Macram-aking a comeback
Macramé — knot just your grandmother’s choice in decorating
Macramé, a somewhat forgotten art form, is making a comeback, as a younger generation breathes new life into a 1970’s classic.
Operating under the moniker Knoteasynl, local textiles enthusiast Joanne Yetman is bringing macramé back into the limelight in 2017.
The art of macramé actually has been around since the 13th century, with a revival during the Victorian era. Its function has remained the same throughout all these years — as a way to decorate and embellish.
Of course, the ancient weavers likely weren’t making macramé plant hangers as a way to show off their collection of cacti and succulents.
Yetman’s voyage into this art form started last year, as a — you guessed it — way to display her growing collection of plants.
“I made something super simple and it did the job,” Yetman said of her first creation, a plant hanger. “My once-a-week habit of buying plants and needing a place to put them got me into full on macramé.”
She had some experience going in, as Yetman — like many of us — made friendship bracelets as a kid. She had a basic understanding of knots, and more importantly, the patience to tie hundreds of them.
“Macramé is very meditative for me. It helps me keep my mind occupied,” Yetman said.
“It isn’t easy but I don’t think it’s particularly hard, either,” she continued. “Once you get all the different knots down, like any craft or art, you have to get imaginative and figure out what works and what doesn’t. I would say the hardest part for me at this point is having my arms up all the time. Give me another year and I might have tree trunks for arms,” she joked.
With macramé moving away from its former reputation as something only your grandmother could love, Yetman said that the craft is moving towards “grandma chic” these days.
So is this revival all thanks to current minimalist design trends, with a focus on natural textures and fabric, or is it because our society places an increased value on handmade items?
“Home decor seems to be moving toward a ‘less is more’ idea. That means getting what you pay for and buying local handmade, home grown prod- ucts,” Yetman said.
“It may be a bit more expensive but you know these products can be passed down the generations and they are made with love.”
While some of Yetman’s designs have a designated function, such as a plant hanger, she also creates wall hangings, incorporating local driftwood, beads, and more. Yetman noted that these artistic pieces can be challenging — mentally and physically.
“I can look at a piece for days wondering what I’m going to do with it next. I could be close to finishing a piece, realize I’m not fussy on how it looks, then untie the knots and start all over again,” she said.
“I could do a sketch of an idea first but what’s the fun in that? In the end, I do what I think looks good.”
And what she has been doing has been good — Yetman has received an outpouring of support and positive feedback from family, friends and strangers.
She has recently started selling her works at Twisted Sisters Boutik in downtown St. John’s. This experience has forced her to cut the cord (pun intended) with her handmade, labourintensive pieces.
“I nearly cried when I sold my first piece because I didn’t want to see it go,” Yetman laughed.
A year later, her drive to create has outweighed her personal connections to these intricate knots and fraying fabrics. If you ask nicely, she might even be able to make you your own tablecloth, à la Aunt Gertrude.
Check out Joanne Yetman’s artworks on Instagram at @ knoteasynl or contact the artist at knoteasynl@gmail.com.