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 :)

Who Is Your King Pin Macrame Supplier?

Hi fellow Macrame Lovers,

I received a lovely email from someone in Brisbane Australia asking me about finding suppliers.

I recommended her to the online ones, as I find online shopping to be wonderful convenient and international - oh and safe, I have never had a bad experience - touch wood!!!

I would love to know who you recommend as your favorite 'King Pin' Macrame supplier? Can be in the 'real world', a Craft Shop down the road, or your preferred Internet Supplier of Materials

I really welcome your thoughts.

Best to you

Carolyne :)

Jute - The Grand Dame Of Macrame Yarn

I thought you might enjoy this excerpt from my book. Like we all have our preferences - mine is for Jute - it is what I made my very first Macrame Project - a Planter - with all those years ago. I remember dying up a storm in the laundry with the Condese Crystals (not sure if I spelled that the right way of not!?). It really is the most wonderful of yarns to work with - in my book at least......:)

Jute:

Jute is a great material to use for many Macramé projects. It is not too costly and the thickness of the yarn will give you fast results. You can buy jute in 2-ply sizes all the way up to 5-ply. One thing to keep in mind when you’re using jute is that it is not colorfast. This means that if you’re going to be using the jute in a project that is going to be subjected to electric or natural light for an extended period of time that it will fade. You’ll find that the natural tone of jute, which is a sandy, light colored brown, will be great for natural projects when you’re going to be using objects such as shells, stones, natural beads, and other rustic items.

Jute is also available in dyed colors for those Macramé projects where you need color. Or you can take your Macramé craft one step further by dying your own jute.

More Groovy Macrame Knotting Tips

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...... :)

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! :)

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!!! :)
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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 :)

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 :)

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 :)

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! :)

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! :)

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 :)

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 :)

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 :)

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 :)

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? :)

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! :)

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 :)

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 :)