This month we meet with Susan. Susan is one of those lucky people who are just naturally crafty and it seems that whatever she wants to try, she succeeds at with ease.
Susan and I first crossed paths when she came to the shop as a weaver. She was big on texture and always had lots of beautiful tones in her basket. Her work as a weaver was beautiful, but as I find with many fibre artists, a love for one medium usually leads to an interest in another. It wasn’t long before I noticed an increased interest in Macrame from Susan across my social media. I then had the pleasure of watching Susan actually start to explore Macrame in depth. Her love for tying knots grew pretty quickly, so much so she sold off her weaving looms (including one to me) so she could focus solely on Macrame. Since this time Susan has created some incredible pieces including some very impressive large pieces, which all my fellow macrame artists know, take an exhausting amount of time to cut to length and that is always an achievement just in itself!
Susan really has found her groove in Macrame and I hope she is proud of how far she has come. I love that she is continuously growing her skills and learning new techniques. I can’t wait to see where you are at in another 12 months.
Let’s learn a little bit more about Susan.
Tell us in a few sentences a little bit about yourself: Some info you may like to include is where you are from, do you work outside of your fibre obsession, family etc. Anything you are comfortable in sharing.
Hi, I’m Susan from Knot Today. I was born in Melbourne and moved to Wodonga in country Victoria when I was young and have lived here ever since. I have a Fiancé Alun and two beautiful children, Morgan 11 and Meadow 8 that keep me very busy alongside a full time job of Maintenance scheduling for Defence. When I’m not busy with work or family you will find me in my happy place doing Macramé.
Please share one random/ interesting fact about you.
I love cats! I have two Persian cats that are brothers Winnie and Teddy.
Which fibre art/s has sent you down the rabbit hole?
I have always been drawn to the amazing colours and textures involved in Fibre Art. I started out with Crochet, then moved onto weaving and quickly found my passion was with knots and the endless possibilities of Macramé.
How long have you been creating?
I have been focusing on Macramé for the past 18 months and I’m still continuing to evolve and learn every day. The options are really endless and I am inspired daily with new ideas and techniques. I just wish I had more hours in the day to be able to create and put those ideas to work.
What are your future fibre goals?
My future fibre goals are to continue to evolve and hopefully find my own unique style. Lately I find myself drawn to finding the perfect piece of driftwood/material to create my next piece with. I’m finding myself spending more time sourcing the perfect piece of driftwood, then the process involved in making it look amazing. It is fascinating to me. Cutting, Bleach baths, sanding and varnish are some of the processes that follow. I think having the perfect piece of driftwood is very important and can make your Macramé stand out and last the test of time. I have also made some hangings with deer antlers which look quite striking and unique.
What is your most challenging piece to date? Pics would be amazing.
My most challenging and largest piece to date was a wedding arbour backdrop I used a pattern by handmade.junessejani. I brought a large wooden arbour that I have attached the backdrop to and I plan to hire it out for local weddings. It has more than 1000 meters of 4mm Luxe Macramé cotton string. I can’t wait to see this one in action and hope it will help make many special memories for couples for years to come.
How have you learnt your craft - self-taught, workshops, books, online tutorials?
There are so many great resources around. I have learnt mostly by following online tutorials and patterns. Many sleepless nights spent searching you tube!
Is there a fibre artist that inspires you the most?
There are so many wonderful fibre artists. From the very beginning I’m thankful that I started to follow Sarah from Vadablue. Sarah is always willing to give guidance and has excellent product knowledge that was so helpful when I first started out.
Others that continue to inspire me are Mary Maker Studio, Jac.home.heart and holmmademacrame.
Best Tip or Trick?
When trying to get the perfect fringe I recommend brushing both sides, then using a handheld steamer in between before a final brush. I find this helps stop it curling. Another tip which I didn’t think of but I regularly use is dipping the ends of string in hot candle wax to stop it unraveling. Then you simply cut the ends off when you have finished the piece.
What is your favourite knot/technique to do? Why
I love tassels and fringe! I love the difference that tassels or fringe can make to your piece and again there is some many different ways to incorporate it into your work.
Neutrals or colour
I love both! It really depends how I’m feeling sometimes I do lots of neutral pieces and other days I can’t help myself and find myself needing a pop of colour.
What is your favourite VADA BLUE fibre to use and why?
Vada Blue’s Natural Luxe Macrame string is my absolute go to! It’s so versatile and I always have multiple rolls on hand. Vada Blue’s Limited edition silk touch is divine…. So soft and silky and brushes out effortlessly. Vada Blue also has a wonderful colour selection.
Where can you find your work? Ie: online, markets, website, shop?
You can find my work online on my facebook page @knottodaybysusan , Instagram @knot_today_susan or etsy @KnotTodaybySusanAU