ABSTRACT
The art of macramé though found in many areas of decorative works, has not been adequately explored, developed and documented towards the production of fashionable female dress accessories for appreciation and gainful exploitation in Nigerian contemporary society and fashion industries. Synthetic twines which are durable, cheap and water proof materials have been used in the sewing of upholsteries and other items like fishing nets because of their waterproof quality. These qualities of synthetic twines are today making people to choose and use them as suitable materials for macramé dress accessories. However, the art of macramé though found in many areas of decorative works, has not been adequately explored and ornamented with beads for greater appreciation. This leaves a gap of beads ornamentation possibility, therefore the aim of this study is to design and produce modern synthetic twine macramé with beads ornamentation for the production of fashionable female dress accessories. This study was exploratory in approach and therefore adopted the experimental and practice-base research methodologies, the ADDIE research model design was also used as a guild for the study. It went through the process of gathering of materials, synthetic twine from Sabo Market in Zaria, Kaduna State. Assorted beads from Kasuwan Mata Sabon Gari Market area Zaria, Kaduna State. The materials were prepared for commencement of production, synthetic twine were unwrapped, measured, cut and sorted for weaving designs and colours. Assorted Beads were unpackaged and stranded beads loosened, the beads were then sorted and some were further redesigned into bead appendages for greater enhancement. The study production of synthetic twine macramé dress bag accessories adopted three macramé weaving techniques, Square Knots, Josephine Knots and Over-Hand Knots. The macramé techniques as employed in the study have proved to be very effective and reliable in evolving vii firm and strong female accessories as they exhibited unique design patterns. This study employed the use of four survey methods in collecting data; they are direct observation, interview, photography and questionnaire. The data analysis involved a descriptive discussion of information collected, oral and recorded information obtained through direct observation, interviews and photography were documented and edited. While data collected from the secondary source were analyzed using statistical tools of frequency and percentage for interpretations of the questionnaires that were administered, the statistical tools were further interpreted into tables and pie-chart for easy understanding. Synthetic twine has been discovered to be an affordable, durable, strong and available material with bright colours for the production of fashionable female accessories that could be admired and used by lovers of hand crafted bag and footwear accessories while bead ornamentation on macramé accessories made the products more elaborate and creative. Also the study has proven that the art of synthetic twine macramé dress accessories could be a strong entrepreneur skill that can lead to a better growth in the socio-cultural and economic empowerment of individuals and communities by creating job opportunities and self reliance. In conclusion, Synthetic twine macramé and beads ornamentation (mixed media) is a fallow ground that could be advantageous to designers. It is a way of showcasing creativity and enhancing aesthetic value of products which range from product of utility to that of decoration. This study employed the square knot, Josephine knot and overhand knot techniques of macramé, further study can be carried out using the Barry knot, Lark's head knot, Double half hitch knot and Bobbles knots macramé techniques for their unique patterns and designs.
