“It is interesting how I can look at a piece I have made and relate the design to how I was feeling while I made it.” While some artists get inspiration for their pieces from nature, personal experiences and more, some like Lauren Patterson base her designs on the feelings she has in a particular moment. Maker behind TheLittleKnotShoppe, Lauren creates macramé designs that bring together classic 1960’s design with modern bohemian style. We had a chat with her about her creative process, favourite piece and more.

1. Tell us more about your background and what led you to choosing macramé as a craft? 
My name is Lauren and I am a fiber artist from San Diego, California. I have always loved making things with my hands and trying out new crafts. I taught myself how to macramé while I was taking my Masters degree in occupational therapy and used it as a therapeutic tool and creative outlet — a place to relax and turn off my brain.  I love how simple knots can create intricate detail and become beautiful designs. I decided to open an Etsy shop, The Little Knot Shoppe, in November of 2016 to share my passion with others and make handcrafted pieces for others to enjoy in their space. I had no idea that I would fall in love with a craft so quickly!

2. What makes you a KOEL Kid?
I make pieces that I would enjoy having in my space. I like simple, elegant designs that bring together classic 1960’s design with modern bohemian style using natural driftwood to ensure each piece is unique.

3. Share with us the creative process behind each of your project.
There is not much order or specific structure I follow when it comes to creating a new piece, which is probably why the beginning stages take the longest! I rarely have an image of a specific design that I want to create in my mind ahead of time. Most of the time, the design is usually based on how I was feeling in that particular moment. It is interesting how I can look at a piece I have made and relate the design to how I was feeling while I made it. I tend to live in the moment, and it’s rare that I can make a piece from start to finish without un-knotting and re-doing most of it. I believe that is part of the beauty of macramé!

4. Pick one of your favourite designs and answer these quick questions.

The inspiration behind this design is… Time. I first made this piece right after I took my national board exams and had to wait 2 weeks for the results. I needed something to focus all of my anxious energy on. I spent 16 hours straight on this piece and it helped me to turn off my brain and focus on something other than the test results. I love this piece because it represents a time of uncertainty and reminds me to truly be in the moment and appreciate the things around me, rather than just rush for time.

The dream store in which I would like to stock this design is… Anthropologie, and my own website (my future goal!).

Which celebrity house can you picture your design at… Goldie Hawn, a true hippie. I can definitely see this piece on one of her walls.

If this design made it big, I would… Keep doing what I am doing as I simply love it!

If this design could talk, it would say… “Knot 378… Knot 379… are we done yet?”

5. Great things take time, so how much has changed since you first started macramé and where do you see it in the next five years?
I started my macramé journey in October 2016 and so much has changed. Modern macramé has become pretty popular and this craft has introduced me to an entire community of like-minded, creative women that I have had the honor of meeting, collaborating with and supporting. Within the next 5 years, I would love to hold frequent workshops to help others learn this beautiful art and use it to meet more people who share this passion!

Photo Credits: Lauren Patterson