The Glass Bead Game

Last Friday at Beads and Beyond in Bellevue, my students outdid themselves with their bead selections and color combinations as they learned how to knot the Glass Bead bracelet from my book.














I'll be doing a demonstration of the micro-macrame Baroque Bracelet at Red Garnet Beads in Montlake Terrace on October 4th and then teaching two classes on same bracelet on October 10th and 11th. And possibly October 25th...I have to check with Jenene at Red Garnet about that schedule as my mind is still befuddled and wonky due to the flurry of events and things I've been up to these past few weeks.


In mid-September I demo'd micro-macrame knotting at the Northwest Bead Society's Annual Bead Bazaar and sold lots and lots of owl kits and books.

En Vogue...? Yes! Yes! Yes!

It seems like everybody has hopped onto the macrame band wagon this season; last week's Project Runway featured a macrame frock and now Diane von Furstenberg has a gorgeous green macrame dress in her Spring 2010 collection.
Okay, okay, I get it; you're starting to wonder about this blog - what is my fascination with haute couture and macrame?
Honestly, am I so traumatized by the stigma macrame has developed over the past 30 years as a cliche, old fashioned (and not in the good way) hippy hempy craft that I feel compelled to validate it as an art form that's come back into vogue? I dunno.
I just think it's cool that top fashion houses are on the same page as us mortal macramers.
Now back to the regular programming...maybe.

NPR - These Vintage Threads Are 30,000 Years Old

I found an article this morning from NPR about a recent archeological find in the Eurasian country of Georgia about textiles that are 30,000 years old...flax fibers twisted into string and knotted or braided together something akin to macrame...
I'm still trying to track down some pictures of these ancient textiles. If anybody has better search engine mojo than I have and finds good pix, let me know!

Salvatore Ferragamo's Macrame Sweater

Just a little macrame eye candy:
Salvatore Ferragamo's Spring 2009 fashion line featured a men's macrame sweater.
Yum.

Sami Jewelry

In July, my Swedish friend Karin blogged about a Sami bracelet she had made from reindeer skin and wired pewter thread. Here it is. I was smitten by the old, old Nordic look of the piece. It reminded me that many of the old designs we consider Celtic are actually from Scandinavia.


Here is a tutorial on creating the macrame braid for a different Sami bracelet from the Sami Jewellery blog by Maria.
This is just one of the many beautiful pieces Maria has posted to her blog:


I am jazzed by this website! I'm gonna make some Sami jewelry of my own!

KnotGypsy - Cool Earrings, Free Lessons

I realized it was about time to check in with one of my favorite fellow micro-macrame artists to see what's new. KnotGypsy has been a busy soul updating her designs and creating sparkly and splendid fan earrings.

Hie thee hither to her website and then to her Etsy store to have a looksie.





Also, also, also: she is offering a couple of great patterns for free:

Spirals Key Chain


Spirals Anklet or Bracelet

Urban Owls

The owls are back! You can now purchase a macrame owl wall hanging from Urban Outfitters!
Seriously folks, just make your own...