"Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 111 Compiled By: David Collins Snail Mail: 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Owned By: Weavers Everywhere Date Sent: April 30, 1998 Subscribers: 556 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. If anyone else has a picture, you can send it to me through email or snail mail. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weavers words Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 11:12:47 -0000 From: "Jeff & Diana French" To: "David Collins" Hello fellow weavers - I wanted to thank everyone again for all the advice on burning hairs. I'm sure I'll get more comfortable with it as time goes on :) I also felt the need to brag.... I entered several baskets in the Pinelands Basket Exhibit at Mary Carty's and I ended up with not 1, but 3 third place finishers!! This was my first Exhibit and I've only been weaving a year, so this was a real surprise for me! There were a lot of beautiful baskets there and I even got to meet a fellow WW'er. Hello Kathy Calvert - it was great meeting you last weekend!! I really enjoyed the exhibit and can't until next year - already thinking about baskets to make and enter.... I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter and are enjoying a warm & sunny Spring. It's a great time of year to be weaving outside on the porch! Happy Weaving to everyone! Diana French from 'summerlike' southern New Jersey {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 110 Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 10:31:38 -0400 From: olneyjw@juno.com (Judith W Olney) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 Leslie Johson wrote: one was Mary Hicks pattern "Wine Serving Basket" and although it was a quality basket, I thought that $140 was outrageous. I wonder how that artist could arrive at that price? Leslie, whatever makes you think that the *artist* arrived at that price? Shop owners are notorious for putting their own idea of a price on items in their shops...even when the item is on consignment! That does sound like an incredibly unreasonable price, but the shop owner may think she can get it. There's every chance the artist may, if she has consigned, get the basket back in 6 months to a year shop worn and faded with the complain that "it just didn't sell". About the same thing could happen if the artist sold the basket outright except that the basket doesn't come home. It is eventually sold for practically nothing in a condition that the artist would find extremely embarrassing. Meanwhile the artist gets no more orders from the shop because her work "just doesn't sell". I don't deal with shops any more, but back in the old days I would occasionally drop into shops I dealt with and when I found outrageous prices on my stuff, I would immediately repossess it if it was on consignment or inform the owner that she had put a price that was way too high on my work. If she wasn't willing to listen to me, our relationship ended. Guess that partly explains why I don't deal with shops any more! XXOO JOlney 34 Bradford St. Rowley, MA 01969 978-948-2838 (note new area code) {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 110 Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 12:06:22 -0500 From: bscott@ma.ultranet.com (beverly scott) To: David Collins Hi! I have been weaving almost constantly for about three days and I just realized that that's probably why I have this dumb grin on my face. I have actually started AND finished baskets instead of having a pile of unfinished ones. I don't know what got into my system, but it sure feels good! Roberta: You know, I just got the same idea myself in the shower this morning. I have been using straight Tupperware tumblers that I have had forever and don't use anymore and it dawned on me this morning that it might be cheaper to pick up more at the thrift shop and yard sales than to buy specific liners. Thank you!! Johanna: How come we always want what grows somewhere else. I would love to have a cypress knee! I have always drooled over the painted Santa ones in catalogs, but I was definitely not willing to pay their prices. If you can get me any I would love it. I don't know where you live, but if I have anything you might want, I am your willing servant. Nancy (Jacobs?), for the wood bases with handles you should check out KMC baskets - I know Kathy Calvert has a lot of different ones and patterns to match. Also basketpatterns.com had patterns and the bases that go with them. Also the Woven Reed in Maine has some. The best way to check this out is to go to Baskets, etc. and window shop. Bye for now - still with this stupid grin on my face. Beverly Oh I forgot, anyone with sons age 10-18 that want more weaving time should get their kids into Boy Scouts - my two sons, age 11 and 13 have been away camping every other weekend lately. Makes them happy and me even happier!!! Don't forget to enjoy tomorrow (April 27th) as the first day AFTER school vacation - I think I'll have to celebrate - it has been a lon Beverly Scott {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: PATTERNS Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 12:45:00 -0500 From: Gary Dunham To: "davidc@iei.net" Hi! Concerning patterns & teaching them to students, most patterns have the creators name, address & phone number on the bottom. You could simply call them up and ask for a discounted price and hopefully you would get it. The creators who make them should get paid for their efforts. If you have 10 students whom you give the pattern to, then the creator should get paid for 10 patterns. To cover costs, just add it in the price of the class. Unfortunately, with copyright laws being what they are and many patterns are not copyrighted, one change in a basketpattern then makes it "different" than the original and a whole different pattern. A prime example are the beanie babies. How many different knock-offs are there on them. Sure, they may not be a Ty beanie baby, but to a young child, they still consider it a beanie baby. Bye, Cindy {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: My Absence Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 17:54:01 -0600 From: ANDREA & TOM OKEEFE Organization: SAVANNAH HOUSE To: davidc@iei.net, coltsfan@usa.net Dear David & ALL, Hope you remember me after all this time. I'm just now printing out issue #83. My husband, Tom went into the VA Hospital on Feb 3 for a routine colonoscopy which unfortunately turned disastrous. The doctor tore his colon in 2 places and he had to have immediate surgery to repair the damage. Added to that, 4 days later he was given a lethal overdose of medication which managed to poison his entire system and led to 4 more operations to remove dead tissue in his colon and small bowel. He is still in Surgical ICU on a ventilator, IV feeding etc. So as much as I miss you all I have not really had the time to write. Part of the problem is he is in a VA hospital 90 miles from home and it takes me 2 hours each way every day. I don't mean to whine but we could sure use your prayers. I'll rejoin you when I can. Andrea Palm Island, FL {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: Woven Geese Date: Mon, 27 Apr 1998 06:28:38 -0500 From: "nony" To: David does Diane have a pattern for those geese. If so can I get it. nony@gte.net {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Bushel basket handles Date: Mon, 27 Apr 1998 06:58:00 -0500 From: johnancy@pluto.cin.net (john nancy pam phillip) To: David Collins Greetings! Bushel basket handles are a puzzle to me. Can anyone help? I am having trouble inserting them without distorting the weaving. Some of them are so thick! When I apply the flat oval to finish the top, there is a huge gap between the sides of the handles. Is there a special type to buy - notched or unnotched? I really like the look of them in certain baskets, but they are very frustrating to use! Nancy in N. Illinois John {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 110 Date: Mon, 27 Apr 1998 07:10:08 -0500 From: bscott@ma.ultranet.com (beverly scott) To: David Collins Hi! I need some ideas from everybody. I have sold occasional baskets, but I was thinking of selling them on a regular basis, which might pay for some of my "habit". I would like to know everyone started out. How do you decide what kind of baskets to make, what will sell, and how many you need to make. I feel like we are buried in baskets that I have made because I like them, but as to what will sell and how many I have no idea. Also, what would you buy? Diane Macomber - I saw your geese - they are gorgeous! I love to see how people use reed differently. These geese are soooo cool! Beverly from finally sunny Central MA {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Bits and Pieces Date: Mon, 27 Apr 1998 10:49:42, -0500 From: BDKE97B@prodigy.com (MRS BILLIE A DORRIS) To: davidc@iei.net Winnie, I too look at the materials I use for weaving and reject the bad ones ahead of time but sometimes no matter how good the materials look they tend to "fray" when weaving into the actual basket. So there are still things to be trimmed. One tip I picked up in a class with Chris Lamb (hope I remember it right Chris) Is to put the side that will show the most (usually the good side) up when weaving a base as the friction of the material on the table will cause the side against the table to become somewhat rough and raise more hairs. Recently I was trying to thin (thickness) some 3/4" flat to use in a basket that was tightly woven without much room for a thick piece-I used my carving knife but it did nothing but totally shred the back of the reed. Hand sanding didn't work either. I have found this happens with the larger sizes. Sanding by hand didn't work either as I wanted it really thin (almost curl material) so I used my machine sander. The one that is circular and stands on edge as it rotates counterclock wise. Any way this works really well but you do need some kind of jig to hold the material close to the sand paper( yes I sanded one fingertip and one fingernail before my son took over. ) We used a piece of plywood to hold it close. This worked ok but suspect a thought out jig would work better. Nancy-the slotted bases with handles are available from Suzanne Moores North Carolina Basketworks in Vass, NC as well as from many others I am sure. Well our lovely weather has come and gone and we are now back to misery. At least we made it through the weekend. For those who have heard me talk of my granddogs: Susie and Willie are here on their way back to Japan from Italy and they stopped here on purpose to take Charlie the Bassett back with them. However they have decided that they will leave him with us as he is so happy. I am pleased although I have been known to say unkind things about him. I was most concerned about the 24 hrs he would spend in a crate in the belly of an airplane. I know other dogs do it but he is really skittish and afraid of his own shadow. Anyway I almost changed my mind on Friday night when we came home to find the gate open and the granddogs gone on a walkabout. We searched everywhere with no success. My daughter in law had not been through this before and she was really worried. Anyway about 4 hours later Sally arrived with Charlie trailing behind, Think they must have decided that no one had taken them to the beach this year so they would go on their own. Don't know where they were but what a mess. Wet and Sandy- it took over an hour just to get the sand off Charlie. They were so tired the next day they could hardly move. But guess they must have had a really good time while they were gone. We have now installed a spring on the gate so it closes and latches automatically. Johanna, Your gourds sound like fun. Seems as if there are lots of weddings in your household lately. Can't remember who wrote about the price of the basket in NC but it could have been that the shop owner set the prices. Also there are baskets that will command such prices depending on what it was made of and who made it. However it is much more than I charge for my reed wine basket. However the one that is like a Nantucket is not much less. 'til next time Billie in Va. Beach V. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: DRI-Z-AIR Date: Mon, 27 Apr 1998 15:07:45 -0700 From: "Ames, Kay H" To: "'Weaver's Words'" Hi everyone. I have been working a lot of overtime so I haven't had time to write in, barely time to read WW lately. However someone asked about Dri-Z-Air crystals TWICE so I thought I had better respond. I confirmed with my husband that they are Calcium Chloride, which like sodium chloride (salt), attracts water. They are sold in bags of about a cup's volume and used in a two-tiered plastic unit. The crystals go in the perforated top and attract the water, which then runs out of the perforations to be caught in the well below. Both are cheap. I will try to get an address off the label, but it should be a fairly common, readily available material I would think. I will just add that I have printed up the invitations for Sketch Day at the Pond 1998. If any of you will be in the greater Pacific NW on June 13th, you would be welcome to attend. Kay (Harradine) Ames 747 Fuselage Responsibility Center Production Support Team (425) 717-5622 M/S 0J-XE Located at 40-22.5-E4.5 {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 110 Date: Mon, 27 Apr 1998 21:16:52 -0400 From: Phillip Warner To: David Collins Thank you for Weaver's Words. I am starting to teach basket weaving to home school children and would like any tips for bringing in the history of basket weaving to the class. Although I have shown two of my sisters and a few friends how to weave a basket, I haven't taught a "class" and I am unsure of what to charge. If any weaving teachers have any tips I would love to hear them. Thanks, Sara Warner {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Mon, 27 Apr 1998 21:41:37 -0400 From: "Joy Moody" To: Hi Everyone, It has been a while since I checked in. Lots to do here with the cleanup from the Ice Storm of '98. The neighborhood is still a wreck! Leslie's comments about the pricing of a basket fanned the flames on a question I've been pondering. Obviously, we will see differences in pricing in various parts of the country. Some people on this & the previous list appear to have read Grace & Forrest Davis' book on pricing, others may not have. What I am curious about is how we factor in our time. What do we "pay ourselves"; how do we "value" what we do; how much per hour do we figure a weaver's/basketmaker's skill is worth???????? Add this to the cost of materials, the cost of overhead (all or a portion of heat, lights, rent or mortgage, travel, cost of training, advertising, equipment etc.). I imagine there is quite a "range" of figures in answer to this question, and part of the answer lies in what the buyer "sees in the basket as well as the basketmaker. Ulilitarian? Collectible? Finely crafted? Decorative? Common? Skilled? Mediocre? For my own part, I am upset to see basketmaker's who only give themselves minimum wage, as well as those who only appear to recoup the cost of materials. If we don't value what we do, why should we expect anyone to want to buy it at all? How many of us are accepting sweatshop wages? How many of us are willing to crank out volumes of baskets at the expense of quality? Why do we feel we have to? Now, those are more then a few questions to ponder!!!!!! Curious to hear your comments. I know that not all of us are undervaluing our talents & time, but I have the sense that many of us are. I'd like to be proven wrong! Bert, I found a neat book recently: The Care & Feeding of the Spinning Wheel. In it, I saw a marvelous upright wheel that was Irish in origin. I saw one just like it a few weeks ago in a antique shop, & wouldn't I like to have it! It is a rare thing to see this type of spinning wheel in these parts; as a matter of fact, this is the first one I've ever seen in Maine. Someone mentioned basket tags. I am now offering hand embossed gift/price tags via The Shoppe on www.signofthecrow.com. There is also raffia, sachets to tuck in baskets & would you believe sharks teeth for creative embellishments?! Joy Moody Sign of the Crow Hampden, Maine {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 110 Date: Mon, 27 Apr 1998 23:43:03 EDT From: BSKTCHERYL To: davidc@iei.net Thank you to everybody who sent me suggestions for dealing with tendonitis in my arms. It has definitely slowed down the basket production in the past year. I had pretty much given up everything but doing what I needed to do to earn a living and that was on a computer. A chiropractor has been working on my neck and shoulders to get those muscles to relax. I've also started swimming a couple of times a week to strengthen the same muscles. My arms seem to be catching up with these changes. This last weekend I drove up to Berkeley to take a basketry class at the Caning Shop--on pine needle basketry. I learned some news stitches. But the four hours of driving both ways and the five hours of basketry really wore out the arms again. Bert Comstock: You showed some interest in the California Indian Basketweavers so here is an update: The annual gathering will be in Thousand Oaks, Ca. on June 27 at the Oakbrook Regional Park Chumash Interpretive Center. It is an all-day event and the public is invited. Many California Indian baskets are being raffled off. Tickets are $1 each and I have 20 of them to sell. They can also be purchased by calling (530) 292-0120. Maybe I will see you there. Let me know if you have further questions. Cheryl VanDeVeer Santa Cruz, Ca. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Diana's geese Date: Tue, 28 Apr 1998 06:32:33 -0500 From: monast@iquest.net To: davidc@iei.net I was skeptical about the geese but WOW!!! Diana, they are wonderful! Thanks for the picture and keep up the creativity. Kristin in Indiana {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: basket class for park district Date: Tue, 28 Apr 1998 12:58:09 -0400 From: Larry & Amy To: davidc@iei.net Hello weavers! This is for Cindy (Dunham?) I first learned to weave through my county's park district, and have since attended oh, 5 or 6 more classes, to learn new things. In general, the class has been a weeknight from 6-10pm. Max is 10 people. There is one teacher with a terrific assistant. There is usually a wide range of experience, but they do really good helping everyone at their own pace. Cost has been $35-$40, depending on the basket. With the student/teacher ratio, there's never been a class that everyone didn't finish the basket in the 4 hours. With some of the more advanced baskets, they tell you if you need experience, and those classes usually only have 7 or 8 people, but the beginner(no experience necessary) classes usually fill within a day or two of registration. Happy Weaving! Amy from Ohio P. S. My star-shaped basket came out great! {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: dyeing reed Date: Tue, 28 Apr 1998 13:09:54 -0400 From: Larry & Amy To: davidc@iei.net Does anyone out there know how to "Rainbow" dye reed? I've been dyeing my own reed, but I've heard there is some way to dye one piece three or four different colors. (Kind of like that yarn that "fades" from one color to the next.) Any help you can give would be really appreciated! "Basket case" Amy from Ohio (my kids are driving me buggy today) ;^) {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 110 Date: Tue, 28 Apr 1998 14:28:44 EDT From: froggestow@juno.com (Roberta R Comstock) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 110 Janet McLean - I'm not sure when Betty Curry's class is to happen in Illinois, but her phone number is 573-729-8179. You can find out from her whether space is still available and who to contact to sign up. She is also willing to teach small groups at her own workshop by appointment. I have no idea how far ahead you'd have to schedule. Feel free to tell her I gave you this information. Winnie - Thanks for telling us how to finish the lip inside a basket rim. I'll try it your way real soon. Cindy - I think someone once suggested that they would charge the same price for a class as if they were selling the finished basket. I can't remember who might have said it though. Some classes cost more than if you were buying the basket ready made from the instructor & the few of those I've taken were certainly worth it. Dolores J. Gatz - Thanks for the 'download to print' shortcut. (I'm one of those web semi-literates who has been dragging the mouse through a whole document.) :=) I just never seem to take the time to read through the manuals and the help menu, but sort of fumble along or ask someone else how they do these things. I thought I had a busy basket schedule, but I think you've got me beat! I'm envious! I haven't had any bark classes yet, but have been gathering mulberry bark from the young volunteer saplings we're cutting out of our fencerow and have several projects in mind for that. Ann Ridgeway - Please enlighten me - what is a BFO? Guess I'm not a pup - I've been wearing hairpins for years. :=) My favorite ones are about three inches long & hard to find - I only see them in antique malls, a few at a time. More later - Bert Comstock in April showering Independence, MO {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: patterns, part deux Date: Tue, 28 Apr 1998 09:58:54 -1000 From: The Keener Clan To: davidc@iei.net Aloha, It is still blanket weather here in Hawaii and I*m enjoying it. I*m in my last week of craft fair frenzy and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I've cut my class schedule down and I*m anticipating some leisurely hours spent in the hammock under the plumeria tree. I*m also at the end of my "battle" with the local Singer dealership--they advertised a sewing machine for a price too good to be true--and of course it was. So after a lot of arguing and a threat to go to the BBB, Action Line, and small claims court, Singer caved and I*m getting a fine sewing machine for the actual sale price. So it is bothering me that somewhat the same thing just happened with a basket supplier I use sporadically. I saw a pattern on her website that I liked--the "blurb" says an 8" slotted base is needed (which I have on hand). When the pattern arrived, a special base is needed--yes, it is an 8" slotted base, but with an attachment that can only be purchased from this supplier. There was no word of that in the "blurb". So now I*m in a bind--the pattern is useless to me without that special base and I can only order it from her. So was that "false advertising" on her part? To be honest, I thought the pattern would tell me how to convert this 8" base to suit the basket. Yes, I*m going to e-mail the supplier and probably I will send back the pattern for a credit. Just a word to the wise, be cautious when ordering via the web.....what is pictured may not be what you are getting. Lois Honolulu {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Basket Weaving Date: Tue, 28 Apr 1998 16:07:59 EDT From: Jacobsnl To: davidc@iei.net Hello Basket Friends, I just wanted to post a note saying Thank you to Bert Comstock. She taught 3 classes for us in Wichita, KS. We are in the beginning phases of starting a local guild and her day of teaching and us weaving was a great beginning. I just wanted everyone to know that Bert does the most beautiful waxed linen projects. I hope I'm not giving away any secrets here Bert, but she makes beautiful waxed linen pouches in the shape of animals. Bert also has a real talent for working with natural materials. She was filled with information and knowledge throughout the day. If any of you are interested in attending the next meeting of our new guild please e-mail me. Happy Weaving to you all, Nancy {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Basket Friends Date: Tue, 28 Apr 1998 17:19:30 -0400 From: Linda Kotarba To: Weavers Words Bert: Thanks for thinking about The Bead Link! I would like to know more about Sue's basket tags. What are they like? "He who works with his hands and with his head and with his heart, is an artist" St. Francis of Assisi Linda Weaving in Farmington Hills, MI {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 20:23:12 -0500 From: Carol Zeller To: davidc@iei.net David: I have truly enjoyed reading weavers words for over a year now, and am fortunate to have a new computer and connected to the internet. I don't have to rely on friends to copy weavers words for me anymore. I have been weaving for over 14 years and retired from 25 years with the government in January 1997. Since my retirement, I have been teaching basket weaving in my home as well as outside the home. It's an all new different world teaching versus taking classes and just weaving for fun. The reason I'm writing is to address a request by Nancy for a good source of bases that have handles attached. I recently ordered 24 rectangle bases for the casserole carrier and was very pleased to get them from North Carolina Basket Works. Not only are they of very good quality, but their timeliness is excellent. Ordered them Monday and received them Wednesday. They may be reached at (910) 245-3049. Our Guild (Crossroad Weavers Guild) located in Mason, MI was fortunate to have Jo Ann Kelly Catsos, from Ashley Falls, MA and Lita Leichter, from White Plains, NY come and teach us a couple of their special baskets. These ladies are very knowledgeable in their weaving and did an excellent job in teaching. I would suggest if anyone has the opportunity to take classes from these ladies, please do so. Keep on Weaving...... Carol Zeller "Hollyhock" Battle Creek, MI Cereal Capital of the World {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.