"Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. 102 Date Sent: March 22, 1999 Web Page: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/ Subscribers: 983 David Collins 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 317-899-5747 davidc@iei.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Do You Like Weavers Words? Click Below To "Recommend-It" To A Friend! http://recommend-it.com/l.z.e?s=210339 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% "Web Cards" - Create Full-Color Postcards For Your Web Page. http://www.printing.com/affiliate.asp?site=davidc For every free sample of "Web Cards" that you request from the above link, I will receive a $1 commission. It cost you NOTHING. Once you receive your free sample, you can purchase personalized "Web Cards" for your web page and/or business if you like. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% "Bare Walls" Basket Pictures/Prints If you are looking for basket pictures/prints, check out "Bare Walls" through Weaver's Words site. I will get a 15% commission from Bare Walls for every picture/print ordered. The address to check out the pictures is: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/prints.html %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Hi Everyone, Don't forget to wear your red ribbons at IBA convention. Also there's been a bunch of basket pictures added since last issue. Be sure to check them out. The address is: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/pictures.html Take Care, David %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket class results Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 01:55:28 +0000 From: Tony Stubblefield or Dean Meredith To: David Collins/Weavers Words Greetings, Well it is after midnight on Sunday and I should really be getting ready for bed. I am going to be so tired tomorrow! Bert, my two classes went smoothly, but they always wear me out. I only take 6 people in my classes and I had six in the Thursday night/Sunday all day class for the classic 5 in. Nantucket and five in the Saturday all day 5 in. Jewelry Nantucket (it was a shallow basket with cherry handle, rim and base with a carved bone shell in the base). They are all trying to get me to teach the wine cooler Nantucket this fall. I will have to do some planning this summer for that. One of the lady's in the jewelry basket class brought in a Nantucket purse she had bought on ebay (I'm sure one of the ones mentioned in past WW's before). She wanted me to tell her she got a good deal at $70, but I really couldn't, ugh! It was obviously an import with a reed handle and rims, crude weaving and unrefined wood base and lid disk. The only thing nice about it was the carved bone (more than likely) or ivory whale on the lid. In my class I usually have to put everyone's rims on myself, but this time both classes did it themselves, saved me a lot of work! Jayne - No problem explained about peening - First a ball peen hammer is the type of hammer that has, on one side, a regular flat head (that you would use to drive a nail into a piece of wood) and on the other a half round/ball head (that you use for peening). How to explain what peening is... Let's say you have a copper rivet, it has a head (like the head of a tack) and a post (like the pin part of the tack). You want to fasten two pieces of leather together. You make a hole in the pieces of leather and slip the post of the rivet through the holes. You then slip a washer over the protruding end of the post. So the washer doesn't fall off, you pound the tip of the post with the rounded end of the ball peen hammer until the soft metal "mushrooms" over. The flattened tip of the rivet is now too large for the washer to slip off. This is peening as I use the term. I hope that makes sense. You can do the same thing on a pin (minus the washer) though the rim of a Nantucket basket, you just smash the protruding tip of the pin/nail until it can no longer be pulled back through the rim. On my baskets I use pins that are just long enough that they don't pass through the inner rim. This way I don't have to "peen" them over. Now, if I am using a large pin to fasten the handle onto the basket I will use a washer and flatten the protruding pen tip until the washer can't slip off. This then secures my swing handle and makes the hinge. If this isn't clear email me and I will draw you a picture, I'm not being sarcastic either. I am an illustrator by trade and do step-by-step educational illustrations all of the time. Karen - I may have to re-think that pre-shaping thing. Having all of the staves ready was the only way to do the class in one day, but boy was I tired of all that sanding (I shaped them on my belt sander) and I sanding off a couple of fingernail tips in the process :-) Oh, they tease me at work too about my head getting too big to fit through the door too! I think it makes me easier to find in a crowd that way ;-)) Gretchen - Good luck! I will keep my fingers crossed for you. Pam - No, sorry I went to school at the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Denise McCann Beck - Let me welcome you as another new member of WW. You are joining a really great group who's members are an endless source of information. Oh my, it is now almost 2 am! I am going to be a sorry puppy tomorrow at work. You know how it is when you get to visiting with friends :-) Talk to you later, Tony Stubblefield http://www.tetranet.net/users/deanandtony/baskets.htm %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject:?????? Date: Sun, 21 Mar 1999 19:10:00 -0800 (PST) From: Carol Miller To: davidc@iei.net O.K. I have been wanting to do this for sometime but have not had the nerve because of the way everyone speaks of it..........What is Kudzo? There I said it! Is it something like our wonderful Montana Knap weed, only good for honey making? (Knapweed isn't so wonderful, the only thing that will eat it is a goat) Any takers, Carol in Montana %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: waxed linen Date: Sun, 21 Mar 1999 22:41:38 -0500 From: Winnie Organization: @Home Network Member To: David Collins Hi Weavers Bert - I did order waxed linen and the chart from Royalwood. But I am still confused. My swap partner said that the basket was made with 12 ply waxed linen so I ordered 12 ply and 7 ply from Royalwood. When I received my order I was disappointed because it is not nearly as thick as what was used in my swap basket. I will use the waxed linen that I received, it really is nice stuff. The material used in the swap basket looks like Danish Cord but it is a gorgeous wine shade. Help please! Can anyone give me more information? Billie in Va. Beach and Bert - I used to have a separate phone line for the computer and to avoid solicitation calls just turn off the ringer, and you'll never hear it ring. We are fortunate to have cable access available to us. When it becomes available to all you out there, I recommend it highly. It gives you instant Internet access and the speed is incredible. Leigh in Laurinberg - In my experience most twill patterns that are more complicated have the patterns illustrated on graph paper. I don't have any manes on hand right here but I'm sure Donna or Angie from the Country Seat would have some names for you. They are always very helpful and full of information. Hoping we've seen the last snow in Connecticut, ready for spring. Winnie %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 101 Date: Sun, 21 Mar 1999 20:17:15 -0800 From: Sharle Osborne To: David Collins To Denise McCann Beck- Hey, we're neighbors, sort of. Someone just asked in the last issue where Sequim is. I tell People across the water from Victoria. Of course they have to know where that is too. Did you go to the Basketweaver's Weekend on Lake Cresent last summer? I met a few folks from your group but am terrible with names. We should get together for an across the Strait exchange. If you don't have the ability to scan a picture of your basket, you can snail mail one to David. He has a great website for us and we'd love to see your new basket. You'll be amazed how active this group is! I found this site as a source of reprinted books. http://www.coyotepress.com/ There is a keyword search feature and quite a few California ethnobotany selections. Sharle Osborne sharleo@orca.esd114.wednet.edu http://www.olympus.net/personal/skoehler/bskt.htm %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: general Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 08:11:02 EST From: DebGring@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi again, Congratulations to all on 101 weavers words being written and sent out, Dave what a marvelous job you do, thank-you so much. I just read both issues 100 and 101 and am not nearly as organized as most of you seem to be in regards to responding to statements/questions. Gretchen, I hope the adoption (s) go well, ah the anticipation! Someone asked about natural dyes, it seems I read an article someplace about that, but all I remember is onion skins produced I believe a yellow color. Someone else mentioned wrapping them in the skin, maybe Anne in Tassy did, I do believe that was mentioned also in the article I read. I would think flower petals, berries, leaves, bark, roots could give you various colors, I think experimentation would be fun. Tony, I too am waiting with baited breath regarding the filling in on your ribbed baskets. I love making them, but am never satisfied with the residual "holes". Try to make them as small as possible, but they are still there and I see them glaringly! Latex allergies are a big thing in hospitals, I do know there are special non latex gloves we have to use when a patient with latex allergies are in. Perhaps a medical supply place would sell you a box or two at a time. On a personal note, watch also the powder that is in gloves as if your hands are not really dry when you put them on, a rash can also develop from that. There are powder free gloves also. They are harder to get on (I think anyway) but might be worth looking in to. As for the reed itself, other people would be better at advising you about that then me. I hope all is going well with John McGuire, I have never met him or had a class from him, but have several of his books and his talent is tremendous. To all of you I am sure spring is coming in NW Ohio, but it seems so slow, however I did see one sure sign this weekend, A motorcyclist was out! Being a nurse, I've taken care of many a motorcycle accident person.....be careful! Also, the pond frogs are chirping and that skunky smell is in the air....all signs right???? I hope so! I am ready. I have not taken nor done any willow work, but am interested, may have to try it sometime. I certainly have plenty of room here for a willow patch....and I do most of the mowing, so it wouldn't get run over.... Another thing I have not tried much of is small work, like waxed linen or miniature baskets...I don't think my fingers can do that! I may try it someday. It sounds intriguing, since my carpel tunnel OR, I have trouble holding items between the thumb and first finger for long periods, crochet I can to, but only for short times, weaving however usually doesn't bother me except minimally at rimming and lashing. Anyone else noticed that? Hope everyone is well and happy. Debbie G. in another gray day in NW Ohio, I have plans of weaving this afternoon and Tues. p.m. and hopefully, Wed too! A record it seems lately! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 101 Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 05:30:34 -0800 From: "Kelly Anderson" To: "David Collins" Karen: Like you, I write for my guild's newsletter and sometimes list tidbits of advice from Weaver's Words. If a single person gives the advice, I credit both the person and WW. If a bunch people respond with the same advice, I just credit WW. Denise: Welcome to WW! Bascats: I have one, lone 2-year-ol tabby cat. She's an extremely sweet and curious and comical little being--always into new baskets and playing "wild leopard" in my weaving supplies. Cat was the kitten of one several feral cats that hung out in my friend's neighborhood. Although she was friendly, capturing Cat wasn't easy. When I brought her home, she cowered in a basket on my kitchen counter for more than a week before finally warming up and becoming a cuddle-monster. When I move to a new place next year, I plan to get two more furry faces: another cat and a dog. Can't hardly wait. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: weaving with allergies Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 07:56:04 -0600 From: "Crystal R. Drenner" To: davidc@iei.net Thanks to the many who have responded. I have never tried weaving with anything else, because I am unfamiliar with it. I have heard of it through reading your posts, but that's it. Unfortunately this week, I have to weave a spiral Easter basket for a friend. It's been a year since I have weaved anything. Because of my hands. Please e-mail me anything information you have. cdrenner@netnitco.net Thanks, Crystal %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Bits and Pieces Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 09:12:03, -0500 From: BDKE97B@prodigy.com (MRS BILLIE A DORRIS) To: davidc@iei.net Okay gang I addressed this note before I write. On Sat. morn I wrote a long posting and ended with the thought that I now needed to write my daughter in law-so what did I do-sent this message to her then closed it before I could recover. I immediately sent her a second message to send it on to WW but when she saw it wasn't for her she deleted it. If I were writing from my husbands email it wouldn't have been so bad but as far as I can figure out prodigy doesn't save such things. It is one more reason to switch. Also the idea about typing your replies as you read won't work for me as it will only open 30, 000 on line-if it's longer than that it saves to a hard file off line. Of course I can't remember what I wrote about, The one thing I do remember was pointing out how my mind and fingers don't always agree as I typed seagrass every time I meant SWEETGRASS. Duh!! Karen, my advice would be that if at all possible DON'T let your family go to convention with you. It might work for others but I'm afraid I would miss out on being able to socialize and weave to all hours. I would think I had to "entertain" them when I wasn't in class. this is my chance to get away. Gretchen, good luck on your adoption. Hope everything goes well for you. I'm not sure but I seem to remember that galvanized buckets sometimes leak around the seams so it could be a problem to use them for long term liquid storage (doesn't make sense to me either but I know what I wanted to say. Bert-yes you're right about the call waiting-my husband and I had just had that discussion when I read your post. As usual these days my mind wasn't working full time. About referring to a book in pattern instructions remember that books go out of print and may not be available to the weaver-leading to even more frustration. Only two days until we leave for NC. I am trying to make myself take it easy the next couple of days so I'm not exhausted before I get there as is my usual state. Enough for now. See some of you soon. Others keep the home fires burning until we return Billie in sunny but windy cold Virginia Beach. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Sweetgum stain Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 09:18:12 -0500 From: "Ingram" To: Sweetgum stain is a little lighter in color than walnut and lasts forever! Just fill a large garbage can with them, stomp them down, and cover with ammonia. I cover them with about 80% ammonia and finish with water. Close tightly and let set a couple of weeks. Strain through panty hose into a container large enough to dip most baskets in and it will keep indefinitely. I add a new batch to the old stuff each season, straining it occasionally if it gets gunky. One other thing, if you dip and then rinse the basket, you can get the same light yellowish shade as a pinecone stain. Thanks to all of you who inquired and those of you with suggestions for my other questions. My next dilemma: how do you keep rectangular baskets from looking like peanuts when you look down from the top?? Last fall I attended the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) in the beautiful mountains at Cullowhee. We had a seminar on kudzu weaving and cat tail reed weaving. It was unreal!! I wasn't a big fan of the cat tails, but the kudzu was great and made for some unbelievable baskets. I DO NOT, however, enjoy harvesting it. Having your "friends" make snake noises when you're up to your elbows in kudzu vines can be unnerving! I teach several of my sons boy scout friends their basketry badge, and have decided that the next candidate will do kudzu--and he can harvest it! Happy weaving from Laurinburg, where it's sunny and shorts are popping out all over! Leigh %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 101 Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 09:48:10 -0500 From: "Donna Longenecker" To: "David Collins" Lesley - Patti's frantically packing and I don't know if she'll get to replying. She must have read this late last night as she mentioned it to me. We'll have the pictures of the twill babies up this week sometime (as soon as they arrive) under the "Kits, Baskets" section of our online catalog. As of now, the patterns are not available separate from the kits due to the variety of supplies required and the mold which are all included in the kit. I have the info in the office and will post it all ASAP. Nice posting regarding other than basket related info. Gretchen - congratulations on your good news. Boy is your life going to change! How nice that you are getting 2 at once but your hands are going to be full, not of weaving materials for a while either. I'm sure they will have a special bonding especially if you live in an area, how can I say this, like we do that has a very limited ethnic diversity. What "fun" ages. One being totally dependent on you - the other at an age of seeking independence. Please, keep us posted on your progress. Well the rain and the guild came at the same time yesterday - 17 of them. They all went home with a nice looking basket. It was easy to teach as all but a very few were experienced weavers and they all helped each other out. We were cramped for space until the spokes went up, but it went together rather quickly. Hope they enjoyed it as much as i did. Denise - welcome to a rather addicted group. Donna L. in PA, cloudy but not raining now ctryseat@fast.net http://www.countryseat.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: twill babies and FL Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 08:55:20 -0600 From: pphawkins@juno.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi----I'm just trying to find a minute to send this note in the midst of packing my car to leave for NC tomorrow! For Lesley and Kathey and the others who asked (WW has come so fast and furiously lately it's hard to keep track of the names!) about my Twill Babies: To give you a bit of background, I've been doing twills in basketry for at least 15 years----I like to say I "flunked" ribs and coiling and beading and round reed (Flo knows!), but I fell head over heels in love with twills. After years of doing BIG baskets, I finally got brave enough to try miniature---at first I was very skeptical because I'm really nearsighted and I didn't think I could do them. Surprise! The twill babies (ash necklaces) were born and they've been the most fun of any of my "children!" I've made close to 200 myself, and loved every minute of them. I selected 3 different designs to sell as kits, and I dye the ash in whatever colors inspire me at the time. The Twill Babies are not available in a pattern alone---only as a kit. To tell the truth, there's so much "stuff" in there (4 sizes of ash, wood mold, waxed linen, clip, needle, etc) that I figured no one would want to go to the trouble to assemble all those things! I bring them with me to places I teach (they'll be at the NCBA marketplace and also at IBA in Linda Gibson's In a Hand Basket vending room---thanks, Linda!). They are also available through Carole Kaeding at Gratiot Lake Basketry, and The Country Seat (you all know Donna and Angie as frequent WW contributors) will have them shortly after April 1. Hope this answers all the questions! Lois----after reading all your WW posts, now I find out that we actually have met at Saturday in the Park in Florida!!!! Thanks for your kind words about my baskets. I loved that show, and also the Great Gulf Coast Art Show in Pensacola. The best part was hanging out with Tom and Pam Thompson and listening to all those fun stories! Pam, I have one of your 80's baskets, and remembering what I paid for it, the prices should have gone up since then! The basket has graduated from holding kids' coloring books to college catalogs. Sure am looking forward to seeing y'all in NC---it's been a long time! I have written for more than a "minute" and DO have to get back to packing now.....hope to meet lots of WW folks in NC!!!!!! I'll be rooming with my good buddies Eileen LaPorte and Jean May---who is NOT the TX basketmaker who stiffed someone at Stowe! :-) ---- so look us up! Patti Hawkins %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: various Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 09:58:48 -0500 From: Karen Horner To: davidc@iei.net Hi guys! Just a short note. Anna in Tassie, we need all the details on your hops day. Tell us all about it, especially gathering, etc. Come on, share! Welcome, Denise Beck of B.C. We are glad to have you, but.... You must send a picture of your basket to David to share with us. I have just been looking at some baskets made from red cedar bark, I think, and they are incredible. Did you prepare the bark yourself? Also, Jill Choate hasn't posted recently. Is she down here in the lower 48 now? Hope she is OK. All four dogs, and both teenagers are still sleeping, so I better go get some work done. I too love the weather reports from everyone. Karen in Georgia where it is too cool, but at least the sun is out. 36 degrees %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 101 Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 09:18:33 -0600 From: Bonnie Schreckengast To: David Collins References: 1 Hi everyone; Must be something about conventions that bring the lukers out of the woodwork. I've been reading about 3 months or so and waiting for each one to arrive, its almost been like Christmas lately. Thank you David for providing the wonderful news letter. Very briefly about me, I've been weaving for a long time 15 years more or less. I teach some, love to do shows. I almost live and breath baskets. Live in rural Missouri but St Louis is knocking at our door, so in a year or 2 we will be moving to north Mo. We have 2 married daughters 4 grandchildren, 3 dogs , 4 cats (inside) others in barn. work with a local animal rescue group so the pet population at my house often increases. Enough about me. The tips derived form this site are great. The learning just goes on and on. The people I've came to know through the letter are very real, sometimes I just can't wait to read on about a continuing story, I would hate to see it become only basket news I'm going to N.C this week, I've only missed one of their conv. and habit made the decision this year, but boy do I hate to miss Ind. Hope this never happens again. On one personal note, Jean Cadmis May, anyone who knows you knew it wasn't you. Speaking of the 4-H camp who could ever forget how cold it was. That's where I took my first quadrifoil from Eileen and fell in love with twills, must have been the teacher! Going to start on taxes Bonnie from mid-Mo %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: willow class Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 08:40:40 -0800 From: Naomi Paquette To: David Collins Hi Fellow Weavers, Just got back from my Willow class with Andris Lapris (spelling?). what a wonderful experience. I'm in love with willow. Now I have to find out all about it and where to get it etc. Books on willow??? It was the most exciting class I have ever been to. Probably because I waited so long to go and now I can't wait to do more. We mad a tray, a bracelet, and started a little basket with the Chinese Knot. I had the pleasure of staying at Sue Coopers home where Andris stayed so had lots of time to talk to him about his life in Latvia and his training etc. If you ever have a chance to study with him and are interested in willow do it. He doesn't have any pattern, bummer, but he says there are Willow books out there. One by Sally Gormer, which I will have to find. I've been reading in the WW latest about those of you who grow your own Willow. How do you prepare it for weaving, etc. Where do you get your shoots to plant. Boy this is a whole new thing. Anyone who can give me hints please, e-mail if that's easier or put it here on WW. Jonan in Hawaii: when are you coming to the St. Pete, Tampa area. I live only 25 miles north of Tampa and can let you know where some places are. Drop me an e-mail. Nantucket lovers, picked up a new bean pot mold while at my class. I'm going to attempt it on my own. Got a cherry base, rim and handle with ash for staves and weavers. Sounds good now just have to get busy. It is a sweet little basket. That's it for now from Sunny Florida, happy weaving Naomi %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 09:27:36 -0800 From: "Pamela Zimmerman" Reply-To: "Pamela Zimmerman" To: "David Collins" Anyone looking for Retayne can find it and lots of other dying supplies at www.dharmatrading.com, in the online catalog for Dharma Trading Co. They are a fabric surface design company, but give instructions for dying basket stuff in their catalog (along with an incredible amount of other info), and are really great people. Thanks for the copy tip, Marty Z., but I can't figure out how to paste to a minimized document. Left button maximizes, and right button doesn't have paste on it. Am I doing something wrong? Always like a new use tip! Anna - What a great way to dye with onion skins! Thanks very much, can't wait to try it! Any coilers I haven't already shanghaied - I am interested in corresponding with coilers to exchanges tips and techniques. I like reading all this basketry stuff, but I only coil right now, and am looking to bounce things off people. How is this newsletter kept so secret? I searched & searched, and only came upon it by word of mouth! That a great idea! Pamela Zimmerman %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 100 Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 09:35:26 -0800 From: "Roger Weymouth" To: "David Collins" Hi, I'm Bev Weymouth, from E.Lyme, Ct. I have been reading WW for several months, when I get the chance. I really enjoy some of the messages. I have some info for Carol Miller who is interested in Natural dyes for Easter Eggs. A good book on Herbs and uses from the library might help. DI have several in my own library. My favorite book is the complete book of Herbs, By Lesley Bremness. It lists several plants that can be uses as dyes. But you must remember that some plants are poisonous. I have done some dyeing with the remains of berry mush. That's the stuff I have left over after I make my Black berry or grape jelly's. It works great. So make the jelly in the fall, and freeze the mush, use when needed. If your area is like mine. Nothing is growing yet. Your local grocery has a produce supply. Purple cabbage, yellow and purple onions, Frozen grape juice, cranberry etc. Good Luck. Bye for now, Bev. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: again Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 13:49:06 EST From: DebGring@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi all, I forgot in the last posting one of the reasons I was writing, was to say that I used Weavers Stain, clear this past week and was immensely pleased with the results. The clear gave my 2 pie basket a wonderful depth and sheen. My husband could even tell the difference. Thanks Weavers Stain people! That was all I had to add.....TTYL Debbie G. in NW Ohio %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: aloha Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 09:12:54 -1000 From: The Keener Clan To: davidc@iei.net Aloha! Karen is right--it is definitely cold in Hawaii. We spent the weekend with all the windows closed while we wore sweats and long sleeved shirts--and used 2 blankets on Saturday night! Not only were the temps a little low, but we had strong trades (strong enough to knock the top off my very heavy bird bath) and lots of rain. My weaving room is an enclosed lanai separated from the living room by sliding class doors....it is a comfy carpeted room with one wall of windows and the other 2 high walls with screens around the top--and when the wind blows and the temps drop, I don*t weave! Needless to say, I got a lot of reading done this weekend. Karen is newsletter chair for our guild and she does a most excellent job--she has such a sharp wit and our newsletters are full of neat stuff (news, personal news which would probably upset the basket purists on this list, info and tips)--they are most unique and different from other guild letters we have seen. Karen is a treasure! Pam T--I checked your site and I wasn*t shocked by the basket prices--I started going to Saturday in the Park (thanks) in the early 90*s. I do a big fair in May and if I sell a lot of stuff, I reward myself with something (and I do take my hubby who does every fair with me to dinner at the place of his choice) and this year, it will be one of your baskets..they are beautiful. I*m sorry I didn*t hear any stories, but usually I had my kids with me who had limited patience for craft fairs...and still do. Jean May--I know so few Texas weavers so naturally your name came to mind when I read that post, but I immediately thought "no way that could be Jean!"--so I don*t think you have room to worry--your reputation stands alone. And personally I think if someone is going to tell such a story about being ripped off by a sister (or brother weaver), they should give a name. Good and ethical weavers (like Jean) should NEVER have to defend themselves in a situation like this. About painting--it is fun (and I enjoy Joanne*s company) and I*ve invested a bunch of bucks in those brushes and books but.......I would like just a little positive feedback from my instructor...just a little. I*ve been teaching basketmaking for nearly 6 years and I know the difference a few positive comments can make to someone during class. I*ve had people in classes whose basket was somewhat odd, but I pointed out the basket*s strong points, I explained that basketmaking wasn*t a simple little art that could be learned in 1 class and I told them they had done a great job. I tell them we are our own worst critics. Perhaps I*m too much the Girl Scout and expect people to "do their best"--and if their best is a little lopsided, so what. When people come into class and say "I want my basket to look like yours" I tell them, nicely, that it isn*t going to look like mine--I have 8 years experience behind me--nor will their basket look like their neighbors as baskets are sometimes an individual creation--weaving tension, color selection, reed sizes--will make the same basket look different but I do help them celebrate with their final product. So being laughed at in class is foreign to me and frankly, I am most uncomfortable with it. To all the IBA and NC convention participants--have a fine time, but most of all, have a safe trip to and from..... Lois (where the sun is out, but it is still chilly) Honolulu %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weavers Words Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 13:14:35 PST From: "CLAUDIA HOPKINS" To: davidc@iei.net To Annie in Tassie- If you are ever in the Rhode Island area then do try to look up the Conroy's from Exeter. they are the greatest people and have great baskets to show. Claudia From R.I. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 13:16:50 -0800 From: "Ames, Kay H" To: "'Weaver's Words'" Whew, I am so far behind at reading WW, let alone commenting. So pardon me if my note is long or the answers are no longer timely. Okay, Kathryn Gomm, How'd you do that? I just saw your willow tray on WW and I am fascinated by the red spiral in the center. It is most eye-catching. I have been studying it, but I think I need you to divulge your secrets.... How did you do it? How big is the basket? Did you use wild gathered willow, or cultivated basket willow? Great braided border! Dolores Gatz - We acquired our large orange fluffy cat much the way you got Baxter. About a year later the neighbors came over looking for yet another cat that had disappeared over Fourth of July. "Boy your cat looks a lot like our Pumpkin," they said. We told them he showed up as a stray and they didn't seem to care. But then, they are the neighbors who let a dozen rabbits loose when they got tired of them. It took us months of chomped tree seedlings and filling four inch holes, before we could round up all the offspring and give them away. Sounds as if you have an exciting lot of weaving in your life just now. Joy Moody - Yes there really is a weaver named Nancy Basket (used to be Nancy Oh) I believe she lived in the NW at one time, but alas, before I became involved in weaving. I may be creating a basket myth if I have misremembered this info, but I think it was she who was responsible for popularizing (if not inventing?) random weave baskets when hers were selected by Patricia Nixon as table decorations for her daughter's wedding. Well, if I have the details wrong, I am sure this note will generate a lot of corrections and discussion! Darla - I have had to work in a tiny kitchen myself before. There were only two tiny pieces of counter top and I had to pasteurize goat milk, and wash and sterilize equipment twice daily, and even managed to make soap and can the bounty from seven apple trees each year. (I don't miss that kitchen.) I have a suggestion for speeding up the drying of dyed reed: To get more air circulation, slide the wet dyed coils of reed onto a broom handle and balance the broom up off the ground over your paper. You could rest one end in an opened drawer and one on the wastebasket, for instance, and then let the fan blow on it. I have also strung curling ribbon through the coils and tied and hung it, but the other method spreads the reed best. Donna Longenecker, I liked the idea of the cardboard template for spoke placement on slotted bases. I don't often do a lot of repeat baskets all at once, but I do collect ideas for streamlining processes. You just never know when one will be a help. I have heard that people who make a lot of market baskets build a jig for setting up the bases, with holes drilled in a grid. They slide the weavers in and set nails into the holes as each piece is placed - this makes for quicker sizing and spacing. Good idea I thought. I know sweet grass baskets come from North Carolina, but I have a friend whose husband is in South Carolina for a few days and he has instructions to bring one home for her if he can find one. Any suggestions out there? E-mail me directly please! Tony Stubblefield - Thanks for your very clear description of rimming Nantuckets. Not a style I make, but I did glean some useful tips for other baskets. Now, can we coax you into sharing the Appalachian oak egg basket turning back secret with all of us? Kathi Calvert - This is probably a dumb question, but can you please tell us more about your "My First Basket" brass splints? Is this something you make or market? Can we see an example in a photo on the web? With those nice extras you do for your students, I am sure your classes are a hit! Jan Hardt - Thanks for a great basket swap! You did a grand job. Who is the next volunteer? Still have not finished all the back issues but got to go. Happy Weaving from Kay Harradine in Mt. Vernon, where the purple plum is beginning to flower and the daffodils would be blooming if the geese did not nip off the buds as they appear. Lambs due next month, sun shone on Saturday, guild retreat next weekend (yeah!!!), it truly must be Spring as my calendar tells me. Kay (Harradine) Ames 747 Fuselage Responsibility Center Production Support Team (425) 717-5622 M/S 0J-XE Located at 40-22.5-E4.5 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: red osier Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 16:47:43 -0500 From: roman@tm.net To: davidc@iei.net Greetings from Chilly Midland: Two sources for the storage and preparation of red osier dogwood. 1. Natural Baskets Edited by Maryanne Gillooly 2. gifts from the earth by Char-TerBeest and Rhonda Nass ISBN 0-9614795-1-5 The second book, I think, is out of print but if you can beg, steal or borrow it, do. The illustrations by Rhonda Nass and format of the small book are exquisite. It is like a field guild for many botanicals that basketweavers would be interested in. Under Dogwood the author simply states that to Store: dogwood, tie into bundles, place in plastic bags and freeze to preserve the bark. If dried and later soaked, the bark can rub or fall off because the twig will shrink more than the bark. Preparation: Dogwood must thaw four to six hours before using, or it can be used soon after it is gathered. Comments: The bark of Red Osier Dogwood may turn a dark ox blood red when dry. Gathering during early spring may yield a brighter, longer lasting red color after the branch dries. Willow book: I'm sure others can add to my recommendation, but a nice book with GREAT photographs of step by step instruction is Handmade Baskets from nature's colorful materials by Susie Vaughan from New South Wales area. Published by Search Press ISBN 0 85532 755 3 The book references not only willow, but other gathered materials. Neat Book and I got mine from Borders in paperback for $16.95 (some time ago) Also the first book I mentioned "Natural Baskets" edited by Maryanne Gillooly has a chapter by Sandy Whalen called Willow Weaves. Jean May: You forgot to mention the Tornado you dealt with while being Indiana Convention Leader in Lafayette. Ah, the good old days. The one and only class I'm taking at Indiana Convention is the red cedar purse with Donna Carlson. I've coveted and refrained for several conventions and decided to do one expensive one rather than three small ones. I don't mean to say that the instruction and preparation of materials isn't worth the class fee, just that it equals three smaller classes. But, like I said this is the year. I, too am playing down the EXCITMENT that is jiggling my nerves. I'll leave for IN on Thursday morning after I drop the youngest off at school. I will be the crazy lady singing loud and happy driving down the 4-lane in her little red pick-up truck. One last word of advice: Convention doesn't have to be a complete flush of money. Remember that a large order placed a week later might gain you a 30-40% discount on not only reed, but patterns. Decide ahead of time what you really want - a new Nantucket mold? an already made, fantastic necklace? Are you going to stock up on Waxed Linen this convention? Maybe it's some hamburg cane that you just have to see. It's a real shame to feel sorry and guilty a week after. I would hate to discourage someone on a budget from coming. It IS expensive, but it doesn't have to be a foolish expense of money. Just an experienced camper giving you some personal thoughts. Kristin from Midland, MI - Anyone close to me? %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: John McGuire Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 16:30:25 -0600 From: Helene Meyer To: david collins , "\"o\" basketman"@lynnet.com Dear David -- I first learned of John McGuire's accident through Weavers Words and was grateful to have that resource for learning of a friend who needs a friend. I've been in touch with John and his colleague Rev. Chester Freeman, and while they both appreciate being the in the thoughts and prayers of so many basketmaking friends, my own bias is that the best follow-up on prayer is action. There is an action that each of us who has been touched by John's wit, charm, creativity and teaching skill can take: we can place our next order for supplies and/or tools from his catalog. Supplies/tools orders can provide the income stream John will need during his long recovery period. Rev. Freeman tells me that this has been a life-changing experience for John. I can only imagine how profound that statement is. While John mends both physically and emotionally, let's provide the support he deserves. Send a note, place an order, be a friend. Thanks so much. Helene Meyer echolake@centuryinter.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: 1st timers Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 18:40:15 -0500 From: roman@tm.net To: davidc@iei.net Just a short note to first timers: and anyone else! Convention is the pits on fingernails and hands. Be sure to trim your nails ahead of time and put a coat of Sally Hansen Hard as Nails - nail polish. If you use a light color it won't show when it chips. With the constant weaving and wetting your nails will start to fall apart shortly. Also bring an Emory board, if you don't already have one in your weaving tools. Sometimes you get one in your goodie bag, but to be sure, have one with you. Sometimes you get hand lotion in the goodie bag too, but it's nice to have with you the kind you prefer. One Convention I wove so much and my fingernails seemed to pull away from the finger. There is a fabulous stretchy bandage like stuff they sell at some vendors that is absolutely fabulous for protection against blisters and pulled nails. Help me out vendors - what is that stuff? Bring a water bottle. Dehydration can accentuate headaches! Drink, drink, drink. Also your preferred choice of pain reliever. Shoulders and necks can get so achy, and sometimes you are so keyed up that, as tired as you are, sleep just won't come. If you are a First Timer coming to Indiana be sure and drop by for a free quickie breakfast on Friday morning from 7:00-8:00. Juice, COFFEE and bagels and cream cheese. That's all for now- Kristin Monastyrski co-chair 1st timer committee for Indiana. See You SOON! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weavers Words Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 19:40:53 -0500 From: "Patricia Steinmetz" To: David Collins Hi Everyone, Just a few short notes. With IBA starting in just two days, I am short on time. David, Okay, you won that round. But you know me. I don't get mad or upset, I GET EVEN! So if I were you, I would sleep with one eye open. Remember, I know where you live. :-) :-) :-) By the way David, or should I say Pinocchio, How long did your nose grow after your last posting on Weavers Words? (Medication, booze, tipsy) Marty, in Flint - I like the way you think. On Friday afternoon we will all pile into a van and head for David's house. If we can't get David to come to us, we will just have to go to David. Delores, I have also had a bad experience with a teacher that many others seem to admire. I simply resolved never to take another class from her or to purchase any of her kits or goods. When I would openly say anything about her, I quickly learned that there were just too many people jumping to her defense. In the end, I was only making myself look bad. As a matter of fact, there is one vender that I refuse to do business with. I do not like the way she treats some of her customers or her help. The only way to deal with these people is to hit them where it hurt. In their pocketbooks. Enough said. I will now climb down from my soapbox. Got to go now. I have to stock the pantry so that my son and husband don't starve to death while I am blissfully waving at IBA. I can't wait. My first class is Thursday with Flo Hoppe. My apologies to those who only like to read about baskets and weaving. No useful tips here. Pat S, a.k.a. Paddalyn (thanks David, I'll get you for that one) %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 19:26:43 -0600 From: Chris Lower To: David Collins Hi everyone, I finally got my 3" -12" Nantucket nesting set done. I used cherry bases and cherry handles. David, I have sent you a picture of it plus one of a small oval that has a cherry lid with two small bone shells on it. There seems to be a lot of you out there who are making Nantucket baskets. I am curious as to what you use to finish your baskets off with. I use a mixture of denatured alcohol and orange shellac on the baskets that have cane staves and cane weavers. It feels like spring today in Northwest Illinois and I hope it is here to stay. Mindy Lower www.aeroinc.net/~users/nantucket %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.