You might be interested to know that the traditional craft of macrame originated with ancient Arab weavers of hand-loomed fabrics. In the 13th century these weavers used to tie knots on the excess thread or yarn along the edges of the fabric to make decorative fringes on things like veils, shawls and bath towels. This technique of using knotted yarn rather than weaving or knitting for textile-making is called macrame.
Macrame spread to Europe through Spain and was introduced into England in the late 17th century. Macrame gained popularity in the Victorian society; fancy trimmings for black and colored costumes made by macrame were coveted by fashionable society. The fashion waned in later years.
In days gone by sailors used to spend months at a stretch at sea. Time must have weighed heavily on them. Sailors would practice the art of macrame and decorate precious items like handles of knives or even parts of the ship on which they sailed. Everyone has seen a hammock.
To make extra money decorative macrame objects made by the sailors could be sold or bartered at the ports-of-call. In this way this ancient Arabic craft spread to far and away places like China. The Chinese refined this craft by adding their twist to the art. Consequently, in many places it is known as "Chinese knotting." British and American sailors in the 19th century used to make hammocks, belts, and other things as well with macrame. It is commonly known that macrame was a popular pastime.
Macrame is gaining popularity again after having gone out of fashion in the mid-twentieth century. Furnishing things in macrame such as bedspreads, wall hangings, draperies, etc are quite popular. Small jean shorts, Plant hangers, and tablecloths in macrame are also very much in vogue.
Macrame jewelry often uses glass or wooden beads, pendants, articles of bones or shells, etc in combination with macrame knots. Occasionally gemstones or rings are used as decorative inserts, secured by wire-wrapping or held in net-like intertwined knots. Earrings and bracelets in macrame are quite fashionable. In fact almost anything in macrame is mod and fashionable. In Brazil swimming costumes made in macrame are hot.
Macrame instructions, macrame patterns and explanations on how to macrame are available on many sites on the internet. E-tutorials on "How to Macrame" are also available giving illustrated macrame instructions. Macrame patterns and macrame knots illustrated with photographs for ease of understanding can be found on any number of websites.
Everywhere macram is regaining its popularity. You even see it in our schools and it has found an enthusiastic following in the arts and crafts courses at craft stores. Crafts stores offer macram materials including beads, work boards, and cording. In many malls, and other public places vendors selling macram articles like jewelry, decorations, and wall hangings can be found.
The popularity of macrame is evidenced by the fact that even EBay, the world's largest internet market place, is selling macrame materials, patterns, and other supplies. Begin learning right away and have some fun making your own creations.
About the Author:
To find out exactly how I learned to how to make macrame please visit my site about macrame book for more tips and secrets.
