Macrame Wild Weekend

It turned out to be a great start.
Four flex frame  purses and a market bag. I have to admit I finished the market bag before this weekend began.

I started in the evening Friday until 11 p.m.

Saturday morning about 9 until 4 in the afternoon.

My husband and I helped paint at Inspired For You Saturday night until 11 p.m.
Sunday, I served at church in the morning.

Stopped by my brother’s house for his birthday at 2-4 p.m.

By 11 p.m.Sunday this is what was finished.

I’m pretty pleased.

Let’s see how far I get with the rest by next Sunday night.

Until next time,

Be creative!

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Macrame-First of the New Ones

Here is the first of many. It is a 12″ Flex Frame Macrame purse.

I have been so busy with life this month that I find my computer and craft room calling to me. It has been two weeks since I’ve posted anything (sounds like confession).

I am sure that everyone planned all their events and summer get-togethers for the month of August just before school starts. No sooner does one weekend end, then the next one fills up. But where I stand right now, every weekend this month is just about full.
I have entered the Riverwalk Craft Fair for August 25, 2012.This is the reason for my concern.
I have started eleven new purses at the end of July and this is the fourth one completed. The first two were Hippie Bags. I will post the third one soon. To clarify things a little more, I work outside my home and pull in the garage about six. Usually I don’t get settled down to crafting until after supper about 7 p.m. during the week. This week, other this have called louder than the craft room.
BUT tomorrow night I will start and continue through Saturday until about four in the afternoon. Yes, I will sleep a bit in there.
Let’s see how far I get. I WILL keep you posted.

Wish me luck.

Macrame Busy-ness


This is how I spent my weekend.
About a week ago, I drew up the sheets showing what I have in available stock. I then made out a list of items that need filling for up coming craft shows.
According to my figures, I would like to create 12 additional purses before the end of August. Here is the start of that dozen and I am pretty pleased with them.


This first one was originally going to be my own personal one. It is a 12″ flex frame made with tan, black and ivory 6mm macrame cord. I have been putting this one off for so long; mostly because I have an 8″ and a 17″ flex frame already.
There is nothing worse then working on something for yourself when you have an extensive plan in the works.

Here is another 12″ flex frame purse; I only have one in stock and these are very popular. They are just the right size for the average women’s personal items.
This one is eggplant on the sides and strap with a center panel of black and white. This and the last one have a 22″ strap length, perfect rest at the hip.

This purse is 14″ and is a clutch or handbag, there is not a strap. I am really happy with the bead and two-tone brown patten.
A great fall into winter purse, it can be used for any occasion.

As you can see these purses are not finished. They are at the set up stage.
I have a few different stages that purses can be at. First there is the cut stage; where all the material is cut and hanging to be set up.
Set up is the stage where all the cut pieces are connected and the body is left to finish.
Lastly a purse will need a lining.

I like this color combination because it is the same as my 17″ flex frame, but this is 14″ in size. I have gotten so many compliments on mine that I thought that I would share a little bit.

Even though I have these to knot up into finished pieces, I just could not sit still enough to start work on the bodies.

I figured with it being the weekend, I still had about an hour to prep a couple more purses.

 

So here is how I ended my weekend. I cut enough 6mm cord for four more 12″ flex frames. They will be solid in color but with a pattern in the weave. When these purses are completed, the pattern will have a ribbed look.
From left to right is pearl for an oatmeal purse. Oatmeal was the color of the first Hippie Bag I made in an earlier post. The oatmeal color is made from a blend of ivory and pearl within the cord. I decided that the strap would be solid pearl with the oatmeal body.
The next color is forest green. Next is the color wine and the last is mauve.
You can be sure that I will be showing you each one as they are finished. For now I am satisfied with a great start.
Until net time,
be creative.

Macrame Hippie Bag

I am enjoying this design for a couple of reasons.
The first reason is that I was asked to make it for someone. This was a special order from Deanna, who knew exactly what she wanted. This purse measures 8″x8″ with a 45″ shoulder strap length.

Secondly and foremost, the request enabled me to use a macrame method that I came up with myself. I have many idea books, but there is not one that gives direction for this method.

It has the same strength and durability as any other purse, but the construction is different. The idea is to create the material and then construct the object.  Most patterns have you form as you assemble.

In February I featured a tote that was made to use as a diaper/day bag for a new dad. This too is made the same way. The best part about this design is you can make any size purse/tote you need.

For the next couple weeks I plan on putting together many different versions of this design by using 4mm and 6mm cord, varying widths and colors and front flap designs. I am going for the 8″-12″ width and no longer than 10″ length.

Stop in again and see what we’re up to.

As always, be creative.

Acquiring A Tan For Summer

Here is my recommended tan for the summer. Either of these are great for any summer outing; wedding, picnic or birthday parties. Or use these to add a little spring to your work week.

Purse number 1 on the left is made on a 12″ flex frame, giving it a dressier look. It measures 13″ x 11″ with more of a 14″ base and ample shoulder strap. There are 2 white and gold buttons on the front only. The interior liner is white with tiny white daisies. There are two ample pockets on the inside, one along the front and one on the back. The flex frame closure  keeps the contents of your purse inside. It also stays open the entire time you are looking for an item.

Purse number 2 on the right measures 10″ x 10″ with the strap cords continuing down throughout the length of the purse. This gives it great strength. The tapered sides allows you to open the sides wide apart for easy access. The three bead pattern is mirrored on both sides and the interior is white without any pattern, but has two good size pockets as the first purse. Both are easy clean.

The choice is yours.

Why go out without a little tan.

I can guarantee that it will brighten your day.

Click on the Purse Store tab to see these and other special macrame purses.

 

Always remember to,

Be creative!

Flex Frame


Here is a great “gotta run” purse. It incorporates an eight inch internal flex frame. The cords are attached by using larks head knots onto the frame and tied from there. This purse uses about 54 yards of 4mm cord in three colors.


Here I am making another purse using a twelve inch frame and 189 yards of 6mm cord. I find flex frames to be a popular style because of the frame closure; it stays open until you close it.


There are two changes in the original method to make this purse project easier. One thing I found difficulty was how to easily and quickly knot the purse once the cord was mounted onto the frame. The other complication is in the closure at the bottom; the frame opening does not always allow you to pull the entire purse inside out.

Here are my solutions.
I like to knot purses from a hanging position when possible. So  I make the shoulder strap the length that I want it to be. I leave about 5 inches of loose cord on both ends of the strap. I return to the frame with the cords attached and tie the first three square knots on the left side of the frame starting with cord number through four; this I do on both sides. Make sure the knots are tightly knotted against the frame. I tie alternating square knots under the three, starting with cord three. You will notice that the second knot on the top row has a supporting knot on each side and bottom.


Remember this is done on both sides of the purse on the left sides. If you open the frame looking down at the top, you will see work started on opposite corners.

Now the focus will be on that second surrounded knot.

You will insert the four loose strap cords from the outside toward the inside of the purse. The first two cords on one side and the second two on the other side of the second knot with the cords. Tie two very tight square knots on the inside of the purse. Making sure the strap is not twisted, tie the other end of the strap around the opposite side’s second knot.

Now you have a handle to hang the purse as you work on the rest of the body. When you have used most of the cords to produce the purse and the desired length is complete, the bottom will need to be closed.


With a purse made entirely from cord, without a metal frame or wooden handle, you are able to easily turn the entire project inside out to close and secure the bottom and return it back.

But as mentioned before the frame opening does not always allow for this. I have decided to tie the closing knots with the purse right side out. As I finish a knot, I cut he long ends short, melt the ends to stop fraying and turn the knot to the inside and continue like this until the last 4-6 inches. It is easier to have a constant flame for this method. I use a hurricane lamp without the chimney set at a very low flame. Some  may think this is a stinky way, but I have found paraffin lamp oil that does not make me nauseous from the kerosine smell.  You can use a candle if you wish.

I keep the purse right side out and find the outside 2 edge cords on one side. Place the purse between your knees letting the cords to part to either side.

Take the first two edge cords and tie two tight over hand knots. Cut the cords about an 1 1/2- 2 inches and melt the ends. Turn that knot to the inside of the purse. Take two cords from each side; the first on each side will be the center cords and the next will be the tying cords. Tie a tight square knot and cut the ends like the previous, melt and turn these to the inside as well.

Make sure you grab the next set of cords that make the square knot each time. If you do not, you will end up leaving cords out of the tie off and you will not end evenly with two cords at the end.
You should notice that the closing knots will resemble alternating knots, closing the gaps from the previous row. This makes a tight closure.

When you get to the last 4 inches, you will need to push the unfinished corner out through the opening as if turning inside out. Finish the square knots to the end, then clip and melt the ends. Push it back through the opening for finished work.

Here is the finished purse ready to be lined. The inside is big and roomy. There is plenty of space for your liner to have 4-6 deep pocket on the sides.

These directions can be used to for any size flex frame purse. The finished size of this macrame purse is 14″ opening and 16″ width at the bottom with a 12.5″ length.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to add them here. If you are interested in a purse like this, visit the shop tab at the top of this page. If you would like something made special, please contact me.
Thanks for spending time here.

Be creative!