"Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. 16 Compiled By: David Collins Snail Mail: 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Owned By: Weavers Everywhere Date Sent: July 12, 1998 Subscribers: 667 {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} ***IMPORTANT INFORMATION*** ***PLEASE READ BEFORE PRINTING*** 1.) Highlight entire issue. 2.) Click copy. 3.) Paste issue into a word processor of your choosing. 4.) Now Print. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} +++++Individual Weaver's Words Pages+++++ Of course you can always find links to each individual page on Weaver's Words home page (http://www.iei.net/~davidc/). Weaver's Words Home Page: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/ Weaver's Words Basketry Links: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/basket.htm Weaver's Words Favorite Links & Stuff: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/cool.htm Weaver's Words Free Postcard Page: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/postcard.html Weaver's Words Chat Room: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/chitchat.html Weaver's Words Classifieds: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/classifieds.html Weaver's Words Guestbook: ---http://www.lpage.com/wgb/wgbsign.dbm?owner=Basketry Weaver's Words Basketry Wallpaper Page: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/graphics/graphics.html Weaver's Words Basketry Clip Art Page 1: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/graphics/clipart.html http://www.InsideTheWeb.com/messageboard/mbs.cgi/mb83941 Weaver's Words Bulletin Board: ---http://www.InsideTheWeb.com/messageboard/mbs.cgi/mb83941 Weaver's Words Bulletin Free Banner Service: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/banner.html Weaver's Words Basketry Dictionary: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/dictionary.htm Weaver's Words Basketry History: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/history.html {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Hi Everyone, Check out the Basketry History page that I have set up. To see it you can go to the following address: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/history.html I obtained most of it through the Encyclopedia Britannica. I didn't realize baskets had such a lengthy history. It's pretty interesting. I also want to setup a page on Weaver's Words Website with a list of basketry shops. So if you know of a shop, please send all the pertinent information for someone to get ahold of the shop. Just thought I would remind everyone about Weaver's Words Basketry Classifieds (http://www.iei.net/~davidc/classifieds.html). Check out the items already there or post your items for free. I have also started an online basketry dictionary (http://www.iei.net/~davidc/dictionary.htm). Check it out and help add some words with definitions. Take Care, David davidc@iei.net {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Tue, 7 Jul 1998 11:33:46 -0400 From: "Joy Moody" To: Hi everyone: I am woefully behind in answering comments or questions, and in contributing! Sally, weaver/lawyer: I have a reference from when my husband & I were active antique dealers: 300 Years of Kitchen Collectibles. On page 363 there are examples of patented picnic baskets which may be similar to the "early cooler" you found. One, which looks quite narrow, was patented 10/28/1884, but was not the Burlington Refrigeration Company. Curious whether yours shows a date or patent. Two others shown are labeled "refrigerator baskets" & came in 2 sizes. Those were made in the 1930's and sold in the Abercrombie & Fitch catalog of outdoors goods (so they could have been any maker). The 1991 book value range is listed at $30-50. I would estimate that, depending upon where you live, the range is now closer to $60-80. Someone e-mailed to correct me on the toxicity of Bay Leaf, citing its use in certain remedies. If there is anyone else out there who is knowledgeable about Bay Leaf, please give us your input. I have checked all of my herb references, & have not found a note about it's toxicity for ingestion. However, all the "concoctions" referred to are for topical use only, or in sachet. I was concerned about people using Bay Leaf as an insecticide, and the potential of pets ingesting them, as I have always been told they are toxic to eat. My animals will eat anything they find! Ruthann: The Cushing dye company also makes a dye series which is specially formulated for basketry. The colors "take" better than their dyes intended for wool. You can write to them & get a color chart. O.K., I think maybe 6 people have mentioned their interest in my idea for a Weaver's Words basket swap. Thank you Cindy, who told me how they are run. If anyone wants to put their name into the hat, e-mail me with your name & address, let's say by August first, & I will start the ball rolling. We'll use the suggested $10 limit for supplies cost. This is an "anything goes" swap, meaning you can weave whatever you want. I'll draw names and send each of you the contact info. for the person you are weaving for, as well as a "finish by date". This should be fun. I bet some of you already have a basket made that you could use for the swap. Let's hope more people join in & make this a great Weaver's Words First Basket Fun Swap !!!!! I am up to my eyeballs between orders, Victorian decorating projects and outdoor work. But, I always enjoy stopping to read the latest issue of Weaver's Words. Back some months ago someone was laughing at my plan to put out a pattern named "Twisted Sister". I think I forgot to mention that that pattern was done, & is now posted in the Pattern Room at www.signofthecrow.com Hey, Lurkers, come out of the woodwork or we may have to start a Lurker's Tisk Tisk Award! Joy Moody Baskets by Sign of the Crow Hampden, Maine where the weather is now in the 80's {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 15 Date: Tue, 7 Jul 1998 11:14:23 -0500 From: lboylegibson@juno.com (Linda Boyle-Gibson) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 In response to the questions from Nancy in MD regarding finding a Copen /Williamsburg blue, I would recommend adding a bit of navy to the Rit Royal Blue. I realize "a bit" is not a precise amount, but it is hard to be exact when it comes to dyeing. There are so many variables that play important factors in the final colors --- the temperature of the water, soft water, hard water, the pot used. . . And each time you will find the shade will vary. Like dye lots in fabric, no two will be exactly alike. I find Rit Royal to be too bright for my taste, so starting with a canner size pot of simmering water, I add a package of the Royal Blue then add a sprinkling of the navy at a time, stirring well and testing with scrap reed. Remember the dry reed will be slightly lighter than your sample wet piece. When you reach the desired shade -- dye as much as you can! You will start to notice that the color does get used up so you will have to add more dye and test again. I also sometimes add a touch of black ---- a VERY small amount -- to get a color darker. Mixing colors is great fun and look at it as a creative adventure! I also mix greens to get that "perfect color" that I need. Kelly green is too yellow, but add in Dark Green or a touch of black and you can get a luscious, rich deep green. I never add vinegar or salt to my dye pot, probably because I'm lazy. I tried adding salt once, but could not see a difference so now I just don't bother. I will put white vinegar into my water bucket if I'm using deep colors while weaving. A quick dip and wipe off with a towel helps keep the bleeding to a minimum. If there is still some good color left in the dye pot at the end of the session, I like to coil up small bundles of different sizes and begin the space-dyeing. I'll dip each coil in 2 or 3 places, hang them to dry and just keep them in "waiting" for whenever I'm dyeing other colors that would be complimentary. (Sometimes you just can't have 3 or 4 pots going all at once!) Rit has a color recipe chart that gives the amounts of powdered dyes to mix to get different colors. Although this chart was tested and written for fabric, I have found it to be very good resource that works well for reed. If you would like a copy, you can send a SASE to my address below. Hopefully, I will get this information on my web page and as Rit develops new combinations I will keep you posted. Linda Boyle Gibson In a Hand Basket 2808 Winston St. Bloomington, In 47401 http://www.inahandbasket.com/ 812-333-1817 {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: replies to WW/FREE offer Date: Tue, 7 Jul 1998 12:40:40 -0400 From: "Chris Baker" To: David Collins Kay Ames: I don't know what kind of finger jointed handles you have used in the past, but in comparison to any scarfed handles I have come across (other than my hoops) I have always preferred the finger jointed handles after some others I tried. on the handles I carry, these "fingers" are so small and put together so well, to me you cannot tell they are there unless you really look. As I mentioned on my handle webpage, most are glued with a water-resistant glue & a small nail called a brad is inserted through all of the adjoining fingers. All finger-jointed handles are not quality. I do think being picky is the key with these types of handles & can't imagine the handles I carry ever coming apart & most are made of oak. These are all I use for the baskets I sell & use. I just posted a picture of one my handles & will be posting more, but not sure exactly when but by sometime in August. All I can suggest is to give one of mine a try, "proof is in the pudding" I say. Let me know if I could be of further assistance. HELP!: anyone who is waiting for a response with an aol.com address: For some reason, I am getting most of my email back going to anyone with these address. I have Pegasus mail, does anyone have any suggestions for this problem? $$SALE$$ To offset the inconvenience of closing for August, I am offering a free pattern $3.00 or less retail value with any order shipped from now until July 31st. (all checks must be received no later than 7/29) Also, anyone who missed the Salt & Pepper basket, it is now available for sale, see online catalog. Chris Baker Days Gone By Augusta, Maine http://w3.ime.net/~cbaker/ Online catalog: http://w3.ime.net/~cbaker/catalog.htm REMINDER: closed to shipping all orders during August except patterns, order now! {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Date: Tue, 7 Jul 1998 17:07:13 -0400 From: "Donna" To: "David Collins - Weaver's Words" Holiday Heirlooms by Barbara Klann has not been available for many years. The Country Seat carries most of the patterns included in the book in single pattern form from Barbara. Ann Marie - yes, pine needles must be soaked before weaving. A good beginners book is "Pine Needle & Nut Crafting" by Judy Mallow for $7.50. Eileen - Thanks for posting that letter - some very fine points to ponder. Kay - The Cabin Boy (8" x 5" slotted rectangle base w/divider handle) and Circle T (8" diameter round slotted base w/divider handle) are the two we carry. We also have a 14" long x 6-1/2" high divider that screws into the bottom and sides of a basket (use overlays on the spokes to cover screws.) Donna http://www.countryseat.com ctryseat@fast.net {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Tue, 7 Jul 1998 22:02:49 -0400 From: David Morningstar To: David Collins From Ruthanne Morningstar To Amy - Housework whenever - to add to Kristin in Yorktown - I've used day lily leaves and corn husks for the birdhouse roofs and agree that the corn husks do work better. I've also made a birdhouse completely out of round reed with no corn husk or day lily roof. My husband suggested that I use beeswax on the top to seal it. It worked great and the birds seemed to like it. That birdhouse now resides in NC with my oldest stepson. Jessie Buehlmann - Glad you enjoyed reading about the Baleen Baskets. You said you're a Native American. I'm going to visit some Hopi and Apache people out in Arizona in October, but I'm not familiar with Midwestern basketry. Do you weave any of your people's traditional baskets? RE: Cattails - great idea of a hand crank wringer, but if you don't have access to one, a butter knife run down the length of cattail will also break the fibers down. That's how Theresa Ohno used to do it. Not as cleaver as that old hand crank wringer, but same end result, only a little slower. Now, I know what to do with that old wringer I have! Kay Harradine - My Alaska behind-the-scenes tour was arranged by my youngest Step-son who was going to school in Anchorage at the time. He is a very persuasive fellow who arranged for my visits to both collections before we arrived. Not really sure how he did it, but glad he did! My system of highlighting all the things I wand to respond to when reading WW seems to work great. We'll see in a month or two. Ruthanne Morningstar in rainy, muggy Dryden, MI, where the Wild Black Raspberries are big and juicy. Just right for jam! {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: re: space-dying Date: Tue, 7 Jul 1998 22:17:11 EDT From: BOverlock@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net I really enjoy WW -- thank you so much to David for putting this all together and the cards and the great sites to visit. I am a new weaver, less than a year, and last weekend tried my hand at space- dying. I followed the instructions submitted by Molly Gardner in WW Vol.2, Issue 7. It went great and I am very pleased with the results. Thank you Molly for the great step by step -- it certainly made everything easy and flow smoothly. My only problem was I tried to follow the suggestion on the color combination, Rit Dark Plum, Denim Blue and Moss Green .... Where do you find Moss Green? I went to six different stores and couldn't find any green other than Kelly, mint or dark. I have been reading all the discussion about a basket swap and I did join one on the AOL weaving and spinning board but was sorry I did. I wish there was a way to match "buddies" up between beginner, intermediate and advanced. I received a beautiful basket but was very intimidated upon finding out so many of the participants in the swap were basket teachers and very experienced weavers. I felt awful sending out my "beginners" basket compared to the descriptions of the others being received. I have been lurking for a while and read all the back issues of WW -- it is a great way for a new weaver to learn different ideas and hints -- thanx to all of you for sharing! Barbara, in hot Arizona. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Eileen Laporte's message re: selling your work Date: Tue, 7 Jul 1998 22:18:16 -0400 From: "eskbaskets" To: "david collins" Hello everyone from Betty Kourkounakis in sultry NE Ohio! I was grateful to see the forwarded message from Mary Tafoya regarding selling your (baskets) /beadwork. I have been weaving for 9 years and teaching for 5, designing a few patterns in the last 3-4 years. I wish that when I first started I had had good advice like this from weavers who had integrity; who had "been there and done that". I heartily agree with the message in the article- to stay HUMBLE when beginning, learn as much as you can from those with more experience than you, and DON'T base your self-worth on gushing from others about your work. I have been very honored the last 3 years to be selected as an AMB convention teacher. Although I have confidence in my weaving and teaching skills, and strive for excellence in both, I continue to be in awe of the work of the REALLY great teachers/designers like Flo Hoppe, Joan Moore, Judy Olney, and many too many more to mention. After being selected to teach, I have to trust that the jurying committee knows what they're doing- that they consider me worthy of the honor- but I do know my place. I learn so much from the more experienced teachers and from the students themselves, and there is no place for the "I've arrived" attitude. I, too, would encourage the newer weavers who would like to sell their work to strive for excellence, take classes, and to try to have the attitude of the student when pricing and selling. Remember that being able to participate in this wonderful medium, have the coordination, eyesight, and opportunity to advance are all gifts, and not guaranteed to any of us. We need to be very thankful. End of sermonette!! -Betty {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Bits and Pieces Date: Wed, 8 Jul 1998 09:58:42, -0500 From: BDKE97B@prodigy.com (MRS BILLIE A DORRIS) To: davidc@iei.net It's been awhile since I have contributed to the group so I thought I would jump back in. Has really been the summer from hell and would just like to skip the rest of '98 and go directly to '99 Kay Ames- about the handles that come apart. When I first started weaving I had the same problem, so I started using the hickory handles that are all one piece-scarfed and glued. The are more rounded than the others but decided that was better than having the joins pull apart. I also started over wrapping all my handles so if the came apart at least they wouldn't come out. I did this by wrapping a piece of reed around the handle before I started weaving and then just wove it as one with the handle. Then I would weave the rest of the handle in a decorative pattern to keep it in place. This is not a bad idea and I found customes really liked the overwrapped handle. But it does take time. These days I have found that most of the dove tailed handles have a small brad nailed through the joins thereby making them stronger. So I just look for those. One thing to warn customers about on a really big basket that holds a lot of weight is that the top curve of the handle will only hold so much weight before it snaps. This usually happens on the thinner handles like I used to use on the 18 in egg baskets. I think it has to do with being completely round and not flat on the bottom as the market d's are. Of course this isn't really a problem any more as I rarely make that type of basket these days. One more comment on the use of red paper for patterns. IT BLEEDS. So if you aren't careful you really have a mess. Of course if you are really neat and organized that may not be a problem. But that is not a quality even the best of friends would use to describe me. I have been known to drop the entire pattern in my bucket of water. I however am trying to be better organized. I am infamous for cutting articles and pictures of baskets out of papers and magazines as a future reference. Of course I can never find these littles bit of paper when I want them. Maine Antique Digest has pictures of wonderful baskets that have been sold at auctions and shows throughout the country. Many times the price is included.( which I doubt that most of us can afford unless we have recently won the lottery) So I bought a picture album and am now sorting the pictures into the album as I cut them out of the paper. I used the kind with sticky sheets. I break them into categories as I place them. I have one area for Native American, Shaker, Nantucket and then all others. I try to write the place it was sold and the issue it appeared on the picture . I am going to get some of the plastic protector sheets and put them in the book for saving entire articles. Don't know if this will help but it couldn't be any worse than it already is. We recently had Susan Kavicky come to our area to teach two baskets, Summer Sun and Star Swirl. Both are of ash and wonderful baskets. Summer Sun is a basic basket with overlay and suitable for all levels of weavers. Star Swirl is another story. It incorporates the "rinko" style base(two of them to be exact) with a plain woven center. and a wonderful braided border. If you ever have a chance these are two classes not to be missed. Susan is a great teacher and very patient. She has recently taught both a several conventions so keep an eye out in the future. The Star Swirl is one of those baskets that you look at and say to yourself " I wonder how they did that". After taking the class you will know. Ash is not a cheap material to work with but it is certainly worth it for the results. Just a note. Try to remember to sign the end of your article with your name. That way is someone wants to reply by name on WW they won't have to scroll back to the top of the listing to see who wrote it. Also not all e-mail addresses have the name of the person incorporated. Must get busy. Billie in Virginia Beach, VA. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Lake Iowa Weaving Weekend Date: Wed, 08 Jul 1998 12:35:24 -0500 From: "Anita D. Hansen" Organization: Rockwell Collins, Inc. To: davidc@iei.net CC: catslapbaskets@webtv.net Hello to Karen and other WW folks! I'm a newbie basket weaver with only 3 baskets to my name so far. I took a couple of weaving classes with a friend this past fall/winter thru the local community college. Gosh, my 12yo daughter has also woven 3 baskets! She is ready to lash her twill market basket for this weekend's county fair. Anyway, I saw Karen's notice about the weaving weekend at Lake Iowa and it has prompted me out of lurking. I had to reread her message to make sure I read it right! :-) I grew up in that park at family reunions! The exit on I-80 you need to take is actually a few (10-15) miles West of the Amana exits. You want the Millersburg-Ladora exit. Go south maybe 1-3 miles(?) to the 4way stop which will be by a church. Turn right (west) for about a mile and keep watching for the sign. [You will be on a gravel road.] Turn left and go south for a couple more miles till you reach the park entrance. It's a great park considering it's just a county park. I can't believe how BIG the trees have gotten in the past, well let's just say, MANY years! :-) I met a couple of my brothers there for camping last summer during the *hottest* weekend of the year! Ugh. We spent most of our time cooling off in the lake. Sounds like this would be a good weekend for another camping trip, but unfortunately we have conflicting plans for that weekend. Darn. Enjoy! Anita Hansen, Cedar Rapids Iowa {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Back Issue #42 Date: Wed, 08 Jul 1998 20:19:06 -0500 From: susan To: davidc@iei.net David: I have been reading the back issues of Weaver's Words as I have time. I got to #42 (Volume 1), and what is there is #43. The one listed as #43 is also #43. I hope that makes sense. Do you still have #42? I'll watch to see if it shows up there. I really appreciate being able to access the back issues. I feel as if I'm getting to know a new weaving family and it's educational at the same time. I know that everyone keeps thanking you for your efforts. So... at the risk of repeating, what you do for 600+ weavers is very much appreciated. Everyone: I realize after reading the back issues, that people traditionally introduce themselves before launching in with their questions/comments. So here it is a little late. My name is Susan Hagberg. I started weaving a little over two years ago. A friend of mine (Diane Swanson, whom I'm sure some of you know) taught me (as she has many others over the years) in a conference room after work. She has generously taught many, charging little more than the cost of her supplies. I fell in love with this art immediately. I am an active member of the Basket Weavers Guild Midwest, which has been mentioned before in this forum. If anyone wants information on the guild feel free to e-mail me directly and I'll send it to you. I live on five acres with lots of trees, south of Buffalo, Minnesota and work for The Pillsbury Company in downtown Minneapolis. It's a 50-minute commute, but worth it because of the people I work with. My husband is a full time artist and I have a fifteen year old daughter, an almost 11 year old son, two large dogs and a cat. The only thing wrong with my life is that I don't have enough time to weave! We'll be at the art fair in Madison this weekend (July 11-12), so if any of you weavers are there, stop and say hi to us. My husband is Robert Hagberg and there's usually a directory that tells which artists are located where. Given his profession, I am continually storing away details on how weavers exhibit their work at art fairs, pricing, etc. I suppose I'll take that plunge someday! I haven't gotten much response on using fiber reactive dyes (or maybe I haven't gotten to the back issues that discuss it yet?!?) I did receive one e-mail from someone who is planning to try them this summer. I guess I'll have to order some and let you all know how they turn out. I'm hoping that the color won't fade as quickly, but I guess that part of the report will be a few years down the road. It's nice to talk to everyone. TTFN Susan Hagberg in Buffalo, Minnesota {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: clematis Date: Thu, 9 Jul 1998 10:05:24 EDT From: Jvoconnor1@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net To Kay Ames: My eyes perked up when you mentioned clematis to weave with. I have three clematis vines. Do tell...when do I harvest and what to I need to do with it? Just got back from my vacation in HOT, sweaty, Gatlinburg, TN. You'd think in the mountains it would be cooler. Thanks to whoever gave me the tip about the arts and crafts community. It was well worth it. There were several basket weaving shops with beautiful work in them. I didn't buy any baskets, but did buy a reed stool kit and two booklets on miniatures. I also saw my first gourd basket. Really neat! Should have taken some pictures for Weaver's Words. Sorry :( Speaking of more addictive craftwork, I picked up a rag rug kit and now I'm "hooked" on that! Does anyone know where you can buy the stripped rolls of fabric? I'm going to be going to Lake Iowa for the weaving weekend on July 24-26. I'm also going to Susan Kavicky's house this Saturday to make an ash quadrifoil. If it turns out well, I'll take a photo! Everyone take care, especially you guys in Florida with all the fires! Sandi Howard, in sunny, mosquito infested, Mundelein, IL {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Push In Swing Handles Date: Fri, 10 Jul 1998 07:00:03 -0400 From: Lewis & Carolyn Megginson To: davidc@iei.net Hi, Feel that I really need some help with the handles. Most of the time I use a handle with bottoms, my customers seem to look for this. I have several new patterns for very large baskets that call for the push in type of handles. Is there any way to add extra security for this. One is a very large picnic basket, doesn't seem to be a way to adapt the regular handle. I believe extra security is needed. Am I wrong? Still enjoying this site and all participants. Thanks David. Carolyn of Suffolk {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weavers Words Date: Fri, 10 Jul 1998 13:33:55 -0400 From: Larry & Amy To: weaverswords Thanks to everybody for the info on naturals. I think I'm too late for wheat this year, but will (try to) remember next year when it's still a little green. I am looking forward to drying cattail this fall yet, though. This isn't basket-related, but since some people has mentioned ant problems....in our paper this week there was this "recipe" for an organic repellent. It's even safe to use on/around gardens & food plants. Using blender, puree 1 onionskin, 4 cloves garlic and 2 cups of water. Let sit overnight. The next day, strain it; put in sprayer with 1/2 gallon water. That's it! Happy weaving! Baskets forever, housework whenever! Amy from Ohio {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: wooden bases Date: Fri, 10 Jul 1998 18:39:02 -0400 From: gatsby@agate.net To: davidc@iei.net I returned this week from a vacation in Prince Edward Island where I had to wear a sweat shirt after 3 o'clock in the P.M. It was beautiful there however. I taught my sister and a friend how to make a basket. We have two more weavers among us. They are actually from Truro, Nova Scotia. They would like to know of any supply shops in that area. Are there any Canadians out there who could help? For Kay Harradine, you were looking from wooden bases with wooden dividers. I received a catalog from North Carolina Basket Works when I returned from P.E.I. They have wooden bases with dividers for silverware, napkins, paper plates, etc. You can get a catalog by calling 800-338-4972. I have also seen bases at BasketPatterns.com. I don't remember if they had dividers or not though. I have a source of containers if people need some small containers for different colored dyes when space dying. You can go to your local school or restaurant. They usually get food in different size containers and frequently throw the containers away. I got 4 big jugs that salad dressings came in. I cut off the top 6-8 inches and now have 4 small containers for space dying. The custodial staff would probably be willing to give you spray bottles too. I find that the bottles are heavy duty and last forever. This time of year is best for the spray bottles because of all the cleaning going on. I have a question for you all. What is a "spoke weight" for? I have a reed gauge and thought it was the same thing, but am not sure. I would like to be enlightened. Thanks for all of the tips and other info from everyone. Hope you all have a lot of free time this summer to weave, weave, weave. Dot, in sunny, 75 and not humid, Maine {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: ouch Date: Fri, 10 Jul 1998 16:55:49 -1000 From: The Keener Clan To: davidc@iei.net Aloha, everyone, I*m taking a mandatory break from weaving for a week as I was attacked by a stray cat yesterday. I have bites on arms and fingers that are extremely painful (and the tetanus shot makes my right arm really sore!) so there will be no weaving until I*m up to it. The scratches on legs aren*t painful (but are really ugly)--but I could weave if they were the only wounds. No stitches as the dr. doesn*t want to close cat bites for fear of infection, so I*m under orders to take it easy. I did want to drop a line re: Eileen LaPorte*s post. I agree with everything she said. I have taught people who come to 2 classes and then have booths at fairs..(one priced a simple 6 x 6 x 2 napkin basket at $18 and dyed it neon pink. No, it didn*t sell--and neither did anything she made sell) or attempt to teach others for profit. I took classes for 2 years as there was so much to learn--and then sold my first basket.(yes, I gave them away before that..and the first one I sold was to a friend who had gotten a freebie) To be honest, the first ones I wove certainly weren*t worthy to be sold!! At the shop where there are 4 weavers, two ladies walked in and one of them picked up a small basket where the twinning was loose and the rim didn*t meet and said "Wow, I never thought Lois would weave something like this"--it wasn*t mine, but she looked at the basket before she looked at the tag. The weaver she was talking about hasn*t been weaving for long and appears to be turning them out as fast as she can. I know imports can be a pain (especially at a fair), but so can a new weaver who doesn*t care about quality as long as she is making a dollar. Off to nurse my wounds (and read, read, read) Aloha nui loa, Lois {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 14 Date: Sat, 11 Jul 1998 17:14:04 EDT From: froggestow@juno.com (Roberta R Comstock) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 "Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. 14 Wendy - I'm a little slow at getting this out, but have you gotten ahold of the bylaws example(s) you asked for? If not, send my your snail mail address & I'll mail a copy to you. If some of your members have already done some weaving, you might contact your local library and see if they would like to display some of your baskets. That can be a good contact point for recruiting new members and creating public awareness about your guild. Ruthanne Morningstar - When I get a new Weavers Words, I save it to a text file twice (once as wwv2i14.txt and again as wwv2i14a.txt, for example). Then I open the 'a' (for answer) file in my word processor (WordPerfect 6.0) and go through it as if I were going to edit and reformat it. As I go, I delete until I come to something I want to ask, answer or comment about. Then I write in my comments before I continue deleting. I save the 'a' file again as a text file (same name) at the end. When I'm ready to send it back to the list, I go into email to reply to the incoming message (choosing the 'don't include message text in reply' option), and insert my answer file. Otherwise, I'd never be able to keep track of what all I wanted to say. It's much easier for me to work this way than to try to jot down ideas and then keep track of the notes. You have certainly made a more thorough study of baleen basketry than I have. Inspiration for my next trip to Alaska - someday when I can afford it again. And now I'm curious about the gut and fish skin work you mentioned, too. Always something more to learn! Isn't if fascinating what people come up with when their resources are limited? I'm flattered at being compared to Martha Stewart . But that's not an accurate assessment from my perspective. My house is chaotic in appearance, because I believe too much routine housework is a waste of time. Two days later, nobody can tell it was ever done. (With my respiratory allergies, if I don't bother the dust, it doesn't bother me.) Bob and I have an agreement that when the clutter gets to be too irritating, whichever of us is bothered by it is welcome to put things away. I guess what I'm saying is that I MAKE TIME for the activities that are important to me; I am always up for going new places and trying new things; and people have a higher priority in my life than inanimate objects. But I am acutely aware of all the things I don't get done! Oh, what I could do with a thirty hour day! Anyway, Thanks for the compliment! Fortunately, my friends seem to understand my philosophy of time budgeting and accept it, even if they don't necessarily practice it the way I do. They come over to visit and do things together, not to critique my housekeeping. Cindy - Thanks for the description of your basket exchange. What fun! You do get to know who made the basket you receive, don't you? Is the AOL basket thing limited to AOL users? If not, I'd like to hear more about it, please. How was the Chicago trip you did over the 4th? Were you showing and selling? Hope it went well for you. Amy from BG - I think your wheat & cattail questions have been well answered. No, I don't use naturals exclusively - maybe about 20 percent. I often use them as accents when working with commercial reed. I've been enamored of plants in general & wildflowers in particular, for as long as I can remember & began studying them soon after that. In more recent years, I've also gotten interested in herbalism and ethnobotany. First, learn to identify & avoid poison ivy! (and any other dangerous plants in your area) There are several good books available. Some of my favorites are: *Baskets from Nature's Bounty* by Elizabeth Jensen (Interweave Press, 1991); *From Vines to Vessels* by Beryl Omega Lumpkin (Overmountain Press, 1987); *Fibre Basketry* by The Fibre Basket Weavers of South Australia, Inc. (Kangaroo Press, 1989); and *Gifts from the Earth: a basketmaker's field guide to midwestern botanicals* by Char TerBeest (Wild Willow Press, 1985). Also get a couple of good field guides to weeds, woody plants and wildflowers. Start in your own back yard. Experiment with the plants that grow near home. Have fun! Pam D-K - I don't know of any books on needle-looping (naalbinding). I'm finding bits of information in various textile books and am working on an article for possible publication. There's a pretty good discussion in the second chapter of Richard Rutt's *A History of Hand Knitting*, and another in Irene Emery's *Primary Structure of Fabric*. There were also a couple of articles in back issues of Piecework and another textile magazine (sorry I don't have those at hand right now). Look for Peruvian single-needle knitting. Baleen is hard, but flexible - the texture is similar to that of a veerrry long fingernail. Your wetlands probably contain cattails and rushes, and may also have some good tough grasses and sedges (the sedges are the ones with triangular stems - 'sedges have edges'). You can harvest your day lily leaves in late summer when they begin to get brown at the tips. Dry them and then rewet before using. They are great for twining. I like to twist them a bit as I go to make the structure stronger and the fill denser. For more body, twist several together. Hope your sinuses have cleared up since you got back from Japan. I always make it a point to carry any of my routine medications with me when I travel, especially those that keep me breathing! One source of hardwood veneer splints is Earth Guild. Working with wood is just different from working with reed. It's hard to describe all the differences. The results are different too. And then, working with non-veneer splits is another thing entirely. Well, Bob's at a game con this weekend and I'm going to a Stevie Nicks concert with a friend (and sometimes fellow basketweaver), so that's all for now. Woven Circle meets tomorrow (July 12th), so I can get caught up on what went on at the MO convention while I was at the war last month. Weave well, everybody! Bert Comstock Muggy, but not quite so hot, Independence, MO {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weavers'Words Date: Sat, 11 Jul 1998 22:32:51 EDT From: ZOHE@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net I enjoy Weavers'Words so much, but by the time I get around to writing, the questions are three weeks old and somebody else has commented. No need now to add information on preserving day lily leaves. Last month I went to the beautiful Arrowmont Craft School in Tennessee where nine of us took a class in bark baskets with Dorothy Gill Barnes. Very challenging, some of the best pieces were by people who had never made a basket in their lives. Dorothy's work is intricate and beautiful. A great tulip poplar (they have masses of trees there, don't worry) was felled for the woodworkers and we harvested all the bark, surrounded by mosquitoes and poison ivy. In addition to our own pieces we made a huge rope of shredded kudzu, which will be shown in the local kudzu festival this summer. My own pieces were pathetic, but I learned a lot and got great ideas as I drove home. Cheryl VanDeVeer, was interested to see that you are working with tules, the oldest decoy ducks in the world were made from tule, one thousand years old, discovered in Lovelock Cave, Nevada, in 1924. I finally sent the new goose pattern out to my three kind "guinea pigs" who are testing them in their rare spare time. Look forward to announcing here sometime this year that the critiques are in, the drawings completed and the belated patterns are ready to fly. Always like to see where people live and what their weather has been like. Here in the Washington DC area it can be so beautiful, like today, you enjoy every minute, or it can be so hot and humid you wonder how people used to survive. I remember once climbing off an air-conditioned Greyhound bus and then quickly stepping to one side to get out of its exhaust, only to discover it wasn't the exhaust - it was the Washington air. I liked "flame proofed" Eileen LaPorte's letter on when to start selling baskets. I started in a mixed craft co-op, where we had a new show every month and every piece was judged for its quality, by guest or member judges. It certainly made us careful. As for teaching, I took classes with several different people (and still do) before becoming an instructor myself. Then I started classes for friends and members of my church, all free. How gratifying it was when I finally felt entitled to charge money! In case nobody made this point on pricing, if you do sell your baskets through a store or gallery, you have to charge the same retail price for similar baskets at other outlets or fairs, or the gallery will be unpopular with their customers and drop you as a supplier. On having a basket swap, it's a great idea and very popular with the AOL basket group. However, I think if Weavers' Words people start one, it would be nice if the news about it could be kept in a separate "chapter," (dear David willing), as people tend to write so many enthusiastic letters bout their basket presents that it will take ages and pages to sort those out from the rest of the basket information and news. Final persnickety bit: Should we really label our work as "handmade baskets?" Does this confuse the public? Surely all baskets are handmade, even if their makers are earning a handful of rice a day. Thanks everyone for the continual sharing of ideas and news. Diana Macomber in Northern Virginia. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: address change Date: Sun, 12 Jul 1998 14:08:38 EDT From: Bcoleen@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi all First, a bit of business. David, please change my e-mail address from Hickeycb@aol.com to Bcoleen@aol.com - and thanks for all you do for us. I haven't contributed in a while and may not have much time for a while longer. Last fall I moved in with Dennis and we had to try and combine two full households of stuff into one. We recently just sold that house, moved some stuff down to Portland, OR into storage and the rest into a duplex here in Yakima. Then we moved Dennis down to Portland and had to transfer everything that was in storage. This last Friday was my last day of work and next weekend I will be moving down to Portland trying to fit more stuff into the apartment down there and into storage. Then I get to start looking for a house and move again. Hasn't been much fun and I will be really glad to get everything in one location and be able to unpack and get settled for a change. Maybe I'll even be able to find things for a change. One thing I did do right however was to keep some of my natural materials around for basket weaving. It's called "How to keep your sanity when everything around you is losing it." Have to go now and run to the hardware store. I just broke a water line and flooded the kitchen trying to do a load of laundry. Fun, fun, fun!!! Keep weaving. Coleen Bourgeois Bcoleen@aol.com Yakima, WA soon to be Portland, OR {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.