Shop Talk: Fibre + Knots

Our goal for our Shop Talk series is to highlight different makers & crafters, incredible small-shops, inspiring entrepreneurs, and motivational individuals or families!

There couldn't be a better time than this as supporting local and small shops during these stressful times will make a MASSIVE, positive impact on makers' personal and family lives.

Today we're excited to be chatting to Tara from Fibre + Knots! Tara is a super talented local fibre artist who's wall hangings and other macrame creations are simply stunning! (be sure to check out her shop here and instagram page here!). She has been a wonderful support and help to us as we launched our macrame line earlier this month, and we're so thrilled to be featuring her shop here today! 

Shop Talk featuring Fibre + Knots - Cara & Co Blog PostsShop Talk - Fibre + Knots - Cara & Co Blog Posts

First, off a huge thank you to the incredible ladies at Cara & Co for giving me this amazing opportunity!! Secondly, I am a creative, not a writer so let's see if i can get through this!

So how did Fibre + Knots get started? A part of me wishes I could say that I saw some big gap in the fibre market and did my research and decided I needed to do something to fill it. However, the reality is I have my dutch heritage to thank for my small shop. I know what you're thinking - I didn't know macrame was a dutch craft? And you are 100% right - it’s not! 

Shop Talk featuring Fibre + Knots - Cara & Co Blog Posts

My dutch heritage came into play when I was on the hunt for a macrame plant hanger - basically I was too cheap to buy one and decided I could make one myself instead! This is when the research came in. I looked into different rope options, beads and rings and all the macrame accessories. I quickly realized this in fact was not the cheaper option, but at that point I was all in. I made my first ever macrame plant hanger and I was hooked. Before I knew it, I had created a bit of a collection of macrame items and was encouraged by a special person to either find another hobby or maybe open a small shop to sell some of my creations.

About 4 years ago, when I had minimal wall space left to hang another macrame wall hanging, I realized that person was right. I knew I didn't want to stop macrameing; the bohemian fibre art had captured my heart. So selling was my only option. Opening up a shop was a huge step for me and this whole journey has definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone in more ways than one. 

I am an introvert. I am most comfortable at home. If you told me 10 years ago that one day I would be going to craft shows, hosting workshops, and just selling my products in general, I certainly would not have believed you. Yet here I am loving every second of it. 

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Along with being creative, I have a strong obsession with interior design and making a house a home. So when a client asks me to create a custom piece for their home, it is an absolute honour and so humbling. I love working on custom pieces, from colour, to size, to design, you can be as specific as you want while still allowing me to let my creative juices flow. I fell in love with the boho style of macrame but have learned that with different styles and techniques, it truly can blend well with any design style. That's one thing I love about fibre art: you can be as creative as you want!

Shop Talk featuring Fibre + Knots - Cara & Co Blog PostsShop Talk featuring Fibre + Knots - Cara & Co Blog Posts

If you're a fellow creative and want to try a new craft or are just looking for a fun night, I also do workshops! Teaching is not my strong suit but hosting workshops and sharing my passion with other women brings me so much joy. And who doesn't love a fun night out with your best girlfriends and maybe a bit of wine?! ;) 

Shop Talk featuring Fibre + Knots - Cara & Co Blog PostsShop Talk featuring Fibre + Knots - Cara & Co Blog Posts

The options with macrame are endless! Of course, you have your wall hangings and plant hangers and just between these two, your options are never ending. That's just the beginning: you can macrame just about anything, and I won't bore you with a list, but I will mention soother clips and teethers, key chains and wristlets.

I mention these because they are the items I have made with the macrame from Cara & Co when they reached out and asked me to try out their amazing new product line! Their silicone and craft products are by far the best and with the addition of macrame rope in the most beautiful colours, it makes me very excited! The rope they have added to their shop is incredibly soft and easy on the fingers. I have been dabbling in some weaving along with the macrame, often incorporating the two together, and I can't wait to come up with ways to incorporate the stunning rope in some of my designs.

Shop Talk featuring Fibre + Knots - Cara & Co Blog Posts

I am a stay at home mom of 4 who recently added "homeschool mom" to her resume. Life is busy and most times a little chaotic, but I have found that maintaining this small shop and remaining creative through the chaos has actually kept me sane. In fact, I thrive in the hectic and do my best work minutes before a deadline. This small business of mine has opened my eyes to things I didn't know about myself and has helped me embrace my flaws (i.e. perpetual procrastination).

I have been creative my whole life, but after having my first child I realized quickly that I always needed a project on the go. A project that wasn't changing diapers or wiping dirty faces. Not that those things are bad - I love being a Mom; it's the best job I've ever had! But it's easy as a mother to get a little lost in the constant meal making, sky high pile of laundry, and endless vacuuming, and now with the added stress of lockdowns and stay-at-home orders this hobby of mine has been a bit of a saving grace for me.

Shop Talk featuring Fibre + Knots - Cara & Co Blog Posts

The pandemic has also added some new twists and turns and learning experiences. With no more craft shows or workshops, I have had to create more of a social media presence, which still needs a lot of work and fine tuning. I am trying to show my face more on instagram, so if you're over there and following me, pop in and say hi!

Shop Talk featuring Fibre + Knots - Cara & Co Blog Posts


Navigating these crazy times, running a small business and a house full of crazy kids has been interesting. I am learning to prioritize, say no when it just doesn't work and enjoy the whole process. The amazing relationships and friendships I have gained through this journey have been so invaluable and I truly treasure them. Working with other creatives and incredible women like the ladies at Cara & Co is a total dream come true. They really are all so inspiring!

I am proud of all that I have accomplished so far and am so excited to see what the future has in store!


Tara




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