"Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 10 Compiled By David Collins Owned By Weavers Everywhere Date Sent: May 25, 1997 Subscribers: 158 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Date: Fri, 23 May 1997 21:31:26 -0700 From: "Judith Gartke" To: David, you are doing a great job on Weaver's Words. I look forward to it each day. And in response to Kat Montminy's question about using stains, I use MinWax, and stain the basket after it is done. It works fine, and I like Golden Oak the best. Also, a few days ago, someone asked about using Easter egg coloring to dye reed. I have never tried that, but I have used Cool Aid. I get soft colors using the red, green and orange. Always open to new ideas. Judy from AZ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Weaver's Words... Date: Sat, 24 May 1997 00:56:44 -0400 From: Donna Weber Organization: DW Baskets To: "Collins, David" Hi Everyone! Just received the latest issue of Weaver's Words and thought I would answer a few questions... Sanding Sealer...it is applied before you stain. This is a wonderful product to use on pine as the grain of this wood often does not "take" the stain evenly. The sanding sealer, or wood conditioner as it is also called, fills in the pores of the wood to allow the stain to flow evenly over it. You should sand your piece after applying this as the grain usually "raises" up. Just using a brown paper bag to gently "sand" over the wood works beautifully. You can also use the brown paper bag (grocery bags from the supermarket) after painting with acrylics as the grain raises with this as well. Ann Moum, you had asked about smoked reed...the "smoke color" is achieved from a process rather than a dye and can be purchased from several suppliers (you can e-mail me if you would like more info.). It is a beautiful smoky-brown color and really looks nice woven in as an accent, or even to weave an entire basket and then not have to stain afterward! it is more expensive than natural reed so that has to e taken into consideration. Shaving Rims...I use both the Stanley Shurform shaver and a wood carving x-acto knife. Most of my students prefer the Shurform shaver because they feel they have better control with it and it does give a very nice clean shave. I like to shave the underside of the rim hat overlaps OVER the under part and I do stagger my inner and outer rim placement. I think it adds too much bulk if you place them in the same location. I do also cut the rims on an angle and "hide" it under the lasher. It looks so nice and "fluid" this way. Half round/Flat oval Reed...half round reed is thicker than flat oval and has more of a rounded appearance on the one side. it is also sturdier because of this added "bulk". It can be used for rims or for runners on the bottom of a basket. Beverly...you had asked about ordering patterns from Basketpatterns.com. In the quantity box you have to indicate a number by clicking inside the box and typing the desired number of patterns for each selection. Their program is a "shopping cart" style which is so great (I need to find one for our site!). It automatically adds up the total for you. I have ordered some patterns from them and they were quite prompt. I do mostly design my own baskets but find reading other patterns and books gets my own creative juices flowing! It's just like reading magazines on antiques or crafts. I have also purchased dyed reed, especially when I am SOOOO busy with my teaching schedule and orders. The quality from my supplier is terrific and it is such a time-saver. I have used spaced dyed 1/4" flat oval reed as an accent with beautiful results! You will enjoy using it as it can completely change the look of a basket. Sandy...you had asked about a garden tool basket patterns Lyn Siler has one in her "Handmade Baskets" book (ISBN 0-8069-8363-9). It is a lovely divided basket using reed to make the divided section rather than a wooden divider. I hope this helps. Well, that's all for now. I am envious of everyone who attended The Stowe convention!! I truly wanted to go but with a 2 1/2 yr. old toddler just couldn't find the time and without family nearby it is pretty difficult to get away on my own. But my husband has assured me that our vacation plans will be different next year so that I can go to at least a couple! What a sweetie! Bye for now... Happy Weaving Everyone## Donna Weber DW Baskets 64 Blotz Road Washington, MA 01223 cweber@cbcc.bcwan.net http://www.bcwan.net/~cweber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Hi Everyone! Date: Sat, 24 May 1997 09:48:33 +0000 From: webfoot1@together.net To: "davidc@iei.net" Just read issue #9 and thought I'd try to answer some questions. Wirebending tools are available from fishing tackle companies. Decoy carvers use sanding sealers that do not raise grain. Here are addresses for two companies. Send for their catalogs. I am also a decoy carver and have a list of supplier's for knives tools, etc. If anyone is interested, let me know and I will email you the list. Wire bending tools Sanding Sealers Tackle Craft Curt's Waterfowl Corner P.O. Box 280 Box 228 Chippewa Falls, Wi. 123 LeBoeuf St. 54729-0280 Montegut, La 70377 (715) 723-3645 (504)594-3012 To Kat: My wife uses minwax stains and also tea dye for her baskets. There are many different stains and dyes available. Smoked reed is brown in color but I don't know what the process is. It is available (I believe)from Connecticut Cane and Reed and also Perkins. Hope this is helpful info. Jack Rothmann @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Smoked Reed Date: Sat, 24 May 1997 07:49:55 -0400 From: "Gail L. Johnson" To: davidc@iei.net To Bert and Ron: Smoked reed can be purchased from most suppliers, I think. I have gotten it from Restoration Products in Indiana, and also from Country Seat in Pennsylvania. If you don't have these catalogues I can supply you with information. I believe Restoration Products is on line, don't know about Country Seat. I now order most of my supplies from August Moon in South Carolina, they can beat anyone's prices. All reed, flat, round, or flat oval is one price, $5.30, if you order 25 rolls of the same reed it's only $4.30, but I don't see smoked reed in their catalogue. I will have to ask them the next time I call if they have it. It's a great color variation, one that you don't have to dye. Beverly: I have ordered from Basketpatterns, you have to remember to put the quantity in on each basket as you go along, I think it's down towards the bottom of each pattern, if you don't you are back to square one. Let me know if you are still having trouble and I'll go back and look at it again to tell you exactly what you need to do. They are quick, the patterns are at your door in a couple of days. I have also used the variegated reeds, I decided to be lazy and not dye it myself. It's very interesting. If you are making a basket with a number of rows of color in it, try using the variegated, it really makes a nice effect. Also, I have a couple of larger baskets that I used the 1/4" FO variegated reed to double lash, this is especially pretty when it's finished. I guess that's it for now, hope this helps you out. Gail Johnson, Middletown, MD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: List Date: Sat, 24 May 1997 08:28:19 -0400 (EDT) From: "Linda J. Braun" To: davidc@iei.net Hello -- Linda Braun from Baskets, Etc. website here. Our site is a non-commercial site for anyone interested in basketmaking. It can be accessed on the web at: http://www.ashland.edu/~lbraun/baskets.html Re: smoked reed: Here is how Flo Hoppe describes it in "Wicker Basketry"-- "Smoked reed is a chocolate brown color. It was originally produced in Sumatra by a special process using heat and ammonia; the reed was colored all the way through. Now it is just a lower-quality reed which has been dyed. Be aware that smoked reed can be unusually flexible and easy to weave while it is wet, but it becomes quite brittle when dry." Cyber regards from Ohio, Linda - Baskets, Etc. Linda J. Braun e-mail: lbraun@ashland.edu Ashland University Phone: 419/289-5730 Ashland, OH 44805 FAX: 419/289-5949 Baskets, Etc. website -- http://www.ashland.edu/~lbraun/baskets.html @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Sat, 24 May 1997 08:57:16 -0500 From: mlower@mail.isbe.accessus.net To: davidc@iei.net Dear Norma, I've woven many Nantucket baskets, but I've never heard of a Moses Nantucket. Can you tell me what it's like? Thanks. Mindy Lower Lanark, Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 9 Date: Sat, 24 May 1997 14:35:20 +0000 From: Pamela Woodbury To: David Collins Hi weavers and David, I think smoked reed is available through most of the shops that sell reed. It is just a brown color. I usually only use #3 and 1/4, but know it is available in other sizes. As for smoking reed on the barbecue, I would think you would probably burn it up or at the very least make it black. As for stains, be sure when you buy a commercial stain that you don't get the kind that has varnish in it. I much prefer the oil base stains, but do know some people use water based stain. I prefer Minwax, mostly because the smell is much less offensive than some of the others. Sears makes a beautiful oak color and so does ACO, but the smell lasts forever so I have sworn off anything but Minwax. I have been staining with commercial stain since I started basketweaving and I have never attempted staining the reed before I wove with it. It seems like it would be way too much work. I just take a small paint brush and brush it on the basket. As for buying stain overseas, I don't know where you would get it but here in the states it is available at all hardwares and building centers. Sandi, visitors day at MI's convention in Grand Rapids is Oct. 25, I think Grand Rapids might be as close if not closer to you than Indy. It is held at the Amway Grand Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids just off the e-way. If you are interested when it gets closer to convention time e-mail me and I will tell you exactly where it is located. Billie as soon as I have a spare minute I'm going to stop at the hardware and try some of that sealer. I to am not a big van of willow. One of my friends took the back pack with Bonnie Gale and the back pack with Joanne Ambler Campbell, I think I goofed her name up but you probably know who I mean, She spent 14 hours on both and said she couldn't move her fingers, but they are both gorgeous. I have taken a couple and thats enough for me. It was one of those things I wanted to try, but now I've tried thats enough. Beverly, I don't know if this is giving out a pattern on e-mail, but I have the large bean pot pattern that calls for 16 spokes of 1/2, when I want to make a small one for the smaller handles, I just cut 10 spokes of 1/2 inch and of course cut them at least 8 inches shorter and weave with the same directions as the big one only don't go near as tall, probably 3 or 4 inches shorter. I hope this helps. If not, I think Eva Snyder at Union Station Studio has a small bean pot pattern. Pam Woodbury Birch Run, MI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: weavers words Date: Sat, 24 May 1997 16:14:23 -0500 From: Linda Marshall Organization: High Plains To: davidc@iei.net Hello, everyone On the discussion regarding using fabric softener - I have asthma & allergies, so I use the unscented fabric softeners. Downy has one & some off-brands ones do, too. I have trouble getting it sometimes, same as all the other unscented things I need, like detergent, TP, etc.! Ron & everyone else who has discovered smoked reed lately - I had a source, but just called to get some & he said he isn't selling it any more due to lack of sales. Anyone know where I can get it that's not extremely more expensive than regular reed? Ron - there are two kinds of smoked reed. One is just dyed & can be splotchy - definitely less desirable. The other is smoked somehow, & is dark all the way through. Beverly - I do the bean pot in a smaller size for the little handle. I substitute 3/8 flat, 24 inches long; the smaller diameter allows you to start twining closer to the center. Then I just make everything correspondingly smaller - the base is around 4-5 inches across; go about 6-7 rows before beginning to narrow it down; and the height whatever looks right. If you get stuck, you can email me! Donna - I went to your web site & found some great stuff to order. Of course I ordered the stuff! Cool! Linda Marshall High Plains Ostrich Ranch Patriot OH @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Grass for baskets Date: Sat, 24 May 1997 18:40:35 -0400 From: "Joy Moody" To: Hi Everyone! I had meant to get this message on Issue 9, but was too slow. I'd like to inquire who has tried various grasses for weaving & which ones you have found to be good basketry material. I was at a local nursery the other day & they had maybe three or four kinds, but I had no idea which would be suitable for baskets & I couldn't tell from the packaging which ones were round, hollow center grasses. I assume those are better? You tell me! Any info. will be most appreciated. Joy Moody Hampden, ME P.S. Previous list friends, please note that my E-Mail address has changed. The old one will still work, but this one goes to my system (segregated computers for man & wife.........works well!). @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Weavers Words Date: Sat, 24 May 1997 16:52:51 -0700 From: "M. Nerdahl" To: Well, I guess I caused a big uproar with the fabric softener question. It was great to have so many responses and I have opted not to use it. The thought of slippery reed doesn't excite me at all. I suppose everyone has their individual preferences. Thanks to all who responded. To Norma: As usual you have outdone yourself with response to the request for info on waxed linen. Thank you and I will for sure be contacting them for info and perhaps patterns. Twig was away at Stowe when all this waxed linen talk came about, so she was surprised I didn't know about it. What can I say, I'm a rookie, and sheltered (as her husband said) here in my small NH town. Not to mention barefoot and pregnant for decades! To Ann Ridgeway: No offense taken on the big bushel basket. Life is too short and I get a kick out of people who can be light! To Beverly: There is a mini beanpot basket that takes that 5" handle you have. It is in the Fall 1993 issue of Basket Bits. Perhaps a request to them for this back issue? Their address is P.O. Box 8 Londonville, OH 44842-0008. Good Luck For Grace: Oh my gosh, I just got your book, and it is great. What a helpful book for us young basket weavers. Of course I devoured it upon it's arrival, (the kids had cereal for supper)!! For those of you who haven't had a chance at this book "The Weaver's Friendly Handbook for Pricing and Selling Handmade Baskets, it offers an awful lot of good tips and you should consider adding it to your library. Thanks Grace (and Forrest)! Well, sorry I took up so much time, but this is so exciting to do and you have all been so wonderful about responding to my questions. For Twig: Girl, have you recovered from Stowe yet? What a way to get exhausted! Happy weaving to all. Marie Nerdahl Epsom NH @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Wire Handles Date: Sat, 24 May 1997 19:19:44 -0500 From: Roberta Huisman To: davidc@iei.net Hi Fellow Weavers: In response to WIRE HANDLES...my husband makes all of mine and I keep him busy we a perpetual "honey do list". He currently makes 35 styles and since this really ran into $$$$$ each year, I found a retired farmer to make forms out of wood using nails and pegs to which you bend the wire around. My husband is not typically "handy" and is so proud that he can do this. This has saved us a considerable amount of money. I just gave the farmer a pattern and he does wonders. He, also, makes lids and legs for me also. I apologized one day for keeping him so busy and his wife responded that it kept him out of depression after retiring last year. Also, another tip....while trying to think up new ideas for my baskets and business I designed two basket stands and hit the local blacksmith in Waterloo and he supplies me with stands very reasonably. I designed a spare roll basket for the bathroom that hangs on the metal stand with a wire handle that my husband makes. It has been popular at shows, either to sell or just as a conversation piece ha! ha! Thanks for the tip on plastic liners from a past issue. I do order from Basket Werks since I live in Iowa also, but have never seen plastic liners on their list. Not having access to liners before, I recently purchased liners in the garden section of a discount store and designed a few small baskets around these. I have appreciated all the tips. It has been invaluable to me. I envy so many of you and the unique baskets you are doing. Since my business is such a great, great part of our livelihood, I feel somewhat cheated in not being able to just weave for fun...although I wouldn't give up being a stay-at-home mom either. I have ordered some twill patterns from basketpatterns.com and am planning on weaving a couple just for me. It's been fun. Looking forward to the next issue. Berta Berta's Baskets Parkersburg, Iowa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Weavers Words Date: Sun, 25 May 1997 07:00:37 -0400 From: "Jayna L. Glemby" To: davidc@iei.net Hello everyone! Yesterday, May 24th, was the best day we have had all spring, here in central Massachusetts. Planted window boxes, & beddings. So great to be outside all day! Tulips, lilacs & flowering trees are just fantastic, beautiful time of year...& the bird songs! To Lois Keener, hope you are feeling better...you sure have had some bad luck lately, time for a change! & Happy Belated Birthday! Enjoyed the introduction from Esther Grigsby, explaining how their basket shop NOR ESTA got it's name. Being an old Yankee who has weathered several 'Noreasters, I thought it was a play on words. What a joke on me to find it was named for her parents, Norm and Esther! To Sandy, I know somewhere on the net I saw a garden basket that held tools. It looked like a hearth basket with a smaller basket attached at the handle to hold the tools. Can I find it?? No..will keep looking and email you. Hopefully someone else will have a better memory. A group of former classmates who are all in basket withdrawal since our teacher went to college and put her business on hold, are now going to get together on our own and help each other. So glad, miss the friendship. We bought supplies from my friend Donna at DW Baskets in the Berkshires and will have our first get-to-gether this week. I met Donna on the net & she introduced herself to all of you on the last vol. To Billie in Virginia Beach...re: the sanding sealer. I think you said it came in a spray. The local hardware store just has it in a can...to brush on. It worked fine, but the spray would be nice. Do you recall the name of the product?? Happy weaving to you all and always, Thanks to David for keeping us together. Jayna, Charlton, MA. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Weavers Words Date: Sun, 25 May 1997 20:34:29 -0400 From: "RON JASIUK" To: Hi all, Some of you have been writing regarding making your own wire handles. I use 19 gauge stove wire. It's fairly easy to bend, the only problem is in keeping the large bends smooth with no kinks. Billie says there is some sort of special tool. I don't know what that is but I'd sure be interested in finding out. I've tried bending the wire around a large round object ie a bucket or whatever has the correct diameter. Works okay but I'd love to hear about the magic tool Billie. I was checking out some other sites this past week and found a gem. Timothy D. Parsons is a Nantucket weaver and has a terrific site. I was prevented from checking out the whole site (kids doncha know) but what I saw impressed me. His url is www. capecod.net/basketshop/index.html. There is a gallery of his baskets, moulds for sale, the whole shebang. Now of course for the question. What would a posting from me be without the prerequisite question. When I've finished weaving a basket and then trimmed off excess reed from inside the basket all the dyed wweavers show the undyed core of the reed. What should I do?? If I try cutting with the newly end facing down then the weaver doesn't lie flush to the basket. I'm sure there's a secret to it that I've not yet figured out. HELP !!! Weave well and Keep Well Friends Ann Moum Orangeville, Ontario Canada rjasiuk@headwaters.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.