So what is macrame? Macrame is a form of fiber art found in the form of wall hangings, plant hangers for jewelry and more. Using simple materials such as cotton, jute, hemp, or yarn, macrame has become one of the world’s biggest trends in the past few years. why? Macrame is easy to make, a natural art that makes your home decor look elegant and adds real texture to a plain wall.
Macrame was popular in the 1960s and 1970s, but the textile art form of stitching originated in the 13th century when Arab decorative weavers used knots to secure the loose ends of woven textiles, such as towels and shawls. Many believe that the term macrame comes from the Arabic word for “crime” or “margin”.
Popularized by the 1970s, weavers expressed their individuality in each of their pieces of art as each piece was knotted and unique. Hip at the time, most thought macrame was a hippie and beatnik thing. So how does the bohemian or “boho” style play out? Well, “Boho” is a term given to the gypsy community in Central Europe where people like hippies in the past were Bohemian artists and writers who lived similar lives with colorful creativity. So with the popularity of the “boho” look helped by the popularity of macramé.
Today, not only is macrame back again, but it’s back with more purpose, color and design than it was in the ’60s and ’70s.
Antique macrame can be found at some estate sales, garages, flea markets, some thrift and antique stores from time to time and on the Internet where prices can run up to $400 on some depending on size and age.
“Our unique handmade macrame plant stand comes with hand-painted pumpkins with one of our store plants,” says Jeremy Westrom, owner of Rootz of Inspiration and Window Wonderz, located next to Yellow Monkey, Seventh Street, NW in Rochester. Shelf or to hang for Mother’s Day or any day with new arrivals.”
Linda Sorensen Group, Weaver Winona, of What Knots says, “My next show at Acoustic Cafe will be in July. I did a show in January and have sold a number of pieces. Art & Sol, West Four Street, Winona, has some of my work. My biggest collection Now it’s in The One Shop, which just opened in La Crosse, and I’m always happy to hear what customers think of my work.”
Jenna Lubinski, The Refinery, Winona says, “The softness of a macrame piece is a comeback trend in 2022. Coming from many places, macrame pieces are a mix of new and vintage pieces you’ve found at vintage stores and vintage estate sales. They add ‘boho’.” and a feminine aesthetic to any style of the home. What I love about the latest macrame pieces is that they’ve become more functional, with storage pockets for magazines or your new plant. Some incorporate shelves into the fabric, larger pieces now used for a headboard, or a nice matching set used for curtains.”
Melissa Clima, Adourn, Chatfield, says, “Macrame is made by a woman named Cassie Rasmussen, Knot and Needle. Cassie has been making it for a few years and has been making great wall hangings in all kinds of styles and sizes. The wood she uses to hang her pieces comes from her grandparents’ farm. Cassie finds every piece, cleans, and sands them, and uses large copper and carved bone beads in some of her weaves. Cassies also make coasters, key chains, and plant hangers.”
“We have macrame key chains, plant hangers, dream catchers, pompoms, and wall hangings in our booth at Treasures Under Sugar Loaf, handcrafted by my sister Pam Myers,” says Judy Ratz, seller at Treasures Under Sugar Loaf, Winona.
Contributed
Sandy Erdman is a Winona-based freelance writer and certified appraiser who focuses on antiques, antiques, and collectibles. Send comments and story suggestions to Sandy at
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