Monday 15 October 2012

Macrame latest

 I have learned a new way of adding non-circular beads to macrame and was eager to have a go.  I took the previous bracelet with these stones in it apart, as I wasn't happy with the cord which didn't seem strong enough to support the stones. This latest technique is called floating stitch/knot as the stones sit above the macrame and are held in place by one strand which is lifted up and then incorporated back down again.
You can see the way the stones are held above the macrame in this photo.  The stones are blue sandstone, which is made from glass.  I do think this is a much better way of incorporating them than just knotting them on one strand.  The next technique to try will be the herringbone/fishbone stitch...

7 comments:

  1. Hi Ellie, lovely bracelet, but that's not why I'm here! I hopped across from Sue's blog this morning after reading your comment. I have loved Elizabeth Goudge 's books for years, but have never come across a sequel to City of Bells...yippeee, now just to try and find one!

    Nice to 'meet' you, Ellie, and have had a good read of your lovely blog, thanks for the tip, I'm off to look for a book! Lx

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    1. Dear Lynne
      Thank you for your comment. Sister of the Angels is set in Torminster and features Henrietta as the heroine, with her father, grandfather, grandmother and adopted brother. It is a lovely Christmassy story and is well worth a read. It is quite difficult to get hold of but the occasional copy does turn up, so put it on your wish list and keep looking (around £15.00 in the UK, but $30.00 plus in the US). I hope you manage to find it.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  2. Dear Jooles
    Thank you for your comment. I was very pleased with my first attempt at this stitch/knot. I haven't yet plucked up enough courage to try the herringbone/fishbone knot yet - that's my next challenge.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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  3. Now that is rather nifty! Loving these :)

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  4. Dear Annie
    Thank you for your comment. It opens out a whole new world of macrame bracelets using different shaped stones. The only proviso is that the stones will fit onto the cord (which a lot of gemstones don't!) Of course, that means further research (and spending, no doubt) on widths of cord...
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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  5. Hi!
    I've been searching and searching for a tutorial on how to create the floating stitch and your site is the ONLY place I can even find just a reference to it! I love your bracelet. Can you direct me to instructions or a tutorial please?

    With great anticipation and appreciation
    Yvonne

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    1. Dear Yvonne
      Thank you for your comment. I found out about this stitch from watching a demonstration on Jewellery Maker. It is a reasonably simple process where you use three strands as normal, except the lazy strand with the gemstones on it, is picked up and goes over the top of the working strands, which continue with a square knot underneath the stone and then it goes back underneath again (if you see what I mean). I am not sure whether I can find instructions or a tutorial either, but I'll have a look. If you would like to email me via my contact details on my profile page, even if I can't find a tutorial, I can perhaps talk you through what I did in a little more detail.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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