Jack Lenor Larson once said Mary Walker Phillips was ”without doubt, the most important figure in contemporary American knitting.” Phillips took that traditional craft to new levels, knitting large art pieces noted for their innovative structures and sometimes using unusual materials such as paper tape or wire. She studied weaving at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan, began to explore knitting in 1962, and in the late '60s became interested in macramé. Phillips was inducted into the American Craft Council College of Fellows in 1978 in recognition for her groundbreaking work.

In 1970, Mary Walker Phillips generously designed and executed the macramé example featured in the slide kit, “Macramé Techniques” for the American Crafts Council. She also authored and provided a copy of her book Step-by-Step Macramé referred to in the slide notes.

In “Macramé Techniques,” Phillips walks the viewer through the entire process to create a sampler, beginning with materials used and project preparation. She continues thoughtfully teaching her way through the construction, starting with very basic instructions. In three slides, for example, she demonstrates the half knot: the first step of the half knot, the knot complete, and pulling the half knot to the beginning of the piece. “Macramé Techniques” can be found online in our digital collections, so you too can learn classic techniques and make a macramé wallhanging – perhaps in the classic cream, yellow, rust, and red palette used by Phillips!

If you are in the Minneapolis area and learning from a teacher is more your style, join the Textile Center class hosted at the ACC Library, and make your very own macramé owl. Registration can be by phone, mail, or fax, using the Textile Center’s downloadable pdf registration form – please register early. We hope to see you at the ACC Library for the class, or perhaps you can make something using Mary Walker Phillip’s instructions. If you do, please send us a picture! 

Macramé 2: The Owl
Monday February 11, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
It doesn't get any more iconic than the macramé owl! Build your skills with this classic macramé design. Your choice of materials will determine the size of your finished owl - from a brooch made from waxed linen cord to a wall hanging made from jute. Beginners are welcome. Materials fee $10, payable to the instructor.
Instructor: Sara Langworthy
$35/$30 Textile Center Members or ACC Members

A weekly shout out to the printed word, From the Stacks highlights what's new and what's loved in the American Craft Council Library.