Blocking and Macrame

[willow-starr.livejournal.com]

Hi all, two quick questions:
1. Now that I have mastered the art of purling (after three years of knitting) I'm a bit confused about how to block stockinette stitch. I knitted the first and last two rows of my swatch and that was all fine but the side curled in as well. How do I fix that?

2. I have inherited a box of macrame supplies (direct from the '70's) but don't really know what to do with them (other than plant hangers). The jute is about as thick as a small finger which means jewelery is out. Any ideas?

Thanks!