Tag Archives: macrame

103 ways to tie a knot

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103 ways to tie a knot

Hey, good news: That macramé book I’ve been telling you about? It’s here! Well, part of my order is, anyway — not as many copies as I had intended, but enough for the most eager among you to get your hands on it.

As I mention on the shop page, this is an American version of a Japanese book, which you may have inferred from the characteristically plainspoken title, Macramé Pattern Book. It’s 100% in English, but it still has all the aesthetic flavor of a Japanese craft book, with influences ranging from Navajo to Nordic. The knot patterns run from very simple braids to quite elaborate decorative motifs, and projects include everything from friendship bracelets and tassels, to straps and handles, to bags and baskets. But it’s written as a complete how-to guide, starting with tools, how to sit, how to tie basic knots, etc, and then taking you up through the more elaborate stuff. In short: It’s awesome.

I’m honestly not sure how many of you are eager about macramé, but I guess we’ll find out! It could be that these copies are plenty to go around, or they could be gone in an hour. But as far as I know, there are more coming.

AND DON’T FORGET! I love sticking edibles into shipments, and am having great fun this week sending out free cookies. This madness lasts through Sunday: orders of $30 and above (before shipping) will arrive on your doorstep with a ginger cookie enclosed, my treat.

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Happy Friday, everyone! Having FINISHED my Trillium (pics soon), I’m free to do whatever I want this weekend, and there will be some macramé going on over here. What will you be up to?

Things that make me want to macramé

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Things that make me want to macramé

There’s so much amazing macramé going on these days I’d swear it was 1975 all over again. As a kid, I could macramé a pretty mean plant hanger, but my knot knowledge was pretty limited. I bought some fabulous vintage macramé books in Portland awhile back — and have an amazing one on order for the shop, which I wish would arrive! — but have yet to dig in on relearning and advancing my skills. Meanwhile, not a day goes by that I don’t see something wildly inspiring. For example:

(above) Karen Barbé’s knot sampler

Things that make me want to macramé

Cathy Callahan’s Community Macrame Project in LA last weekend (lots of images in her Instagram feed). I love Cathy Callahan and am SO BUMMED she’s teaching two workshops near me while I’m away in Seattle. Have you seen her amazing tasselware?

Things that make me want to macramé

Everything Jo Abellera does. I met her and saw another of her jute bags at West Coast Craft last fall, can’t stop thinking about it, and am also really hoping to catch one of her workshops one day.

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Elsewhere

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dip-dyed tassels, cosby sweaters, knitting prime minister and more

Got some time to kill?

— Three words: Cosby Sweater Tournament

— You heard about the whole knitting Prime Minister kerfuffle, yes?

— Amazing macramé, Sally England

— Q&A with the fine folks at Green Mountain Spinnery

— Pittsburgh’s Andy Warhol Bridge scheduled for massive yarn bombing

— Stitch Maps = pretty

— Dip-dyed tassels

— What do knitting and crowdfunded breast implants have in common? Nothing, but try telling that to Mashable

Have a great weekend everyone. And don’t forget, tomorrow is the last day of the Sincere Sheep special event. I’ve had a great time selling almost all aqua yarns this week — everyone must be in a serene mood!

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Projects for a holiday weekend, revisited

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Crochet, macrame and weaving project ideas for the long weekend

What with the Memorial Day weekend (the illusion of free time!) and my having been working on too many long-term knitting projects lately, I’ve been having that urge. The one that sends me searching for enticing, small-scale projects I could hope to start and finish in the space of the weekend. Oddly, I keep coming back to the list I made last Memorial Day. I’d be happy to whip up another crocheted bowl, tap into my childhood macramé memories, or spend some time reacquainting myself with my crude little frame loom. Of course, if the goal is to finish something, I could spend the weekend with my Textured Shawl and maybe, just maybe …

(I did finish The Sweater last weekend, for anyone wondering. But it had been 95% finished for so long it almost doesn’t count as a new FO. Pics and details next week.)

Have a great weekend everyone, holiday or otherwise. Love to hear about your plans —

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Quick shop note: Pom Pom Quarterly is sold out already! But never fear, there are more on the way. I’ll announce it when it’s back in stock, but if you want to reserve one, leave a comment to that effect below (or email contact@fringesupplyco.com if you prefer) and I’ll contact you directly when I’ve got the new batch in hand.

Elsewhere: Knitted boyfriend, handmade shoes, and how macramé can change your life

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knitted boyfriend bryr clogs pam allen and more

— The Dutch artist and her knitted boyfriend, funny and adorable

— French guys learns macramé to fund his South American wanderings, winds up with jewelry designs on a Paris runway

— I’m enticed by the process shots in the Tiger pillow installment of Design Sponge’s Embroidery 101 series (see also embroidered sunglasses at HonestlyWTF)

— In awe of handmade shoes

— Really great interview with Pam Allen, of Quince and Co, on the challenges of producing a natural, American yarn  (lots of good stuff at A Verb for Keeping Warm’s blog lately — poke around while you’re there)

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In other news, a little birdie tells me Juniper Ridge is discontinuing the truly amazing jumbo cedar sachets. Which is tragic. Fortunately, I ordered lots, because I love them, so there are a still a few dozen available over at Fringe Supply Co. But be aware they may be the last of their kind.

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Elsewhere

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gregor calendar design sponge macrame

OK friends, lots of good stuff piled up since our last Elsewhere:

— If you don’t have a 2013 calendar, this knitted version you unravel as time passes is pretty effing brilliant. And on sale!

— One of my all-time favorite designers is Bonnie Cashin, of 1960s Coach fame, but I had no idea she designed cashmere sweaters for a Scottish company, nor that she left behind all these amazing sweater paintings. I’d like them on the walls of my new studio, please. (via)

— New knitting campaigns for Afghans for Afghans and Knitters for Newtown (hat tip to Jo)

— Kim Werker, Brett Sandusky and Corey Pressman are trying to launch a new DIY mag/app, called Holocene

— Love this crazy macrame light fixture in the Design Sponge office, and also this gigantic cross-stitch restaurant wall

— Fair isle street style slideshow at NYT

— And for that “Awwww” moment, cutest baby sweater ever

Happy clicking …

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p.s. I finished my Walpole last night! Will post pics once it’s blocked.