Macrame has been popular for a few years now, really homing in on the natural, boho trend in interiors that has inspired fashion and our homes with its heavy texture, means this woven art is here to stay! One local creative still smashing this natural vibe is Amie from Southsea Macrame. Having been established in Southsea for a while, she has a new workshop based at Croxton’s on Palmerston Road at the end of the month. Loving this knotted artisan craft and Amie’s style, I chatted to her about the new workshops and creating an artisan brand here in Southsea!
Finding out about macrame and the world of knots, I became fascinated by this whole process and I found out a few facts about this ancient art we love today. First of all the history of macrame is believed to have started in the 13th century with artisan weavers knotting thread and yarn along the edges of hand-loomed fabrics into decorative fringes on bath towels, shawls, and veils. The Spanish word macramé is believed to mean “striped towel”, “ornamental fringe” or “embroidered veil.”
The saying goes that sailors made macrame objects while at sea in their downtime as a way to pass time and being so good at knots they created pieces and objects to sell all across the world in places like China and the Caribbean. American and British sailors in the 19th century were good at making hammocks and belts, creating a process called “square knotting” and used their spare time to sell their decorative pieces on shore wherever they went. Not sure about you but I find this so interesting!
Amie is a mum of two and has loved being crafty since she was young. I asked her where her love of knots came from and she said, “My love for knots really started as a small girl when my father, a Royal Navy sailor would show me all the knots and we would play with ropes. Fast forward to 2019 and I was learning the art of macrame in my spare time, a collection of knots made with cord to make art pieces, often with driftwood found on local beaches. I use a recycled cotton cord and like to focus on sustainability. As well as following patterns I love to start a piece and just see where it takes me, going with the flow of the cord. I now have an Etsy shop which sells a range of items from wall hangings, jewellery and DIY macrame kits.”
Loving workshops myself, I really see a growing trend of people going back to having real hobbies again. Since the pandemic, more people than ever have taken to doing an artisan hobby or learning a craft! As I said in my recent article on Workshops “Hobbies stop you from thinking of your day-to-day stresses and make you dedicate time to yourself. This whole process promotes a healthy mind and a healthy body.” I asked Amie about her journey with workshops and she said, ” Over the last few years, I have attended markets and held local workshops to teach the craft. The workshops really are my favourite thing to do, seeing people create something all on their own with me as a guide. The workshops are really friendly and informal and so much fun.”
The trend for macrame wall hangers and plant holders has been very popular in the past but not everyone loves the boho look so Amie started designing and selling earrings which means even if you don’t want a wall hanger you might still love the cord jewellery available. I feel they offer a pretty, artisan style that makes you feel like you are wearing something that has been carefully handmade. I also love the DIY bunting kit you can make at home which is £20. You can look at Amie’s collection on Etsy here. Talking about the upcoming workshop Amie said, “I’m very excited about my upcoming workshop at Croxtons on Palmerston Road. Living in Southsea, we have such an amazing community of small and independent businesses which really thrive off helping one another. Croxtons has an amazing open space and relaxed environment for my workshops as well as serving incredible food and local craft beers. I love how they not only smash their own independent business but also help to create a fabulous vibe by supporting local independent creatives and allowing them to put on events!”
The next workshop will take place on 28th March 7pm at Croxtons, email southseamacrame@gmail.com to book a place!
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