Let some Knotwork Unleash Your Inner Creativity this Weekend: Macrame Made Easy: Stylish Patterns and Projects for Beginners by Harumi Kageyama, Tomiko Fujisawa

 Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this ebook, free of charge ,from Ingram Publishers, via EdelweissPlus for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis:

From knotting a simple spiral bracelet to creating a boho wall hanging--macrame has never been easier or more stylish.

In this book, Japanese macrame and handicraft guru Harumi Kageyama presents illustrated step-by-step lessons that introduce you to 28 different knots and 23 innovative projects, including ornamental, wearable, and useful items such as:

Reusable shopping bags that look chic and cut down on waste

Knotted handbags and pouches that add a boho touch to any outfit

An ornamental feather to embellish just about anything

Spiral bracelets that call back to everyone's favorite friendship bracelets

Covers to transform glass jars into unique decorative objects for events or home decor

And more!

While this book offers practical instructions and opportunities to practice what you've learned, it also serves as a resource for inspiration. Once you get the hang of the basics, your imagination and creativity will take over.

Review:

This book is probably really for someone who may have done some knotwork before, but isnt super handy with it, as the lay out is really more for someone just up from absolute beginner. I say that because you don't always have step by step pictures, and your project pictures are in in one section, but the instructions in another, which means means bookmarking the picture, if you want quick reference while working, as you don't have those step pictures. On small items it's not a big deal, but when you need to make sure the layout of the bag is looking the same, sometimes diagrams aren't always the best.

And while she does walk you through the basics, having done some macrame before helps to understand what might be slightly lost in translation. I found the patterns easy to follow. Teens especially will like the bracelet sections, as they can easily add charms, beads and more to really personalize the patterns. I can even see where they could use the patterns to set up a small pop up, selling the bracelets. Overall it's a good book to explore your interest in macrame, and it would be a good summer boredom buster,

About the Authors:

Harumi Kageyama is a dedicated designer, author and teacher. Her work focuses on upcycling and integrating multiple materials including wire, fabric and wood with knotted cotton and wool. Her teaching focuses on repurposing and recycling the things you already have available around you. She is the author of several innovative craft books in her native Japan--covering everything from weaving on homemade cardboard looms to making useful items with old textiles, wire and wood. www.kageyamaharumi.com

Tomiko Fujisawa provided technical assistance and supervision for the projects in this book. She is the senior managing director of Marchen Art Company, her family business and serves as the secretary of the Japan Macrame Popularization Society. www.marchen-art.co.jp 

Instagram @marchen_art @hamiko39plus_h