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Keep Your Hands Busy with Crochet, Macramé or Rattan

At-home hobbies are helping people stay active and engaged during the pandemic

spinner image Hand made hobby crafts things. woman hands knitting crochet.
Fly_dragonfly / getty images

 | Most of the nation is spending a tremendous amount of time at home, and people are bored. They're looking to resurrect old hobbies — or start new ones. “I think we're in a general ‘makers movement,’ “ says Dayna Isom Johnson, trend expert for the e-commerce crafting site Etsy.

"Younger people, older people — everyone wants to do something with their hands again. People are craving something special,” says Isom Johnson, who was a judge on the new NBC television show Making It, a competition series for makers that was hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. “They want something unique that can't be found anywhere else."

In fact, there has been an increase in demand for a variety of arts-and-crafts activities (as well as musical instruments and toys), since a greater number of people have entered self-isolation, according to NMPI, a digital marketing agency that studies these trends. And “arts-and-crafts retailers are considered more of an ‘essential’ during this time as they are able to facilitate enjoyment during times of self-isolation."

Handmade (and handmade-looking) pieces can be purchased online or in stores; or you can learn these crafts yourself with the help of DIY kits and online tutorials. “People are craving that time when you could show off something you made and feel proud,” Isom Johnson adds.

In fact, according to NMPI, “an increased number of news articles, blogs and YouTube videos are detailing crafts and hobbies to carry out at home, while people are social distancing, focusing on the positive impacts including stress and anxiety reduction."

The pandemic has made it difficult to obtain the proper thread and yarn in some places. But Amazon can typically deliver in less than a week; crafts stores like Joann's Fabrics and Michael's sometimes offer same-day delivery, if there's a store near you.

Here are some of today's hottest decor trends from the 1970s that have been brought back to life.

spinner image Macrame design
Getty Images

Macramé

Think of the knotted craft macramé, and you likely have visions of white, ropy wall hangings and plant holders. “You're still seeing wall hangings and plant holders but now in a refreshed way,” Isom Johnson says. “I have a wall hanging in my house that is replacing a headboard. That wasn't being done in the ‘70s, but it's a trend that's happening now."

The resurrected craft is popping up in all manner of home decor and furniture: swinging chairs, benches, table runners. You might even spot some at your child's or grandchild's wedding — draped over the backs of chairs, as photo booth backdrops, even as part of the altar regalia.

The macramé of today has been reimagined beyond just beige or white: Think ombré effect (fading from one hue of a color to another) and bright, vibrant dyes. These days, materials are more varied than standard brown jute: There's packing twine, cotton rope, hemp or even the jersey used to make T-shirts.

"I really enjoy making macramé and coming up with new designs and ideas to make them unique,” says Natasha Vahk, owner of Etsy's Creative Chic Shop, based in Spokane, Washington. “My newest wall hanging is on a piece of thick rubber pipe with artificial greens inside."

The new take on this old craft is resonating. Compared with last year, Etsy has seen searches for macramé increase by 60 percent in the past three complete months. Those who are feeling nostalgic — or want to pick up the hobby for the first time — can find thousands of how-to videos on YouTube or order DIY kits from sites such as ModernMacrame.com or Etsy.

Rattan

In the 1970s, entire furniture sets made of rattan (woven using the stems of palm fronds) were commonplace in beach-house living rooms and porches. Nowadays, rattan functions as more of an accessory piece — even for fashion. “You're seeing it in so many categories across the spectrum — in handbags and earrings, but also mirrors, chairs and other furniture,” says Isom Johnson, who notes searches for rattan on Etsy have increased 41 percent in the past three months. “Rattan is certainly something that could be learned by the average crafter, but it takes precision and intricate weaving skills."

Crochet

"Crochet is still going strong,” says Isom Johnson, who notes there has been a 17 percent increase in searches on Etsy for crochet items in the past three complete months. “Pillows and blankets can feature crocheted fringe and pom-pom design, light fixtures are updated with brightly colored crocheted hoods, and popular motifs like crocheted cactuses are used as fun decor inspiration."

At sites such as B.hooked Crochet, crafters can find free patterns for all types of crocheted items — from whimsical gear for the grandbabies (ice cream swirl hats and stuffed animals) to grocery bags and blankets. There are even crochet podcasts available, such as the Crochet Circle and Power Purls.

Terrazzo

Dating back centuries, marble-flecked terrazzo surfaces enjoyed great popularity as floors and backsplashes in schools and hospitals of the 1970s. Now the look is back. “In its revival, you find terrazzo has exploded across all categories,” Isom Johnson says. “The speckled effect is mimicked on wallpaper, journals and artwork of all kinds. It's gorgeous and really fresh."

You can learn to make your own terrazzo-inspired products on sites like Hunker and YouTube.

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