Once upon a time, back in the late 1970s, I took an evening class in macramé. I think it was only one term (or possibly two). Combined with working as a secretary in the daytime, it turned out not the best leisure activity for my neck and shoulders.
I can only recall making three bigger items - two wall hangings (besides this red one, one of similar size in some kind of silky brownish yarn), and a plant hanger. (The plant hanger I think I later gave to my mum who had a better place for it.)
The red wall hanging has become part of my Christmas decorations. From December until mid February or so, it hangs on the door between my hall and my kitchen.
Macramé is a form of textile produced using knotting (rather than weaving or knitting) techniques.
One of the earliest recorded uses of macramé-style knots as decoration appeared in the carvings of the Babylonians and Assyrians.
It was long crafted by sailors, especially in elaborate or ornamental knotting forms, to cover anything from knife handles to bottles to parts of ships.
In England, it was introduced at the court of Mary II in the late 17th century, and in the Victorian era it adorned most homes in items such as tablecloths, bedspreads and curtains.
Macramé's popularity faded, but resurged in the 1970s for making wall hangings, clothing accessories, draperies, plant hangers and other furnishings.
Source: Wikipedia
It is GORGEOUS!!!! I used to do macrame when I was you younger. Made plant hangers and bracelets and necklaces with beads.
ReplyDeleteAh, then you know exactly what's involved, Ginny! :)
DeleteYour red macramé piece is a beautifully preserved thread of history, carrying both your own story and the long, intricate lineage of the craft
ReplyDeleteThanks Ro.
DeleteWhat a beautiful knotted fiber art! I never tried macrame' and always was envious of those who could do it.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, it was fun to learn/try it back then, even if it didn't become a long-lasting hobby!
DeleteThat is an impressive piece of work.
ReplyDeleteThanks Addy.
DeleteWe did Makramee at school, and as usual, I was impatient and it didn't look very tidy in the end. We're talking mid-70s here, when I was 9 years old and Makramee was everywhere :-D
ReplyDeleteYours looks very nice, the red colour and texture against the plain white door.
Meike, yes, macramé was very much a mid/late 70s trend, I think!
DeleteYour wall hanging is beautiful and very intricate. My macrame was quite basic.
ReplyDeleteJanice, I wouldn't have a clue now, and not tempted to take it up again... ;-) Glad I kept this one though, putting it up at Christmas every year brings back other memories of "those days" as well.
DeleteYour wall hanging is very professional Monica! It really does look good and if it were mine I'd keep it out all the time.
ReplyDeleteI used to love weaving and have done Macramé too and still have one or two pieces stashed away somewhere. I recently found some balls of very thick cotton, which I seem to remember buying to make something in macramé. Probably plant holders!
Carol, it doesn't go with my general colour scheme the rest of the year... ;)
Deletelike knitting and crochet, I tried macrame in the 70's and managed to do one not so lovely plant holder, and never touched any of the three things using yarn again. I do like them, just have zero talent for making them. It looks beautiful and with the Christmas red ribbon in the kitchen is perfect.. I like that I can see your advent window
ReplyDeleteI had a short period of knitting too back in the same time period (when everyone else seemed to be knitting as well). But that wasn't good for my neck either. - As for crocheting, I never mastered that - and was never a big fan of items made in that technique either.
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