MakerSpace
Moment

August 2024

We made it through our adventures this summer reading. We are still exploring the craft of nalbinding. This fiber art dates back to prehistory and is a great way to create strong and warm clothing. We already had the Defiance location class for nalbinding, but you can still join us at Sherwood, Hicksville, or virtually.


Watch for more maker classes this fall and also see what other departments are doing across all 3 locations on our calendar and the event list.

See Our Calendar & Register
Questions? Want to make a MakerSpace appointment?
or 419.782.1456 EXT:1108

Take & Make:

Sunflower Basket

While Supplies last starting Aug. 6th

Adults 18+


Upcoming Maker & Tech Events


Aug. 5th

Hicksville

Nalbinding: Ancient Textile Craft

5 pm

Registration Required


Aug. 6th

Sherwood

Nalbinding: Ancient Textile Craft

5 pm

Registration Required


Aug. 9th

Hicksville - Teens

Charlie Cart: Veggie Fajitas

6 pm

Registration Required


Aug. 10th

Sherwood

Perler Party

10 am - noon


Aug. 10th

Virtual

Nalbinding: Ancient Textile Craft

2 pm

Registration Required


Aug. 12th

Sherwood

Lego Fun

1 - 3 pm


Aug. 12th

Hicksville- Tweens, Teens, & Adults

Charlie Cart: Rock, Paper, Chopsticks

1 pm

Registration Required


Aug. 13th

MakerSpace

Fiber Arts Club

4 - 7 pm


Aug. 14th

Hicksville - School Age

Craft Party

1 pm


Aug. 16th

Hicksville: Teens

Charlie Cart: Bean & Cheese Tostadas

1 pm

Registration Required


Aug. 19th

Defiance - 6-12th grade

Crafterteens: Tiny Terrariums

4-6 pm


Aug. 26th

Defiance - Grades 6-12

Crochet For a Cause

4 - 6 pm


July 23rd

Sherwood

A Pirate's Craft for Me: Macramé

5 pm

Registration Required


July 30th

Hicksville - Kids 7 -12 years

Lego Club

4 - 5:30 pm

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Macramé

Here is the recap of the Macramé class we had this summer. The video below will show you how to make a wall hanging and also talk about the history of Macramé as a craft.


Macramé comes from a French word and was first recorded as being used in English in the late 1860s. Its definition is "a lacelike webbing made of hand-knotted cord." The word macramé stems from the same word in Italian but it meant a type of hand towel fringing. This, in turn, stems from makrama defined as "napkin, face towel". Makrama came from the Arabic word miqrama meaning "embroidered coverlet, veil, bedspread".


The act of knotting has been an important part of human history and a technology that led to the success of humans. From knots on arrows and spears to knots making up fishing nets, to knotting together structures, the use of knots including the plain, clove hitch, and sliding knot were already in use by 8,000 B.C. The first fishing net dates back to 9,000 B.C. Once basic needs were being met by knots, they became something that was done for decoration and was used throughout many cultures. Even civilizations that were separate from each other independently developed and used similar knots.


The first known use of knotting for decoration was done around the edge of mats. This was done by the Assyrians and Persians in 2,300 B.C. Mesopotamia. In the 8th century, Arabic and Turkish people became masters of the craft making intricate knotting to decorate towels and tablecloths that had been created on a loom. The process of weaving leaves fringes on the ends was perfect for this artistry.


Then sailors who were already using knots for their shipbuilding and sailing began to take on the craft. Sailors and pirates in the 14th and 15th centuries created items while on long hauls especially while on night watch and then would sell them when they got into port. They greatly used the square knot to make things like hammocks and belts. This led to the expansion of macrame into Europe as they started selling their creations.


From the Middle East, the art of macrame began to spread to Europe via Spain. From Spain, it traveled to 14th-century France where it was called filet-de-Carnassiere at the time. It was often practiced by nuns and monks who already had experience in the fiber arts of lacemaking and needlework. The craft became more expensive at this time since they used materials like silk and was used to decorate royalty and their court's clothing.


Today sailors still practice macrame, often, using nylon rope to create lanyards. This not only provides a hobby but also helps sailors keep their knot-tying skills fresh. Knots are still important and used all over ships, even Naval Ships like the USS George Washington that keep the tradition alive.

References:


Bowser, D. J. (2016, May 24). The art of Macramé; sailors continue the tradition. The Spirit of Freedom. https://washington73.wordpress.com/2016/05/24/the-art-of-macrame-sailors-continue-the-tradition/


Dictionary.com. (2022, May 25). Macramé. Dictionary.com. https://www.dictionary.com/e/word-of-the-day/macrame-2022-05-25/


Epp. (2020, May 6). Personal project - in the footsteps of sailors. macrame. friendships bracelets. Learn it, Share it! Volunteers’ Life. https://learnitshareit.weebly.com/our-work/personal-project-in-the-footsteps-of-sailors-macrame-friendships-bracelets


Gonzalez, B. (2024, June 18). Untold history of macrame. Club del Macrame. https://clubdelmacrame.com/blog/historia/the-history-of-macrame/#:~:text=Decorating%20tablecloths%20with%20knotted%20fringed,when%20it%20began%20to%20be


Otto, C. (n.d.). The Amazing History of Macramé. Sutori. https://www.sutori.com/en/story/the-amazing-history-of-macrame--3WpiLuPZoHz9WDNqgS43igi7 

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