"Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 39 Compiled By David Collins Owned By Weavers Everywhere Date Sent August 21, 1997 Subscribers 286 Back Issues http//www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/5998/ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Hello ** & Birch Bark Date: Sun, 17 Aug 1997 21:03:43 -0700 From: chas To: davidc@iei.net Hello All --- I should introduce myself, My name is Ruth Lascurain and I live in a small western Washington town, in the country. I have three kids-all teenagers,ugh! A husband, several dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, geese, cows (well you get the picture). I work part-time with the elderly and doing computer and office work. I was previously with Shirley's list and already feel I am aquainted with many of you. I have been (I guess) "lurking" for awhile. Enjoying the conversation, but not having too much to contribute.. I, too, want to thank David for his time and energy, and add my Best Wishes for his recovery. I do so look forward to my mailings.. Just a quick note in reply to Terri Brenner's question concerning the birch bark. I see that Allen's Basketworks, in Portland Oregon is carrying smaller amounts. I'm not sure if it is listed in the regular catalog, but do see it in his August sales flyer. It states in part "most pieces are in the 2 - 4 square foot range; price per square foot $4.25 plus shipping." His e-mail address is Basketweaver@Compuserve.com or regular phone # 503-238-6384. I get most of my supplies from him and have really enjoyed knowing him, he is a great help.. And orders are shipped out quite quickly. Hope that helps !! For all who helped me figure out what to do at the Crafts Fair, THANKYOU !! Thats when we were on another list. But you were all right... I think I could have done most anything and been well received. I chose to offer a wooden bottomed basket for the kids to weave a row or so on, and in between rushes I tried to even it out. So many children were GOOD WEAVERS !! A few were genuinely interested, but most were bored after one row, some barely made that. I was surprised that so many were content to watch me weave, and think that I may go that direction next time. Adults on the whole were rather stand-offish. Uncomfortable speaking to me about weaving. I tried to be conversational, but was having an "off" day, I guess. That was pretty disappointing, but i did learn alot for my first fair. I did not sell one basket, tho'. And that was a real let down. I need to approach it solely as donated time, I think. And right now, am not sure I have enough time to donate. That sounds awful, but sorrowfully true.. I did get one prospective class out of the exposure, and a nice picture and write up in the local paper. All is not lost !! Not sure if I will do it again, but do have a whole year to consider.. I would be interested to hear others experiences with fairs. This was not a selling fair, but a demonstration that I was asked to do at the local museum. I was not paid, and allowed to sell my wares in way of compensation. It was billed as being " for the kids". As my first experience, I found that 5 hours is ALONG TIME to sit in one place. My daughter did help, but I was hesitant to leave her for to long a time, for fear she would be "swamped" by a horde of little ones.Pretty much I only took bathroom breaks. And I think because of it being aimed at the kids, it was really hectic... Well, summer is winding down here in WA (thank goodness, it has been a SCORCHER !) The garden is doing BADLY, so am looking forward to having some time to weave, and school starting in a few weeks. Better go for now, thankyou to everyone who keeps writing, I REALLY enjoy hearing what everyone is doing.. Ruth Lascurain Cinebar, WA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: mahalo! Date: Sun, 17 Aug 1997 21:18:17 -1000 From: The Keener Clan To: davidc@iei.net Mahalo, Jack Rothman, for the addresses of places that could possibly supply wooden knobs for basket lids...and thanks to Bert Comstock for her advice, too. And while I*m thanking you good folk, thank you David, for giving us the opportunity to ask and be answered! Hope you are feeling fine. Jayna--I use a combo of minwax and mineral spirits in equal amounts and spray it on my baskets. I*ve been using linseed oil( 1/3 part to the mineral spirits and minwax), but someone pointed out it was poison and shouldn*t be used in baskets that might be used to hold edibles--but then, I do believe minwax is fairly toxic, also. I, too, was using walnut hulls, but I*m not sure if I was supposed to have them shipped in via my family--Hawaii gets a little fussy about what comes in and goes out of this state.... Anyway, I spray it on the baskets and my favorite color is "Early American"--has that walnut/not too light and not too dark/look. I agree with you, Cheri--yesterday, I spent the better part of the afternoon trying to figure out how to balance an 8" wooden base, complete with 20 something spokes, upside down on my left hand and chase weave with my right hand while "pulling up" the spokes. Not an easy thing to accomplish--and I didn*t, accomplish, that is. I finished the basket, but by weaving my own way and not the pattern author*s. I then began another basket (we are approaching heavy craft fair season here in hula land) where the pattern author said to weave the first row, making sure it went outside the handle and then tuck the spoke overlays on certain spokes behind that 1/2" row....except the spokes she wanted the overlays on were, for the most part, in front of the 1/2" row..... Neither of the patterns were tested. I bought a recipe card basket pattern once that left out "cut and tuck the spokes" altogether.... Joy--just a little advice--do not subscribe to SIMPLY BASKETS. I wrote to the IBA and asked why this publication was still being advertised in their newsletters (didn*t get a reply, tho). I subscribed last summer and got Volume 2. There was an order form to get volume 1 and I sent my check--and received another copy of Volume 2. I sent Cathy a note and told her I*d donate it as a door prize at out guild meeting, but I wanted what I ordered--which she sent. I then rec*d a newsletter from Cathy telling in great detail that her spouse had gotten out of the military and they were moving and the Nov. issue would be late. Boy, was it. It came in April--and she said the May issue would be forthcoming. So here it is August and I*ve gotten 2 of the 4 issues I paid for (Volume 1 doesn*t count as I paid for that separately)--and that comes out to $10 a copy. I wouldn*t suggest to ANYONE that they subscribe to SIMPLY BASKETS...it*s a nice magazine, but I*m afraid the editor took my money under false pretense...but that*s okay--I taught one of the baskets and made back scads of money..... We had our first (and probably only) thunderstorm of the year and a half a day of rain--so now it*s back to sunshine and heat until winter (when the temp drops to 85)...missing the mainland, Lois Honolulu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 38 Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 12:48:27 +0000 From: Pamela Woodbury To: davidc@iei.net Hi David and basket buddies, Like everyone, I too hope you are on the mend David. You have become one of us whether you intended to be or not. Jayna, I only use MinWax. I have tried every other stain in the world including black walnuts, but Minwax can't be beat. The smell is minimal and the basket won't become brittle. You have to be careful that you buy oil based stain and not with any varnish in it, that is what will make the basket brittle. Minwax does make a stain with varnish so be sure and read the outside label before you buy it. I don't always thin down my stain. It depends on what color or how dark the color is I want. I have noticed that the really dark colors put on full strength will make the baskets a little brittle as they seem to be a thick liquid. The lighter colors are thinner and don't have to be thinned down. I prefer colors like golden oak, fruitwood or puritan pine, all lighter colors and sometimes I thin them and sometimes I don't. Play around with something, maybe a basket you weren't too fond of anyway and decide what is best for you. Cheri, it's been so cold here for the last couple of weeks that I think fall is already here so I guess I can answer this question calm and cool. There is no regulations in pattern writing for baskets. There probably should be, but who is going to do it. We quite possibly need a national organization, but that doesn't mean everyone would have to belong and submit patterns through them. What other craft or hobby can someone set down at a typewriter and just type up their own pattern, takes some pictures and start selling it. One thing you might want to check when buying patterns is has that person written a pattern before and do you know people who have made that persons patterns. For me as I barely even look at a pattern I don't even notice mistakes in patterns, but for those who follow a pattern step by step it can be frustrating to run across such errors. I have been writing patterns for almost 10 years. I certainly have improved and for those of you who might have one of my old patterns I hope they weren't too bad. With the computer I certainly have improved. I have gotten patterns from well know pattern writers that were not right. I guess what I try to say to myself is basket weaving is not an exact art and I just adlib as I go if I find something that is wrong. If you would drop a line to the author and tell them the problems you ran across at least you might save the problem from the next person who might purchase their pattern. If the error is major, I would hope that the author would try to recall as many of the patterns as she can and at least get in touch with her suppliers and tell them of the error and that she will replace the bad pattern. I also have bought patterns from well known basket makers that the picture and the pattern don't match. I usually have bought the pattern because I liked the picture and I can make a basket off the picture so I do what the picture is instead of following the pattern. There again when this happens we should probably write the author and tell them that I bought the pattern because I liked what the basket looked like and the pattern doesn't match. I bought a pattern from a vendor at the IN convention in May that the pattern and the picture didn't match so I made the basket to match the picture, but what I should have done was send it back. Everyone is going to make an occasional typo or misuse a word now and then so I think we should be tolerant of that, but from now on when gross mistakes are written into the pattern, complain to the author and see if he or she will stand behind their work. If not don't buy another one of their patterns. Pam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: patterns Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 08:30:08 -0500 From: monast@iquest.net To: davidc@iei.net Finally rain. I got the Silver Bouquet Artemesia before it became Brown Bouquet. The everlastings are filling up the garage. To Cheri Branca: I agree that "some patterns" ARE written with mis-information and it is a pain. For the few patterns I have come up with, I let the guild test them, or do a class for the cost of materials and let the people know it's a tester. In the past I have called the author of the pattern. It cost me for the phone call but ... Basically I have come to read the pattern first. Which still doesn't address the authors sloppiness and fair product for the $. I buy most of my patterns from Restoration Products and find Marilyn and Ourka have a pretty good handle on their patterns. Must go and bundle and hang the Silver Bouquet - Kristin in Yorktown In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 38 Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 10:03:26 -0400 (EDT) From: SharWaters@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net To Cheri Branca....I totally agree with you about the inaccuracy of some of the patterns that we have purchased. I truly think that if the authors double checked and were required to have the patterns tested before they are put up for sale....we would eliminate most of the errors. I do not think it's fair to the consumer who buys the pattern in good faith. This happened to me just last week and I did complain to the party that I purchased it from (it was not the author, however) and was told that the basket had been taught at several conventions and the author sold about 100 patterns and this was the first complaint....you tell me how could that be!!! Sharon Waters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: this n that Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 08:46:31 -0700 From: Amanda To: davidc@iei.net Hello Fellow Weavers! Melanie-you said you use buckeyes as embellishments on baskets. What do you put on them to preserve them? I have a buckeye tree in the yard and one year my kids collected a bucket full but after a few weeks they got moldy and the ones that didn't mice ate them. Diane-You asked about using miniwax stain straight. I did this once on two baskets. I didn't like the look it gave. Was too shiny and too thick. I have always diluted it ever since. Diane-I had black spots get on a basket once too. It was mold. I took soapy water and washed it as best as I could and then stained it with miniwax diluted. I thought it would seal it better. It has been over a year and the basket it fine. Andrea-Glad you are moved and unpacked. Moving is hard work. When we moved the first thing that gets unpacked and settled is craft supplies. Cheri-I agree with you on the patterns. I have had a few that don't work and have ended up with short weavers or other problems. It does get frustrating. Happy Weaving! Amanda ******************************************************** Mandy's Country Playhouse mandy@cin.net Oregon, Illinois ******************************************************** @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 38 Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 20:09:48 -0400 (EDT) From: WBLAZ@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net I'd like to respond to Jayna in central Massachusetts who asked about using Minwax full strength. I've done it many times and the baskets don't get brittle. But I prefer to dilute the stain with turpentine or an oil based paint thinner to get a softer color. I've diluted it to half and half and have had very pleasing results. To Diane re black spots, I brush on some bleach, yes Clorox, and the spots disappear without damaging the reeds. I've also tried this to bleach out a finished basket that had dyed reed in it that I thought was too bright. To avoid the mildew problem in humid weather I hang the basket to dry or put it on a cake rack or other location where air can circulate all around it. Hope this helps, WBLAZ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Kudzu/Minwax/stuff Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 22:31:28 -0400 (EDT) From: CMGARDNER@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi everyone....David, I hope you are feeling good now and thanks for keeping this weaver's network going. I loved Ron Harrison's story on Kudzo...I may be nuts, but I'd like to see if it would grow here in Nevada! I can't find it listed in any seed catalogs and local nursery's don't have it. ron..where can I get some? We're in the high desert with very short growing season, so I can't grow too much. Sounds like this stuff doesn't care where it grows! Thanks to everyone with the hints for judging at the fair. I entered my basket and judging is tomorrow..so we'll see. Jayna: I have used Minwax for years on wood working/carvings, and have loved it. But when I used it on a basket (and mixed it with linseed oil & mineral spirits) it was a disaster because it smelled so bad! I put it in a gallery and the whole place smelled like stain/paint for days. I even aired the basket for several days before I put it in the gallery. When I used minwax alone, it only seemed to have an odor for a few days..not a month! It does give a wonderful finish, but just be sure you air it for a week or so before you sell it. Diane: I have been able to remove mold spots with Clorox. I just use a Q-tip and dab it on. The new "scented" Clorox doesn't smell like bleach and does a good job. Joy Moody: OK, now I remember your 'basket' graphic..cute! The handle was a bit off center, but you could tell it was a basket..you are clever! I thought you found some clip art or something. I do remember in Shirleys list that someone talked about Printshop or one of those..but can't remember which one it was. Does anyone know of basket art? General question? Most the 'conversations' here seem to be related to using flat reed. Is this mainly an eastern/mid-western tradition? I use mainly round reed and make 'vessel' shapes and free-form baskets. I have trouble with #5 round reed breaking at the upset and wondered it anyone has any input. I am considering weaving in the bathtub so I can keep my reed wet all the time! Our humidity averages 5% to 10% here! Andrea: Please...what is a "Florida" basket...it sounds wonderful! Cheri: Yes, I agree...it is so frustrating when patterns are wrong! I just bought a little kit for an amulet purse and it makes no sense at all...then I realized they left off have the directions. So time to improvise and make it my own design! Time to get busy...keep on weaving everyone! Molly in Nevada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Date: Tue, 19 Aug 1997 15:18:16, -0500 From: BDKE97B@prodigy.com (MRS BILLIE A DORRIS) To: davidc@iei.net Cheri, You have hit on one of my pet peeves and something that I have been ranting and raving about for years but no one seems to care except me. I don't know why people don't have their patterns tested better. As an experienced weaver I can usually figure out what is wrong but I feel really sorry for the beginners that don't have a clue and therefore are turned off basket weaving forever.I once called the writer about a mistake in a pattern that she wasn't aware of and she said that I was the first one that had questioned it. It probably was a typo but one that made a great deal of difference in the way it worked-in fact it just wouldn't work the way described. I've even suggested that maybe one of the major associations come up with a guideline for what should be included but there has never been any response. I believe there was a great discussion about this on Shirley's list. Maybe someday someone will pay attention. Billie in Va. Beach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Tue, 19 Aug 1997 18:00:28 -0400 From: "Joy Moody" To: Hi everyone. I laughed when Melanie wrote that she puts buckeyes as embellishments on baskets. In Maine, a buckeye is a big chocolate covered candy ball. What is a buckeye in.....her state? Diane: you can put bleach on a Q-tip & remove mildew stains. This works well for occasional color runs too. Jayna: I mix minwax, mineral spirits & linseed oil in equal parts. Others have spoken of leaving the linseed oil out. The mineral spirits will dilute the stain color so it is more transparent & will not greatly alter any colored accents you weave in. The linseed helps keep your reed from drying out. If you stain straight from the can, without mineral spirits, you will have a much more opaque stain. Our Maine weather is hinting at Fall's arrival. Too soon! Too soon! I do not look forward to staining in the cold barn in the dead of winter. I took a short ride today to show a friend the Cherokee Picnic basket I just finished & stained. What a headache! They really must dry several days before you can go near them & not take in the fumes. Jack: Thanks for the tips on knob suppliers Cheri: Funny you should mention it! I recently started a pattern for an herb gathering type basket. I had all the reed cut, only to find out they had reversed the handle dimensions. I had to fit the width to 4" less & wound up with a totally different basket! I liked it, but.... Remember back...was it BasketList?...someone was listing terminology for basket pattern makers. Can we add what goes first, width or height of handle? I say width, then height. All my other patterns seem to go that way. Who knows about staghorn sumac? Did I hear somewhere that the red flowerheads are good for dye stuff, or was it tea? Joy Moody Sign of the Crow Hampden, ME @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V.1 I.35 Date: Tue, 19 Aug 1997 18:07:41 EDT From: froggestow@juno.com (Roberta R Comstock) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 From: David Collins "Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 35 David: It's good to have you back with us (even though we didn't know about your hospitalizations until after the fact). I hope whatever the problem was is now under control. Thanks to Connie for keeping 'Weavers Words' going. A friend who will help out that way is certainly a blessing. Lora K.: Enjoyed your 'Loraberger'story. It's always a pleasure to hear of a snob getting taken down a notch or two & especially so when you discover an unsuspected supporter in the process! Darleena: Good luck with your flag project. Although I usually do mine with machine applique, my SCA group had an interesting session last night for an alternative technique. Our guest instructor brought an opaque projector with him. We projected our designs onto banner fabric which was taped to the wall and traced the projected images on the fabric with pencil. We then used fine pointed permanent markers to darken the outlines before painting them in with acrylic paints. The co-instructor lines the painted banners with plain fabric for hanging against a wall or sews two painted panels together back to back for a display that can be seen from wither side. She attaches hanging loops when sewing the lining. You could probably use this techniques with a photo or drawing of one of your own baskets. Banners made this way wear pretty well if you don't rumple them or fold them too often. We roll them around a cardboard tube for storage. Molly: Re Judging: Things I look for in judging include * Workmanship - whether the piece will function as intended, * Complexity and Scope - difficulty of the design and ambitiousness of the project, * Creativity - whether the design is original or made from someone else's pattern, and * Quality/Judge's Observation - the gut reaction, tie-breaker element. For pieces that are meant to replicate or simulate historic ideals, I also consider * Authenticity - of materials and processes, plus * Documentation - explaining what the piece is, when and where it was used historically, how it was made, how it differs from the historic model, and why the artisan the made any changes. Amanda P: It's really fun to follow your progress on setting up your shop. I always look forward to your next installment. Pam W.: Huzzah! What show was it that you won the 3-D Art category? How would you describe your winning entry? Joy M.: I really like my EasyUp! I've made my own side walls. I tie them to the frame. I think the ones that are now available from the company attach with Velcro. Cost is about $300, including walls, about half that without walls. Bert Comstock, Independence, MO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: This & That Date: Tue, 19 Aug 1997 18:10:14 -0400 (EDT) From: mbc@vnet.net (Michael & Barbara Cordell) To: davidc@iei.net Hi! Thought I should stop lurking and contribute cause I really love getting Weavers Words! The sharing of all this terrific information is just wonderful! Thank you David for all your hard work! Issue 36 - To Molly - about Basket graphics - there is a great book of clip art called "Basketry Graphics" by Margaret Davidson which is available from Pacific Weave for $9.95. Their # is 800-879-3283. I've scanned a lot of it and it's great! Issue 36 - To Amanda Popelka - I have two different booklets/patterns for Christmas ornaments. One is "Holiday Heirlooms" by Barbara Klann which includes 13 different ornaments (Santa, drum, angle, wreath, etc.) Unfortunately, this was published in 1985 and I can't find it listed in any of my catalogs. Maybe someone else might know of how to get it. The other pattern is "4 Christmas Ornaments" by the Blue Ridge Basketmakers. I got mine from NC Basket Works at 800-338-4972. Issue 38 - to Jayna Glemby - the stain I use when I'm not using "Weavers Stain" is a mixture of 50% tung or linseed oil and 50% mineral spirits. To this mixture, add Minwax until you get the color you like. I apply it with a sponge brush. I really like the effect of this, but do find "Weavers Stain" a whole lot easier! Finally, awhile back I thought I was moving to Michigan, but now find that we're moving to Knoxville, TN within the next couple months. Are there any weavers on-line from that area? I would love to hear from you and find out about the "basketry climate" in eastern TN. Barb Cordell Charlotte, NC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 38 Date: Wed, 20 Aug 1997 19:43:27 -0600 From: Dave Balleweg To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 David, This is the first time I am writing to this list and I, too, have had black spots appear on one of my baskets. I sprayed it with a little bleach and let it dry in an airy, dry place. Sometimes those dry places are hard to find in the summer! I am lucky enough to have a dry, dark place that I use to dry flowers in, so can use that in a pinch. I usually like to dry my baskets on the kitchen counter so they are sitting on a flat surface while they dry. I do not like my baskets to wobble too much. Thank you for continuing this list for us and I hope you have fully recovered by now. Marcia Balleweg, Wellston, OK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Underwater Basket Weaving Date: Thu, 21 Aug 1997 08:05:25 -0400 (EDT) From: DKallner@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Found a web site last night that made me chuckle. I've also heard the "underwater basket weaving" jokes, which don't offend me at all, and this one takes them to a new level. I have no idea who put this on the web, but it came up on a basketry search. The address for the "Department of Multi-Environment Basket Weaving", if you want to check it out, is: http://www.paranoia.com/~sadus/slimy/weave.htm I wonder if I could take the "Inverted Basket Weaving in Extreme Gravitational Fields" class (MBW470), by correspondence? Donna Kallner White Lake, WI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.