"Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. 18 Compiled By: David Collins Snail Mail: 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Owned By: Weavers Everywhere Date Sent: July 20, 1998 Subscribers: 684 {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} ***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, If anyone ever has trouble accessing the back issues through the code, you can go through the back door by going straight to http://www.iei.net/~davidc/2468.html. The only reason I implemented the code was so only actual subscribers could gain access to them. I wanted an accurate number of subscribers. I've also found a new search engine to put your web page on. It's very similar to Yahoo, but much easier and quicker to get listed. The address is http://www.newhoo.com/. I've been busy lately making a fan page for the greatest NASCAR driver of all-time, Jeff Gordon. If interested, you can check it out. The address is http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Track/6957/. Go #24!!! Take Care, David davidc@iei.net {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 17 Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 23:35:04 -0500 From: Kathy Derrick To: David Collins References: 1 To Kay Ames: I'm still a lurker, mostly because I don't know enough to contribute like some, but your question about twills and software caught my eye. I'm into weaving baskets right now, but I also weave on a small 4 harness floor loom. I have found that I can weave really nice twills on my 4 harness loom and add interest to my weaving without having a larger, more complex loom. There are several nice charting programs for loom weaving that could probably be used for twills. "Handwoven" magazine usually has several ads for weaving software. The only one I am familiar with is "WeaveIt". I had an early version that was really simple to use but which I lost or loaned at some point. There is also "WEAVE for Windows 2.0", "PROWEAVE", plus an ad for a software directory for fiber artists, from Studio Word, Camrose, AB Canada. They list their email as swp@ccinet.ab.ca. The newer versions of loom weaving software are probably quite a lot more advanced than the version I had, but you could input a small design on 'graph paper' and see how it would look in different colors, in a larger design, in combination with other designs, etc. I have found that Shereen LaPlantz's book "Twill Basketry" is an excellent reference for twills. I just returned from Dallas, TX, where it was like a blast furnace everytime you went outside. I went to a Half Price Book Store while I was there and found a number of basket books, some at less than half price! John McGuire's book on Nantucket Lightships, a little book on handmade boxes and baskets and five other assorted reference and pattern books! Wow. My suitcase was very heavy coming home! Thanks to everyone who contributes all of the great information. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: re: AOL weaving and spinning board Date: Fri, 17 Jul 1998 01:08:08 EDT From: BOverlock@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net To Pam Feix -- I don't know if you can get to the AOL weaving and spinning board without being a member of AOL. To get to it on AOL, use the following steps: 1. Interests channel 2. Hobby department 3. Crafts file 4. Crafts community 5. Weaving and spinning board Sorry I can't help you on whether you can get there. I don't think you can get to the chat rooms unless you are a member of AOL but I don't know if the rest of AOL works that way. Barbara {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: This and That Date: Fri, 17 Jul 1998 06:32:25 PDT From: "pam duffykope" To: davidc@iei.net Hi everyone - Thanks to all who responded to my last WW. Everyone is so darn nice. There has been some discussion of dying reed, so does anyone have a Rit recipe for a Fall rust color? Hate to think of Fall with the beautiful weather but I know it is coming. Sally the weaver/lawyer: You found a "cooler basket" on a bike trip but how did you cart it back home if you were biking. I am trying not to laugh as I imagine someone biking on down the road loaded with baskets. Barbara in hot Arizona: Regarding about feeling awful about sending out a beginners basket for the basket swap - please don't feel bad. I have been weaving for 7 years and I still, and probably always will, make beginner to intermediate baskets. It's just something I enjoy more than the harder ones like twills and curls and wretched Gretchen border etc. I call myself the "Lazy Basket Maker". I don't think we should be divided into categories as beginner, intermediate and advanced. The fun of a swap is to get something different than what you would ordinarily make. Remember, we all started out as "beginners". (Some of use stay there too). End of lecture. Bow! Hello to Susan Hagberg in Buffalo, MN - We have to stop meeting like this (via email, ha ha). I too attended a few of Diane Swanson's classes. I did not work at Medtronic but she was gracious enough to invite me from time to time. Isn't she great. She has helped me so much in this basketry world. Lois in Hawaii: Did you actually get attacked by a stray house cat - did you know whose cat it is? What happened to the cat after this attack. Gees, that is scary. Diana Macomber: I can't wait until you release your geese pattern. Regarding your comment on - should we label our work as "handmade baskets". I have a friend who is in the rubber stamping business. I had her order a custom-made rubber stamp that says "hand woven especially for you". I stamp my basket tags with it. I have some home grown grapevine from my sister's grape garden. I used some to make a handle hoop for a rib basket but I don't know what to do with all of it. Any ideas? I have a non-basket request. I do some stenciling and I love the folk art-primitive type stencils but I have a hard time finding them. I have found some nice ones occasionally at Michaels and Northwest Fabrics, but I can't find enough and I don't care to make my own. Does anyone have any ideas where I can get a catalog - or access a web site. I see lots of catalogs in craft magazine for $5 and $6 but hate to buy one if they don't have the type and style I like. I don't like a lot of flowers, vines and that kind of stuff. I did find Faith Rollins web sit and she has some nice ones but I would like to find more sites - and find stencils that are not so huge! I don't do a lot of wall stenciling. TTYL Pam D-K Anoka, MN {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Processing Clematis Date: Fri, 17 Jul 1998 06:44:42 -0700 From: Kelly Anderson Organization: Admin Kit Investigator To: David Collins References: 1 With most vines and creepers, you can collect fresh, green runners, soak them, and use them immediately. In collecting and processing tough vines like clematis, honeysuckle, and wysteria, I find that the following procedure works well: 1. Gather the vines in the fall or winter. 2. With the leaves on, place the vines in a large pot, cover with water and boil for several hours. 3. Turn off the heat and let the vines soak overnight. 4. After soaking, dry the vines slightly; then, put on a pair of cloth gardening gloves and remove the leaves by grasping the vine and running your hand from tip to base. I learned a lot about collecting and processing natural materials from "Basic Baskets" by Mara Cary and very often refer to my "Natural Materials for Basketry" chart which was excerpted from Shereen LaPlantz' book "Plaited Basketry: The Woven Form." By now I'm sure these two books are out of print, but you may find them in a public library. Weaving in blazingly hot Southern California, Kelly Anderson {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 17 Date: Fri, 17 Jul 1998 08:19:07 -0800 From: Joyce Fisher To: David Collins References: 1 Hi Everyone, We will see today that of which I am made! We are having a large art show in town today and tomorrow called Arts on the Green. It is a fundraiser--a group dedicated to bringing art to those who generally aren't included in regular art classes--the physically and mentally challenged and some of the older people in our community who live in group care facilities. The temperature is predicted to be over 100 degrees and the show is outside! They do have canopies for us but it will still be very hot. I wonder if people will come out to shop in such temperatures--we'll see. This is part of a month long celebration of the arts in Reno--a wonderful event with more activities going on than anyone could possible attend--and they are all good. Oh, the choices we have to make. Artists have been asked to demonstrate at various galleries and parks all during the month. I will be demonstrating gourd artistry next Sunday and my friend and business partner will be demonstrating basketmaking. We will be in a gallery for that exhibit so at least will have some air conditioning. That's enough for now--I must get ready for the show. Joyce Fisher {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Teachers & Guilds Date: Fri, 17 Jul 1998 13:38:15 -0400 From: "Donna" To: "David Collins - Weaver's Words" Hello to David for the nice job of maintaining this forum for weavers. To all teachers (& those interested in taking classes): We here at the Country Seat have started compiling a list of teachers world wide as a public service to all basketmakers. Please go the the "Forum" page at our web site, under "Information" click on "Basket Teachers". Click "Master Directory" for instructions on listing your information. You may feel free to post directly to the forum or if you have any further questions, e-mail us and Cindy will help you out. As soon as some other renovations are completed to our web site, this will be moved to a page which will be cross-referenced by state and type of classes. We invite your participation and hope to compile a comprehensive listing. Guilds are also invited to post their information on the same page under "Guilds & Weaving Groups." We will then transfer that to the page for guild information. Thanks for your participation. Donna http://www.countryseat.com ctryseat@fast.net {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 17 Date: Fri, 17 Jul 1998 16:01:20 -0400 From: "Donna" To: "David Collins" Hi Everyone - Hope you're all surviving the heat wave. Kathy in Hawaii - We carry 2 sizes of pineapple wires - Regular at 3-1/2" wide x 6" high and a mini size at 2" x 3". You can e-mail directly if we can help you out. Kathie Anderson - Keep your eye on our teacher's listing on the Forum page at our web site. New teacher's are signing up almost daily. Right now, 2 are listed in MI - don't know how close to you they may be. I don't want to start a war, but do want to get something off my chest. Craftsmen, craftswomen and craftspeople out there - please take pride in your work by taking pride in what you call yourselves. Take the time to look up the term in the dictionary. All three above terms denote people who have studied their art or craft form - as in "mastering" something. In days gone by, they would have served as an apprentice. Webster's II New College Dictionary DOES NOT list the word "crafter" and the definition of "crafty" is certainly not to be associated with craftspeople. A "crafter" is generally a term applied to someone who shows up with a different item each year generally right out of the pages of the latest craft magazines. Little investment in either materials or skill, quick to make, cheap to sell. As described by a ng. SOS ("Stuff on a stick"). Enough, I'll quit right here. This is NOT directed at any one person or comment, it's just that I read the term so often and it grates on me everytime. Because my last name is so close to the L name, we get comments all the time. My answer is always that our baskets are "handmade" from beginning to end. The L basket is "made by hands" in a factory. And yes, imported baskets are "handmade" also, but at pennies per hour in poor countries. David, keep up the nice work. Always enjoy reading each issue and hearing from old friends. Donna from The Country Seat http://www.countryseat.com ctryseat@fast.net {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weavers Words Date: Sat, 18 Jul 1998 10:38:27 -0000 From: "Jeff & Diana French" To: "David Collins" Hello Everyone! Took a road trip through Pennsylvania last weekend with a fellow basket buddy and stopped at The Country Seat for some browsing and a little (OK a lot) of shopping. Spent hours in that place - loved browsing the pattern books - they have tons of patterns! I think that PAS is contagious - I've caught it :) Great shop if you're ever in the area. Kathy in Hawaii: I did see Pineapple wire handles at The Country Seat - do you have their catalog? You can e-mail them at ctryseat@fast.net Joy Moody: Thanks for taking the reins on this great basket swap idea. I'll bet you get quite a long list of people that want to participate. It should be great fun!! Can't wait to hear about the baskets everyone gets too. Barbara in Arizona: You mentioned being intimidated by more experienced weavers during the last basket swap you participated in. I don't think you should let that stop you - we all start out as beginners. I've only been weaving a little over a year and am very excited about trying this basket swap. I'm sure the more experienced weavers are aware they may get a basket from a beginner - but we are in this for the sharing aspect of it, not to get a comparable basket back. We all love baskets, therefore every effort will be perfect in the eyes of the receiver :) Judith Olney: Checked out the website by Susi Nuss that you mentioned. It is full of lots of information I hadn't even seen on the net yet. I spent way too much time browsing around and still didn't check it all out yet. I'll definitely have to go back again soon! Thanks for sharing it with us. Well, it's off to the pool with my son. I'll weave tonight when the humidity is lower and a breeze may be blowing :) Have to work on that 'basket swap' basket.... Happy weaving to all from: Diana French in very humid and hot Southern New Jersey {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: intro Date: Sat, 18 Jul 1998 10:57:03 -0400 From: Preston A Raymer Organization: The Raymers To: "davidc@iei.net" Hi All! Christine Raymer here. It has been a long, long time. I was a member of this list when Sally was in charge but didn't sign myself up with David until recently. I must have been crazy to let myself miss so much. I am back now though. I think I read that some of you weavers are living in Okinawa. You will have to let me know who you are. I was there from 94' - 97'. We may know some of the same people. I live in MA now and am a member of Northeast Basketmakers. I have been weaving for just three years but it has taken over a big chunk of my life (not to mention most of my house). What did I do with my time before baskets? I must run for now. Just wanted to send a quick message to you all to say Hello. Have a great day! Christine {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 17 Date: Sat, 18 Jul 1998 11:57:21 EDT From: CMGARDNER@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi everyone! OK, Joy Moody made me feel guilty that I have been lurking and I don't want to get that Lurker's Award! I was happy to see that there were some good responses to my hints on space- dying af few months back. Barbara in Arizona: Glad my hints helped you. I am just one of those trial and error types, but glad they helped. About the Moss Green dye by Rit. It is their color number 41. When I spoke with the Rit company last year, they said when you need a new color that is not stocked where you buy it, just request the retailer to order it for you. You can order it directly, but I think you have to buy a dozen boxes. I got mine from the Ben Franklin Crafts store. They have a great selection of colors. If you don't have one of those stores let me know and I can send you a box. I have not seen this color in the liquid. Moss Green is the neatest color because it's not such a bright green...it's a sort of sage, nice and mellow. Someone was telling about the liquid dye being all gloppy in the bottom of the bottle. You have to shake that stuff until you get worn out! It settles and most the color is in the bottom of the bottle. Roberta Comstock- Yes, local libraries are a great place to show your guild's baskets! Our Reno Nevada guild has a show every year in one of the libraries and we have our brochures on hand. We have obtained some wonderful new members that way who may have never known that we existed. We don't have any for sale, but it is considered an 'educational display' and the library lets us put them in the glass cases so everyone can view them. AOL Basket board: How do you find it? I have looked around and get nothing...whoever was mentioning this...please tell us more! Great to see the interest in natural materials. I have made a few Tule baskets and was fortunate enough to take a class in making the Paiute tule duck decoys which go back 1000's of years ago here in Nevada. We will never sell these decoys as they are a tradition of the local Paiute's and we will honor that. But it was such a thrill to make one. I have seen the originals from Lovelock Cave that are kept in our state museum. Margaret Mathewson from Oregon is a noted authority on Tule technology and gives wonderful classes in native materials. We were very fortunate to have her come to our guild workshop. Coleen Bourgeois: Lucky you, moving to Portland, Oregon. You will be near that great northwest guild and tons of natural materials in that area! Sandi Howard: Tell us more about what the gourd basket looked like. I work with gourds also and would love more ideas. Lois: So sorry to hear about the cat attack. That can be serious! Did you have to worry about rabies? Hope you are back weaving soon! To Bert Comstock again: Have you ever worked with the grasses when they are dry (like now, in the summer) We have such tall, wild grasses here and I was wondering how they would work up in a basket....I guess they would have to be soaked a while because they are so dry. It's a busy month and I am running behind schedule. I have a show opening in 2 weeks and I am not ready! Is anything else new? Thanks to everyone for the great sharing of ideas...and thanks to David for putting this together. Molly Gardner Reno, Nevada where it's 103 degrees.....but -0- humidity! {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: RE: Weavers Words Vol.2 Iss.17 Date: Sun, 19 Jul 1998 14:00:21 -0700 (PDT) From: Marsha Ackerman To: davidc@iei.net To Mindy: My browser displays your new website graphic of the Nantucket Baskets beautifully! Very nice site! To Kathie Anderson: Where is this place in upper Michigan where you can go for a four day retreat? I've been living in the U.P. for the past three years; this is where I first got hooked on baskets and basketweaving. I would love to hear if "your" place is anywhere near me. To Pam Feix: Does your husband have a "catalog" or price list for his bases, or will your website carry the information? To Judy Olney: Thanks so much for the info on the mining web sites. You are right the basketry one is great! Thanks from me, too, David for all your work on Weavers Words; I look forward to every issue! Marsha in the hot, dry for now, U.P. of Michigan {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Mon, 20 Jul 1998 20:40:44 -0400 From: "joym" To: Hi Everyone! FIRST WEAVER'S WORDS BASKET FUN SWAP UPDATE: We have about 25 people as of this writing. Come join in; this promises to be great fun! Remember, you can weave whatever you want; $10 materials limit; any weaving level; sign up by August 1st & weave a basket for another "Weaver's Words family member" by September 1st...to paraphrase what someone said recently, "I never met a basket I didn't like!" Just e-mail me your name & snail mail address. Marlene & Sheila: Welcome and thanks for the information of bay leaves. I like the idea of tucking them in wool blankets! Kristin: Interesting comments on the state government trying to define "handmade" and handcrafted" in regard to Native American products. I worked on the Penobscot reservation (Maine tribe) for several years. There has been much talk here about preserving Native American heritage through the sale of their crafts. My guess is that the real issue of concern is how "handmade Native American" goods are defined.. there are a lot of people who sell goods as "native American made", but they are not. You'll now see sensitive basket weavers who are not Native American advertising their baskets as "Native American style" because of this controversy. Barbara, Jen & anyone else who is hesitant about the Basket Swap: I think we all recognize that basket making is a learning process, where skills are refined over time and with experience. Not to worry about where you are on that continuum! Just have fun with it & whatever you weave will be well accepted & loved by its recipient, I'm sure! Thanks, Linda, for the herbal references.. Now, how many ways can we dream up to incorporate bay leaves into a basket?!? Kay: I don't know about cross stitch or needlework, but there is software for beading that might work. I saw it advertised in Piecework. The website is at www.beadplan.com You also made me smile & I therefore have to ask you to define "power weaving" so, perhaps, David can put it in the Dictionary he's doing! I think the discussion on when one begins to sell their baskets has been interesting. Most artists and craftspeople who are serious about their work strive to hone their skills over time. The decision of when to begin to sell the work is, I believe, a personal one. Part of the art/craft making process requires that the work be put out into the world, so to speak. The feedback one receives & how the public views the work becomes part of the artist/craftsperson's growth. If we weave high quality baskets we always have the opportunity to explain how a well made basket comes into being, & point out what the buyer may look for in better baskets. If the beginner trys to sell their work & finds a market, I say, "Good for them!". If, on the other hand, they don't sell or they get negative feedback...well, it's back to the weaving table! The lesson continues. That's it for now folks. Keep those e-mail Basket Swap sign ups coming! Joy Moody, Sign of the Crow, www.signofthecrow.com, Hampden, Maine {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.