Back when Miss De Dillmont wrote her book, the ladies worked their macramé magic on a cushioned frame, using pins to help keep the cords in line to create their patterns.
Back in the 70’s my mum had a board produced by an Australian Company called ‘Semco’, their factory was actually located fairly close to us in Blackrock.
The board worked well for small items such as belts, necklaces and small wall hangings. It was a little difficult using pins into the wood, although doable with thick T-pins, was a little hard for us delicate ladies. So a hammer and nail would work better. Let’s face it, it was not the 1800s anymore!
Later 'Semco' made a new version of the board that was a softer, pressed type fibrous base with a plastic covering. Easier for pins, but would not last as long. Since I learnt on the wooded board, that is what suits me.
Of course if you are making larger items, such as clothing, a bigger handmade board (thanks to my husband) work well. Pot holders and larger wall hangings, start off on the board then hang up and keep on knotting!
The boards were rather well designed (even if only in Imperial) as they came complete with knots and their abbreviations. The wooden board, not so great with the instructions on the back, and the newer on the front… ingenious!
And guess what?.... These are the only knots you need to learn!
Of course there are other tips and tricks to keeping your work to size and shape, but if you learn the basic ‘Square Knot’ first you can make an easy bracelet & key chain. I great little activity for the kids too!
Back in the 70’s my mum had a board produced by an Australian Company called ‘Semco’, their factory was actually located fairly close to us in Blackrock.
The board worked well for small items such as belts, necklaces and small wall hangings. It was a little difficult using pins into the wood, although doable with thick T-pins, was a little hard for us delicate ladies. So a hammer and nail would work better. Let’s face it, it was not the 1800s anymore!
Later 'Semco' made a new version of the board that was a softer, pressed type fibrous base with a plastic covering. Easier for pins, but would not last as long. Since I learnt on the wooded board, that is what suits me.
Of course if you are making larger items, such as clothing, a bigger handmade board (thanks to my husband) work well. Pot holders and larger wall hangings, start off on the board then hang up and keep on knotting!
The boards were rather well designed (even if only in Imperial) as they came complete with knots and their abbreviations. The wooden board, not so great with the instructions on the back, and the newer on the front… ingenious!
And guess what?.... These are the only knots you need to learn!
Of course there are other tips and tricks to keeping your work to size and shape, but if you learn the basic ‘Square Knot’ first you can make an easy bracelet & key chain. I great little activity for the kids too!
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