"Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 106 Compiled By: David Collins Snail Mail: 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Owned By: Weavers Everywhere Date Sent: April 05, 1998 Subscribers: 521 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 @=@=@=@=@ In order to conserve space on printouts, I have removed the list of pictures. You can still see the list on Weaver's Words webpage. I will list any new pictures here. Keep the pictures coming. NEW---Ms. Joy Moody's First Annual Big Basket. If anyone else has a picture, you can send it to me through email or snail mail. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 105 Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 18:59:06 -0500 From: jmereau@bbs.tsf.com To: davidc@iei.net David, That was not funny!! I think that there would be some serious withdrawal here. It sounds as if everyone is as busy as I am, somehow spring is basket making time, Easter, garden and Secretary's day, having a hard time keeping up. Wanted to share with everyone one of my recent successes, my daughter a senior in high school wanted to go on the senior class trip ( a trip to Florida and the Bahamas, now in all my years I haven't gone to the Bahamas, but our 18-year-old daughter and her class mates (well chaperoned, of course or she wouldn't be going) needed some fund raisers. My suggestion was a filled basket with a theme, Valentines Day was coming up in a week so I quickly did a "two pie basket" and the students going on the trip each brought in an item to put in it, we had everything from candles, homemade truffles, a teddy bear, gift certificates, candy etc. the class had three days to sell tickets (there are 23 going on the trip) the basket made $758!!! It was such a success that I did an Easter basket for them last week, this one was a large Egg Basket filled with a massage gift certificate, manicure and pedicure gift certificates, hair cut, dinner, a beautiful Dakin bunny, candy. They have almost three weeks to sell these tickets I can't wait to see how much they make for their class. I also did one for the local Rotary Club's silent auction that they had on Saturday during their pancake breakfast, all the proceeds go to the Ice Storm Relief Fund as you well know we were hit very hard in January with the biggest ice storm in 100 years. All these donations are great for business, but I'm afraid that I really don't know how to price them when people ask me to make one for them and how much would it be, I think I'm working for nothing, any ideas out there??? Enough rambling I need to go to work on a basket. Really David that was not funny! Sue Mereau {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: April Fools Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 18:43:47 -0600 From: "nony" To: Dear David, I open my mail read your message and immediately tried to think of a way to keep WW going and I'm a new kid on the block. I haven't written before but was surprised to read until I got to the end. Their is a comedian every place you look, That's not funny David. I'll bet you have had 100's of messages on this one. I wanted to share with everyone what a wonderful experience I had with Judith Olney here in Florida. She had a class in Odessa at Karen Woods home and it was wonderful. I also had a wonderful experience with Martha Wetherbee in Nakomis at Woven Spirit Baskets. Both these ladies are great teachers and share wonderful stories anyone having the opportunity to study with them should do it. The weather here in Florida is calming down. We have had a terrible winter sometimes very scary, the tornadoes have come awful close. I am traveling up North this summer starting in June up thru Indiana and then Canada and Mass. and on to Maine back to Florida would appreciate any info on places I might stop in any of those places. I have Willow's in Indianna on my list. I love that shop. Thanks nony@gte.net (San Antonia Florida) {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Artist identification Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 20:18:30 EST From: Foster BA To: davidc@iei.net (david collins) Hi, I almost had a hot flash when I saw the first sentence of the incoming e-mail just when I was hoping to assist in cramping David's "style". But here goes.... My name is Barb Foster and this is the first time I have communicated on the www. I started weaving in January of 1996 when I took my first class at the tech. school. Since then I have joined the Wolf River Guild out of Shawano, WI. I weave at least 2 days a week with an experienced patient teacher, and have sold my basket already by word of mouth. I will be making my first away from home adventure by going to , VT. in May. I also have signed up for 2 weekends at Sievers on Washington Island. I am a slow steady weaver and like to keep challenging myself with different patterns. As Kim Renich says I know I'm addicted cause my shirts are stained and show bleach spots. Yes I also find that I do buy books and patterns I already have. I'm putting them all into a data base hopefully to prevent this in the future, but I'm not totally counting on it yet. I am still working my way through past e- mails, but I do have a call for help. I recently saw a poster of baskets from a basket convention. The person had been given the poster but no longer knew who had given it to her. She thought it was from a Michigan convention. There are 2 different round reed baskets with a pattern woven in that reminds one of those colored sand container. The colors are soft, what I would call a Southwestern motif. The artist may also sell at fairs in the Florida area. The poster did not list any artists names. Thanks for the forum. Barb Foster. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 105 Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 18:32:57 -0800 From: basketma@juno.com (Mary a Gullo) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 Dear David, Come on, tell the truth! You have secretly gone to go to work for that site that has those "oh my goodness" cards and are now making big bucks when you used to work for free! If you ever feel the urge to visit sunny (HA) California, now that you are a free man, I live in the tropic zone of Monrovia, right out side of Pasadena. We are home to many film productions-they film here often. You know they are somewhere in the vicinity because there are these cryptic Day-Glo colored signs off the freeway ramp and along the filming route so the principals and extras know how to get there. They have strange names on them that are code words for the actual shoot. It took me quite some time to figure that out, I actually had to see them filming one night on the way to a meeting! So here is the perfect place to see that star and schmooze! Just drop me an e mail if you get the urge with all your newfound wealth(from the cards) to come on a tour of the famous descanso gardens, the norton simon museum, or fabulous Hollywood, right up the freeway. All the best! Mary Gullo and Stan Gullo {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: Weavers Words Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 22:21:09 -0500 From: "Russell & Leslie Johnson" To: Greetings from Michigan! So glad to see all of you who live in the Virginia/ North Carolina write in and say it is sunny and warm! We will be traveling to the Outer Banks over Easter for a week & I was wondering if you would like to share some of your favorite basket stores/supplies or gift shops that I just shouldn't miss. Susan Reed-Fanfoni: I have some questions about your "home" basket parties. I have been asked to do one also & I wondered what type of basket you use for door prizes & does every guest receive one? What price range basket is the hostess given? Is it her choice or yours? I agree with all that goes into preparing for a show/booth fee/set-up & take down..this would be a nice change of pace and worth the door prizes, free basket & discount. I will be anxious to try it. Myra: Let us know how your "home party" turns out...have fun! And to David....I was so disappointed when I read your post today that this was the last issue of Weavers Words and SO happy when you said "April Fools". Since I just received 7 new patterns, I am weaving everyday, excited to try them all & my hands are sore...but I will get back to it. Happy weaving...Leslie in Michigan where it is raining a little & in the 50's {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weavers Words Date: Thu, 2 Apr 1998 09:31:40 -0000 From: "Jeff & Diana French" To: "David Collins" Hello fellow weavers, I came out of 'lurkdome' about a month ago and figured I should contribute every once in awhile. I'm still a beginner - only been weaving for a year, so won't have much in the way of tips, but I can tell you what I've been doing since it's so exciting for me. I recently finished my first antler basket with Mary Carty. The class was great fun and I am so thrilled with the finished product! Now I'm bugging relatives for unwanted antlers so I can work on a few more - even have a cousin who is willing to give me a few if I will make a basket out of one of them for her husband. (He's an avid bow hunter and always enjoys displaying his antlers - a basket is a great way to show off an antler) I've also just finished an egg basket - it was woven on 18" hoops. My husband thought it was just the biggest basket until I showed him the pictures of Joy Moody's' Medusa' basket and Tracy Jenkin's 'Kettle Corn' basket. Mine seems so small in comparison. But it was a lot of work and I'm quite proud of it. It was a big undertaking since it's only my 4th rib basket. And I've decided that it's one of the baskets I'm going to enter in the April Basket Exhibit Mary Carty is having. What fun that should be! To Myra Stutler: Just wanted to say that my thoughts are with you & your husband. I know what you've been going through as my mom had a heart attack this past January and had to have the angioplasty done and a stint put in the vessel to hold it open. She's doing great now - it was really a quick recovery. She doesn't remember much about her time in the hospital but she says she feels great now! So, I'm sure your husband will be on the go in no time. What miracles they can perform these days..... :) To everyone going to all these conventions: Sounds like you are all having a wonderful time! I'm so jealous as I haven't had the opportunity to go to one yet. Keep on writing and tell us all about the fun you are having... it's always nice to dream about it. Maybe some day I'll make it to one. To Darleena: Where are you? Haven't seen you around much. I know that you've been having Internet problems (Kat keeps me posted). Did you ever finish your coffee table basket? It must be grand! I've been weaving a lot these days, but miss sitting around your dining room table for our monthly meetings. Keep us posted as to your departure date from Okinawa, don't want to loose touch with you. I hope everyone is having a great Spring. We are having gorgeous 80* temps here in Southern Jersey. Feels like summer now, but it won't last - they're predicting cooler temps & rain for the weekend. Sorry to have rambled on so long... Happy weaving to all - and Happy Easter too!!! Diana French - in sunny, warm New Jersey {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 105 Date: Thu, 2 Apr 1998 13:21:22 +0000 From: Pamela Woodbury To: David Collins Hi All, I too would like to thank those who put out a year of their lives and time to make the IN convention this year an absolutely wonderful experience for all of us. I did not take classes as I was vending but my aunt who was a first timer was with me and she took classes. She also won the first timers award for her arrows basket. She wasn't awarded the prize at convention, but given it later as the lady who won was not a new weaver so Kay is pretty excited to have won it. She is looking so forward to next years convention that we have already made plans to go together again. I wanted her to experience every aspect of a convention so I insisted that we close my vending door and go to marketplace at 8:45 so she would see the crowds waiting to get in. As we were walking towards it and you could hear the masses of people and finally see them she said why do they do that. I told her so they would have first crack at all the goodies for sale. She had wished she had brought her camera to marketplace so she could have taken a picture to show her husband. On the night of the pattern room we decided she had experienced a marketplace already so waited 'til 9:30 when the crowds had died down. I told her 2 years ago at MI's convention it had been my job to keep the crowd out of marketplace 'til 9 and that it was a job I wouldn't want to do again. It was great fun at convention to meet several of the weavers from this list and from Donna Webers chat room. They used my vending room as a meeting place and as we have formed a guild on Donnas chat and were recognized as a legitimate IN guild. Thanks Carol Antrim to all the hard work you did in making our guild a reality. We are now planning on making a basket to share just like a real guild and will be sending them to our Virtual Basket Guild for all to see. I bought a lot of neat new materials to use in my antler baskets and also bought a cypress knee from Judy Briscoe. Not sure yet what I am going to do with it and my family thinks I have finally lost it as they think the cypress knee is ugly and I like it so set it on the mantel as is. One thing about going to convention it is impossible not to spend. I came home with one of my empty tubs totally filled with new treasures that I bought. I have been inspired to make some really big baskets since I got home and have made Judy R's quilt basket and am currently working on Linda G's lobster basket. I actually think I worked harder on the lobster basket than on the quilt basket. I'm getting ready for MI's spring event. We are fortunate enough to have Betty Curry coming and I have a class with her on Friday night and then will be teaching myself on Sat. I was told there still are a few openings for some of the classes at spring event for any of you that are still interested in coming. It will be a good time and on the same line as a small convention. Pam in rainy Michigan {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: studio, seagrass dyes, COE, etc. Date: Thu, 02 Apr 1998 06:22:07 -0800 From: "Deb Curtis, Tisket Tasket Basket" To: David Collins Hi all! David that made me really sad since my computer didn't pull up the last line until I scrolled down. Very funny! Really I enjoyed it and thought once again that you need a great big THANKS and many hugs! I haven't posted for while a while buy thought I better before life gets too hectic again. I have 2 children (3 and 7) so my studio space works great for me but not for everyone. One of the bedrooms in the upstairs of our house has shelves that were built in by my husband that hold the large Rubbermaid containers 2 deep plus a small one on top. There is another narrower set of shelves that has all my coils of reed and seagrass. There are 3 shelves in each set with plenty of room at the bottom to store long materials or other bags of materials (i.e. seaweed, etc.) There are pegboards on the wall without shelves and as swinging doors on the narrower set of shelves. I made myself straps with webbing and Velcro that I put my open bundle of reed into and Velcro it shut then hang it on the pegboard. Since I teach there seem to be a lot of partially open coils. My handles are on a board with those heavy-duty bicycle hooks on it and on the pegboard. This is basically one of my working storage areas. Downstairs just off the kitchen with windows to the back yard I have my working studio. It has all my basket posters and wonderful inspirational drawings on the walls. There is a file cabinet, 2 tables for working, a bulletin board, a set of shelves for all my books, waxed linen, feathers, dried flowers, stamps, envelopes, etc. I also have a Rubbermaid set of drawers and a very comfortable chair. This keeps me right there for the kids but without them getting into my creations. The materials I am working with and buckets are all there plus my cedar papermaking scrap bucket. The garage has barks in colis and other natural materials hanging from the ceiling and a set of shelves dedicated to more naturals. I gather whereever we travel so have stuff from all over. Out in our carport area is another set of shelves with again one shelf dedicated to the materials like birch bark that shouldn't be dried out too much. We have built me a dyeing shed out near the garden and well house so that I have running water and electricity (by extension cord) when I am dying. I have a hot plate and do all my dyeing outside since the weather is relatively mild here year round and I'm using more naturals these days and doing less dyeing. I have dyed seagrass very successfully with silk dyes. They are a little more expensive but well worth it as after a fading test they didn't fade at all compared to the basket dyes and the rit/salt/vinegar combination. The Rit combination also dyes seagrass pretty well but not as nice as these silk dyes. I would like to encourage everyone to apply for the Certificate of Excellence in Basket Weaving this fall. If you need more information feel free to contact me or Handweavers Guild of America. In response to a request from quite awhile back. Leon Niehues' baskets can be seen in the book on the White House Crafts Collection, the '96 AMB catalog for their convention, and in a few other publications about exhibits. He was the keynote speaker in Michigan in '96 and was fantastic, as are his baskets. Must go there is more I'd like to write but time has run out. Deb Curtis in very spring like Oregon PS Any hints for how to make a tapestry weave basket not have stair step transitions so much? {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Indiana Basket Convention 98 Date: Thu, 02 Apr 1998 10:31:49 -0500 From: Susan Slaven To: davidc@iei.net Hello Everyone. I am Susan Slaven. I have written in once, but mostly, I just lurk. I had to mention the wonderful time I had at the Indiana Basket Convention in Indianapolis, as a first timer. I have been weaving for several years, but this was my first convention. Although it was very tiring, it was that much more enjoyable. I was delighted to learn some new techniques, and some new crafts I had never tried. Among those were waxed linen coiling, gourds, and beading. I had a wonderful time, and look forward to returning next year. My question is, and I have asked this before with no answer, does anyone know when to plant gourd seeds, and harvest the gourds? Also, how long do you have to let the gourds dry before they are ready to be used? Thanks for any information you can provide. Happy Weaving Everyone. Susan {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: IBA Convention Date: Thu, 2 Apr 1998 13:23:13 -0500 From: martyhln@juno.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi David and World Basketmakers, Well maybe I am rested enough to make sense to most of you. I had a great time weaving at IBA the weather was great for traveling, as for as weather when we were there, who knows? I didn't go outside from Wednesday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. The board and all the volunteers did such a great job, for us. I hope everyone had as much fun as I did. I expect some of you may be interested in the baskets I took ( if not to bad here it is anyway) On Thursday I did a small willow basket called Charm Basket with, Jo Campbell-Amsler. Friday AM, Nancy Carlson's Egg-Stravanganza (did you know Nancy has a strong dislike for snake's in any form) the class was fun in spite of my snake spokeweight. Friday PM was Pat Yunkes's Stilt Basket A fun basket even if this student did some of my own thing which probably drove Pat wild (not sure). On Saturday all day and Sunday AM I did Jo Campbell-Amsler's Willow Picnic Back Pack and ran out of steam on the last few weavers could not weave another stitch, what a great teacher Jo is she finished the weaving for me. I came home with 5 baskets in different stages of finished. Not much sleep, not much food, but I survived, lucky me. My 3 roommates were just great, I owe them a lot for all their concern and help. The Shirt I ordered was knock down gorgeous. I also got a Shirt from Michigan YUCK the design looked great on paper, but they shrunk it to the point you must look close to see it is a basket shirt. North Carolina did the same thing, and I thought they had such a nice design I ordered 3 shirts wish I had my money back. North Carolina and Michigan you blew it on your shirts. Live and learn. David thanks for this Weavers Words, what would we do without you and your great work for us. It was so nice to meet your mom, Hi to her. So you like small baskets do you? What is your favorite color? Have fun everyone, go weave a basket. It's fun. Until next time. Warmest Regards, Marty Holihan Flint, MI dholihan@gfn.org (or) martyhln@juno.com {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 104 Date: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 00:22:37 EST From: BSKTCHERYL To: davidc@iei.net This is my second posting. I'm thoroughly enjoying everyone's input. My current basketry project is a pine needle basket made with very long pine needles that my sister sent me from Tampa, Florida. Unfortunately my tendonitis is flaring up again so I'm not making much progress at the moment. Do any of the rest of you suffer from tendonitis? Mine actually comes from too much computer work. Jan Steiner: Thank you so much for the information about the Bokamoso Women's Basketry Cooperative. What a beautiful story. How do we order baskets? I want to let all of you basketweavers know about another very inspirational group: The California Indian Basketweavers Association. I am an associate member. There is a gathering that is open to the public every year. This year it will be June 27-28 at the Oakbrook Regional Park Chumash Interpretive Center, 3290 Lang Ranch Parkway, Thousand Oaks, California. California Indian women demonstrate the basketry traditions of their various tribes. You can learn more about them at ciba@oro.net or visit their web page at www.ciba.org. Thanks to all who participate. Cheryl VanDeVeer Santa Cruz, Ca. basketcheryl@aol.com {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: bits and pieces Date: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 10:10:34, -0500 From: BDKE97B@prodigy.com (MRS BILLIE A DORRIS) To: davidc@iei.net Glad to see that the "Goose Lady" has joined us. Missed you at convention Diana. Will throw this out for all who care. It has absolutely nothing to do with basket weaving but I found it interesting anyhow. The quote is from our local newspaper TV listings describing a movie that was upcoming. "Woman survives a wretched childhood and falls in love with a mysterious man with a terrible secret." See if you can figure out what movie they are talking about. All I will say is that it comes from a book which many of us would have read in the past. My mind has gone absolutely blank about the items I wanted to respond to. Of course the minute I send this I will remember. Oh well that is one of the problems with old age. Billie in somewhat cooler Virginia Beach. One further note, everyone try to remember to sign your messages as the e-mail address often doesn't identify you. Some people post enough that you can recognize them immediately but it does take a while to get to know everyone. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: I remembered Date: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 14:59:03, -0500 From: BDKE97B@prodigy.com (MRS BILLIE A DORRIS) To: davidc@iei.net I finally remembered what I wanted to post to WW Dyeing seagrass-it takes a long slow simmer to get seagrass take color and remember it will be lighter when it dries. I have trouble with some colors-wine and dark blue seem to work best for me. Since the grass already has some color(which reed usually doesn't) the end color is affected by the combination of the dye and the natural color of the grass. I tend to forget this as art things are not my thing. I found this out the hard way when I painted a gourd teal/turquoise and ended up with green. Remember yellow and blue make green. It wasn't a bad color just not what I wanted. Also think about the small fat red/pink rubber bands that you sometimes find on vegetables like celery. Save them they are perfect for use on small molds when you want to form the stakes to the shape. The large bands are too big and the small normal ones are too flimsy. Joy M. Haven't forgotten you. My daughter was supposed to mail it for me. I now find she has been carrying it around in her car for 2 weeks. Will get it off to you the first of the week. Billie {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: New Basket weaving guild Date: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 15:31:15 EST From: Jacobsnl To: davidc@iei.net Hello Basketweaving Friends, I have an announcement and a question. First the announcement. On Sat. April 18th for basketweavers in the area of Wichita, KS we are having a special day of weaving. Bert Comstock will be teaching a twined reed bowl, a waxed linen pouch and a beachcomber wall basket with driftwood handle and natural embellishments. This day is open to all weavers and we encourage those in the area to attend. Those of us who are arranging the day are taking this opportunity to bring up the discussion of forming a basket weaving guild in the area. Our nearest guild is 3 hours away. Anyway, the day promises to be fun and if anyone would like to attend, please e-mail me and I will send you all the details. This leads me to my question or I should say request for advice. Those of you who have started a guild, I would really appreciate hearing from you and will take to heart any advice you may have on forming a guild. We want this to be a success. I hope everyone has their Easter baskets woven to be filled with lots of chocolate by the Easter bunny. Nancy Jacobs Wichita, KS {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: weavers words Date: Sat, 4 Apr 1998 09:57:00 +0000 From: "The Baker Family" To: David Collins Thanks to all for your responses. Thanks Joy for your effort on the info on those antique baskets. What I really wanted to know was if there was a pattern somewhere that is close to those baskets. I would really like to make a similar basket. To Natalie Brown: I use Cushings powdered dye for my reed & my seagrass. My seagrass took color & ended up a deeper color than my reed. I will give my method for anyone else who would like to try it. Add an envelope of dye to about 1 gallon of water, 1/2 cup of salt, and a squirt of dish liquid. Stir around until mixed very well. I add reed or seagrass and bring to boil. After it boils, I turn it down let simmer until I get the desired shade of color. {seagrass will fray on ends a little) I rinse in cold water. After rinsed thoroughly, I let soak a minute in a solution of 1 cup on vinegar in about 1 gallon on cold water. Chris Baker Days Gone By Augusta, Maine Please stop by my web site-http://www.ime.net/~cbaker & sign my guestbook :) {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Sat, 4 Apr 1998 08:29:17 -0500 From: "Joy Moody" To: Hello Weavers! And Hello naughty David. You really had me going on the "last issue" of Weaver's Words! I had previously looked into such a task & found our server is not prepared to take on a listserve job. SO glad it was an April Fools joke!! Quin & Tracy asked about the difficulty with stakes in a BIG basket like the Medusa Basket Sign. Yes, you do have to hunt through your reed to get stakes that are long enough, but it's not a problem in normal coils, at least for baskets 3' tall.......I don't know about bigger than that. I was so excited about that project nothing could have stopped me at t the time. The "physicality" of of basket was really not a problem. I worked on my usual drawing-board-folded-flat surface, but also on a low coffee table when the basket got taller. I used the pool (prior to the summer season chemicals) for dipping or the hose to damped the reed while the basket was in progress. Some brave souls are out trying my Basket Sign pattern. I am anxious to hear how they do! I have decided to weave an ANNUAL BIG BASKET PROJECT. When I finish the "second annual big basket", I'll put out that pattern too. Basket heartland......well, Jimmie, it sure isn't the Northeast. I'd look westward, but those people I mentioned know who they are! Personally, I don't find it amusing to rip off fellow basketmakers who earn part of their living from selling patterns. Billie, Have you tried Judy Richmond's Classic Floor Basket? I love to weave that one. It is also quite big, 14" x 24" base. I gave one to a local charity fundraiser; it went fast. Kristin, do you know where Judy Tuglish's home base is? Or how to contact her? She sounds like a marvelous person to learn about naturals from. Diana, I'm sure you've seen Osma Todd Galigers woven turkey? How about posting some pictures of some of your birds? And which ones you offer instructions on? I think the folks who have been reading Weaver's Words off the Net, but not subscribing should join us. For those folks & for lurkers, It's kind of like enjoying public television ,but not contributing. The more of us who contribute, the more interesting Weaver's Words becomes. Everyone at every stage of their weaving "career" has something to share that is valuable. Don't be shy. We are a pretty friendly bunch! Signing off from Bangor, Maine area where flocks of birds are arriving or passing through. The yard has been full of their chatter. Oh, by the way, I believe it is the RAVENS that walk all over, not the CROWS. My husband says he learned that as a kid who grew up here. Joy Moody Sign of the Crow (www.signofthecrow.com) {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 105 Date: Sat, 4 Apr 1998 15:01:05 EST From: DeeGrin To: davidc@iei.net David, You set my heart a flutter!!! with your April Fool's joke. I am so glad it was just a joke. I look forward to the Weaver's Word so much and have learned about so many interesting baskets, things and people. I have been pretty busy since the NCBA convention. Reached two of my goals!! Learned how to carve my own handle with a class with Jeffry Gale, what a neat guy, gives you so much history and such a gentle concerned teacher. Also learned how to a make a shaker box, another one of my goals, from Rosie Kiley, and then had a class with JoAnn Catsos, who won three first prizes for the exhibits. My new goals are to finish all the kits( not all the patterns) that I now have!!! Bert , I am so glad someone noticed that you are Roberta!!! I really enjoy all the newsy stuff you write about, you sound like a really neat person. I am glad to see Susan A Reed-Fanfoni has joined the Weaver" Word. she has the cutest patterns and is always one of my favorite shopping spots at the NCBA . Check out her basket pattern to hold microwave popcorn! Thanks Susan for all the helpful suggestions on giving a basket party. I have been wanting to do one for a year now, but never have enough baskets made up to do one. My daughter in Evanston Illinois has wanted to do one when I visit her as she has most of my baskets!!! and has made me a deal to have a party if I let her keep one of each she doesn't have!!! I just received the pattern for the small backpacks that will be featured in the LL Bean catalogue. What a delightful person Kathy Murray Calvert Of KMC is to talk to. She called and discussed the pattern with me. I wish her a great success with her basket business. I also had a nice chat with Barbara Morton when I ordered the Chinese Cookie basket from her. She really has a nice little story that goes with each of her baskets. I had made the midwife basket for one of my daughters when she was pregnant for a circle blessing her friends had instead of a shower. Her friends and family each brought a small significant memento to put in it and she took it to the hospital and hung it on her bed while in labor. It was a sad occasion as Sophia Marie lost her heart beat the day before her due date, but the basket was still very meaningful and helped my daughter's through a difficult time. I really do appreciate all the time you spend on doing this David and hope you continue. Hope your Mom had a lovely birthday. I am an Aries also. From sunny humid Florida will sign off. See why I don't write in often, long winded!! Dee Grinenko {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.