5 Reasons to Learn Macrame!
Macrame has been part of my life every day for a couple of years now. There isn’t a day where I don’t knot something in my Melbourne Macrame Studio. It’s not just because it’s my job, it’s because macrame healed me and allowed me to find my voice creatively.
In High School, I loved to paint, make things with my hands and find ways of making the world a more interesting place with little projects in the art studio.
I really wanted to do Fine Arts at University when I left high school but my parents thought that a design degree would offer me more security as a young person. As a 17-year-old still living at home I was pretty influenced by my parents and school to complete a degree and get a good job. And yet, here I am some 12 years later with a career making things out of rope and teaching empowering Macrame workshops! (I was also crazy enough to start Think Thornbury with my Partner, Josh).
I don’t think my Interior/Graphic Design Degree was a complete waste of time. University taught me how to work to a deadline, follow briefs and expanded my mind in a way that prepared me to be determined enough to teach myself macrame and become a master of my craft.
So what is it about Macrame that healed me? Why is Middle Aisle Macrame different?
1. Macrame is really, really good for you.
When I started teaching myself Macrame I was suffering from chronic migraines. I was getting them once or twice a week. The only thing I could do was lie in bed and hope they would go away. I slowly started learning macrame knots from old instructional books. Macrame is so mindful and whilst i’m not claiming it cured my migraines I can’t say it didn’t help. The gentle art of losing myself in a craft that was repetitive and mindful helped me find a way back to being creative that I had lost. I didn’t have to worry about doing it ‘the right way’ or making sure it was perfect I just had to focus on one knot at a time and allow the thing I was working on to unfold.
2. Macrame gives you time and permission to try something new.
It’s challenging to try something new! Getting your hands to go the right way and your mind to follow the rope when you’ve never done it before can feel frustrating. In my Macrame workshops, we focus on the idea that simply by being there you’ve succeeded. Learning a new skill takes time and macrame offers the perfect opportunity to believe in yourself and slowly improve knot by knot.
3. Macrame opens your mind creatively!
So many people come to my macrame workshops and before they’ve even taken a seat say “i’m not creative!!”. Well, I’ve got news for you. None of my students have ever left with anything less than a breathtaking original macrame piece. Macrame knots are like little Lego building blocks, once you know how to tie them you can arrange them in magnificent patterns with ease. I insist my students make something original in my workshops, we don’t use any patterns or preprepared designs because if you can trust in your own ability and open your mind creatively in class you’ll be more prepared for your macrame journey at home. Everyone is creative, all it takes is a little trust and self-love to unlock that problem-solving part of your brain!
4. Contrary to popular opinion, Macrame isn’t just a fancy new ‘trend’.
People have been tying knots in rope ever since… well, ever since rope existed! Do you remember the first time you picked up a piece of cotton or string? I bet the first thing you did was wrap it around your finger or tie a knot in it! It’s such a tangible thing and feels lovely in your hands.
5. Macrame connects and gives you the opportunity to grow!
Getting out of the house and trying macrame (or any craft, really) is a wonderful way to meet people and learn a little more about the world around you. The community of people I’ve been able to meet by building my confidence and getting out of the house has been wonderful. I’m able to share and meet new people all the time in my Melbourne Macrame workshops. (Just quietly i’m very excited about my upcoming Sydney workshops!! A whole new town!).
I could give you a million more reasons….
Learning Macrame gives you the opportunity to live a healthy, active and connected life. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the craft involves tying lots of knots with singular strands of rope to craft something intertwined and beautiful.
Don’t worry about not feeling creative or lacking in ‘talent’. Being creative and developing skills takes practice and time.
Be gentle with yourself and allow yourself the permission to try something new. You never know you might fall head over heels in love with it like I did.
Much Love,
Maggie May
Want to come and try your hand at macrame with me in a class? Check out my upcoming classes at Think Thornbury and my first ever Sydney Macrame Workshop!
Melbourne Macrame Wall Hangings
Melbourne Macrame Plant Hangers
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