"Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 74 Compiled By: David Collins Snail Mail: 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Owned By: Weavers Everywhere Date Sent: December 18, 1997 Subscribers: 372 Back Issues: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/5998/ Basket Biddin' Auction: http://members.tripod.com/~Basket_Biddin/ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hi Everyone, ***IMPORTANT INFORMATION*** ***PLEASE READ BEFORE PRINTING*** The program that I use to get each issue to print properly wigged out on me. So until I fix it, follow these steps: 1.) Highlight entire issue. 2.) Click cut or copy. 3.) Paste issue into a word processor of your choosing. 4.) Now Print. Sorry for the inconvenience :-{. Thanks for all of Christmas cards :-}. A funny Christmas lawsuit ;-}. ACLU vs Santa CHICAGO - The American Civil Liberties Union announced today that it was bringing a lawsuit against Santa Claus for violations of the civil rights of children. An ACLU spokesman, Mr. E. Scrooge, stated that, "Mr. Claus has been violating children's right to privacy and has been putting that information in a vast database. The information is then used by the law enforcement arm of Mr. Claus' organization to determine which children are considered naughty or nice. It is obvious Mr. Claus has violated the children's rights, as we have alleged in our suit, because of the memos and other company information we have obtained. In addition, we believe Mr. Claus has been engaging in mind control experiments designed to prevent the free expression of beliefs." Among the documents presented to the courts today was a memo which reads, in part: You better watch out. You better not cry. You better not pout. I'm telling you why: Santa Claus is coming to town. He sees you when you are sleeping He knows when you're awake, He knows when you've been bad or good, So be good for goodness' sake. Mr. Scrooge claimed the document, was obtained from a worker in the distribution department of Mr. Claus' organization, "clearly shows a concerted attempt to restrict the rights of children to free expression and free thought. In addition, there are concerns about the security of the information. What would be the result of such a database being made available to other law enforcement agencies around the world?" Lawyers at the Justice Department also confirmed today that they were investigating the possibility that Mr. Claus was at the core of a vast conspiracy against children. Anonymous sources from inside the Justice Department stated that, "We believe a large number of parents, ministers, and teachers are involved in this business, and we expect several of them will testify for the State in return for lighter sentences." In addition, the same sources indicated a parallel investigation by the Department and the FBI on possible charges of smuggling on the part of Mr. Claus. "Our records do not show Mr. Claus, or any one else, paying any import duties or taxes on any items he has delivered. Since Mr. Claus has representatives in all of the States of the Union, we believe he should have to pay state and local taxes on all of the goods he delivers." Lawyers for Mr. Claus stated, "The charges of the ACLU are absurd. Mr. Claus is a well-known and highly-respected figure. His supporters are from around the world and his message of love and respect can, in no way, be taken as a for of "mind control" or a violation of the "civil rights of children." The lawsuit is complicated by the fact that Mr. Claus is not a resident of the United States or any country with which the United States currently has an extradition treaty. It is unknown where Mr. Claus is at the moment, but it is believed he is hiding out at his North Pole compound. In a brief statement, read by his lawyer, Mr. Claus said, "I find the charges of the ACLU absurd and am confident they will be rejected by the courts. As for any criminal charges, I believe the Justice Department will discover they have no basis." Experts are uncertain what possible effect the suit or possible pending charges might have on Mr. Claus' Christmas travels this year. Take Care & Happy Holidays, David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 72 Date: Mon, 15 Dec 1997 22:33:04 EST From: froggestow@juno.com (Roberta R Comstock) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 Caroline Prevost - Have you started your Parks & Rec teaching yet? How do you like it? How big are the classes? I enjoyed your L-basket story. :-) Darleena Jones - Please forgive my laziness in not looking this up, but where are the Acores? Will it be another tropical assignment? Diane - I have no experience with the term 'petaling spokes', but my totally unscientific guess is that it means to spread them around a midpoint so they look like daisy petals when viewed from above. I'm curious about the true definition too. Mary - My 1998 basketry resolution is to organize my materials, make a lot more baskets, and sign up for the HGA Certification of Excellency program. Berta H. - Hope you are feeling better by the time you read this! When I was little, my dad used to make a cough syrup of honey, lemon juice and whisky. I don't know the proportions he used, but I've found adding those ingredients to a cup of hot apple cider makes a comforting drink when my throat is sore from coughing. I use about a tsp. of honey, 2 tsp. of lemon juice, and 3 tsp (that's 1 tbsp) of whisky (or rum or brandy). It does my heart good to hear all the success stories from all you weavers who have been selling baskets! I'm happy for all of you & wish you continuing success in the coming year. Bert Comstock Independence, MO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 73 Date: Mon, 15 Dec 1997 22:33:05 EST From: froggestow@juno.com (Roberta R Comstock) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 Billie Dorris - On your little waxed linen baskets, are you using 2 different colors for the twiners? If so, I think I understand the color changes. Those sound like a lot of fun! Melissa in Colorado - Thanks for the discussion of August Moon. That may inspire me to try them next time I order supplies. But first I have to use up quite a lot of what I already have on hand! Bert Comstock Independence, MO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 73 Date: Mon, 15 Dec 1997 23:50:25 EST From: maroosnel@juno.com (Mary Rooney Snell) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 Hi all! This is only my second posting. I'm taking a break from making a basket for our Guild's grab bag tomorrow night. I'll get it done, but the homemade cookies that are supposed to go in the basket may turn out to be store bought! To Cary Ray: Linda Scoggins has a shop called Woven in Time at the Parkway East Shopping Center in Niceville and does give classes there. I take her classes and I know our regular weekly class finishes up next week, restarting the week of January 12th, but I don't know if there are any Saturday classes scheduled over Christmas. Niceville is about an hour from Pensacola by way of I10 East to Rt 85 South to John Sims Parkway (Rt 20) - Turn left (West). (You can also get there by way of Rt 98.) Her number is (850) 729-7762. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mary Rooney Snell, Raintree Estates on Choctawhatchee Bay in Northwest Florida where we alternate wearing teeshirts and down jackets. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 73 Date: Tue, 16 Dec 1997 15:43:59 +0900 From: Vic & Darleena Jones Organization: USAF, Okinawa, Japan To: David Collins References: 1 Hello Weaving Buddies, It's coming up quick, I hope everyone is more prepared than I am at this moment. Billie: Yes, the Azores in English and the Acores in Portugese. We pick up little quirks from everyplace we visit. To Everyone: A Happy Joyous Holiday Season. I hope you enjoy your friends and family and remember those who can't be with you. Time to go make some more cookies! I have a special cookie for the ever growing kettle club. Darleena in Okinawa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Kathy Calvert Date: Tue, 16 Dec 1997 08:52:37 -0500 From: "Gretchen Hautzinger" To: "David Collins" Could someone repost Kathy Calvert's number. I would love to get her catalog but copied the number wrong and the polite woman who answers doesn't know who Kathy is. I am always looking for new sources. Thank you Gretchen "The Cat Basket" to have some! Merry Christmas to you and your family. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: Ornament Book Date: Tue, 16 Dec 1997 12:27:27 -0500 From: "Angie" To: "David - Weavers Words" Hi all. Unfortunately the Ornament Book "Holiday Heirlooms" by Barbara Klann that Kay mentioned is out of print. Here at The Country Seat we carry Barbara's pattern sheets. Many of the patterns from the book are available in pattern sheet form. We have the St. Nick, Santa's Boot, Jingle Bell Ball, Frosty, Miss Noel Angel, Little Drum and other ornaments. We have many Christmas related baskets listed on our New & Specials page under Baskets of the Season on our site http://www.countryseat.com. Hope everyone has a happy holiday! Angie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Weavers Words Date: Tue, 16 Dec 1997 15:02:39 -0500 From: "Joy Moody" To: Hello Fellow Basketmakers, I've been enjoying the moments I take to slow down & read through Weaver's Words, away from the hectic pace of the holidays. Thanks to everyone for sharing! While we are in the Christmas spirit, let's take time to contemplate the gift of freedom that we all enjoy in this country. We often take our freedoms for granted: freedom of self expression (speech) & freedom of creative expression (art/craft) that many others do not enjoy. I enjoy the healthy expression of diverse opinions that Weaver's Words folks share, and I am always upset when intolerance is expressed, people receive e-mail backlash etc. etc. PLEASE, let's be clear about one thing: If someone has a different opinion, a different way of being in the world, a different cultural orientation, a different whatever..........that is as much their right as yours is to you. What an incredibly boring world this would be if we were all the same. Do we really want a bland, vanilla (sorry vanilla lovers) world? Intolerance is simply a form of prejudice, perhaps to a lesser degree. Judith: What a great tip on travel discounts! That's one I'd like to "fly with". Pam: I read, with interest, your comment about naughty pets! BUT, dear sweet Bonnie, mascot of the studio, and an otherwise wonderful pet, chews the hell out of my imported baskets! The only other thing she has ever chewed on was plants & that stopped when I started giving her fresh greens in her very own pot. So, I assume the chewing of baskets is some sort of nutritional deficiency. Interestingly, she has not chewed any of MY baskets (as in hand woven), so maybe she's telling me she wants me to make her a cat bed? At any rate, please do tell us how one teaches a CAT manners! I have always found them to be naturally independent. To all Weaver's Words "members" who are guild contacts: I still have not heard from many of you regarding your free Honored Host times on the new Basketmaker's Chat. This service is being offered for the benefit of all basketmakers, and is also an opportunity for guilds to fulfill their goals of educating others about basketry. If nothing else, save yourselves some money on your phone bills and plan to meet your friends at the Chat site! It is open 7 days, 24 hours a day. Enjoy the holidays in good health & good spirits. Joy Moody Hampden, Maine www.signofthecrow.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Mele Kalikimaka! Date: Tue, 16 Dec 1997 14:59:21 -1000 From: The Keener Clan To: davidc@iei.net Aloha from semi-sunny Hawaii, I*m cleaning up and cleaning out--preparing for family from the mainland. Jury duty put me behind with shopping and cleaning and all that, so I*m trying my best to catch up. Thank goodness, fairs and classes are done for the year! (and I*m giving up house classes--enough is enough) How about some advice? Our guild will have elections next month and this is a perfect time to bring it before the new board. We meet once a month--last Monday of the month unless there*s a holiday--and things have been going along just fine, but lately, members have been bringing their children to the meeting. We do meet in a large rec center and there is a karate class that meets in a different area of the center--so pretty much, we are alone in the building. So a few members have been bringing their young children who spend the meeting time running around the center screaming, hiding, eating the snacks other members have brought.....yes, it is distracting. Most of the weavers look forward to a night without their children. So, I*d like to know what your guild does about this. Do you allow children? It*s not like the moms are bringing something to keep them occupied and fairly quiet. So how do we approach this? Should we vote? Should the board determine this?? Thanks, Bert, for bringing up the second hand smoke problem you are having. I*m suffering big time with a cough that comes and goes and now I*m beginning to think that might be the cause. I grew up with a whole family of smokers and I would hate to think I*m paying for it now. Kay--please box up some of that snow and ship it over. I, for one, miss it a lot and that fake stuff they manufacture over here as a come-on at various shopping centers doesn*t hack it. I want the real stuff! And talking about suppliers: I used August Moon Basketry exclusively for 2 years and the service was great and their products were excellent, but they were limited. At the time, they had no wire handles or anything slightly different. I would recommend Ramona and her company to anyone. I order 95% of my stuff now from Gratiot Lake. Their selection is unbelievable--service can*t be beat. Even shipping to Hawaii, I get my order in a week. They have a newsletter 4 times a year with what*s new, pictures of new patterns,--and there is usually a sale. For example, last month, they were selling reed for $2.50 a pound. It was advertised as "hairy" with some dark spots, but I took the chance--and not only was the reed in excellent shape, it was PLB brand. They have a new catalog--definitely worth a look-see. I ordered some patterns from NCBW and was pleased with them all. However, someone (and I won*t mention their name) is printing some neat patterns and they*re calling the spokes/stakes "ribs". I thought ribs were the round spokes used in melon/egg, etc. baskets. The "ribs" in this case are flat reed. Is this a regional term? ..and Jayna, I loved the wicca story--what a hoot! ..and a Merry Christmas to my friends at DW*s chat room. I missed last week and will probably miss this week and I feel empty not chatting--but I*m thinking of you all! David, a most wonderful Christmas to you and your family..and to the 371 weavers and readers, I wish you peace, prosperity and happy weaving for the coming year. Hau'oli Makahiki Hou--Happy New Year. Aloha nui loa, Lois Honolulu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re:Time to Say Hello Date: Tue, 16 Dec 1997 20:14:47 EST From: Mlf746 Organization: AOL (http://www.aol.com) To: davidc@iei.net Greetings fellow weavers, I have been reading all the posts and I love this list. I have been very selfish and just read and not contribute. I want to end the year with an introduction. I live in the Northeast corner of Illinois (almost in Wisconsin) about a mile from Lake Michigan. There are not a lot of weavers around here compared to Indiana, Michigan and the southern states. I belong to a very small guild that a few (11) of us started two years ago. I have been weaving for about 7-8 years. I have done 3 craft shows and I hate them. I haven't made much in the way of inventory this year, but when I do I take it to school, put it in the teachers lounge and by noon it is gone! I love teachers, they see the worth in everything and everyone! I appreciate all the wonderful information I get from this forum. It is a great sharing of ideas, resources, inspiration and frustration. I have gone to the IBA convention two years and I am overwhelmed by how much I do not know about this art form. My sister in law and I wove a real baby bassinet a couple weeks ago. It turned out beautiful. My brother in law made the base and drilled it for #6 stakes, then we just got creative and did some round reed weaving and some flat oval and some beads. Two days later we finished it at midnight. The hood was the hardest part. Neither of us had the strength to pull it in to make it curve, so we had to recruit our husbands, besides we said it had to be a family effort. This will be passed from grand-baby to grand-baby and if it ever ends up in a rummage sale, they are all out of the will.( This was a 4 bottles of wine project) This year our guild is concentrating on round reed, trying to make some of Flo Hoppe's designs. They are beautiful, but take lots of concentration. We are traveling to Saratoga Springs, New York for Christmas with our daughter and her husband. Hope to explore for basket shops and do a little skiing or hiking. THe baskets are all made for this year. 1998 is not too far away. Happy Holidays to all, and Bless you David for your dedication to this list. Mary Lynn Fry in flat, gray, cold Winthrop Harbor, Il. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Basket stuff Date: Wed, 17 Dec 1997 00:15:40 EST From: Woodi16 Organization: AOL (http://www.aol.com) To: davidc@iei.net Hi all, I have been weaving for a little over two years and have just made my first official basket sale this past week. I have made many for gifts, and even exchanged for barter at times, but this was my first sale outright, with some orders for more baskets. Selling baskets started on a fluke because a friend of mine told me that he wanted to sell some of my baskets in his newly opened gallery. The irony is that none of my baskets placed there have sold, but I have been able to sell some on my own! I am still having trouble deciding how to price them, so if anyone has some good advice for me, I'm all "eyes." I don't want to overcharge people, but at the same time, I want to feel like I am being reimbursed properly for my efforts! Kay--thanks for the ornament pattern info, I was one of the folks that asked for it! It's a little late for me to start weaving some this year because I have some orders to finish first, and that will take me clear up to the holidays, but I will use them next year. Have a great holiday season everyone, and remember....Tis the season to be frazzled! Marci @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 67 Date: Wed, 17 Dec 1997 01:05:05 EST From: MSWF Organization: AOL (http://www.aol.com) To: davidc@iei.net Hi, I am Mary Fulton and the basket weaving and beadwork have so caught my attention that I never use my biggest 4 harness LeClerc Jack loom (48 inch weaving width). If any Oregon weavers are interested in its purchase or there is a place that would welcome a donation, let me know. Thanks, Mary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Greetings Date: Wed, 17 Dec 1997 14:35:15 -0500 From: "Ann H. Ridgeway" Organization: AnnCrafted To: davidc@iei.net Dear David and Fellow Weavers, It's been an age since I've had time to play! The last package went to the post office today, and nearly everything is wrapped and ready for the trek home to New England. When this is done, the dogs will be getting their baths--uh oh, drat that early warning radar--they just flew into the bedroom, under the bed, paws over their eyes. I'm nearly through with Vladimirian (the Russian guy) things, but still to come: patterns with harvesting notes (Soon, Linda!). Vladimir had a great time here, and he recently sent a note about his thoughts and experience. I plan to send them to the various guilds where he taught and also to the other Linda (Braun). While here, we spent a day at the Waterford Festival (house tours and crafts) and I have a great picture of Vladimir and Diana Macomber (the goose lady) in their period costume. On the way to AMB, we stopped in Dresden, OH, to show Vladimir marketing, American style. He was impressed, although not with the baskets per se. We did check out, and have photos of, the new basket building, so Linda B, if you'd like one to post???? When asked about the Longaberger baskets, he said: "It's not art." One thing is sure, their prices get people used to paying for baskets, and their marketing is certainly worth study. I think they have done more to help us than hurt us. Over the month of Vladimir's stay, I met some really great people and have lots of "new best friends." Gail and Nancy from MI are among them, and NOT just for the chocolate they passed me during class. It was fun to meet Ms. WeaveRite and Ms. Basketpatterns.com in person. Jana, by the way, must not be busy enough because she had time to MAKE and send an original, beautifully done Christmas card. My other best friends, Johanna Heller and Linda Arter, have their web site up and running for supplies: Basketsupplies.com. Linda has been back in this area for a visit, so we had a weaving couple of days and a pajama party. Another best friend (and my private student), Becki, has moved home to Alabama. If there is anyone in this group in the area of Kennedy, please e-mail me so she can find some weaving companions. Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a 1998 filled with weaving, good health, successful shows, good friends, peace in the world, etc, etc. Ann Ridgeway Alexandria, VA where it's hot (60 degrees!!!) today, but hoping for snow in a week and a half...... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Rash Date: Thu, 18 Dec 1997 07:32:41 -0600 From: jajesper To: David Collins I've noticed a post or two about rashes and wanted to offer this. I work in a dental office and we have several patients who have developed allergic responses to latex. Latex allergies are becoming more and more common as we are exposed to it more often. If you ever have burning or swelling after dental treatment, or blowing up a balloon, you should let your health care providers know, as many things used in dental and health care are latex based. You would not want to be seen on an emergency basis and have tubes, gloves, etc. used, especially if you are unable to communicate the allergy to the health care giver. Persons who are severly allergic now are wearing allergy ID's. My sister-in-law has recently developed an allergy to kiwi and strawberries and I read a recent article linking these with the tendency to become latex sensitive. I know some of you have been using gloves when you weave. Those hand rashes could be a result, and then the question is, are you truly allergic to the latex, or the powder inside. Even breathing in the powder can become a problem for some. Just thought I would pass this on for what it's worth. Merry Christmas to all! Kathleen Jespersen Rock Valley, IA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.