The Beginners Guide to Macrame: Easy techniques and 8 fun projects
Isabella Strambio
Search Press
Macrame, a craft that I had only heard about more recently from my mother, who remembers it as a fashion, something played with by those in a bygone age. Now, hearing about it in today’s setting, it has become a known feature in many home style magazines, something we might buy a version of.
My views on the book at first….
I read so many craft books, which cover a certain layout, namely with some projects involved. This book has a little unusual factor which is actually a game changer on reading. What is it? Honestly I read so many books with disjoined (rightly so) projects, say an embroidery book which covers a lot of projects on a feast of areas, nature, emojis etc. This book? Simply note the word ‘workshop’. Now, what is a workshop?
Well, I teach them! Now we feel we are getting a bargain - a from home workshop which we can go back to at any time!
So layout
As this book is directed at beginners, it starts simple and progresses. So we have simple to begin with, with information on what we need in order to set up and all the basics. Then we move into the workshops, all mini, yes they are projects but as they flow in difficulty one to another progressively, it really does feel like a workshop, like Stambio is teaching us. The final pages of the book are the hardest, so by the time (if you have kept to the plan that is) that you get to this stage, you will be well on your way there to feeling able to tackle the design at this stage.
Just so you are aware, there are eight things to make.
What designs and workshops are included?
Fashion and home are both explored. There is a clutch bag and even a lampshade. Each workshop has it’s own techniques.
Note on illustrations
Clear, at no time on reading did I feel they jumped too far in connection and I did not get lost even though I am not experienced at this craft.
Who is it good for?
Many would love to get into textile art, but it can look daunting. This is a way to get used to using a craft and it also produces items which can be used in life - so great for all ages.
I see it being advertised in both Craft and Textile Art magazine as well as those related to Lifestyle and home. It feels a soothing technique, mindful and that really engages with the core feel of our society today - the need to calm and connect with something other than our lives.
