"Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 9 Compiled By David Collins Owned By Weavers Everywhere Date Sent: May 23, 1997 Subscribers: 155 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hi Friends, We have had a great response to list. Please feel free to mention "Weavers Words" in any newsletters, guilds or clubs that you participate in. Any and all weavers may join. The more the merrier. For all of the new subscribers: Simply send in an introduction with any of your experiences or questions. Happy Weaving, David Collins davidc@iei.net @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Weaver's Words Introduction Date: Tue, 20 May 1997 23:25:32 -0400 From: Donna Weber Organization: DW Baskets To: "Collins, David" Greetings Fellow Basket Weavers! It is so terrific to see all the familiar names! I just want to take this opportunity to thank you David for doing such an incredible job! My hat goes off to you. I really look forward to receiving each issue and truly hope everyone treats you with the utmost respect...you deserve it! Like most of the others on this list, I belonged to the "others", so I am overjoyed about the way things have been going here and how friendly everyone has been! Now a little bit about myself. I'm not too fond of talking about myself but know it should be done so here goes... My name is Donna Weber and I live in the beautiful Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts. It is a wonderful place to raise a family and live the "quiet" life. My husband Craig and I have a wonderful 2 1/2 year old boy named Joshua who keeps us in stitches every day...he is so comical and cute! We live in the "country" on a few acres of land and enjoy our seclusion so to speak. I have been weaving for about 10 years and like most people was hooked from the very first basket! My mother-in-law actually taught me how to weave my first basket. We share the same interests in crafts and antiques (and of course I love her son so how can I go wrong!!). She had just started taking basket weaving classes in the town where they live, Marcellus New York, just outside of Syracuse. We were coming for the weekend to visit and she knew I would love to learn how to weave so she surprised me by purchasing all the supplies to weave a couple of baskets together. That same weekend her teacher was offering a Saturday class so we both signed up for that as well. Well, by Sunday I had woven 4 baskets and just couldn't get enough. That Monday I ordered a slew of supplies via mail order and I was on my way to becoming a weaving "addict"! Aside from the "basic" skills I learned that weekend, I have been self-taught as I do not have access to any classes locally, but do hope to finally attend a convention or two next year. I started a basketry business last year, DW Baskets. I now teach in the evenings out of our home and sell finished baskets, kits and just now added supplies, all via the internet site that my husband designed for me as well as through mail order and locally of course. It is a perfect arrangement for me since I enjoy being a stay-at-home Mom. I have had a craft business for many years but did mostly folk art painting on wood, canvas, furniture etc., and incorporated my baskets into the business as well. It wasn't until my two dear friends had asked me one too many times to teach them how to weave that I even considered concentrating on my weaving. I am ever so thankful to them! They of course were my first students along with a handful of others and it just blossomed from there! I found my "niche" practically overnight and haven't been happier! Now a few comments on previous discussions... Lois, I really feel for you! I have done my share of craft shows, big and small, and couldn't imagine something like that happening! Unfortunately, there are some vindictive people out there and you happened to be next to one. When I was selling all the gorgeous furniture that my husband made at these shows we had our share of scratches and dents let me tell you, but you just have to chalk it up to the circumstances within which you are selling. We once had a woman drop a mirror onto a shaker bench and it put a nasty gouge in it. We couldn't sell it but we didn't ask her to buy it either (although I know most store owners would have). It was an innocent mistake. It now sits in our son's room and looks just fine. When you are exhibiting at a show we're all crammed into these spaces, and it is up to each exhibitor to make sure that items are securely hung or arranged. It was definitely wrong for that woman to charge you for her mishap! But I can understand your position as well, just wanting her to go away. In the end she will have to live with herself and the rude way she handled the situation. I bet she won't be able to look you in the eye next time because of this. Well, I guess that's enough for one issue! I look forward to the many helpful hints that you all so graciously share! As competitive as some people are, not only in our field but others, it is so refreshing to see everyone give freely of their experiences and knowledge! I have run into my share of competition and just shake my head each time. Some people just refuse to "divulge" any of their "secrets". Whenever I am asked a question at a show about my weaving I do not hesitate to share. When you think about it, no matter how detailed you give a description, it will never come out exactly the same. Isn't that the beauty of art?? Happy Weaving## Donna Weber DW Baskets 64 Blotz Road Washington, MA 01223 cweber@cbcc.bcwan.net http://www.bcwan.net/~cweber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 7 Date: Tue, 20 May 1997 23:27:12 EDT From: froggestow@juno.com (Roberta R Comstock) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 On Sun, 18 May 1997 19:38:33 -0500 David Collins writes: >Please feel free to mention "Weavers Words" in any newsletters, guilds or clubs >that you participate in. Thanks! I will! > For all of the new subscribers: Simply send in an introduction with any of your >experiences or questions. Okay, here goes. My name is Roberta Comstock, but my friends call me Bert. I am a retired Federal employee (got an early out due to downsizing) living in Independence, MO, with my POSSLQ, Bob. I have an adult son and daughter who live in Alaska (Valdez and Fairbanks). Basket weaving is one of my many interests, but it is occupying more of my time lately than most of the others. My very first basketry projects were probably the woven construction paper May Baskets we used to make when I was a kid. I started doing 'straw hats' for my 'story book dolls' (back in the pre-Barbie days) when I was about 10. They were braided grass stems stitched in a coiled pattern like braided rugs, but shaped to fit the dolls. I also made matching purses. Several years ago, I started working with split reed and got involved in a multi-basket project with a friend who introduced me to round reed and twining, which I dearly love! I have since done a fair amount of research into basket history, with emphasis on Medieval European styles. I don't limit my own work to historic styles, though. I add color and texture to my work sometimes with dyed reed, but more often by working with natural materials either grown in my yard, collected from friends' property, or obtained by taking apart small wreath bases from craft suppliers. Some are like peeled willow, some like various twigs with different colors of bark. Many seem to be fine vine rattan, either peeled or with the outer 'bark' left on. This material blends well with round reed. I have taken a couple of classes, collected many baskets, and bought a lot of great books on basketry, but don't generally use patterns or try to make multiple baskets of the same size and shape. I have given baskets as gifts, but don't produce them to sell. I do teach classes in basket making (woven or twined, various shapes), History of Basketry, natural dyes, and several other topics (ask privately if you're curious). I had recently subscribed to a basket list out of Indiana, but the server there crashed last week due to a massive spam attack and is not back on line yet. I was delighted to find this list mentioned in one of the posts I had saved from the old list! So, I am glad to be here and looking forward to all the basket discussions. There were several things in the V.1, I.7 post I'd like to respond to, if I'm not taking too much space: To Gail L. Johnson: Where do you get your smoked reed? I've never seen any. Or do you smoke it yourself? I wonder if it could be done in a barbecue type smoker? Does anyone out there have experience with this? To Cheri Branca: Hi! Can you tell me what 'Baskets, Etc.' is, please? I think that may be the source of the post that told me about this list, but I'm not familiar with it. Thanks. Also, what are 'theorem paintings'? I'm glad to hear about using stains. Haven't tried that yet. Do they dry okay and not smear? I'd think the oil might help keep the basket from getting brittle. It sounds as if you're staining the basked after it's finished. Have you tried staining the materials before weaving? Would that work? I've also got a step basket project coming up. Promised one to a friend in exchange for a set of ceramic weights for my warp-weighted loom. I took measurements of her steps so I can custom size it. Hadn't planned to use a pattern, but if my ideas don't work, I may have to get one. I look forward to hearing about your trip to England! To Marie Nerdahl: I am also curious about waxed linen work. I've seen a picture of some miniature waxed linen baskets, but don't know how they were done & haven't tried any. I do have some of the thread that I got for stitching leather, but it isn't very exciting colors. I plan to use some of it for pine needle baskets. I don't know how it affects reed, but I stay away from fabric softeners because of my asthma and assorted respiratory allergies. I also dislike what it does to textiles. Softened towels may feel nice to touch, but they don't seem to absorb as well. Your reed storage hooks sound great! I may put some in the loft of my garage where I store many of my craft materials. Thanks for the tip. To Andris Lapins: Hello from Missouri, USA! Wow! What an interesting post! It's good to have you on the list! I hope I'll be able to meet you in 1999. I am looking for a place where I can gather my own willow for baskets. The only time I tried that was when I visited my daughter in Alaska several years ago. I wove a small round bowl-shaped basked from Alaska willow for serving fresh Missouri peaches to our host and hostess at a dinner party. What kind of shapes and sizes of baskets do you make? Will you teach a class when you come to this country next time? Please let us know. To David Collins: Thanks for the prompt response to my subscription request & for running this cool list! TO Anyone else who can help me: I have not been to a basket convention yet. I read (on the crashed list) with considerable envy of the wonderful times people had at a recent convention in Indianapolis and several others. I understand there is a Missouri convention in early June right here in the Kansas City area-- practically in my own back yard. I would love to get information about it, please. And, if there are any guilds in this area that those of you with more experience can tell me about, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks, in advance, and bye for now. Bert Comstock (Froggestow@juno.com) Independence, MO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Weavers Word Date: Wed, 21 May 1997 13:36:09 +0900 From: Steve & Kat Montminy Organization: 909th ARS To: davidc@iei.net Hello, I have a question--where do I buy stain? What kind of stain can I use? I have to mail order everything because I live overseas. Does regular stain work? I'd appreciate the feedback. Kat- Okinawa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 6 Date: Wed, 21 May 1997 08:01:23 -0400 (EDT) From: KGSUNSHINE@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi David! My name is Karen Gray and I live in Mascoutah, IL. I have been weaving for about 11 years and love it. Unfortunately my busy family keep me from weaving as much as I'd like, but I manage to get time. I enjoy flat reed weaving as opposed to round reed weaving. For Debbie Duval, I live about 35 minutes from St Charles/St Louis. I wanted to go to the June Convention in KC, but alas, my husband runs the Air Show at Scott AFB and it is the same weekend. Hopefully, next year..... David, thanks for keeping all us basket addicts in touch! Karen Gray kgsunshine@aol.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Introduction Date: Wed, 21 May 1997 09:56:48 -0400 (EDT) From: Jvoconnor1@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi everybody! Getting this new newsletter is like coming home! I, too, was previously a member of Shirley's basket list and greatly missed everybody! My name is Sandi Howard and I live in Mundelein, IL. Mundelein is in the far northwest suburbs of Chicago, about 15-20 minutes south of the Wisconsin border. I have been weaving for about 3 years and have only had one teacher, Susan Kavicky from Island Lake, IL. For the last year and 1/2 I have been weaving on my own, because of attending school part-time in the evenings. (I go to Carthage College in Kenosha, WI and I'm studying education.) I have an answer for Roberta Huisman: The name of Robin Taylor Daugherty's book is Split Woven Basketry. There are also videos that you can get that go along with the book. I've seen two of them and they are very good. (I borrowed them from my library.) I was supposed to go to visitor's day in Indiana, but my husband had something come up at the last minute and we weren't able to go. I'm so upset that I had to miss it. It sure sounds like everyone had a good time. Well, got to get back to work. Thanks David for getting everyone back together! Sandi Howard Mundelein, IL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 8 Date: Wed, 21 May 1997 14:39:13 -0400 (EDT) From: AZGJUDY@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi everyone, I've been enjoying reading all of the responses to date and thought I would finally introduce myself. My name is Judy Sarna, I've been weaving for about 5 - 6 years since a close friend included me in a group who were weaving together. I haven't stopped since. I do a couple of local craft shows each year, the hardest part is pricing, I have supported my habit so far with some to spare. There never seems to enough time to do what I like best. I run a small jewelry store, my husband cuts stones part-time, while I set stones and do the repair work. In between taking care of two daughters, one fifteen and the other twelve. The sharing of tips from veterans has to be the most valued part of this network, and for that I would like to thank David for all his efforts. I appreciate it greatly. So long for now Judy Sarna - AZGJudy@aol.com Fall River, MA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: "Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 8 Date: Wed, 21 May 1997 16:51:56, -0500 From: BDKE97B@prodigy.com (MRS BILLIE A DORRIS) To: davidc@iei.net Pam, with me you should never assume anything. Actually I don't know the answer to your assumption about the sanding sealer. I some how think that I did use the sealer first before I dipped it in my walnut stain. The one I'm thinking about is the cabin boy base/handle made of pine. I think I tried it because the pine bases don't take the stain very evenly and also it raises the grain. So I would suggest you experiment with a scrap of wood to see if it will take stain after it is sealed. In fact the more I think about it you do use the sanding sealer first when you are finishing furniture before you apply the minwax. Of course if I could be bothered to read the directions on the can it would probably tell me. Also the original can I had just said sanding sealer but when I went to buy some more the other day it said oil based sealer so guess we'll have to do somemore investigating. I find it much easier to buy things when I don't have a choice. That way I don't have to make a decision about which to buy. Judith O. I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one who has trouble with willow. I drove 4 hours to Northern Va. a couple of years ago to take a class from Sally Goymer when she was in the States. I really like Sally as I had met her before and we're both "bad" people(ie smokers) but did not enjoy the class. I just find willow really hard to work with and I ended up with a really uneven weave. So I came back here muttering never again. When this years NC brochure came several of my friends decided I was just having a bad day when I took the class so they signed up for Bonnie Gales big basket. Guess what/ They came home saying never again. About the fabric softner- The only time I use it is for the really BIG round reed that you use for carving handles. It seems to make it a little easier to bend and doesn't have to be soaked quite as long. Of course now that I have my steamer I use it instead of soaking for everything that will fit. Things that are too long have to go in the bathtub for a long soak. Ann R. I don't think the wire handles would be hard to make if you had a form to bend them around. I have seen some Joel Simpson made of copper that were beautiful. It seems to me that somewhere back in the dark ages Johnny bought a tool for bending wire. It wasn't very expensive I'm sure . You might look in some of the tool catalogs. Samuel Yao of Mich. uses wire ribs in the magnificent baskets he weaves of palm inflorescence. I have seen him the past two years at Boardwalk. I think he might have been in the Smithsonian show this year. I did buy one from him but not the one I wanted as it was $500. Enough for now. Billie in Virginia Beach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Waxed Linen Date: Wed, 21 May 1997 16:14:48 -0500 From: David Collins To: davidc@iei.net Hello Again, I still haven't woven since IBA Convention. I am beginning to have withdrawal. I am meeting with some friends tomorrow night to do some weaving. I have a bushel-size Nantucket that I need to lash. I also have several other baskets to finish but the Nantucket is on the top of the list. It is just so cool! (I'm also have started a Moses Nantucket.) Soon I'm going to have to move into a larger house! Marie Nerdahl - The waxed linen is real interesting to work with. Here are the addresses and phone numbers of the ones I know that work with waxed linen and have patterns and such. Mary Hettsmansperger 2979 S. 800 W., RR#2, Box 223 Peru, IN 46970 PH: (219) 563-8184 Judy Wilson P.O. Box 1016 Hiawassee, GA 30546 PH: (706) 896-1579 Kathy Halter c/o Royalwood 517 Woodville, OH 44907 PH: (419) 526-1630 or 1-800-526-1630 I am sure among those three you will be able to get some great ideas and instructions. Let me know if you try any and how you like it. I also had heard about using fabric softener on your soak water and I did try it. I can't really say that I noticed any great benefits but I may have not given it a fair enough try. It does kind of give the reed a slicker feeling and you do have the fragrance of the softener which you may or may not like. I'd say give it a try as I think it just may be a matter of personal preference. I did not notice that the fabric softener caused any problems when staining the baskets but then again I didn't use it but a couple of times. I'm sorry that I can't remember who but someone asked about stains. I only use Weaver's Stain. It comes in clear, oak, walnut and black walnut. In my opinion, it is a great product. It is a tung oil enriched stain with a urethane resin that penetrates, seals and finishes reed, cane and wood baskets. It provides a more durable oil finish due to its urethane resin which allows for better resistance to water, abrasion and dirt. It is manufactured and distributed by "The Weavery", P.O. Box 17653, Indianapolis, IN 46217. Check with your local basket supply shops to see if they carry it. If not you can call "The Weavery" (Mark and Dollie Koch) at (317) 784-7776. I am really enjoying reading the "Weavers Words" and hearing from all of you. Until next time - Happy Weaving!!! Norma Collins Indianapolis, IN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Weavers Words Date: Wed, 21 May 1997 20:12:03 -0400 From: "RON JASIUK" To: Hi All, I was just reading one of the back issues and someone was mentioning the large bike hooks put into the ceiling of their closet to hold reed coils. I too have come up with an idea for holding the coils. I have taken wire coat hangars and pulled them straight while holding the hooked end. I then bend back the hangar to form a BIG hook. In my unfinished basement, where I do my weaving ,I've put nails in the studs in the ceiling and hung my newly formed hooks from these. Keeps everything within reach and yet up and out of the way. Annette Kraajeveld: You say you too are Canadian. Now I know it's a small world and all buuuuttt I happen to teach with a Donna Kraajeveld--any relation?? I can't imagine your surname is all that common. Donna's husband Adrian is also a teacher, I think they live in Oakville. I'd ask Donna myself but our school is SSSOOOO busy I hardly ever see her. Okay guys now for some questions. i) just what is smoked reed?? Is it a colour or a special process. What would one use if for? Where can it be obtained? ii) what is 1/2 round reed? How does it differ from flat oval? Again, where would this be used? iii) re: overlap on rims-how is it best to shave the rounded side off? Is an Exacto knife as I've been using okay or do the Surform shavers do that much better a job? Should the overlaps on the inner and outer rims be slightly offset or should they line up with each other so that lacing will hide them more easily? TIA weavers I know you folks have the expertise I need. Ann Moum Orangeville, Ontario Canada rjasiuk@headwaters.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 8 Date: Wed, 21 May 1997 20:38:19 -0400 (EDT) From: ScottFami@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Thank you to David for managing this list so that we can connect again! I had been feeling so lost without the Basket Digest and this has the same casual chat feel that Shirley gave the Basket Digest. I feel like life is good again! I think Pam Woodbury was right about us checking in again, I think we all feel like we have been physically shuffled, but we really should jump in and write to each other so that we can have the thrill of finding Basket mail in our email more often - I know that I look forward to it and miss it horribly when I don't have it. OK!! now to the good stuff! I missed the beginning of this correspondence, so I don't know if anyone wrote in, but I am still looking for a pattern to go with some beautiful 5" bean pot handles with decorated ceramic handle pieces. I bought them because they were so beautiful, but the only pattern I have is for a 9" bean pot basket from Lyn Siler's book and I can't figure out how to change it to make the smaller size. If anyone can point me in the direction of a pattern for a 5"top, please let me know. Also, we will be vacationing on the Outer Banks of North Carolina this summer and I wanted to know if anyone has any "good" places for my own enjoyment (this means not a historical monument or battleship) something along the line of a basket shop, craft shop - y'know - good stuff, fun stuff, not the kind of stuff that puts me into a coma after about 10 or 15 tours, which is my husband's style. I love the guy, but we definitely have a different opinion of what is fun to do. Please people, I will probably die of boredom and frustration without some creative outlets and of course, the more the better! Anyone who has ordered patterns from Basketpatterns, could you please tell me how to do this ? I keep getting a message that I didn't fill in the quantity right and I can't figure out what I am doing wrong. This problem has probably saved me a bundle of money, because the baskets are all beautiful, especially the twills which I am dying to do with different colors of reed - I think it's the influence of the spring flowers and the desire to create something just as pretty and fresh inside. I was feeling very extravagant and lazy the other day and ordered a whole bunch of already dyed reed in different colors - I can't wait to get it and run my fingers through it !!!!!!!!!! Has anyone used the variegated dyed reed yet? What kind of basket did you make and how did it look? I want to also put out a thank you to the weavers who wrote me with solutions to my problem with the Williamsburg handle - I went back to it (translate - picked it up off the floor near the wall) and I used a lighter weaver and it really came out nice. The handle looks so graceful and I love the basket. I sprayed it with a mixture of Minwax special walnut and light oak, so it looks old, but with a little bit of a glow from the light oak. Oh well, another basket that's not going anywhere because I can't part with it - my family seems to be accepting this explanation lately - either that, or they have given up and just nod when I talk now, I can't tell the difference. Well, I 've done my share of sharing tonight - everyone please write!?! Beverly - Berlin, MA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: INTRO Date: Thu, 22 May 1997 00:31:30 -0400 From: Esther Grigsby <"egrigsby@accn.org"@accn.org> To: "David Collins - David's List" HELLO DAVID, NORMA, AND ALL BASKETMAKERS ON DAVID'S LIST: WE HAVE BEEN READING THE LAST THREE OR FOUR ISSUES OF YOUR LIST AND HAVE FOUND IT TO BE DELIGHTFUL, INTERESTING, EDUCATIONAL, AND SO VERY FRIENDLY. THEREFORE, MY FAMILY AT THE NOR ESTA CANE & REED WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO PARTICIPATE. ALLOW ME TO TELL YOU A LITTLE BIT ABOUT OURSELVES. THIRTEEN YEARS AGO, MY PARENTS, NORM AND ESTHER, MET LORRAINE OTTO AND INVITED HER OVER TO OUR ANTIQUE STORE TO TEACH AN EGG BASKET CLASS. A FEW OF OUR FRIENDS AND CUSTOMERS WHO WERE FAMILIAR WITH CHAIR CANING AND RUSH SEATING TOOK THE CLASS RIGHT IN THE STORE FRONT ONE DAY. WE WERE ABSOLUTELY THRILLED WITH THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE AND DECIDED RIGHT THEN AND THERE THAT WE JUST HAD TO LEARN HOW TO MAKE MORE BASKETS! MY FOLKS ORDERED A SMALL SUPPLY OF REED AND OTHER BASIC BASKETMAKING SUPPLIES AND BEGAN TO ADVERTISE MOSTLY BY WORD OF MOUTH THAT THE MATERIALS WERE AVAILABLE IN OUR STORE. WITHIN A YEAR OR SO, THE BASKETMAKING PRODUCTS HAD JUST ABOUT TAKEN OVER AND SO MUCH TIME WAS BEING SPENT WITH BASKETMAKERS THAT MY FOLKS DECIDED TO PHASE OUT OF THE ANTIQUE BUSINESS AND GO FULLY INTO BASKET SUPPLY. MY MOTHER AND I (I'M CRIS)STARTED TEACHING BASKET MAKING CLASSES. WE DIDN'T KNOW A LOT BY THAT TIME, BUT WE TAUGHT WHATEVER WE KNEW AND TRIED HARD TO STAY A STEP AHEAD OF OUR STUDENTS, WHICH WASN'T EASY! BASKETMAKERS WANT TO LEARN! SINCE THAT DAY, WE HAVE BECOME ONE OF THE LEADING SUPPLIERS OF BASKETMAKING SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS NATION-WIDE AND OUR ENTIRE FAMILY IS NOW INVOLVED IN THE BUSINESS ALONG WITH MY PARENTS. I HAVE TWO SISTERS AND TWO BROTHERS (I AM THE ELDEST OF THE SIBLINGS). KURT MAKES OUR HICKORY AND ASH HANDLES, JILL PRODUCES OUR REED ORGANIZERS AND DRIVES THE TRUCK AND TRAILER FOR US TO VEND AT CONVENTIONS, NICK CONSULTS AND HELPS WITH MAINTENANCE, HOLLY DESIGNS AND MONITORS OUR WEB PAGE, AND I, CRIS, WRITE THE NEWSLETTER, SEND CATALOGS, WORK IN THE STORE PART TIME, DYE OUR OWN LINE OF HAND-DYED REED, HELP WITH BOOKKEEPING, ETC. MY MOTHER, ESTHER, AND I STILL TEACH CLASSES TWICE A MONTH AT OUR STORE. ALSO MY SON JOE, A GRANDSON TO NORM AND ESTHER, WORKS IN THE WOODSHOP WITH MY BROTHER KURT (JOE'S UNCLE). SO WE TRULY ARE A FAMILY OF BASKETMAKERS WHO LIVE, WORK, PLAY, AND PRAY TOGETHER. WE ALL WEAVE. MY DAD, NORM, DESIGNS MANY BASKETS EVEN THOUGH HE HAS NEVER TRIED TO FOLLOW A PATTERN. ESTHER, JILL, AND I ALL WRITE PATTERNS OF OUR OWN, SO WHENEVER NORM COMES UP WITH A NEW WEAVING DESIGN, WE PUT IT INTO WRITTEN HOW-TO FORM FOR HIM. THAT CAN BE A CHALLENGE AS HIS WEAVES ARE SO ORIGINAL, NEVER HAVING BECOME DEPENDENT ON PRE-WRITTEN PATTERNS. WELL, I DON'T SUPPOSE YOU WANT ME TO TAKE UP ALL THE SPACE ON YOUR LIST, SO I WILL CLOSE FOR NOW. WE DON'T WANT TO BE ON YOUR LIST JUST TO ADVERTISE, BUT WILL BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS ANYONE MIGHT HAVE IF WE KNOW OR CAN FIND THE ANSWERS. AS MEMBERS OF MANY GUILDS, CLUBS, AND BASKETMAKER ASSOCIATIONS, WE JUST LOVE TO GET TO KNOW ANY BASKET MAKERS. NORM READS THE DIGEST EVERY TIME IT BLESSES OUR E-MAIL AND REALLY ENJOYS IT THE MOST OF ALL OF US. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, HAPPY WEAVING. NORM, ESTHER, CRIS, JILL, NICK, KURT, HOLLY, AND JOE! @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Re: Woven Words V1 I8 Date: Thu, 22 May 1997 00:36:12 EDT From: froggestow@juno.com (Roberta R Comstock) To: davidc@iei.net Reply-To: davidc@iei.net Re: "Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 8 To David: My first issue of Weavers Words was Vol 1. Iss 7. Is it possible for you to send my copies of the first 6 issues? If so, please do. Then I'll have a complete set. Thank you very much! To Karen M. Johnson: The Stowe Basketry Festival sounded wonderful! Where was it held and how long did it run? Is it an annual event? I loved your story of the 'Gladys Ellis Awl.' Was the knotting course a macrame' kind of thing? (I used to do a lot of that.) To Ann (Ridgeway?) in Alexandria: I am definitely a fellow book junkie! Can you give us the contact information for Kathy Halter at Royalwood? I'd like to get her catalog, if she has one. Just called in a big order from Earth Guild, so won't be buying right away, but it's always good to know where to find new things. About wire handles: I know several metalworkers who could probably do them, if I knew what you wanted in terms of size, configuration, quantities, etc. I'll ask around and see who's interested. To Kristin Monastyrski: Sounds like I'd better get the waxed linen sample chart when I order my Royalwood catalog. Can't resist your color descriptions! About fabric softeners and hands: For anyone else who can't handle fabric softeners, for whatever reason, I have had good hand protection by using a hand protection cream before working with baskets and dyes. The one I have on hand is called 'HANDSHIELD'-- (nongreasy, unscented, XT703; made by Stanmar Laboratories in Kansas City MO). I was introduced to another at a recent class on paper marbling, but can't remember the brand name -- if anyone's interested, I'll find out. I think Avon used to have one called 'Silicon Glove". If my hands are really dry and rough from all my abuse, I use bag balm on them at night and wear cotton gloves to bed to keep it from smearing. To Pam Woodbury: I see you belong to the MO guild/association & are coming to KC for the convention(?) next week. I'm looking for information on that. Can you tell me who to contact, please? You're the first person I've 'encountered' who seems to know all about it. I definitely want to attend and would like to join a guild, preferably something local, for starters. Looking forward to meeting you there. Is there anything helpful I can tell you (or anyone else who's coming to town) about Kansas City? To Lois Keener: Happy Birthday & get well soon! I'm glad I got done with chicken pox as a small child. The adults I know who have had them were really miserable. It sounds as if you've got pretty good itch control lined up. When my kids had them, about all we had for that was baking soda baths and pastes. Are you weaving spotted baskets? Bye for now, Bert Comstock, Independence, MO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Garden Basket pattern Date: Thu, 22 May 1997 21:57:00 -0400 (EDT) From: Sandy3201@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net David, Thank you for doing this list, It really makes me feel intouch with other people who also enjoy weaving. I'm hoping that the subscribers will be able to help in find a pattern for a basket that I saw at the basket exchange in Indiana. It was a basket that held garden tools. If any one knows what the basket is called and where I could purchase the pattern , please e-mail or respond through the list. Thanks, Sandy3201@aol.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Introduction Date: Thu, 22 May 1997 16:52:50 -0400 From: "The Rigterinks" To: Hi! I figured it was time to introduce myself since I have been hanging around since Shirley's list and have not "spoken up" as of yet. First of all, THANK YOU THANK YOU David for this list. You never realize how much you miss something until you don't have it anymore. My name is Diane Rigterink and I have been weaving for 7 years. I love doing reed baskets, but most recent passion is Shaker and Nantuckets. My dream is to make at least one of each type that Martha Wetherbee sells!!! I would like to thank everyone on this list for all their great tips and thoughts - I have learned alot from all of you. Keep Weaving Diane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subject: Subscribe to Weavers Words Date: Fri, 23 May 1997 09:59:42 -0400 (EDT) From: WackyWeavr@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net CC: twiggy@conknet.com David, I just came back from the Basketry Festival at Stowe. While I was there Twig and several other basketmakers told me about your newsletter. I would like to subscribe. My name is Bobbie Rankin and my email address is Wackyweavr@aol.com. I have been weaving baskets for 15 years and I am a perennial student. What else do you need from me. Looking forward to becoming a subscriber. Wackyweavr PS Twig, see I sent the request. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.