BY-ME, KATIE: Q & A
6 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
KATIE MITCHELL, BY-ME
From a Textiles degree, to a career in Visual Marchanising. And back again. Katie Mitchell has come full circle. After having her children Katie turned to macrame for her creative outlet but it has fast become the next progression in her career portfolio. She founded By-Me, Katie to make, sell and teach macrame. AND we are very happy to be hosting a workshop at the our Studio-Shop on 2nd November.
We asked Katie 6 questions, she answered…read on.
Q 1. What led you to macrame?
I’ve always loved designing and making, inspired by my mum who set up her own soft furnishing business when I was a teenager. I studied Textile Design at University then went on to work as a visual merchandiser for several high street interior and fashion brands. After having a family, I decided to leave the 9 to 5 and felt inspired to go back to my textile roots, and by chance discovered macrame on Pinterest. I had a go and have been hooked ever since!
Q 2. What is your absolutely favourite thing to make?
I really enjoy making my floral dreamcatchers. They combine macrame and my love for faffing with flowers! And I think they’re a really lovely object to hang on your wall instead of a painting or print.
Q 3. Any advice for someone who wants to join your workshop?
So many people say to me before my workshops that they’re ‘not crafty’ and seem really worried they won't be able to do it. The good news is that macrame is really easy (but looks complicated!) and after a few minutes in, they're knotting away happily. What’s great about my workshops is that you make an entire plant hanger from start to finish in just a couple of hours. Then you can go home and start using it straight away!
Q 4. Tell us a surprising fact about macrame!
Macrame is used as an art therapy activity as it can be very calming, soothing to the body and mind and therefore has many therapeutic benefits. It’s easy to lose yourself in the knotting and get away from all the stresses and strains of everyday life. It's a really relaxing and mindful activity.
Q 5. Who or what inspires you?
I adore the work of Windy Chien. She's a Chinese American Artist based in San Francisco. I love her work as she's taken the art of macrame away from the 'hippy, 70's boho' aesthetic, making incredible knotted sculptures and large scale installations which are beautiful and functional. I think she’s influenced my approach to macrame and other work, although I'd definitely like to make some large scale pieces for a commercial space. That would be amazing
Q 6. What’s next for you?
I'm trying out lots of new ideas for 2024 at the moment. All to appear on my IG account in the coming months: By_me_katie
