Macrame for the Modern Home: 16 Stunning Projects Using Simple Knots and Natural Dyes

Description

This gorgeous book will show you how to create breathtaking works of wall art and statement home decor - all made using simple macrame knots, natural dyes and 100 per cent recycled materials. Start by learning 18 key knots and 8 beautiful patterns, all shown clearly using step-by-step photography. Learn how to use natural dyes and how to pre-treat and dye your string. Key safety advice is given, as well as helpful tips for working with large pieces of macrame, knotting from an irregular-shaped support and keeping an even tension. The 16 projects are divided into 4 chapters: Macrame on the wall, Macrame to hang, Macrame for indoors & outdoors, and Macrame to decorate. The projects range from reworked classics such as the wall hanging and the plant hanger, which have been given a fresh, Insta-ready twist, to a wreath, bunting, hanging bedside table, mirror hanger, rug and tassels. Each project clearly explains which knots to use, the difficulty level, how long the project will take, plus photographs of the steps are provided as necessary. The projects are easy to follow, genuinely desirable and, best of all, really simple to make!

Isabella Strambio is a self-taught macrame and natural dye artist. She is half Italian and half Japanese and she grew up by the sea in Italy. At 18, she moved to the UK to learn English and study Interior Design. Isabella has always been attracted to design, hand-made products, natural materials and textures, and her passions are reflected in her work. She is also a big advocate of using recycled materials for her macrame work and food scraps for her natural dyeing. She started her blog www.isabellastrambio.com, to document her personal journey to learn 12 new crafts in 12 months. In 2017, she took the leap and quit her career as an Interior Designer to work full-time on her small creative business. She has been featured in the Sunday Telegraph, the UK TV series Kirstie's Handmade Christmas and regularly writes macrame tutorials for magazines like Mollie Makes, In the Moment, Hobbycraft and Origin. In 2019, her Natural Dyed Japanese Apron was one of the finalists for the Etsy Design Award. She runs workshops, events and teambuilding classes in London and across the UK. She also teaches macrame and natural dyeing online for people that cannot attend her workshops.

The book is well illustrated with easy to follow diagrams. There are 16 projects for varying proficiencies. The advanced rug making one I particularly liked but as a beginner I would try the curtain tieback and the tassel first. Items are given an approximate time it would take to make ranging from 1 hour to 8 hours and I found this useful to know. There is an interesting article on natural dyeing too which may be of interest for people wanting a different effect. A very enjoyable book and one I will look forward to using in the future. -- Suan Watts * Amazon * This is a book to appeal to anyone looking to try macrame. At the beginning there is a section looking at tools, yarns and knots required to create the projects. These are illustrated using photos, not diagrams, and are much easier to follow. The author encourages the use of recycled and natural materials and there is even a section on creating your own simple dyes to add an individual touch to your work. Advice is offered for caring for your body as you craft. Each project is graded from beginner to advanced. In addition to a comprehensive list of materials and tools required, there is an estimate of time needed to complete the project and a list of the knots used, useful if some may be new and require practice first. The instructions alongside are set out in short steps with photographs of completed sections for comparison. The use of photographs throughout and clear steps makes this a great book for the beginner whilst more experienced crafters can enjoy the challenge of using more found natural materials and creating dyes for individuality. -- Ann Williams * Amazon * I really liked all the projects but the lampshade is my absolute favourite. I am awaiting delivery of some material to make one for my garden room. I did a little Macrame in the 70's so I found the book easy to understand and would recommend a plant hanger to a beginner. I've never done any dying but am certainly going to give it a go and dip dye my lampshade when I have made it -- Sue Gaunt * Amazon * This is such a delightful book, there are a number of inspiring projects, we particularly like the Macrame Wall Hangings which can be used in so many creative ways. There are also instructions on how to make useful plant hangers, macrame table runners, lampshades, curtain tiebacks and even a stunning rug. If you have always wanted to learn Macrame, this is a delightful place to start. Highly Recommended! * Hot Brands Cool Places * Learn how to create wall art and home decor using simple knots, natural dyes and 100% recycled materials. Each project has photos, clear steps and explains which knots to use. Suitable for all levels, the 16 projects are easy to follow and simple to make. * Machine Knitting Monthly * The book is well illustrated with easy to follow diagrams. There are 16 projects for varying proficiencies. The advanced rug making one I particularly liked but as a beginner I would try the curtain tieback and the tassel first. Items are given an approximate time it would take to make ranging from one to eight hours and I found this useful to know. There is an interesting article on natural dyeing too which may be of interest for people wanting a different effect. A very enjoyable book and one I will look forward to using in the future. -- Suan Watts * Amazon * This gorgeous book will show you how to create breathtaking works of wall art and statement home decor all made using simple macrame knots, natural dyes and 100 per cent recycled materials. Start by learning 18 key knots and 8 beautiful patterns, all shown clearly using step-by-step photography. Learn how to use natural dyes and how to pre-treat and dye your string. Key safety advice is given, as well as helpful tips for working with large pieces of macrame, knotting from an irregular-shaped support and keeping an even tension. The 16 projects are divided into 4 chapters: Macrame on the wall, Macrame to hang, Macrame for indoors & outdoors, and Macrame to decorate. The projects range from reworked classics such as the wall hanging and the plant hanger, which have been given a fresh, Insta-ready twist, to a wreath, bunting, hanging bedside table, mirror hanger, rug and tassels. Each project clearly explains which knots to use, the difficulty level, how long the project will take, plus photographs of the steps are provided as necessary. The projects are easy to follow, genuinely desirable and, best of all, really simple to make! This is such a delightful book, there are a number of inspiring projects, we particularly like the Macrame Wall Hangings which can be used in so many creative ways. There are also instructions on how to make useful plant hangers, macrame table runners, lampshades, curtain tiebacks and even a stunning rug. If you have always wanted to learn Macrame, this is a delightful place to start. Highly Recommended! * mycreativenotebook.co.uk *