A Knotty Story
As a young child growing up on the island of Rotuma – a small remote island in the South Pacific near Fiji – I spent a lot of my time crafting and gardening. It was Grandma who first taught me how to weave, she was a weaver of ceremonial mats, beautiful fans and general household items like baskets for food and cooking. I loved to learn about carving and the unique culture and tradition of the island of Rotuma.
I first learned Macramé knots by making shell bracelets, anklets and traditional dancing outfits that we used on the island for special functions or events of celebration. I am very inspired by anything crafty I see and always hoped to have more time to do it.
Enter Covid-19 and lockdown. Whilst it initially was a frustrating situation it gave me the perfect opportunity to get back to my Macramé. My family and I decided to be creative and find other ways to make use of our time together, something fun and enjoyable not only for us parents but for our 7 year old! We all enjoyed planting new gardens, crafting and activities whilst I have filled our walls with Macramé.
I don’t follow any patterns so you’ll see that every piece made is unique and special. I usually see something that inspires a vision of what I want to make, and a creation begins. It often surprises me on how pieces turn out in the end. There are pieces you’ll see that has meaning behind it and some are quite practical. Even the more ‘practical’ pieces that my lovely wife has asked me to make for the kitchen such as paper roll holders and shelves are unique and eye-catching.
As the lockdown restrictions eased, we have had visitors to our house and I was surprised at how many not only loved my work but also bought and ordered pieces. So the hobby/business Mr.Knotty was born in July 2020!
Each piece I make is truly a labour of love, it is like my fingers and mind go somewhere very peaceful and time can just pass on by while I knot away. I am very conscious of the environment when sourcing the materials that I use in my work, using the most natural products wherever possible. That is the beauty of weaving and Macrame it just wouldn’t work with plastic!
I can customise orders to your liking and just about anything you can imagine, I can most likely make it into a “Knotty” creation.
You can email me: reco@mrknotty.com.au