"Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 104 Compiled By: David Collins Snail Mail: 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Owned By: Weavers Everywhere Date Sent: March 29, 1998 Subscribers: 509 Back Issues: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/ Basket Biddin' Auction: http://members.tripod.com/~Basket_Biddin/ {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} ***IMPORTANT INFORMATION*** ***PLEASE READ BEFORE PRINTING*** 1.) Highlight entire issue. 2.) Click copy. 3.) Paste issue into a word processor of your choosing. 4.) Now Print. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} @=@=@=@=@ PICTURES SENT IN BY YOU @=@=@=@=@ 1.) Ms. Brenda Johnson's Vacation Stop At Royalwood. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/basketshop.jpg 2.) Ms. Judy Mullins' Log Cabin Getaway. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/cabin1.jpg 3.) Ms. Joy Moody's Basket Sign. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/medusasignclose.gif 4.) Ms. Sharle Osborne's Cedar Covered Bottles. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/bottles.jpg 5.) Ms. Fran Steidel's Wax Linen Egg Baskets. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/waxlinenegg.jpg 6.) Ms. Brenda Johnson's Wagon Full Of Bears. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/wagon.jpg 7.) Ms. Nancy Hedberg's Nantucket Bridesmaid Baskets. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/bride.jpg 8.) Ms. Tracy Jenkins' Kettle Corn Basket. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/cornbasket.jpg 9.) Mr. Andris Lapins' Willow Skein Baskets. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/willow.jpg 10.) Mr. Andris Lapins' Round Peeled Willow Baskets. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/peeled.jpg If anyone else has a picture, you can send it to me through email or snail mail. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Hi All Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 21:51:31 -0800 From: "LORI HOPKINS" To: "David Collins" Hi All, I am FAR behind in my reading but I am catching up.... I went to view some of your pictures and I love them... I just had to comment... Nancy H===WOW!!! What else can I say... My favorites are Nantuckets and you did a Great job... Enjoy the wedding... Brenda J. I love the wagon I haven't had a chance to see the rest but I'll get there... Hope Spring is coming everyone's way and Having a weaving of a time... Lori Hopkins--Lake Wallenpaupack, Pa. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 102 Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 01:04:39 EST From: froggestow@juno.com (Roberta R Comstock) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 "Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 102 Nancy in N. Illinois - For good directions on French Randing, look at just about any book on willow weaving. It can also be done with other materials. It seems to me to be a good way to use up short pieces or to introduce color variation in a pleasing diagonal pattern. The pre- and post-randing sections will depend on what you are weaving with and the style of the basket. Let us know what you decide on your boutique/open house. "weavers" (?) - Ann Ridgeway's workshop sounds wonderful! Hearing about people actually building these things is truly inspirational! Fran Steidel - Glad to hear your opinion of waxed polyester thread. I recently bought some waxed thread of unidentified fiber content that I think may be rayon. I haven't tried a flame test because I figured the wax would throw it off. Anyway, this thread is very 'drapey' and lacks body. Needless to say, I won't be getting any more of that! I have had pretty good results from artificial sinew, though. It isn't as good as linen, but is ok for color pattern work on the midsection of a twined linen project. Mindy Lower - I haven't had a similar experience, but would probably demand a much larger deposit on a high dollar special order - more like 50%. Your planned action sounds reasonable to me. Good luck. Jan Steiner - The article in Discover magazine is terrific! If you liked that, try to get a hold of a copy of Elizabeth Barber's book *20,000 Years of Women's Work*. It's one of the most exciting books I've ever read. Her book *Prehistoric Textiles* is also very good, but somewhat more technical than the other one. Sounds as if you have a potential market niche just waiting for your wine basket! Have your brother quote a hefty price and see if the manager flinches. I know there are folks in the D.C. area who can afford and would appreciate fine hand work. Kathy Halter - Thanks for telling us about the big baskets you have on display at Royalwood. When I head east again, I'll try to time the travel to stop in. Chris Baker - You might make a large bag of quilted or fleecy material (maybe an old blanket or comforter) to protect each large basket in transport. These can be nested, bag and all, if you make the bags tall enough (and the basket configuration allows it). It could be padded with throw pillows to keep other items from crushing it. Bert in balmy Independence {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: weavers words Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 13:19:54 +0000 From: "The Baker Family" To: David Collins Thanks to all of you that responded to my pattern question. I appreciate it. I recently was looking through a basket collector's book called "Baskets with price guide" by Nancy N. Schiffer and saw some antique baskets that intrigued me. Does anyone know any thing about the baskets that a lady named Albra Lord rom Lovell Maine made? It was mentioned in the book that these baskets were in an antique shop, I didn't write down the name of the shop because it never mentioned where it was, but if anyone has read the book and know where the shop is, let me know. The ones I am interested in are the set of 4 apple type baskets with swinging handles, they were made in the 1920's. Does anyone know if they were made on a mold? Is there a pattern similar to those somewhere that is free-form? If so, can someone tell me the source? Mindy: Because of a similar situation happening to me, I will no longer consider a special order unless a 50% down payment is given. And, if for some reason, they didn't come through, I would just let them choose the amount they paid in already made merchandise. The bigger the order, all the more reason to get that much of a down payment. I just tell people that it covers my supply investment. To all who do basket parties: Does anyone do them in a "Tupperware" fashion? Like going to some else's home & giving them free or discounted baskets for certain sales, etc.? If so, can you explain your way of doing it? Or for that matter, any of ways I would like to hear about. I look forward to hearing from everyone. Chris Baker Days Gone By Augusta, Maine Please stop by my web site-http://www.ime.net/~cbaker & sign my guestbook :) {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: convention classes Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 14:46:26 -1000 From: The Keener Clan To: davidc@iei.net Aloha from semi-sunny, very windy Hawaii, Last week we were looking for some shade as it was 88 degrees and this week, we are sleeping under quilts! I hope everyone who is attending the IBA is having a great time seeing old friends and weaving some terrific baskets...wish I could be there. Hope everyone has a safe trip home with their treasures. I did receive a surprise in the mail yesterday--the convention packet from the Missouri convention and I will say it is the best convention book I*ve seen...all my favorite weavers/instructors will be there..hopefully next year, I*ll be there, too. The weavers who put this package together should be given a well deserved pat on their backs. So since I*ve never been to a convention, I have a question. In a recent convention packet (and I*m a member of several guilds), I saw a basket class being offered that kind of surprised me. The basket is almost identical to a pattern I purchased several months ago--it has a unique handle and wooden base that serves only one purpose. It isn*t like you could take this base and handle and weave a totally different basket. Anyway, the instructor teaching this basket has renamed the basket and is teaching something which obviously not of her creation. Apparently she substituted some seagrass for reed at one point, but that certainly doesn*t make it her basket. So am I wrong to believe that instructors who teach at conventions teach only their creations--or perhaps a basket with the permission from the "inventor"? Surely one wouldn*t ask permission from the creator of the basket, receive it, and then change the name of the basket--would they? I spoke to 2 weavers who had this happen at a convention and when they explained what was going on to the convention chair, they received a shrug...and nothing was done. I know this was upsetting to the weavers--understandably so. So, what is protocol for convention teaching? Or is it a "no holds barred" type of thing? Yes, I*ve seen baskets offered at conventions that are similar to others--I mean how many market baskets are there and how many ways can you make them different? There is no mistaking this basket for the original. I would appreciate any input to this--seriously, I would like to know. Myra--hope your hubby is improving by the day... Aloha, Susan Reed-Fanfoni and welcome to the WW--your patterns are unique, and fun to weave and I enjoy them a great deal. Leslie--don*t give up on spring fairs. Usually (at least here in Hawaii) spring fairs are slower and less profitable than the fall/winter fairs. You can establish a reputation at a spring fair and people will come looking for you for the fall one..... Aloha, fellow weavers.. Lois in Honolulu {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 23:42:32 PST From: "AnnaMarie DiBucci" To: davidc@iei.net Hi Everyone, The pictures of the baskets are beautiful. You are an inspiration to the beginners. I would like to have more information on the Ms Lapin's baskets. Darleena I hope the problem with KDD & Att have been settled. Please send me your new address & Good luck with the move. Thanks to everyone who has sent me information on the basketry around Jacksonville. Take Care and happy weaving A.DiBucci {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Fri, 27 Mar 1998 07:29:51 -0500 From: "Joy Moody" To: Hello Everyone, I have been off in my corner weaving steadily for a while. Just wanted to say that I have enjoyed all the pictures which you have posted. There is inspiration in each and every one of them! Myra, so sorry to hear about your husband's heart attack, but it sounds like he was very lucky to have had such a successful procedure. My father-in-law had quadruple bypass surgery this time last year. By June, he was tilling his garden, & now he says he feels better than he has in years. It is amazing what they can do medically now. Susan, I read my latest copy of Weaver's Words very late last night. When I read about your home party what I saw was "$7,000 in an hour & a half"....speaking of heart attacks! Nevertheless, that was quite a success story. Any particular tips on how you set up your displays? Brigitte, we had a discussion a year ago on another list about patterns, copyrights & such. I am NOT an attorney, and I recommend that you talk to one who knows more about such things, but here's what I've learned from the research I have done: While searching, one reference that I found was a good overview....trying to remember the exact name now...something like Patents, Trademarks & Copyrights for Artists and Craftspeople. Baskets are considered to be "utilitarian objects", as such, they are NOT copyrightable. The patterns for baskets ARE. That means that the pattern, the printed words of how the basket is made, may NOT be copied, Xeroxed, or otherwise distributed. The pattern writer owns the copyrighted printed material & the income, or a portion of the income, from its sale. There is a group of ladies in basket heartland who amuse themselves in the pursuit of copying copyrighted patterns. This practice can get them sued. ON THE OTHER HAND, there is nothing stopping anyone from making a basket from a pattern & selling it. The only exception I know of is if the designer has obtained what is known as a Design Patent. If you have a basket that you feel is sufficiently unique in its shape & use, you may apply for a Design Patent. I believe that even if that basket design has been out circulating in public, once a Design Patent is approved & issued, it may NOT be copied by anyone else. Design Patents cost several hundred dollars, at minimum. There is a research process necessary & paperwork to file. Like Copyrights, if Design Patents are violated, they can result in legal action. Pam Woodbury, so glad to see you are with us! Nice to hear your voice again. Gail, I loved your idea of a studio in a renovated stone barn! I can picture that. Mindy, if we assume that the purpose of the deposit is to secure the sale, the customer forfeits the deposit by not following through. The effort you have put in by repeatedly trying to contact them is sufficient. I would sell the basket & advise the first person that due to their failure to respond to your communications, the deposit has been forfeited & the basket sold. In the future though, I would put my policy in writing & be sure that the would be buyer gets a copy. Guess that's my two cents worth for today. Thanks to all the Lurkers who have been coming out of the woodwork!! Joy Moody Sign of the Crow www.signofthecrow.com Hampden, Maine where 5 days ago there was a big snowstorm, but today it's 65. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Date: Fri, 27 Mar 1998 08:07:48, -0500 From: BDKE97B@prodigy.com (MRS BILLIE A DORRIS) To: davidc@iei.net Kathy Halter of Royalwood did reply to me privately about the waxed linen. She says that they have tried to impress the company the makes it with the importance of consistency. In fact she said that sometime there is even a difference in the amount of coating in a single spool. I have learned to deal with the texture as it is but novices need to be aware that it doesn't always stick to itself as you would like. It is definitely spring in Va. Beach, the temps may get to the 80's today and it hasn't rained all week. That in itself is small miracle. I ordered one of John McGuire's scarf and shave table top shave horses from Gratiot Lake and it is really nice. One end of the support (for want of any better word) is angled on each side so if you do it right your scarf is near perfect every time. This might be an investment that those of us with problem rims might benefit by. The other end of the support is a normal shave horse. It isn't terribly expensive,(under $ 80) and my daughter said that she would have been willing to buy it for me herself and been spared the moaning and groaning that occurs when I am scarfing Nant. rims. Am at a loss of what to do with myself today as I am having my electric water heater replaced by gas. It will be worth it in the long run but it is rather noisy and the workers are in and out all day. The dogs almost drove me crazy yesterday. One of the granddogs would bark just once EVERY 20 SECONDS. I finally realized that I could put them in my neighbors yard and that would help some. So they were sent to visit first thing this am. Could do some weaving but am restless with so much going on and will have no water at all for 4 hrs or more. For the person who wrote about spring vs. fall craft shows / fall shows are almost always better. Don't know why that is but most everyone I know will agree. Guess I'll close for now. Hope everyone has a great weekend. Billie in Va. Beach {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Hey Bert! Date: Fri, 27 Mar 1998 12:07:16 -0500 From: mbzaj@infinet.com To: David Collins References: 1 Greetings, Bert- I'm responding to your question about the wagon that I posted. It now lives at my Mom's house (Christmas gift) so I can't measure it. I looked up in Suzanne Moore's catalog and the base measurements are: Deck 9"w x15" L- Wheels 5" diameter. I think the actual wagon after being made is larger as those of you who have woven wood bottom baskets know, they flare out. I would guess the dimensions to be about 11-12" X 17-18" after completed. If any of you are interested, I will share the source for the bases. Suzanne Moore's North Carolina Basket Works (910) 245-3049 (800) 338-4972 (orders) 130 Main St. P.O. Box 744 Vass, North Carolina 28394 I'll see many of you at IBA this weekend!!! Brenda Johnson Darke County, OH P.S. Bert, I'm so glad to know "Bert" is short for Roberta. I had for some reason pictured you as a man with a beard and mustache! :) Sorry! {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Subscribe Date: Sat, 28 Mar 1998 22:43:07 EST From: EBTDIVA To: davidc@iei.net I would like to subscribe to the "Weavers' Words". I started weaving baskets over 20 years ago. I've given most of them away but I went to a basket class last year and remembered how much I love to weave!!!! I'm looking for encouragement and inspiration and a lady in this class gave me information on your newsletter. Thank you, Dee Fones EBTDIVA@AOL.com {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.