As a little girl, I was always fascinated watching the old time fishermen on Monhegan Island, Maine mend their fishing nets the traditional way. One Christmas my father gave me a spool of rope and I learned macrame. But I still always had that desire to learn how to do fancy work, and learning knots that could be turned into jewelry and home decor items. Fast forward several decades. My husband an
d I bought a Cape Cod Catboat (sailboat) that was built in 1910. That’s right, 1910, not 2010. We needed all new rigging (rope lines) and I loved watching our friend Charlie do the job. His skill was amazing and so artistic. A couple of years later, our yacht club asked for Christmas ornament donations for their new tree. Wondering how I could contribute, the idea of making monkey fist knot ornaments came to mind. Monkey fist knots are round, and what could be more appropriate than ornaments made from tying a rope knot! I taught myself how to tie monkey fist knots and made ornaments. That year all of my family and friends received monkey fist knot and "snowflake" or turks head ornaments for Christmas. As I was making the ornaments, it occurred to me that made in a smaller size, these monkey fist knots would make really cute earrings. Inspired a few months later, I bought the materials and made my first pair of earrings. Immediately I got compliments on them. Friends and strangers loved them. At a party, the wife of a coworker asked if I would make a pair for a friend, and she would pay me for them. Next thing I knew I was making and selling colorful and cute earrings. I still love making them. And that's how Fancy Ropework by Miss Laurie was born.While doing various craft fairs, people always ask me if I can make this or that. My inventory of products has grown mostly due to special requests. After prodding from friends and customers, I also have an Etsy shop. Thank you for stopping in. Stay as long as you'd like, and please come back again soon.
