"Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 54 Compiled By David Collins Owned By Weavers Everywhere Date Sent October 9, 1997 Subscribers 337 Back Issues http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/5998/ Basket Biddin' Auction http://members.tripod.com/~Basket_Biddin/ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hi Everyone, We've had a couple of items added to the basketry auction page. This would be great for individuals and dealers who have surplus items or items you would like to sell. It is very simple. Just send me the following information: Name Email Address Category Item Description Picture (Optional) Minimum Bid Shipping Cost Go to http://members.tripod.com/~Basket_Biddin/ for more information. Thanks, David Collins 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219-5334 (317) 899-5747 davidc@iei.net P.S. If you have a problem printing back issues directly from web page, follow these steps. 1.) Highlight entire issue. 2.) Click cut. 3.) Paste issue into a word processor of your choosing. 4.) Now Print. This should solve any problems that you may be having. P.S.S. Lets all try to get along. This list is intended for pleasure. If you know of someone who has unsubscribed, encourage them to rejoin our little family. "BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER." @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 53 Date: Mon, 06 Oct 1997 11:25:59 -0400 From: "drpain@net-gate.com" To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 Hi everyone: Some of you may remember me, for those who are new I am going to re-introduce myself. I live in New Jersey and have all 45 years of my life. I am a mother of 2 young men and have been married for 27 years to the same man. (High school sweet hearts). Please excuse the e-mail address, my husband is a Master Fittnes Trainer with the NJ National Guards(drpain) it is his nick name.I have been making and teaching baskets since 1983. I am self taught and I love making and teaching baskets. I also play and teach the Mt. Dulcimer, dulcimers and baskets go well together. (Right Linda B.) This is my favorite time of the year to weave. I teach adult night schools and do alot of demos for Historical Houses in this area. I taught my class last night of 10 older ladies(no men this time, they are usually the quicker weavers) They all made a 8 inch melon. (Yes it was their first basket) They all finished in 2 1/2 hours and baskets look wonderful. I had them put a little color stripe in their baskets. It was nice to see who would chose what color. I think one of my best moments is when the class is done and everyone is smiling about what they have done. Any other teachers remember their best moments about teaching? Mandy- I find that the 8 inch melon is a good cash and carry basket for me I charge any where from $15.00 - $20.00 for one. It depends on if I add color or decorate the handle. They can hold a dozen cookies or a pound of fudge really nice. I like to keep a couple of 8" melons 1/2 done around, so when I go to a show I can work on them. people always like to stop and look at what your doing and some shows let me in for free if I demo. I always sell the basket when I finish . ( By half done I mean the gods eyes done and a few rows of weaving to lock in the ribs.) I have even taking one to the doctors office with me to work on and have sold it to the nurse or doctor. You know how long you can wait for an appointment. Will I guess this is getting really long, I hope everyone is having an enjoyable fall season. And don't forget think twice before you answer a post if you don't agree with someone. Just hit the delete button and get on with life. Your Basket Maker/Weaver Dulcimer Playing/ Piney Friend South Jersey Native American Mary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 53 Date: Tue, 07 Oct 1997 12:20:23 +0900 From: Vic & Darleena Jones Organization: USAF, Okinawa, Japan To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 Hello Fellow Weavers, David, I'm with you... let's have our unsubscribed ladies and gents back again! To Marcia.. don't go away. It's turning around.. you'll see. To Melissa and Gretchen: It's nice to see new faces and thanks for the info on the wine tote. It is a lovely basket and the grapes have a nice color, don't they? To Judith O: Thank you for that relaxing over, under..etc. That is why we are here and I appreciate the reminder. I'll have to use that in my next class.. the whining class. To Lori: My suggestion (everyone knows I have a mouth full of them) is to start by going through your patterns and books, while you're watching TV, and make a list of those baskets that you've been wanting to weave. Pick out one to begin with or one that you know that you have the supplies for and schedule some Mom time to weave. This may take a few nights of skimming through patterns for the hubby and kids to realize that you really would enjoy the free time. Don't give up. Then gather your materials in one place or in one box and begin. Don't be afraid to start if you know you can't finish in one sitting. At least you've started which is the biggest thing to get over. Set a goal of finishing in a comfortable time period for you. A week, a few days.. whatever. Let us know what you picked out! To Amanda: Pam Woodbury has a nice sleigh pattern on Basketpattern.com and she sells the base from her home. I haven't tried it yet but I'm looking forward to it. To Sharle Osborn: You have piqued my interest. When we leave Okinawa we have to come through Seattle to pick up our truck at my brother-in-law's home, up state. Since I don't think we'll visit that part of the country very often, we plan to settle in Florida, I think I'd like to explore the area you are talking about. Of course it'll take me months to get Vic used to the idea as he's not a happy tourist. Wish me luck! A friend of mine in Germany emailed me with a new pattern site she stumbled on and now I share it with you. I've seen alot of these patterns in books and they don't list the authors on the web site. I was just wondering if this is okay with the authors.. Check it out weaving buddies... www.qth.com/willowes/patterns.htm I haven't looked at the whole site as I barely have time to keep up with email and be a good girl and do my crafts... Speaking of which.. gotta get back to it before I run out of daylight hours. Darleena in Okinawa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: introduction Date: Tue, 7 Oct 1997 00:05:49 -0400 (EDT) From: Jacobsnl@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hello David and Basketweaving Friends, I've been lurking since the first issue and am finally jumping in. My name is Nancy Jacobs and I live in Wichita, Kansas. I've been weaving for a little over 2 years and now teach classes at our local art center one evening a week. My work is strictly with reed and occasionally maple, but have not tried other types of natural materials. I love the country cutsie type baskets. Not too fond of southwestern or Indian style. My favorites are those with braided handles and braided rims. I also like to paint, stencil and rubber stamp on my baskets and many are adorned with rafia bows. I weave only for myself and for gifts. I've never done a craft show though may have to at some time as my house is filling with baskets and I just keep on weaving. Right now I'm making a number of candle holders for Christmas gifts out of 1/4" flat reed with a wooden base. The base has holes drilled into it that #3 round reed fits into and the #3 round becomes the spokes of the candle holder. It is designed to fit one of the Yankie candles like what Hallmark sells. The pattern is from Farmers Wives. I don't have the Farmer's Wives number handy but could look it up if anyone is interested. They do have some cute patterns for sale. The candle holder can be made up in less than 30 minutes and I would guess that it would be a good seller at craft shows. My next project is "The Promise" which is a large Noah's ark basket. I'm going to make that for my baby's room. I have now 3 children. A 4 year old girl, 2 year old girl and newborn son. Some of you may remember me from the Missouri convention as I was the "very pregnant" gal waddling about. I also have a wonderful husband (I can't leave him out). He is also supportive of my hobby as long as the reed stays in my craft room and doesn't wonder out to the rest of the house. For some reason that reed just grows legs and ends up in rooms that it doesn't belong in. : ) I hope to see some familiar faces on Nov. 1st at the Missouri weave-in. I will be making the bread basket and Holly basket. Have a great week of weaving everyone. Nancy Jacobs Wichita, Kansas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Catching Up Date: Mon, 6 Oct 1997 23:31:46 -0500 From: "Patricia A. Moritz" To: davidc@iei.net David: Thank you for keeping the faith and continuing to put together Weaver's Words. I thoroughly enjoy reading through each issue whatever the topic! Lois: I am glad to hear that your daughter is doing better. Hopefully, the doctors will be able to come up with a different form of medication or treatment so as not to put her or the family through such turmoil. If that's not possible, as you said, at least you will know a little about what to expect the next time. I have been very remiss in also thanking you for having Joanne and your fellow weavers send me information regarding the protea flowers. It's is too bad that they are so very expensive. It would be intriguing to try to use some of the dried flowers in some sort of basketry/vessel idea. Bert: I feel as though I should have met you somewhere along the line as you also live in Missouri. I live in north St. Louis County in Florissant. I am terrible with names so perhaps we have met. Have you ever attended the Missouri Basketweavers Conventions? I served as State President from 1994-1996. I also have both taken classes with and taught at Betty Curry's Oak Workshops at Mo-Val. Have you ever attended those? What type of baskets do you specialize in? Anything in particular? Judy Olney: Thank you for passing along the info on the Ohio Exhibit. It is exquisite and I haven't even had time to check out all the exhibitors yet! I wish you could have been in St. Louis a couple of weeks ago. You and any other weavers out there who appreciate different styles of weaving, especially contemporary and dynamic weavers, would have been in seventh heaven. I attended the fiber arts conference "Expanding Textile Concepts" sponsored by Craft Alliance here in St. Louis. It was an entire weekend filled with visiting various galleries in St. Louis as well as private home collections in all forms of "fiber/textile" artwork. Lissa Hunter, John Garrett, Jane Sauer, Mary Giles, Leon Niehues, Nancy Moore Bess, Carol Eckert, Michael Davis are just a few of the artists I can remember off the top of my head who exhibited at the galleries. There were both weavers and collectors from all over the country in attendance including a weaver from Sydney, Australia. To be able to mingle with the type of talent included in this conference was both exhilarating and intimidating. Lou Volkman and Judy Dominic also attended so it was like old home week. Had a great time and would highly recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to attend a weekend of this kind. The Craft Alliance Basketry Exhibit runs through the end of October if anyone is interested or traveling through St. Louis during that time. It is well worth the stop. Peter: I'm looking forward to Betty's workshop in a couple of weeks. She called and left a message that I have 11 in my class and said I probably could have had three times that many. Cut, sanded and prepared all the wood molds yesterday so I only have to put together the bead packets now. Rhonda Brugh: If you are still lurking out there, how have you been? I have been so busy getting ready for a couple of fall shows that I haven't had much time to keep in contact with anyone lately. I entered a gourd, a looped pouch necklace and my "Interwoven Triple" basket in one of our county fairs in August and received blue ribbons for each one. How is Jim's class and yours this year? Forrest: Would you please tell me what your e-mail is again to order your pricing book? My computer was down for quite a while and now I can't find your web site. I have been putting off ordering your book and have made up my mind that now is the time! No more procrastinating! I know there were quite a few other things I wanted to mention on this mailing, but as it's 11:30, I'd better call it quits for the evening. Everyone enjoy the coming of Fall (even though it is still in the mid-80's here in St. Louis)! Is it really only 79 days to Christmas as someone mentioned in an earlier posting? That's scary!! Wish I had about 40 hours in each day to accomplish everything! Keep smiling everyone and enjoy David's efforts with Weavers Words. It's great!! @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 53 Date: Tue, 07 Oct 1997 22:18:30 +0900 From: Vic & Darleena Jones Organization: USAF, Okinawa, Japan To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 Hello Fellow Weavers, To Sally: My husband, Vic, was reviewing WW and came upon your post and said.." tell her to go to the Acores". I don't know why I didn't think of it when I read your post. We were stationed there about 7 years ago and I had all kinds of wicker things made there... picnic baskets, hampers, dog bed, love seat, table.... We lived on the island of Terceira which is where Lajes Air Base is located. The Portuguese speak English pretty well and you can find the basket makers in the hills and watch them harvest, condition, and work with the materials. They may even let you work with them. They are very friendly people and if we had the chance to get stationed there again, we'd be there! You would fly to Lisbon and then to the islands. There are also flights straight to the islands, depending on the time of year. Email me if you would like more info. They have bull fights there also, but they don't kill the bulls.. so it's watchable. The festivals were such a good time... I guess I miss it. Put the Acores on your "check it out" list. Darleena in Okinawa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Introduction Date: Tue, 07 Oct 1997 07:35:26 PDT From: "Kay Janke" To: davidc@iei.net I have answered once, but never introduced myself. I have been weaving for over 12 years. My interest started very slowly as I did not care for the situation, in my first basket class. We were in a biology lab, doing a large, round basket & everyone's reed was in everyone else's face. To many people in the class and not enough room. A year later I took a class again and from then on was hooked. My start into the basket world was to learn the basics and to go on and teach 4-H basket classes. I am still teaching 4-H baskets, have never sold a basket, but given many away for gifts. My supplies are plentiful, as I keep reed, handles, etc. always on hand. Our house is full of baskets that I and my daughter have made. It is beginning to look like a basket explosion, they are everywhere. I am married, have 2 daughters and 2 darling granddaughters. My 'baby' girl has just graduated from college with a degree in Telecommunication - systems management & information technology. My contribution today comes from 'A Variety of Wisdoms'. "A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking." & "The sooner you fall behind, the more time you'll have to catch up". Most of us can relate to that!! But does it work? To Mindy L: Yes you can attend the convention 'public shopping' on Saturday. I think there is a fee for non-members, maybe $2.00, for members of the AMB, no charge. This lets you go into the exhibit room and to the vendor area to shop for all the great things the vendors all bring to sell. I have seen people go into area where classes are being held, only when someone took them in for a minute-not suggesting this but I know it has been done. Hope you can come, if you have any more questions, please e-mail me direct. Where are you from? Need to go get organized for a 4-H class tomorrow. Kay in Michigan e-mail: basketladie@hotmail.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Tool carrier/Trips/Sleighs Date: Tue, 7 Oct 1997 12:32:35 -0400 From: "Angie" To: Hi, Just a quick note. I have found that a tackle box (plastic type found at Laneco) works great. The larger tools and shears can go on the bottom and smaller tools will fit in the divided shelves. The divided trays (on the one I have) are perfect for holding a bottle of paint. I paint on a lot of my baskets and handles, so I take quite a few colors along to shows in case some one wants a handle painted to match the basket. My box also has a small section on the outside top. This is perfect for the tools I use all of the time. I can get them without having to open the whole box. If any one knows of basket classes or tours in Australia or New Zealand for Nov-Dec 1998, please let me know! I'd love to write my trip off as a business expense as well as learn new techniques! For Amanda: Two nice sleigh patterns are Santa's Sleigh by Rynicke (wooden base-flat reed, the basket is put on the base after it's done) and Santa's Sleigh by Richards (wooden base-round reed with flat accent). Bye, Angie, PA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: baskets without patterns Date: Tue, 7 Oct 1997 14:34:47 -0400 From: "The Rigterinks" To: Hi everyone I'm hoping someone has a magic formula for making baskets with no pattern. I have about a zillion market basket handles that I want to use to get ready for the Farrmer's Market next spring, but I have no patterns. I'm a weaver who ALWAYS has a pattern and I would like to change that. I have some great handles and would like to use them. My question is how do you figure out what size spokes to use, the length, how many??? I hope this has made sense and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Diane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Weaver's Words #54 Date: Tue, 7 Oct 1997 16:23:31 -0400 From: "Joy Moody" To: Hello Everyone! I was very happy to see some new "faces" on the last issue. Thanks so much to new folks joining us and making this list a more interesting & productive "chat"! Marcia, Sharle, Melissa, & Sally............WELCOME. Sharle: What an interesting letter! Wish we could see some of the wonderful sites you took in & the five hundred year old cedar baskets! You are lucky, indeed, to be able to soak in the wisdom of the Skokomish elder. Let us know how your coiled grass basket lesson turned out. Sally: So far, we have heard from some basketmakers who have defected from other careers (myself included), but I do believe you are our first attorney! How refreshing to know you are balancing the "cerebral" part with right brain activities. Where are you from, and what type of baskets do you enjoy making? Lori: I don't know that there is any magic to getting started. For me, it was setting aside the hectic pace & not so sane activities in our mental healthcare practices, and first of all CREATING THE SPACE to weave. Next was SETTING ASIDE A TIME, & then making the commitment to myself that that time was special & necessary to my creative being. Then, just DO IT. After several occasions of getting yourself to the space & giving yourself permission to create, you will miss it if you don't. All "habits" take a while to develop. After that, the momentum is in place to keep things rolling, & the satisfaction you gain adds fuel to the fire. Darleena & Karen: Thanks so much for the feedback on www.signofthecrow.com . We just uploaded the larger basket pictures & Fall shots of Vision Quest Farm this morning. To anyone who visited earlier: we are constantly (and steadily) under construction. Remember to "refresh" your pages in order to see the new additions. Yes, Darleena, that is a kiln you saw in the studio. I have plans to do basket inserts & ceramic handles. But, I have yet to turn it on for fear of burning down our victorian beauty! I do have a proper electrical hookup, but must I vent to a chimney too (have one behind it) and if so, from where on the kiln (Paragon)?! Anyone else out there making their own ceramic accessories? Marcia, Gretchen, Lori, Amanda: I'm with you. I've controlled myself from offering advise on the basics of healthy communication. I'd like to see folks set aside the personalized attacks & choose, instead to get back to informative sharing of their knowledge of, & love of, basketry. If anyone sees Kim Renich, tell her we wish she'd return! And to all who have remained silent, lurking, exercise your right to communicate who you are & what you are about. We NEED to hear from you. We WANT to hear from you! Let's make this a better basketmakers discussion. Joy Moody Sign of the Crow Hampden, Maine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Word of thanks Date: Tue, 7 Oct 1997 17:42:55 -0500 From: "Ronald E. Harrison" To: Ron and I would like to thank the readers who have written to request info about the willow we are growing/selling. The response has been good- and we appreciate it! For the latest in the trials/tribulations of Ron and Bobbie (beginner farmers), please go to http://www.users.kih.net/~rharrison. Keep up the good work, David. You are appreciated! Ron and Bobbie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: former lurker Date: Tue, 7 Oct 1997 21:29:24 -0400 From: Debra Davis Lymburner To: "'David Collins'" Hello David, I just want to say thanks so much for all your hard work and devotion to Weavers Words. I just got connected to the internet a couple of months ago and felt fortunate to discover WW soon after. I look forward to seeing your name in my mail box and reading the comments from everyone. Also want to say hello to all fellow weavers. I'm somewhat of a novice but am thrilled to be picking up hints, good habits etc. from your conversations. I live in Pinckney, Michigan (near Ann Arbor). I have a terrific husband who is a computer consultant (I'm certain David and my husband could talk in computer lingo for hours). My four year old son is remarkable and exhausting and I wouldn't want it any other way. We went camping at the tip of Michigan's lower peninsula recently. Beautiful weather, beautiful lake, and I even harvested some birch bark from fallen logs that I hope to make a couple of baskets from. It will be an experiment for me to work with birch and I'm not sure how the baskets will turn out - but what a wonderful way to spend my time. Good health and happiness to all. Debra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 53 Date: Tue, 7 Oct 1997 23:53:52 -0400 (EDT) From: WCoehill@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Re: Gretchen's cat basket question. First let me say thanks a lot for saving the cats, as a cat lover myself I have found a few strays and brought them home, but unfortunately I have been able to find homes for all of them. I wished I could have kept them all, since they were all sweet in their own way. Now on to describe the cat basket I saw at a craft show a few weeks ago. The basket itself was an oval flat reed w/various sized weavers. It had a braided handle and it was left unstained. The cats were black, and were outline shapes, I think they were made from 1/4 flat or 3/16th flat. On the sides of each cat busy weeds were placed so it looked like they were sitting in tall grass. I wish I could draw it, it was really cute and looked easy. I am going to try to use that same idea for a pumpkin/thanksgiving basket. I also have a hint to pass on. I learned it this year at the IBA convention. When you get your handles, sand them down and then coat them with laxative style mineral oil. It gives the handles a wonderous color and glow. I find that I do not need to stain as many of my baskets now if I am using different colors and sanded and oiled the handle. Off to weave the mini baskets from the past 2 WeaversWorlds. Does anyone else find that the mini's are more difficult to weave then the larger sized versions? I love mini's but tend to stay away from them since they take sooooo long to weave. Christina, weaving in Loves Park....or trying to :-) ! @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: Indiana Basketmakers Association convention - 1998 Date: Wed, 8 Oct 1997 01:23:43 -0400 (EDT) From: Bskcreed@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi Weavers Words subcribers and IBA members: I wanted to send a note to tell everyone to be watching for their Indiana Basketmakers Convention "Indy Weave '98" book - IT'S IN THE MAIL. - or at least it will be by October 10th. The books are all out of my living room since I have had the help of a few friends to stuff and pack all convention materials for all of you. We're pretty excited about the convention and have been planning for almost a year now. Of course, the booklet is being sent 3rd class (except for you lucky Hawaii people and some who have had change of addresses recently!), so please be patient for its arrival. The postal service says to allow at least 3 if not 4 weeks for bulk rate delivery. SO, if you do not receive your convention book by Nov. 5 - you can give me a call or e-mail note and I'll get a copy to you by first class mail. I have several extra copies sitting in my living room right now in case your copy gets lost. Hopefully this shouldn't be much of a problem since there are no other major holiday mailings going on right now. Once it leaves my post office though - it is out of my control and depends on your local delivery and post office procedures for bulk mail delivery! Anyone who has paid membership by 9/1/97 was included in the mailing. First day registrations will include any return applications postmarked on or before December 1 - so there is plenty of time to allow for mail delivery and to get yours back in the return mail. No applications will be processed until the Dec. 1 date and then they will be randomly drawn from all those received by that date. We will make every attempt to assign as many first choice workshops as our scheduling allows. Last year they were able to assign 550+ out of 600 applications their first choices and even their second and third choices on top of that. It all depends on the mix of people and the popularity of classes chosen. Hope we can be as lucky this year with placements. We feel we have provided a very good mix of different class types - both in materials used and techniques taught. Hope you like the selections - there should be something for everyone. At least I know that I have way too many choices that I would like to sign up for ... Be sure to call the Adams Mark hotel as soon as you get your convention booklet and make your room reservations - the sooner the better. We should have enough rooms reserved for everyone to stay on site - but you need to reserve early to get the negotiated rate. There is also quite a lot of space reserved for the entire convention this year providing large classroom spaces for everyone. One positive note - you will never have to travel through another class set-up to get to your own class and everything will be located on the ground floor in one wing of the hotel. All areas should be wheelchair accessible. When you return your workshop selections, won't you please consider checking the box that asks if you would be willing to volunteer at convention. You only need to donate 2 hours of your time sometime during the weekend AND you will received 3 free raffle tickets for each hour your volunteer AND ALSO be entered into a special volunteers only drawing of a several nice prizes. More on that later. Please feel free to send me any feedback on the selections or anything else BUT- please be nice though. Nice words get the most attention if you know what I mean. We will try to accommodate as many special requests as possible within the confines of our schedule. Thanks so much. Hope to hear from some of you. Sincerely, Lynn Pawley "Indy Weave '98" co-coordinator Bskcreed@aol.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: I agree Date: Wed, 8 Oct 1997 12:50:23, -0500 From: BDKE97B@prodigy.com (MRS BILLIE A DORRIS) To: davidc@iei.net As usual I agree with Judith Olney and her latest comments. Anyone who weaves all their baskets from the inside is a masochist. As much as it hurts and as much as I hate weaving that way sometimes it really is necessary to maintain that shallow shape. I first learned the technique from Joan Moore and since I love her designs I do use it more often than I would like. As to the in group I haven't a clue to who that is-so obviously I am not a part of it. Folks there are a lot more important things in life to worry about than this discussion- those of you who took the comments personally reminds me of the saying "Me thinks the lady doth protest too much". Since the majority of us have never met each other in person it is silly to think that you were intentionally targeted by a comment. I don't think anyone expects perfection but just a certain competence and pride in your work. If you are satisfied then that is what counts. As far as I am concerned Judith writes my favorite patterns (no she didn't pay me to say that). She writes as if she were teaching and explains WHY she is telling you to do something so then you can understand it better. Yes her patterns are long and detailed but it's the little things that count. It is also good if you understand your own limitations before trying a pattern. For example I can not follow a graph where others love to work from one. So when I buy a pattern with a graph I have to sit down and write the directions out-ov2 under 3 etc. It has taken me years to accept that I have a problem with twills and a graph so if I write the directions out before I begin the pattern then I am less frustrated. It used to bother me a lot that I couldn't understand a twill but Joyce Gardner finally seemed to get thru to me with a quatrefoil-don't know why she got thru when others couldn't. The my daughter the OT was practicing some testing she had to do for the kids at school and used me as a guinea pig-she discovered that I don't have visual memory(she also thought my reaction time was too slow for someone who drives a car but that is neither here nor there) So at least I now understand why I have such a problem-doesn't mean I like it but I can deal with it. Lora-(hope I spelled that right as I am too lazy to look it up). About your cherry staves on the Nantucket. Charlene and Bill White were thru here last month teaching a class with cherry staves. They had preformed the stakes by steaming them and then inserting then in a plywood base that had a larger groove cut in it and forming around the mold. Then after they were dry they removed them from the base and reinserted them in the actual base of the basket. Don't know if that would work for you or not. I had never seen it done before but it makes sense when you think about it. I can't find the listing from the person with Fibromyalgia but if she's reading and on here send me a personal e-mail and I'll be happy to discuss it with you. Don't know if I do things any differently than you as I have recently been diagnosed and am still learning to deal with it but having my own residen Occupational Therapist is a help. She is ordering me a new book written by a physical therapist on dealing with the ups and downs and would be happy to share with you. Guess I've rambled enough for now- Summer and the drought are still present in Va. so must go move the sprinkler. Think good thoughts and keep on writing. Billie in Va. Beach. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Weavers words Date: Wed, 08 Oct 1997 19:25:09 -0500 From: Linda Marshall Organization: High Plains To: davidc@iei.net Hi Everyone, Went to my first 'real' craft show Saturday. It was juried, and there were lots of really nice things there. Not a whole lot of customers, tho. Made me wonder - what sort of advertising for a show does everyone do? Do you leave it up to the show management or do you actively participate in some way? In what ways do you advertise that you're going to be in a show? How do you tell if a show has a good or bad reputation? Now I understand that crafts, just like other things, have trends, where something is 'in' for a while, then goes out of style. I have picked up a couple of the 'marketplace' magazines lately and noticed that there aren't a lot of baskets featured. Also, the decorating and 'country' lifestyle magazines don't have a lot of baskets featured in their rooms lately, either. Do you think that baskets are going 'out of style'? As a basketmaker who needs to make a living from your craft, what do you think? How can we overcome it, if people are losing interest in decorating with baskets? This kinda has me worried, because although I have made baskets for some time, I just started trying to sell them. I was the only basketmaker at this show, and I thought that I would really make some big sales with no direct competition. Well, people bought tole painted stuff like mad, but walked past as though they didn't even see my baskets. So, I could have uninteresting baskets, or my booth could have been boring to look at, or there could be any number of things that I did wrong. I was right next to the most popular booth at the show. Could people have been blinded by her stuff and tuned me out? Is it bad luck to be that close to someone like that? During the chat on Saturday night (at Donna Weber's web site), we were also talking about how many baskets to take to a show. I took about 40-50 of various kinds and sizes, and sold about 10 of them. Someone else sold 40 baskets at a show somewhere else. I forgot to ask how many she took. Do you take a bunch of one basket? If so, do you display all of them at once or take out a replacement when one of them is sold? Do you have 'gift baskets' made up for 'easy gift giving'? Do you have little signs suggesting a use for a basket, like 'great gift for a teacher'? Do you take orders at a show? How long do you tell people it will take to get their basket? Do you estimate shipping costs & add it on right then? Do you get a deposit or the whole price? Do you refund any of the money if they don't like it once its done? How do you estimate how many baskets you can actually accomplish before Christmas? What kind of booth display works well? I expected to be in the middle of the floor, and had to change my plans when I got there & was against a wall. My pegboard unit couldn't be used, and a lot of my baskets ended up on the floor in a corner. Bad idea, right? Do you prefer to set up your booth so that people can walk into it or what? As you can see, this experience has raised a lot more questions for me than it has answered. I am undaunted, tho. I have another small show on the 25th, and hope to try out some improvements to my 'technique' there. We had a lot of fun at the basket chat. A bunch of new people were there, and some didn't know about Weavers Words. David, you can probably expect several emails asking to subscribe in the next couple of days! There were so many people there, that we decided to try to get together during the week, too. We decided to do it on Wednesday at 9pm eastern time (Of course, by the time you read this, Wednesday has come & gone!). linda so. Ohio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Hi All !!! Date: Wed, 8 Oct 1997 20:00:50 -0700 From: "LORI HOPKINS" To: "David Collins" Hell-o Everyone, I am real excited about all this ornament talk....Can you picture 5 mini baskets on a big green wreath???? I also make a small elbow basket then turn it into a stocking ----I was thinking of weaving a ball anyone tried that before??? If I couldn't make a ball I will try half a circle to add to the wreath ---that should work........How about 3 bells hanging in the middle of the wreath...any other suggestions???? Nancy----6 Nantuckets---what a project---good luck and keep us informed on how you do.... I've been working on snowflakes... I need to make 2 dz. of them .... all thumbs!!!!!! I spray paint them with 2 coats of white and on the last coat I sprinkle them with angel dust that I buy at the local ceramic shop... it works very well. I wish all of you lived in northeast Pa. because right now it is breathtaking.... The leaves are the best I've ever seen them (however I say that every year)....May the Weave Be With You All !!!! Lori Hopkins, Lake Wallenpaupack Pa. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 48 Date: Thu, 09 Oct 1997 14:09:07 EDT From: froggestow@juno.com (Roberta R Comstock) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 "Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 48 Darleena - I'm always glad to see your posts, as well as those from the other busy enthusiasts who give us a bit of their valuable time. Judith Olney - Thanks loads for the info about the virus library. On some of the other lists I use the warnings about fake viruses have sometimes been so frequent they seemed like spamming! I hope that won't happen here. Your tip will undoubtedly help people evaluate such warnings and learn when they should not be forwarded to others. To everybody here - Life is too short to waste time nit-picking and criticizing well-meaning folks who occasionally goof. Don't we all? On the other hand, we should be able to make constructive suggestions about basketry practices without other readers taking them as personal criticism and getting defensive. If I'm going to get into a recreational debate, I want to have fun with it. But I don't think all the parties in the basket pattern discussion were having fun. I heartily agree with Darleena's suggestion about ignoring offensive posts. If nobody takes the bait when someone goes fishing for trouble, they will have to go fishing elsewhere. We are all here because of our common love for baskets. Let's try to remember that and be flexible about tolerating differences. Life would be boring if we all thought the same things all the time. Bert Comstock, jumping off her soapbox in Independence, MO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: WW 53 Date: Thu, 9 Oct 1997 16:08:35 -0500 From: catslapbaskets@webtv.net (russell/karen mitchell) To: david@putertutor.com Hi Weavers! This is to Lori Osmond in California, my suggestion to you, to get back to weaving, is to try some of the small kits or patterns available for weaving with waxed linen. These projects are small, easy to transport and you don't need water! There are many patterns available from Royalwood Ltd. and they have quite a selection of waxed linen and kits. There is a link to the Royalwood website on Baskets Etc. I'm sure other suppliers have good selections of kits and patterns too. Good Luck and I hope you start finding a little time to weave! To Gretchen Hautzinger how nice of you to rescue that kitten. My three cats have various duties when it comes to weaving with me, Bouncer sleeps, Reggie is into "material handling" and inventory control and Esmerellda is quite sure I can't do anything without her on my lap! To Judith Olney: Surely we aren't expected to be done with everything by THIS Christmas???? Good bye from Karen in Mpls where the sun is shining but the air is getting colder. Happy Weaving, Karen THE CAT'S ON MY LAP CREATIONS! @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Autumn Date: Thu, 9 Oct 97 18:32:21 EDT From: Devon_Branca@mlsonline.com (Devon Branca) Organization: MLS Online To: davidc@iei.net (David Collins) CC: davidc@iei.net Just found a nice passage about fall.... Autumn truly is what summer pretends to be: the best of all seasons. It is as glorious as summer is tedious; as subtle as summer is obvious; as refreshing as summer is wearying. Autumn seems like paradise. Gregg Easterbrook/New York Times I was just given a wonderful idea for what to do with those brass stencils I bet a lot of us have and never got to work really well stenciling our baskets (paint tends to leak under the edges, no matter how dry the brush....) My sister has been using them to make embossed note and gift cards. You tape the stencil to a sheet of glass with a light source underneath (or a light box), place the card stock over it (wrong side up)and using a small ball stylus you press down on the open areas and emboss the card from the back side. She cuts the edges with a deckle pair of scissors and they really look nice! Cheri @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 49 Date: Thu, 09 Oct 1997 18:14:17 EDT From: froggestow@juno.com (Roberta R Comstock) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 "Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 49 Frederick A. Kogler - For years I've been wishing for a 28 hour day. I'm jealous ! I look forward to hearing the results of your dye tests. Your method sounds good. Do you know about testing long-term color permanence? Take a sample of each color and cover one end with aluminum foil or black paper. Attach them all to a card and label each with pencil or permanent ink. Then date the card and tape it to a south-facing window for about a month (facing the sun). Date it again after you take it down. Remove the covers from the protected ends and you will see which dyes faded the most and least. Store it away from direct sunlight for future reference. I have one slim book specifically about dyeing reed for basketry. It is *COLOR CONTROL - Dyeing Reed For Basketry* by BJ Crawford, 1995. It it published by and available from Earth Guild, Asheville NC 28801 (1-800-327-8448). It is an excellent book! I have an extensive collection of dye books, concentrating on natural dyes for textiles. Many of the natural dyes also work well on reed. If you're interested in a copy of my dye bibliography, maybe we can work out a trade of some sort? Ann Ridgeway - Thanks for the information about Vladimir Yarish, Russian Weaver and his visit to your area. How exciting! Sigh, unfortunately, I won't be able to be there for any of it. I'd love to hear more about him and his baskets. Is there any sort of a brochure available? A show catalog? A book on Russian basketry to buy? Will you tell us how it went? Please let him know that I (and probably many others) would have liked to be there too. Ron and Bobbie Harrison - I am interested in more information about the basket willow you will be selling. Is this osiers ready for weaving, or live plants so we can grow our own? Diane Rigterink - I carry my most frequently used basket tools in a small market basket that doesn't take too much room on the worktable. My general collection of basket tools is kept in a sturdy picnic basket. This includes clippers and leather gloves for harvesting materials. Kim Renich - Thanks for the notes on the National Geographic 'Basket Cases' article. I had forgotten what a good reference source NG can be. Now I have to go back through a lot of old issues and look for ethnic baskets in articles about other cultures and places. Joy and whoever else was looking for info on German baskets - Check out National Geographic! Around here, many thrift stores (such as Goodwill and Salvation Army) and used book stores have copies of NG available cheap. It might well be worth your while to look into them for photos that include baskets. If I find anything specifically German, I'll let you know which issue. Ruthanne Morningstar - I really enjoyed your description of how to make a wooden basket handle. You said it very well. Looks like I need to get serious about clearing space in the basement for a woodworking area. Maybe it can go under the south window near the future utility sink and dye station. I'm also filing the information about McColley's Basketry School for future reference. Sigh. So many basket opportunities, so little time! So long til next time. Must continue sorting and debarking my cottonwood and willow roots. Bert Comstock Independence MO Froggestow@juno.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Weavers Words Date: Fri, 10 Oct 1997 17:44:28 -0500 From: Pritchett Family <"K. Pritchett"@InfoAve.Net> Reply-To: Pritchett@InfoAve.Net To: david@putertutor.com Hello fellow weavers! I received my first issue of WW this week, and thought I would introduce myself. Thanks to the wonderful people in the basket chat room that told me about it. My name is Kelly Pritchett, but some of you may know me as Rhea. Rhea is the name I use in chat rooms. I am 17 years old and have been making baskets for about six months. I started weaving in art class at my school in late April and I haven't stopped since. I weave mostly with reed, but have recently started working with white oak. Baskets, supplies, and tools have taken over my bedroom (and now they are invading the garage)! I am from Tennessee and would like to know if anyone knows of any guilds here. Thanks to David for this great forum of ideas. I am looking forward to the next issue! Bye 4 now, Kelly Rhea Pritchett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.