Macrame Mania Alert – Aged Art of Knot Tying Is Back With A High Fashion Twist

Macrame is an age-old craft based on tying knots. Dating back to the thirteenth century, this is a craft for the ages. It is believed that the art originated with Arab weavers. Macrame spread to Spain and Europe via trade routes. Sailors used to spending long months at sea, picked up the hobby as a way to pass time. The finished results of their hobby were used to barter for essential goods on land. The art form flourished as macrame spread throughout the world.

During Victorian times, macrame’s popularity peaked. During this time Macrame lace became very popular, being used to embellish all manner of items such as curtains, dress hems, pillowcases and women’s blouse sleeves.

Over the centuries the popularity of Macrame gradually diminished. Some of these crafts never return. But the knot tying art keeps coming back.

The popularity peaked once again in the seventies. Macrame plant hangers and owl’s were easy to find in homes during that time. During this revival the craft focused more on textiles and furnishings. Macrame hammocks, chairs and decorative accessories were everywhere.

By the time the eighties rolled around, macrame had gone out of fashion. However, it only experienced a short downtime. The grunge scene emerged in the nineties. Once again the craft made a comeback, this time in the form of hemp jewelry. Home and craft fairs started selling macrame items such as necklaces and bracelets. The knotted art form was the perfect complement to the earthy, natural look that became popular.

Once again, we are seeing a revival in the ancient art form. Recently we have seen the world of high fashion embracing the craft. While subtly added at first, macrame pieces are now showing up in Spring and Summer 2010 fashion collections. Who would have guessed that you’d find several gorgeous macrame dresses in Dianne Von Furstenberg’s Spring 2010 collection, a well known fashion designer.

The world of high fashion is reigniting the macrame craze. Dig up your old macrame cord and start knotting!