Shema,"Ehad" which means, "One".
The Hebrew for this word is "Ehad", Aleph = 1, Chet =8, Dalet = 4. 1 + 8 + 4 = 13. (1 + 3 =4)
Therefore, within the windings of the tsitsit, we have a sentence:
"G-d is One".
I have copied portions of this incredible post over to our blog, as it is just such a wonderful and intricate story - a lot like macrame really. It reminds me how much we 'don't' know and just how much there is for us to learn.....fascinating - if you want to know more, click the link and read the whole post - its worth it! :)
The Shema: 'Hear, O Israel, The Lord, Our G-d, The Lord is One.'
I'll explain, in English, what the Hebrew word for the name of G-d in the Shema, means. The Hebrew reads from right to left and is, 'Yud-Hey-Vav-Hey'. Each letter has a numerical equivalent. Yud = 10, Hey = 5, Vav = 6 and Hey = 5 again. If you add these numbers, you get 26. The word for G-d = 26. Add the 2 and the 6 and you get 8. G-d = 8. This symbology is tied into the tsitsit, the ritual fringe.
This is how you tie the macrame for the ritual fringe;
start with-2 double knots, then wind one long string around the remaining pieces of yarn, 7 times,
another double knot, then wind the string 8 times,
double knot, 11 times, double knot.
If you add up the number of windings at this point, 7 + 8 + 11 = 26. The 2 + 6 = 8 = G-d.
The last set of windings of the tstsit is 13, followed by the final double knot (which conveniently keeps it from raveling). This last set is related to the last word in the Shema,"Ehad" which means, "One".
The Hebrew for this word is "Ehad", Aleph = 1, Chet =8, Dalet = 4. 1 + 8 + 4 = 13. (1 + 3 =4)
Therefore, within the windings of the tsitsit, we have a sentence:
"G-d is One".
I have copied portions of this incredible post over to our blog, as it is just such a wonderful and intricate story - a lot like macrame really. It reminds me how much we 'don't' know and just how much there is for us to learn.....fascinating - if you want to know more, click the link and read the whole post - its worth it! :)
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