I often teach classes pertaining to Macrame and Macrame Fashions. This is a brief look of the first lecture. Enjoy!
A lot of times we don’t think of how jewelry affects us physically or mentally, instead we concentrate on appearance and style. It’s not out of the ordinary to check ourselves out in the mirror, gaze at our wrist with satisfaction, match a favorite blouse, sweater, T-shirt (A-Shirt not excluded {many call it a wife-beater}), no shirt, dress, or suit with the jewelry we own. We either like layering clothes, or we don’t. We either live in a mild, warm, or cold climate and sometimes, we travel to others but that doesn’t stop us from wearing the jewelry we enjoy.
WHAT IS MACRAMÉ?
Macramé is the art and craft of decorative knotting; this is, of tying a variety of different knots to form specific patterns and/or original designs. The macramé technique is extremely versatile, allowing you to create both functional and ornamental works of art; from useful and decorative plant hangers, hammocks, macramé clothes and jewelry, to more purely decorative forms such as wall hangers and fiber art. The array of things that you can use macramé for is as infinite as your imagination, and it can result in art forms as diverse as each person.
Micro macramé, also known as Cavandoli macramé, is a variety of macramé, which although done mainly using a single type of knot, the double half hitch knot, can achieve very elaborate and sophisticated designs. This style of macramé allows for the creation of geometric or free form patterns like those obtained by weaving. Reverse half hitches are also used to repeat a pattern or maintain the balance of apiece where one side mirrors the other.
Since macramé is absolutely handmade, the creation of more complex and intricate designs, consisting of tying hundreds of knots into different patterns, is slow and time-consuming process. This adds to the value of this magnificent, ancient skill that has been revitalized by modern times.
MACRAME HISTORY
The word macramé is derived from the Arabic word migramah, which is translated as “embroidered veil,” “ornamental fringe,” and “striped towel,” basically describes what this knotting technique was first used for. Macramé is believed to have originated around the thirteenth century when the Arabian weavers started decorating the edges of hand-loomed fabrics such as towels, shawls and veils, by knotting the excess thread that was left over along it, becoming beautiful decorative fringes. Hence, macramé was born as a result of the desire to make the final work look beautiful even up to its finest details; a creative and aesthetic way of dealing with what would otherwise be simple leftovers.
The art of macramé was introduced in Spain during the Moorish conquest, and from there it spread to the rest of Europe. The skill arrived to Italy and France in the early fourteenth and fifteenth century and was later introduced into England in the late 17th century at the court of Queen Mary, the wife of William of Orange, where it was used to embellish the elegant dresses and veils of the court members. During the Victorian Era this craft became a favorite, reaching homes where it was used to decorate curtains, lamp fringes, tablecloths, bed-spreads and clothes.
Sailors had a very important role in conserving and spreading this art form around the world. Macramé became the perfect craft for them: for one, the different knots proved useful aboard the ships and allowed them to produce necessary utilities, such as hammocks and nets, fix their clothes, etc. On the other hand, macramé was a great way of entertaining themselves during the long hours spent overseas, where they would create and decorate different objects, such as knife handles, bottles, shell necklaces, etc… that they later traded or sold when they landed. Thus, seamen became very skillful in the art of macramé, which they took to places like China and America.
The Chinese adopted this craft and adapted it within their culture, from where a whole new set of knots and designs have been born. Chinese macramé is based on some basic knot types that are named according to their distinctive shapes, origins or particular uses. This is because Chinese culture makes great use of symbols, thus each knot has a symbolical meaning, representing values such as honesty, and feelings such as love or friendship. Therefore, Chinese macramé, in addition of having great aesthetic value for its original and perfectly symmetrical knots, adds a symbolic dimension to the ancient art of macramé. Chinese macramé has been treasured since ancient time for decorative purposes in places like Chinese palace halls to domestic homes, enhancing the look of lamps, draperies, mirrors, clothes, etc. Its symbolism made it an elegant addition to Buddhist rosaries and personal gifts. The variety of complicated and visually enchanting designs that can be achieved with Chinese macramé has added to this art and increased its popularity, also becoming well appreciated by admirers of the Chinese arts and crafts.
Macramé was popularized in North and South America during the 1960s and ‘70s by the hippie movement. Macramé clothes and jewelry became fashionable and many engaged in this art as a form of personal expression. Hemp became a favorite for macramé creations.
In later years, the craze for macramé fell down in the U.S. but it continued in South America thanks to the many traveling artisans who used macramé as a way of making money to cover their traveling expenses. This became a way of life for many young ones who chose to learn the skill and start traveling around selling at fairs, schools, beaches, downtown streets, and at any event they could make it to.
Today, macramé is enjoying a renewed popularity worldwide; this ancient skill has been revived and revitalized thanks to the endless possibilities it offers which people are coming to appreciate now more and more. Original macramé, and unique handmade products are a great alternative to the repetitive and impersonal mass production. It is also a great hobby for anyone with patience and free time, and a great skill for artists to incorporate into their work.
Macramé is absolutely handmade, without making use of needles, hooks or hoops, making it an alternative to weaving or knitting, or can even be combined with them.
Macramé has also proven to be a great natural therapy for those undergoing rehabilitation processes. Learning the variety of knots and working on them once and again helps strengthen the memory, making it a great activity for everyone, especially seniors. Working with the cords and tying them strengthens the arms and hands, and helps to loosen the joints of the wrist and fingers. It also helps calm the mind and spirit, as it requires concentration and the repetitive patterns make you enter in a meditative state of mind. Additionally, it is believed stress is released through the fingers, making of macramé knotting a relaxing activity. Macramé has the additional benefit of enjoying the process of creating something that is born form within oneself.
Yet, macramé patterns and designs can be so intricate and complex that it poses a great challenge for already skillful crafters and hobbyists. Some projects, such as macramé hammocks can take even a month to finish, exercising ones patience and perseverance.
Definitely, one of the factors that has influenced in the great popularity of macramé today, is the fact that it is an earth-friendly technique, allowing for the creation of beautiful art and utility objects without the use of harsh chemicals or polluting fumes and waste.
Stay tuned to Poeticera, as I will continue to keep people informed of the latest developments.
