"Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 41 Compiled By David Collins Owned By Weavers Everywhere Date Sent August 29, 1997 Subscribers 290 Back Issues http//www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/5998/ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Nantuckets Date: Mon, 25 Aug 1997 00:03:21 -0400 From: "Kim Renich" To: Joyce... I love your ideas for nantucket molds! I took a class at IBA this year with Ann Wagner and she had us weaving over a rubbermaid bowl. It was great! I'd love to hear what others have used besides the traditional molds.... Kim Goldsboro, NC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: change of address Date: Mon, 25 Aug 1997 08:08:37 +0000 From: Betty To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 David, I am switching ISP's and would like you to update my address. Thank you for the work you do for all of us. To Kathi Calvert: good luck with your business. I would appreciate being able to buy patterns that are truly tested. That's a particularly nice service to offer. It is not a true test when someone says this pattern has been tested in class. That is testing the basket, not the written instructions. People in class don't look at a pattern, they go around and look at the sample basket to weave. We don't need regulations if people would just properly test their patterns. Patterns need to be tested by someone 'blind', (can't find a better word). It's a whole different matter when you have a basket sitting in front of you. When I look at a pattern the first thing I want to know is the size of the basket and the materials required. This means specific information. It tells me so much that doesn't always show up in a picture. If it calls for a bead I want to know what size. I want to know exactly what handle. I like to know how much material is needed, and how much material I need for the project. To Lyn Siler, I look forward to your new book. That's great news. I hope you recover successfully from back surgery. I have had back surgery and have recovered to nearly new and have very few limitations. We can still weave baskets! I have a question about dyeing. Does anyone have a recipe for correcting results based on the water used? I have used Cushing Perfection Dark Green which is supposed to be nearly black and I get a good medium green at best. I used Terra Cotta and got a wimpy orange. The last time I did Dark Green I added black to the dye and I still got this wimpy medium green. To anyone in Minnesota and the Midwest in general: you may contact me for information about our new guild. We are the Basket Weavers Guild Midwest with 57 members since inception in April of this year. Send me a message if you would like to know about us. To Carole Kaeding at Gratiot Lake Basketry: thank you for your help with publicity for our guild. We appreciate your efforts. Thank you too for the help with pattern questions. Carole always has the answer about what "medium handle" is required, or what bead I need for a particular pattern. Thanks to all of you for making David's list so informative. Best regards, Betty Swanson PS.... David, I have a suggestion that contributors to Weavers Words must sign their name. I have seen messages that have no identification at all. It's nice to know who is writing and where they are from. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 40 Date: Mon, 25 Aug 1997 13:13:11 +0000 From: Pamela Woodbury To: davidc@iei.net Hi, Let me know what you think. Hello fellow weavers: I think some of you totally misunderstood what I was trying to say. Nowhere did I say that I like badly written patterns. If you look at my posting I was complaining about buying a pattern that didn't match the picture and said I should have sent it back, but the idea never occurred to me. When I said to forgive a typo I certainly didn't mean a typo like pleh. I meant a typo such as round, little things most people don't notice, and pleh is an anagram not a typo, yet again if we are going to be precise an anagram is a scrambled word and pleh is just turned backwards. I didn't say it was right they were there, I just said don't be too critical about little things. I thought I was siding with you, but trying to give an objective opinion as a writer and a buyer of patterns. I also thought I was being nice about it. If you recall I did also mention who would we get to patrol the pattern writers. I have spent numerous hours redoing patterns and putting them on the computer and putting graphics on the patterns just to have somebody tell me that instead of using the words 1/2 flat oval I put down 1/3 flat oval. This pattern had previously been tested, but in the rewriting a typo was made. Kim Renich is one of the worlds best pattern testers. I should go into all of my designs and put her name as a tester on them. She has caught every little typo and little bits of confusion. When I write a pattern I try to make them as easy to read as possible. I must admit Cheri I was a little confused as to what you were trying to say in some of your postings. As a pattern writer I had a tendency to get a little confusing so have to go back and word it as easily as possible for everyone to understand. As I stated in my last letter I stink at testing because I barely look at the pattern. I might be a complete stranger to someone, but I wouldn't make a good tester for them. To Lora K, I think diagonal plaiting was the hardest thing I ever tried. I can't even imagine trying it on my own. I'm guessing I might have made the same one you made, but I had the teacher right there at the time. I spent 10 hours in that class and only got about 1/2 done. I brought it home and it sat for months until one of my friends helped me. I was reduced to beginner 101. I still do not understand diagonal plaiting and it will probably take me another few years to even consider tackling another one. To Roberta, I'm hoping I won the Best of Show in 3 Dimensional Art because of all my baskets, but I think the one that truly won me the award was a very large antler basket. I had made it on a 10 point mule deer antler so the one side I used had five points and it was quite large. Because of the shape of the antler the basket was sculptured. I had a price tag on it and sold it for pretty big $$$. At the time I sold it I was happy I sold it, but got the award about 10 minutes later. In retrospect, I wish I had kept it, but I have the other side of the rack to make so maybe it will be better than the first one. To Joyce, I was on Nantucket Island a couple of years ago and saw a Nantucket baby bassinet. It was absolutely gorgeous. I made a very small Nantucket on Saturday, the Mini Cracker Basket and it took me every bit of 8 hours. I would think I'd need 8 years notice to get a baby bassinet done. Hope you daughter gives you plenty of advance notice or better yet you could make it to entice her. My daughter is expecting baby number 3 in a couple of weeks. We already know it is a boy. I never did tackle a baby bassinet. Hope I don't have too many typos in this message. Pam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: general Date: Mon, 25 Aug 1997 08:52:46 -0500 From: monast@iquest.net To: davidc@iei.net I enjoyed Cheri's ideas of helpful hints. The even versus uneven number of stakes on the sides was one that surprised me. I thought about it and yes, that makes sense. Good suggestion and one I will incorporate. The only helpful hint I can dream up also seems like an obvious one. I always cut my longest spokes first, if there are any shorter pieces at the end of a pound many times, these leftovers are just right for the shorter spokes or fillers. Especially when cutting 10-12 kits for a class. To Lori Hopkins: about your birch logs. Make sure you have something big enough to hold the birch sheets pressed flat before you take it off the log. One year while visiting my parents in Michigan I "dropped in" on Cass and got some quick advice about harvesting birch. I'm NO authority, but my Dad and I made presses with sheets of plywood and 2 x 4's bolted across with wing nuts. We cut the tree into logs (they ultimately were kind of short) and floated them upcreek, hauled them onto the bank and into wheelbarrows. My Dad split the logs with a chain saw and I peeled (it wasn't as easy as all that). I suppose it was done the hard way, but now I have some birch that has served me well for several years. Most important is to get them into presses so the curl of the tree shape doesn't become permanent. I was delighted to hear Lyn doing another book. Can't wait. Missing my son who we took to college yesterday..... Kristin in Yorktown IN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: basketpatterns.com Date: Mon, 25 Aug 1997 19:41:57 -0400 From: "The Rigterinks" To: Hi everyone First of all, Thanks Cheri for the info on the leather handles, I found them just where you said they'd be. But now I have another question about basketpatterns.com. I found some wood base basket patterns that I want to order, but cannot figure out how to get the wood bases along with the pattern. I have never ordered anything from basketpatterns.com before, so I' m sure that I'm just not getting it right. As always, any help is greatly appreciated. I finally got the "mold" out of my photo basket and am ready to apply the pictures...I can hardly wait to see the finished product! Keep weaving Diane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Leather Straps Date: Mon, 25 Aug 1997 22:07:51 -0400 (EDT) From: LMHOVER@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi, for Diane - you can order the leather straps for the Double Bottom Tote from basketpatterns.com, under miscellaneous items, then Kathy Tessler accessories. They are $6.00. I haven't ordered anything from them - yet - but I'm sure I will soon, they have a lot of very nice patterns. Hope this helps. Linda Ft. Washington, MD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: New Page On-Line Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 06:42:40 -0700 From: "Grace and Forrest Davis" To: "Weaver's Words" Hi Folks, Well, we finally came on line, establishing a page which advertises our Pricing booklet and, hopefully, launches us toward documenting what separates the "good" basketry class from the "great." We've learned a few things listening to the conversation on patterns and imagine there is as much to say about the classes we all take from time to time. One of our pages asks the reader to respond to some questions regarding classes they've taught or experienced. . . if you have time, please drop by (URL below). We'll see where this effort goes. Also, we've learned a few things about building Web pages. Though frustrating at times (like r-e-a-l frustrating), we've made enough mistakes to make life easier for anyone else considering the effort. Many internet servers offer ~2M space to their subscribers "free," so you might lack only an idea and a few hours behind the keyboard. I for one am looking forward to roaming around Joy Moody's barn or Billie Dorris' boardwalk. Keep us in mind if you're interested in establishing a page. . . but hurry! This "free amateur Weaver's Words web page consultation service" lasts only as long as the Lord gives me breath. Take care, Forrest -- Grace and Forrest Davis 118 Mills Circle Ft Huachuca, Arizona 85613 (520) 417-9325 lamar@c2i2.com http://www.c2i2.com/~lamar/SimpleThings.html @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Thanks! Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 22:34:45 -0400 (EDT) From: CMGARDNER@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi everyone, To Mary, Bert, Donna, and everyone else who gave me the advice on entering fairs and information on how the judging works. After about 3 throwaways..I finally completed the 'perfect' basket. I entered it in the Nevada State Fair..and won a blue ribbon/1st place and also "Best of Division"...I also entered a decorated gourd and won a blue ribbon for it! All the advice and hints worked...I do appreciate it! I really enjoyed the Saturday night 'chat' that Donna Weber has and was able to 'talk' to several of you about problems I was having with my basket. So..thanks again...what a great support group we have! Happy Weaving..... Molly (Nevada) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: aloha! Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 21:28:50 -1000 From: The Keener Clan To: davidc@iei.net Aloha! Well, it looks like that hurricane churning in the Pacific will head north and miss us...dodged another one this summer. I don*t need a storm to send the 50+ coconuts in my 60' tree down through my roof.. scary thought. Cheri-you made some excellent points re: not-so-well-written patterns. I do believe that most of us who have been weaving for a few years could look at a picture and figure out how to make a duplicate basket, but the point is...we shouldn*t have to, especially after plunking down $3.50 for a pattern. A few years ago, I ordered a neat looking pattern for a pie basket and when it arrived, I noticed the pattern said "kit needed to complete". The "kit" included the handle and a base--no dimensions given. So I wrote to the person who made the kits (listed on the pattern) and several weeks later was notified that he had passed away and the kits he had completed were being used by the pattern author. However, the gentleman passed away in the winter and the following summer, the pattern author was still selling the patterns. I wasn't used to working with wooden bases and trying to figure out how many and what size spokes to put in a base I thought might work was far too frustrating. I did notify the supply house where I*d gotten the pattern originally and being the sweet lady she is, she offered to refund my money. (no, I didn*t take her up on it) Eventually I did make the basket (once) using the picture.....but the point is, I shouldn*t have had to. And neither should anyone have to depend on a picture because the pattern isn*t written clearly. Here*s a tip if you paint on baskets. Get your hands on a rubber stamp catalog (I have D.O.T.S and Personal Exhange)--these things are loaded with ideas--flowers, fruits, trees, seasonal stuff, endless ideas. And here*s an easier way to weave a pineapple basket. I*ve used the old pattern numerous times (you betcha those baskets sell well here in Dole country) and I had a lot of problems with the base--couldn*t seem to make it set straight or if it did, the bottle of wine I placed inside the basket wouldn*t set straight. Use a 4" wooden base with 20 20" spokes from 1/2" flat. Chase weave for 6 rows with #3 green round reed, pulling up gently, weave 28 rows of 1/4" flat oval (start and stop--I*m not a continual weaver)start pulling in gradually on the 14th row, twine three rows with #3 round reed (green). You can add additional spokes to make the top "fluffier" if you want (before you twine). I tell you, this makes a nifty pineapple. I don*t think anyone has marketed this--at least I haven*t seen it. happy weaving, aloha nui loa, Lois Honolulu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Wire handles question Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 08:15:00 +0000 From: Betty To: David Collins David, I have a question for weavers about a message written to Weavers Words that I think was not too long ago. Someone wrote with specific instructions to make wire handles. I remember specifics about the size of wire and the tool needed to do this. Now when I want to know I can't find it. I am interested because my nice neighbor gave me some wire that seems to be the size needed. I do have all the back issues and enjoy reading them again. It's surprising what you find out a second time around that you missed the first, but I can't seem to find the reference to this. Now I am making little notes as the issues come in so that I can quickly find a topic. David: I thought the easy way to do my search would be to go to back issues and use the "FIND" button on my browser. I have discovered that I can't get to the back issues with the http in the address, but if I take it off it works. Then I can only access lists 1 and 2. They work fine. The other 31 back issues send me the message "forbidden". David, do you have instructions for me? Another question to anyone: what is the status of Interweave NEWS? It seems to be long overdue. How about Simply Baskets? Betty Swanson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Issues 39 & 40 Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 14:27:23 -0600 From: ANDREA & TOM OKEEFE Organization: SAVANNAH HOUSE To: davidc@iei.net, coltsfan@usa.net Hi David and Everybody I'm really enjoying reading all the comments in Weavers Words. David, you are just wonderful for doing this. Hi Ruth. Glad to see you on this list. I missed your postings since the demise of Shirley's list. To Molly in Nevada - I have Print Artist 4.0 and it has a bunch of basket graphics on it. I enjoy using the program a lot. In fact I print out a card with 3 kittens in a basket on the front describing the basket when I give one as a gift. A Florida basket is just another name for a nature basket. I use palm bloom (inflorescence) as the primary material in the basket. You can either weave the entire basket from it (except for base, spokes & border) or use it as an accent. It always looks interesting - and of course no two are ever alike. Coleen - Palm Island is approximately 100 miles south of Tampa so unfortunately I'm not very familiar with basketry activities up there. Also, this is off season down here so there's not too much going on anywhere. It's not a very good time to gather palm bloom either. The palm trees bloomed in the spring. I've traded palm inflorescence with some folks on the list in the past quite successfully - only one person didn't send me what she promised in return - so one out of 10 a'int bad! If you would like some e mail me privately. I've never sold any of my baskets - I don't want to turn a joyful hobby into a chore but we're having a fund raiser here in November, "Art in the Palms" to benefit our island fire dept and the organizers want me to sell some of my baskets. I'm kind of freaking out about it. I haven't the foggiest notion as to how to price my baskets. Maybe I'm a slow weaver but I average about 10 hours a basket (I'm a type A perfectionist). So far I have a round colonial with a 12" double base with a woven handle, an apple basket, and a porcupine basket. I also plan on including some fairly large Florida baskets. Any suggestions from you pros out there? Does anyone know anything about antique tools? I have a draw knife that has an 1857 date on the blade. I'm wondering what it's worth as I'm thinking of sending it out to be sharpened. Andrea Palm Island, FL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Hi All !!! Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 19:27:47 -0700 From: "LORI HOPKINS" To: "David Collins" Hope you are feeling better== David ==and thanks for the great job you do....I am having a problem with wire handles. I have a favorite basket that I made and keep it next to my chair with my knitting in it... So it doesn't get wet or handled a lot... BUT---- the wire handle is starting to rust and it is probably just a year or so old what do the rest of you do to stop this from happening??? It was bought for basket making from a basket supply shop... Do any of you coat them with something??? I thought it had a coat of black paint on it... Well any help,thoughts or ideas on this would be much appreciated....I would hate to sell a basket and have it rust less than a year latter on someone....Lori Hopkins, Lake Wallenpaupack, Pa. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: David Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 23:47:54 -0500 From: David Collins To: davidc@iei.net Hello Everyone, I am embarrassed that it has been so long since I have contributed anything to Weaver's Words. I feel and so does David that we need to let everyone know what all has been going on as so many of you have asked and have sent well wishes to him. David has Duchenes Muscular Dystrophy. Originally he did not want to tell anyone that about himself because he wanted simply to be known as David who was the son of a basket weaver who was interested in his mom's passion and wanted to keep all of us basket weavers together. When he first started Weaver's Words, he did not know what all was ahead of him for this summer. He began having breathing difficulties and on June 17 had a trach placed and was put on a ventilator full time. We originally thought he would just be on the vent at night but it just didn't turn out that way. He has since had pneumonia and been in the hospital again and has had to go in several times as an outpatient for various tests. While he was in the hospital both times, our dear friend Connie, took care of sending Weaver's Words out to all of you. ( It was quite a feat for her as she also spent every minute that she could at the hospital with us and helping with David's care.) We are very fortunate to have her. She has truly been a blessing. David is slowly getting better and is adjusting to all of these changes. He is a remarkable young man. He has never let what was dealt to him in life get the best of him. He has an associate degree in Mechanical Engineering and currently designs web pages for businesses and individuals. He has always done exceptionally well at each and every task that he has taken on to do. Other than during his hospital stays, he has continued to do Weaver's Words and enjoys doing it for all of us. Thank you to all of you who sent well wishes and for your kind words about the job he is doing for all of us. Needless to say, I haven't done much weaving this summer but I am going to manage to get back to weaving soon. I do read about what all of you have been doing and thank you so much for keeping me connected through you to the weaving world. Keep up the weaving and the great input to "Weaver's Words". Norma Collins Indianapolis, IN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.