"Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. 19 Compiled By: David Collins Snail Mail: 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Owned By: Weavers Everywhere Date Sent: July 24, 1998 Subscribers: 695 {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} ***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, Just thought I would let everyone see my little buddy, Jace Ellis Collins. He's my cousin's 11-month old baby. I call him "Termite" because he eats and eats and eats. He's the cutest little guy I've ever seen. Go to the following address to see him. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/jaceellis2.JPG 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. 18 Date: Mon, 20 Jul 1998 23:44:27 EDT From: BSKTCHERYL@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi fellow weavers: I'm really enjoying the discussions about weaving with natural things. Of course reeds and raffia are natural too but I the idea of finding things in my own backyard is so intriguing. Kay Ames: I see that Bert has already asked you about the book that you mentioned: Grounds for Gathering. I too am interested in more information. Maybe there is something about gathering the roots I'm looking for in that book. I'm really looking for an experienced gatherer but haven't found one yet that will let me tag along. I finished my cattail and tule basket this last weekend. The cattail stems are cut down into very fine pieces the size of reeds. You bunch three of these pieces together at one time for a 3-rod warp. The tule splints are coiled around the warp. My final basket is 4" tall and 3.5" in diameter and probably took me 20 hours to complete. It is sitting on my office desk holding pens and pencils, scissors, magnifying glass etc. I like looking away from my computer screen and seeing something so natural. I didn't really think about the time invested--I loved every moment of it. Sort of like reading a really thick book and being sad when you finally finish it. I took pictures of shelters in Thousand Oakes made like giant baskets turned upside down. The frames are made of willow and then tules are draped over the willows to make the coverings. A perfect shelter for hot, sunny inland southern California. If anyone is interested in seeing what it looks like, I'm sure I could get David to post a picture for us. This weekend I was at an arts and crafts fair and bought a wheat weaving. The woman who made it was from Arizona. She said she buys her wheat from someone in South Dakota. The wheat is especially grown for weaving as most wheat is now bred to have shorted stems and less of a beard. If anyone is interested I can find the business card that came with the wheat weaving. Lois Keener: Here's a question for you. My son just sent me a round wheel of weaving materials, I believe they are pandamus leaves, from a hula store in Honolulu. I made one plaited basket from this material when I was there last year but would like some ideas on what to try next. Do you know of basket patterns for plaited baskets? Bert Comstock: If you ever come to Santa Cruz, we will definitely go gathering together. Maybe I'll know what I'm looking for by then. I am trying to keep my sedge well watered. Planted a woodwardia fern also. The white fibers from their stems are used in Northern California baskets for decoration. Here is something for all of you to think about. The California Indian Basketweavers Association is preparing for a Western Regional gathering in Reno next June. I'm definitely going to make it to Reno for that. Cheryl VanDeVeer Santa Cruz, CA where the fog still hangs along the coast in the morning but the sun in out by noon. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 18 Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1998 00:28:37 EDT From: jeancmay@juno.com (jean c may) To: davidc@iei.net CC: davidc@iei.net References: 1 Hi David and everybody, Yes, I've lurked about long enough.....Not that I haven't been reading the list, just have never taken the plunge and contributed. On the subject of Rit Moss Green, the company informed me just recently that they have discontinued it! Boo Hoo.... It went the way of amethyst and a few other lovely colors. If you find either of these on a store shelf, better buy them up. They no longer make a rust either but one of the newer colors is Pumpkin. Their recipe for rust is 1 pkg. Tangerine & 1/2 pkg Cocoa Brown. I buy Rit directly from them in 5 lb. container (yes, that's a lot of dye!) and really enjoy playing with all the fun colors......just not lately during our heat! It's unbelievably hot here now but I've decided maybe denial will be my next approach to survival! I really feel when the weatherman tells you what the heat index (or chill factor) is, it's only a conspiracy to make you more uncomfortable! I don't NEED to know all that information. We've had no rain since mid March so our water bills and electric bills all resemble the national debt. Right now I'm packing to teach in KY. I'm not sure I have all the leftovers out of the bags from the MO convention, then before you know it I'll be off to teach at the AMB convention. Have a golden opportunity to take a class in MI too. I'm teaching 4 classes during annual but always try to treat myself to a class during Pre. This year I'm in Marilyn Moore's Twists and Turns - explorations in coiling, and I'm a happy camper. I look at conference classes as an opportunity to try something you wouldn't do on your own. Why travel (as in my case) across the country and take a class that I could do on my own with the pattern? These are great opportunities to explore new materials, learn new techniques and try something different, and the best part is learning all this first hand from the artist who created the pattern. Thanks for posting this David.....I'll try and do better in the future. From "you don't want to know how hot it is" TX, Jean Cadmus May {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 18 Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1998 09:33:40 EDT From: DeeGrin@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net always look forward to all the news and tips from other weavers, and as always appreciate the time it takes for you David to do all the things you do for the weavers. I found a great book at our local library on the history of the various kinds of Indian baskets throughout North America. Great Pictures and great historical information. INDIAN BASKETS by Sarah Peabody Turnbaugh and William A. Turnbaugh many of the baskets are shown in the Peabody Museum of Harvard University. Published 1986 Library of Congress Number 86-70330. Also have been reading a lot of information on the internet regarding the Hopi Indian Culture and their pictures of baskets in color are really beautiful. I searched under Hopi Indian Culture. Haven't had too much time with weaving as was sewing for my granddaughter, knitting for one of my daughters and reading all this information. I am going to try to weave a Moses basket for the Rainbow Perinatal Assoc., in memory of my granddaughter Sophia who would be a year old next month . This group is associated with Hospice of Oklahoma and is looking for weavers to weave baskets for infants who die during or before childbirth. If anyone is interested in helping this association, let me know and I will give you the e- mail address. Bert, you are so well organized and good about responding to everyone. Thank you for the hint on how you do that. I'm not to advanced on the computer so will have to sit down and try it. Never seem to have enough time to do all those things, and I'm retired. Some one asked last month about the Chinese Cookie Cooler basket by Barbara Morton. the handle is 8" high, the basket itself is about 3-31/2" high and about 10 inches across. It is a very cute basket. I dyed mine with walnut stain and used green accent in it with a reed bow. think it will be cute for Christmas gifts. I was recently surprised to see the Cabin Boy and Cabin girl baskets by Barbara Gilbert done up with different colors and called by different names for sale as patterns with no acknowledgement of what I think was an original idea. What are the feelings of others on this? Got to run, so I have time to read the Weavers Words 18 and get some basket weaving in today. Dee in Sunny Hot Florida {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: New Color Matching Service from Rit Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1998 11:31:04 -0500 From: lboylegibson@juno.com (Linda Boyle-Gibson) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 The dog days of summer have reached Indiana! While I'm not complaining (much), at least I'm not in Texas! I was pleased to have received several requests for the Custom Color Recipe Chart by Rit that I offered a few weeks ago. (If anyone is still interested, just send a SASE to me at the address below.) In the last WW, Pam asked about a Fall rust color. The recipe from the Rit chart for "Rust" calls for 1 pkg. Tangerine and 1/2 pkg. Cocoa Brown. However, if you have a color sample I have exciting news! Rit now offers a color matching service that is absolutely free. Just send a sample of the color you want matched and Rit will figure out the recipe and send you the information. You can send in swatches of material, paper, or reed dyed with another brand. A few weeks ago I had them match a Leaf Green dye from another company and was very pleased with their results. Along with the detailed instructions on how to duplicate the color I desired using the Rit brand, they asked me to spread the word about their new service! So write down this address for future reference! CPC Specialty Products Inc. Rit Dye -- Dept. BW 1437 West Morris Street PO Box 21070 Indianapolis, IN 46221 It is important that you include the second line of this address so your request will be routed to the correct department. Happy dyeing! Linda Boyle Gibson, In a Hand Basket 2808 Winston St. Bloomington, In 47401 http://www.inahandbasket.com/ 812-333-1817 {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: RE: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 18 Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1998 12:58:10 -0400 From: Susan Tripp To: "'David Collins'" Hello Weavers, Barbara from AOL: Please describe the AOL weaving site you listed in the last WW. I hear so much about their chat and the site, I may switch to AOL?? Have you chatted? How many weavers are there?? Diane French: Thanks so much for your note on The Country Seat. I was so excited to read it. I never realized they were so close to me (NY). I've been toying with a trip to Dutch country. Now, I'm off! Donna from The Country Seat: Here I come! I should be visiting the first week in August and look forward to being there for at least as long as Diane was!! Joy: Just sent you my confirmation for the basket swap. How are you matching people? Random? Just curious. Judith Olney: Thanks for the Susi Nuss site. I spent about an hour there. There are so many cool basket sites out there!! Diana Macomber: I was in contact with you regarding a goose purchase a month or so ago. I'm not one for working with round reed unless it is used in an occasional decorative area. I'd rather admire your work of art! I've lost my old e-mail contacts, and the last message I sent you may have not reached you. I think you were going on vacation at the time to. As soon as I find your address again, I will be in contact. I've finally signed up for my first Nantucket class. It's not until October, but I'll be anxiously waiting until then. Gosh, if I get hooked on making those type of baskets, where on earth will I put all those new supplies??? Oh, who needs a bedroom anyway. My husband was speaking of taking a camping trip. I'll just give him a sleeping bag on the living room floor :) The weather here has been very hot and humid. We are in the 90's this week with 80-90% humidity! Susan from upstate NY (Ithaca area). {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: rust dye recipe Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1998 10:15:52 -0700 From: Lisa Nortz Organization: Weaving Ways To: davidc@iei.net Pam Duffykope: I have an old recipe sheet with a rust dye recipe on it that I have used for years. 1 package tangerine + 1/2 package cocoa brown will give you a very nice rust color. Everyone interested in dye recipes: I have two recipe sheets from Rit that I would be willing to share, I can fax or e-mail you a copy of either of them if you are interested. Lisa Nortz in Croghan, N.Y. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: moss green RIT dye, dye in bulk Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1998 13:47:35 -0400 From: "eskbaskets" To: "david collins" Hello everyone- Betty Kourkounakis calling from incredibly muggy NE Ohio! I've seen quite a bit of discussion lately about the moss green Rit dye. I just happened to be placing a bulk order(details to come) with them last week, when they told me the moss green is discontinued, which explains why nobody can find any. The woman I spoke with in their customer service dept. said they will give the recipe for it for the asking. Their phone # is: (317) 231-8043. Fax: (317) 636-2120. The snail mail add. is: CPC Specialty Products 1437 West Morris St. P.O. Box 21070 Indianapolis, IN 46221. You can order bulk quantities- powder in 5# cans, powder in the little boxes by the dozen, or liquid by the 3-pack. You do, however, have to meet the minimum order requirements, which is ONE of the following: 25# of 5lb. cans(about $193.00) OR 20 doz. of the liq.(ass'd, about $420.00) OR 20 doz. of the little boxes, ass'd colors, in increments of 1/2 or 1 doz. (about $150.00). As soon as you satisfy the minimum in any ONE of those categories, you can buy smaller amounts in addition. For instance, I bought the 25# of 5# cans, which satisfied the minimum. In addition, I bought 2 of the 3-pk liq., and about 10doz. of the little boxes. There is more cash outlay initially to buy the 5# cans, but it's WAY cheaper than the little boxes or the liq. in the long run. They are very easy to deal with, and said they sell to a lot of basket companies. Yes- Basket friendly!!! Personally, I don't care too much for the liq., b/c of the gloppiness, and I really hate the smell. Plus I find that every time I use it, I end up using more proportionately; they said at RIT that 1 bottle of liq.= 2 little boxes of pdr. I would use a whole bottle for a few lbs. of reed which ordinarily would cost me about a box and 1/2 of pdr. BUT for convenience, it can't be beat, so you decide! I hope this info is helpful. Happy weaving- Betty {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: Sandy Whalen Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1998 15:53:58 -0500 From: "Ronald E. Harrison" To: "David Collins" If you are out there- please send your email addy to us directly...... Thanks- Ron and Bobbie {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 16 Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1998 19:26:53 EDT From: froggestow@juno.com (Roberta R Comstock) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 Joy - I have checked several of my herbals and all my books on poisons and poisonous plants. The culinary bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) is never mentioned therein as being poisonous. It does remain stiff and sharp-edged even after long stewing, though, so it could be very uncomfortable to swallow and possibly dangerous if it got stuck or gouged the inside of the esophagus. Several other species of plants that are called 'bay' ARE poisonous. Linda Boyle Gibson - Was just reading one of Betty Curry's brochures that talked about her late husband Roger having been of the Arkansas Gibson family of basketmakers. Are you by any chance related to those Gibsons? She still calls her baskets Gibson baskets, although in Missouri her students know them as Gibson-Curry baskets. Just curious. Ruthanne Morningstar - You've got my mouth watering over those black raspberries - thinking of how good they'd be in a cobbler topped with home made vanilla ice cream. Yum! Guess I'll have to compensate with one of the fresh juicy peaches we got at the orchard today. Barbara - Don't let yourself be intimidated by the presence of the more experienced weavers in a swap. I'm sure they know that many of the participants are not professional or expert (yet!), and that some may never be. Just do as well as you can with the basket you send and cherish the basket you receive, regardless of who wove it. Someday they (or you) may be able to say 'I have a basket that was made by ***** before they became famous!. I once received an award scroll that had been done by a calligrapher who was just learning how to do illumination. The design is not complex, but has a beautiful balance and wonderful color combination. I later learned that it was her first time to paint color on a scroll. She has since become my best friend, making the scroll even more precious to me. Betty Kourkounakis - Good remarks! I can't remember who said it, but I recently saw a quote to the effect that 'To teach a thing is to learn it twice.' How true! No matter how often I teach a class, I always find myself learning when I teach it again. Billie - I too have been saving basketry-related clippings. I put mine in sheet protectors in a 3-ring binder. I try to make sure to get the source information written in the margin of each. Now if I could just find time to sort all the random clippings I have on other topics.... Anita Hansen - Good luck to your daughter on her county fair entry. Please let us know how it goes. Aren't Iowa's county parks wonderful? I used to live in Lake City and then Storm Lake (where I finished my BS at Buena Vista College - now University). My kids and I spent many wonderful afternoons exploring county parks. Susan Hagberg - Welcome to Weavers Words. It's always good to hear from another new reader. Sandi Howard - Have some fun for me at Lake Iowa. And please let us know how your quatrifoil basket turns out. Carolyn of Suffolk - When using push-in handles, be sure to get or make the kind with a notch that hugs the rim of the basket and lash the rim on tightly. If you're really concerned about it staying in place, you could 'pin' it in place with a small brad through one of the stakes and the inner rim and then cover it with lashing. Another option would be to use some carpenter's glue inside the notch of the handle to hold if firmly on the rim. Amy - Thanks for the new ant repellant trick. I think you'll find yourself becoming an opportunist when you get more into working with naturals. You'll look at the world as an array of 'baskets on the hoof' and find yourself testing all sorts of plants for flexibility and strength with baskets in mind. Have fun with it. Dot - A spoke weight is to hold down one end of a set of spokes or stakes while you weave onto them from the other end. It is usually long, narrow and heavy for its size. The reed gauge, as I'm sure you have discovered (but someone else may not know about) is a small flat plastic tool with graduated notches along one edge and graduated round holes along the mid other. You can determine the size of any piece of reed by matching it up to the appropriate notch or hole. I sometimes use mine on natural materials too. Lois - Sorry to hear of your too-close encounter with that crazy cat. Hope you are healing well. Was the cat captured to be observed for possible rabies? (I hope so!) So what are you reading while you heal up? Coleen Bourgeois - Keeping your basket stuff at hand was a brilliant plan, sure to save your sanity. I suspect that when all is said and done (and moved, at last) it will turn out to have been worth it. I'm sending thoughts of stamina your way. Good Luck! Bert Comstock Independence MO {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 17 Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1998 19:26:54 EDT From: froggestow@juno.com (Roberta R Comstock) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 "Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. 17 Hi everyone! I had an exciting adventure last weekend: Went to Oklahoma City to visit my new sister. Technically, she's a half-sister. ! met her for the first time just before our Dad died two years ago. But she definitely fits right in with the rest of my siblings! She moved to OKC soon after that & I hadn't seen her since. When I called to confirm our travel plans, I mentioned weaving baskets and Stacie was very enthusiastic about learning how. So I taught her and her friend Nicolle a round basket with flat spokes, twined round reed bottom and flat reed chase woven sides. We also made lids. They both took to it like ducks to water! Having spent the entire day afternoon and evening weaving and browsing in some of my basket books, we didn't have time to go collect any of the feral bamboo I had seen near the motel (I'm pretty sure it's bigger than our native river cane gets). But when I called to report our safe arrival home, Stacie informed me that I've created a monster! She and Nicolle went out collecting bamboo and cattails while Bob & I drove home on Sunday. They are definitely planning to do a lot more weaving! You may even see them on Weavers Words before long. Marlene Sponagle - Welcome to the wonderful world of basketry. Have fun with your day lily leaves. They're great twiners. Pam Feix - The medieval war I attended in June was a Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) event. The SCA is a non-profit educational organization that recreates selected aspects of the world as it was known to medieval and renaissance era Europeans. Our time period spans about a thousand years (600 to 1600, c.e.), approximately from the fall of Rome to the death of England's Queen Elizabeth I. Although such a war involves a lot of fighting scenarios (a sport involving real armor and rattan weapons), it also provides incomparable fellowship, shopping, classes, and other non-violent activities. We do not attempt to replicate actual events or represent real historical people or well known fictional characters. We have a wide variety of personas (from different times and places) in attendance at any given event. This weekend I will probably teach a casual basket class at the 'Tournament of Falcons and Horses'. I try to not spam this list with too much talk of my SCA activities, but some of them actually have to do with basketry. Bert Comstock Hot but not quite so humid Independence, MO {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 18 Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1998 20:34:15 EDT From: KBallen462@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi everyone! I am not new here, just one of those quiet weavers that can not wait for the next issue of Weavers Words. You have done a great job here David and we all appreciate your hard work. I do have a question to pose you all you weavers out there. I have just recently been approached by someone who is interested in my baskets and they are wanting to purchase some of them from me. This person owns a quaint, little shop and has a variety of merchandise. My question is how do you price out your baskets if the buyer is wanting the items for a wholesale price? I have sold some of my work in the past, even then I feel that I may have been short selling myself. I do not want to scare off any prospective clients by pricing too high, but also not make a little for myself. Does anybody have any ideas or suggestions? I would appreciate any in put that someone who has done this before. Especially any of those "Beware of ..." Thank you in advance for your help! Kelly Ballenger Alpharetta, GA {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Gourd basket Date: Wed, 22 Jul 1998 10:25:56 EDT From: Jvoconnor1@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Molly Gardner: Unfortunately, I can't tell you much about the gourd basket. Since I don't know anything about them, the main thing I wanted to see is if the gourd was moldy on the inside. It was, or at least it looked like it was. Doesn't that get kind of gross eventually? What I found truly neat in that shop were the baskets woven in naturals. Each one by this one particular weaver (I'm sorry I don't know her name) included a piece of what looked like the shelf fungus that grows on trees. They were REALLY interesting! Wish I lived near Gatlinburg so I could visit that shop more often. I'm packing up to go to my Lake Iowa weaving trip. This will be the first time I traveled to such an event. I've never been to a convention either. With working full-time and going to school part-time, there is not usually a lot of free time left over for weaving. Look out this weekend -- although I should be studying for my final exam. Should I say, "Weaving forever, homework and studying whenever"??? See some of you there! Sandi Howard, Mundelein, IL (where the Midwest is a hot box and I'm praying for cooler weather in Iowa this weekend!!) {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: More on the new Web Site Date: Wed, 22 Jul 1998 10:30:42 -0400 From: olneyjw@juno.com (Judith W Olney) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 I forgot to mention that Susi Nuss' new website at http://basketry.miningco.com is being updated weekly. This means there is a new feature article this week and new net links, and a new lesson in humility for me because I thought I was pretty familiar with the basketry stuff on the web. I am amazed again at what she has found. I certainly hope the rest of you are not melting in this heat we've been having this summer! XXOO JOlney Rowley, MA {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 18 Date: Wed, 22 Jul 1998 19:17:59 +0000 From: Pamela Woodbury To: David Collins Hi All, I just thought I'd write in and tell the happenings of a show I just did. I booked a show in Charlevoix, MI, which is a very exclusive area on Lake Michigan on the very northern shores of the lower peninsula. This area has a marina with yachts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and houses that were listed for sale well into the millions. I paid $85 for this one day show, which outdoors for one day is pretty steep, but it was supposed to be very juried and a show marking its 30th anniversary. Things started out pretty bad as the Chamber of Commerce put the show on and told us when we were unloading we didn't have to put money in the parking meters, but when we were done we either had to move our vehicles or feed the meters. We got there the Friday before the show as it is a 4-hour drive from my home and got our space assignment and paid the meter and went to lunch. When we got back from lunch I told my husband we didn't have to put money into the meters while we were unloading so don't worry about it. Now as most of you know when you do a show when you are unloading and a closer spot becomes available you move your vehicle into the closer spot. Well when I moved my vehicle there was something on my windshield. Well wouldn't you know it was a parking ticket. Now I was pretty ticked off and came back into the park holding the ticket and complaining and all the other crafters held one up and were also complaining. When the Chamber of Commerce people came around we expected them to explain to the police that we were told we could park there to unload but instead they said oh well guess you have to pay them. I argued with what I called the meter boy as he literally stood behind cars and the minute a meter expired he ran out and ticketed the vehicle. Now remember I said this was a very rich area. There was by the way no place to park without paying the meters for blocks away. As things go the show gets worse. Now remember I said it was a very juried show and supposedly a hard show to get into. Most of the things there were very nice things but wouldn't you know there was a space of import baskets. Now these things were so gaudy that even a non weaver had to know they were not made here. There were woven out of #10 round or very large seagrass and then shellacked so hard they were stiff and the holes obviously were filled in with all the varnish. They had the nerve to actually sign their name to the bottom of them. Well I picked one up and it said made in the Philippines, she had actually missed the tag. I will admit they were cheaper than my baskets, but for imports they were somewhat high. No accounting for the taste of all these people cause they were waiting in line to buy 4 and 5 at a time of these gaudy baskets. I was irritated and of course it hurt my sales but like I explained to the other people around me, anybody who liked those things weren't ever going to by my country looking baskets anyhow, but once they had spent $100 on imports they weren't too likely to buy their art or craft either. I was told by another artist that they are there every year and that the Chamber must be in cahoots with them cause their spot was right outside of the Chamber doors. Now I will never do that show again, but I wasted $40 in gas, $100 in a motel, $85 for a show, 2 days worth of food, a parking ticket and all the money I put into meters and 2 days of my time to have the privilege of competing with once again somebody who merely went to the wholesaler, bought and then sold. Now here is my question, tell me why we do it. Why are we the ones making our own baskets only to have the privilege of competing with all these unethical people. I love making baskets, and I really do like doing shows. What are we to do when a show says juried and we can tell full good and well that the show promoter not only knows there are imports in the show, but are in cahoots with them to boot. I must say that I have never been treated quite so badly at a show as at this one. The town obviously did not want us there whether we were artists or crafters it didn't matter to them. We were treated like street peddlers and hopefully everybody who said they won't be back won't cause this is a show that deserves to self destruct. Pam {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 18 Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1998 16:29:21 -0600 From: Dave Balleweg To: David Collins References: 1 Hi all, I feel overwhelmed with all the new discussions lately! My computer has been down and have just finished reading the last 7 issues. My brain is overloaded. Pam Feix: I, too, am interested in your husband's bases and dividers. Please let me know when you have a catalog. I was just on a visit to an old friend in upper Wisconsin where the weather was wonderful...and saw a basket made with these dividers. It was really neat. Anybody know a basketweaver who signs her work "Dove"? Very nice. Well, it's hot as you know what here in Oklahoma. It's good to be home, but I sure do miss the cooler weather in Wisconsin. Marcia In Wellston, OK {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weavers' Words Vol.2 Iss.18 Date: Wed, 22 Jul 1998 15:52:08 -0700 (PDT) From: Marsha Ackerman To: davidc@iei.net Hi All! Pam you asked for a nice fall rust color. I recently used Rit Cocoa Brown and Tangerine together for just such a result. I believe I used equal amounts and I would say the end product was a little more on the brown side rather than the tangerine (guess that's rust, right?). You could experiment a bit, but I think you will like the combination. I did not enter into the discussion on dyeing before, but guess I'll put in my two cents now. I have dyed only with Rit and have done it without any additives, with just salt, and now have had the very best results using some salt ('bout 1/2 cup in an 8 qt. container) and one cup of vinegar (same size container). I used to just use the vinegar in my soaking water, but with it in the dye bath itself, you do not get any bleeding in your soaking tub. (I do always use fabric softener in the soaking.) I probably should say "dipping" tub as I do not soak any dyed reed unless very necessary. I cannot take the credit for vinegar; I learned it from Flo Hoppe. At the IBA convention this March I took a class with her where we used deep purple and teal dyed round reed, and our water never turned color - and I did leave it in soaking!!! She sold me on her method. Now to get back to my Star Quilt bowl started last night! (Joan Moore's pattern) Thanks again David! Marsha in the U.P. where it is in the lovely low 70's {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: book Date: Wed, 22 Jul 1998 20:18:50 -0400 From: Eileen To: davidc@iei.net I just thought I'd pass along this information before it's too late. Flo Hoppe's first basket book will soon be out of print. It is by far the best basket book for round reed. Not sure just how long this book will be available. I know there are a lot of new weavers on this list and this is a must have book. The book is "Wicker Basketry" by Flo Hoppe, publisher - Interweave Press, ISBN 0-934026-49-1 You can order it from a member of this list - Donna Longenecker at The Country Seat. There web address is - http://www.countryseat.com. Eileen, MI {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 18 Date: Wed, 22 Jul 1998 22:33:03 EDT From: froggestow@juno.com (Roberta R Comstock) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 "Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. 18 Kathy Derrick - You never know what contributions you may be making toward other readers' enjoyment when you write in. You don't have to be an expert to share things you find interesting. Thanks for posting the info about weaving software. I agree with you about Shereen LaPlantz's book "Twill Basketry." Don't you love getting to shop for books in a new bargain spot? I sure do. Sound like you made a great haul! I usually pack an extra canvas tote for carrying my book purchases home when we take a trip. (I had a handle ripped off a suitcase by the luggage handlers once because I had crammed it with heavy books. Oops!) Pam D-K - I would probably mix brown with pumpkin or tangerine to make rust. If it's too red, add a little golden yellow. If it's too tawny, add a little red or more tangerine. I'm not trying to speak for Sally here, but I thought they had hauled the bikes on a rack on their car and just rode them when they found an interesting byway or trail. I had a good laugh visualizing bikers loaded with baskets, too. Small grapevine can be used as weavers or twiners in baskets. The larger ones are also good for wreaths (always popular around here). What kind of stencils do you like and what size are you interested in? (You told us what you don't like, but something specific about what you want could help.) Kelly Anderson - Thanks for the tips on using clematis vines. I find a lot of good out-of-print basket (and other) books at used book stores. Joyce Fisher - Please tell us how Arts on the Green worked out. I hope the turnout was good, although sometimes a small turnout is ok, especially if the few who show up are really interested in things. What sort of gourd art do you do? Donna - Thanks for setting up the directories of teachers and guilds and letting us know how to find them. I really appreciate these things. I recently found an article in the magazine *Arts of Asia* (May-June 1984, published in Hong Kong) titled 'Modern Baskets of China'. The author, Sharon La Pierre, had traveled in China and visited basket factories. She found that Chinese baskets are designed by teams of designers who then make samples for distribution to the factories where they are replicated by an assembly line method. Each worker does a particular part, but nobody makes an entire basket, not even an individual designer. That was nearly 15 years ago, but I doubt the system has changed significantly since then. It would be interesting to know. Molly Gardner - When I work with grasses I generally use dry ones. If the leaves are tough and wiry and can be crumpled and wadded without breaking up, I use them as well as the stems. The descriptions of dampening and mellowing in the last few WWs are very good. How many of you remember when we used to do that with our clothes to get them ready for ironing? It's practically the same process. (For you youngsters, that was before permanent press and steam irons were invented. I still don't wear permanent press 'cause I detest polyester touching my skin, but gave up ironing years ago. Had to laugh the day I found a blouse in a major local department store that was 100 percent poly with permanently installed wrinkles to make it 'look' like natural cotton fiber.) Bert Comstock Roasting in Independence, MO {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: basket swap Date: Wed, 22 Jul 1998 23:37:08 -0400 From: "Chris Baker" To: David Collins After reading everyone's comments on the swap in issue 18, I wanted to add something. Last Christmas, my best friend wanted to know what I might be interested in for a gift. I told her about a certain basket I wanted. (I taught her to weave.) She had a hard time believing I wanted her to make a basket for me. She went on to say how much better I was at basket making, etc. I told her that her baskets were just fine in my eyes & how it would be on basket that would never be sold. All the baskets I make, get sold & I really wanted one to keep. Since I received it, I have had several comments from my students on her basket! I said that to say this: I think we tend to be very critical of our work, and others see it differently. And, I am looking forward to another basket I can keep! Chris Baker Days Gone By Augusta, Maine http://w3.ime.net/~cbaker/ online catalog: http://w3.ime.net/~cbaker/catalog.htm {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Hello ! from "black creek country" Date: Thu, 23 Jul 1998 11:44:30 -0400 From: Beverly Seegert To: "'Weavers Words'" I've been a subscriber to Weavers Words for some time now so it's about time to introduce myself -- although many of you already know me as the writer/publisher of "black creek country news -- the magazine for basketweavers." Concerning some recent questions about Rit dye: I have never found a store that carries all the available colors of Rit dye. I think certain colors seem to be popular in certain areas; therefore, stores are very selective in what they stock. Only one store in my area carries Country Blue, Seafoam Green, and Moss Green. Unfortunately, Rit has discontinued some colors so you are forced to mix in order to get what you want. Rit used to make a very nice "Rust". Now I would suggest mixing about 1 pkg. of Tangerine to 1/2 pkg. of Cocoa Brown. Don't be afraid to experiment to get just the shade you want. Everyone likes something a little different. As for Moss Green: It's almost like a dark sage green and just recently became available in my area. It's a great color to weave into my rib baskets along with grapevine, seagrass, vine rattan, and other natural materials. I have a few pounds of 1/4" flat that is really too rough for use in most of my reed baskets. So rather than waste it, I dyed it Moss Green. The rough texture along with the nice subdued green color makes it look more like a natural material. And I getaway with not having to trim off all the "fuzzies". In the next issue (Fall '98) of "black creek country news" I will begin a multiple part series on "Dyeing and Staining" that I hope will take some of the mystery out of using various dyes and stains on your baskets. From -- Beverly Seegert in "black creek country," where the tomato plants are five feet high and the beans are ready for pickin' {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Thu, 23 Jul 1998 14:25:31 -0400 From: "joym" To: ATTENTION ALL BASKET MAKERS: This should be the last WW before the great Basket Swap begins! You have till August 1st to sign up. Just e-mail me with your snail mail address so your basket can be sent to you. Don't think your work is "good enough"? Oh FOO! Other timid souls have come forward. Don't want a free basket? Oh come now! We have over 40 wild & crazy basket people chomping at their bits. You'll have till September 1st to send your creation for someone elses pleasure, & won't that feel good? :^0 :^) :^) :^) :^) TaTa for now! Joy Moody Sign of the Crow www.signofthecrow.com Hampden, Maine where it has been HOT HOT except in the barn studio {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 18 Date: Thu, 23 Jul 1998 20:38:25, -0500 From: CRAJ51A@prodigy.com (MRS MYRA J STUTLER) To: davidc@iei.net Hi Everybody: Hot and miserable here in ole Mich -- had bad storms Tuesday night that knocked out our phones so haven't been able to get online until tonight. Wanted to let you all know I have ordered those ceramic bases from basketpatterns.com and they are beautiful. I weaved a basket with the blueberry base first and took it to the craft store where my baskets are and it sold immediately. This weekend I will be taking up two more baskets -- one with the apple base and one with the lupines base. I also ordered their new southwest basket buckles and did a basket for my sister who lives in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas and the buckle I used just makes the basket. Thanks, David, for all the fine stuff! Myra Stutler CRAJ51A@prodigy.com {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: for Weavers Words Date: Fri, 24 Jul 1998 02:05:52 EDT From: Bskcreed@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net To all weavers: I received this in an email today and was asked to post it to various weaving forums and newsletters. Please feel free to pass it along also. Lynn Pawley Noblesville, Indiana A call for prints and slides Robin Taylor Daugherty, 250 Rangeview Ct, Black Hawk, CO 80403-8770 303-444-5255 My book, Splint Woven Basketry, is being republished by Sterling Press. They wish to include a new photo gallery along with the old one. I am inviting you basketweavers to submit your best work and am eagerly looking forward to seeing what you are all up to. Thank you. Requirements: 1) Prints or slides must be of good quality: the work in focus, the baskground simple, and preferably plain 2) Your photos or slides will not be returned 3) There is no guarantee your work will be used 4) Your submissions must be appropriate to the content of the book: ribbed and splint woven round, oval, square, or rectangular bottomed baskets. No wicker, twined, or coiled work (unless you'd just like to share with me - I love to see what others are weaving) 5) Deadline for submission is August 20, 1998 6) Please include name, address, phone number and the medium and title on each photo. Do not write on the back of the prints - a pre-written label works well 7) Your entries must be accompanied by a document stating: "I,___________________, hereby grant permission for photos of my baskets to be included, at no charge, in the book Splint Woven Basketry, to be puplished by Sterling Publishing Company." _______________________ _________________ Your Signature Date ______________________________________________________ Address ___________________ Phone {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: aloha Date: Fri, 24 Jul 1998 15:37:48 -1000 From: The Keener Clan To: davidc@iei.net Aloha everyone, Yes, I am recovering from those nasty cat bites. They did become infected and I had to change meds, but I*m feeling better everyday. Yes, the cat is gone and I didn*t worry about rabies as we don*t have rabies in Hawaii. I found a book at a used book store called A YANKEE CHRISTMAS featuring Vermont Celebrations. It*s a neat book and has a chapter called "Baskets to Make and Fill". There is a pattern for a grapevine basket, a tiny basket made out of a doily, instructions for making a tiny basket out of a peach pit, and a basket made from bread. At the end of the section, is a picture (but alas, no instructions) of a sleigh basket. I have several patterns for sleighs but nothing like this. The picture is sort of dark, but this is definitely a handmade basket (yes, I know they are all handmade, but this one is no import)--looks to be 10-12" long with a braided border (and on the loops of the braiding pieces are jingle bells). The runners are made from round reed, perhaps an #8 or #9. Is there a pattern for this basket or something close? If so, where could I purchase the pattern? This is one awesome sleigh. I could probably combine a couple of patterns and come up with something similar, but the picture is too dark to figure out the runners. Hope everyone is doing great and is getting in plenty of weaving time. Mahalo, Lois {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Fri, 24 Jul 1998 22:01:19 EDT From: whoville4@juno.com (Brian/Diane D Vanden Heuvel) To: davidc@iei.net Hello everyone! I'm new to weaver's words. My name is Diane Vanden Heuvel, and I have been weaving for about four years. I'm a member of Wisconsin Weave Basket Guild in the Beloit/Janesville area of Wisconsin. I've enjoyed reading the issues of WW that I have received so far, and it has been fun learning about weaver's from all over the states! Pam - You had a question in a past issue about a rust color for fall. I know that rit has a recipe for rust: one package of tangerine and 1/2 package of cocoa brown. I've never tried it personally. We as a guild though get together once a summer to dye reed. It truly it a fun time. This year we had thirteen colors going, and we made some neat stuff. People had all different kinds of colors, and many that I know we will never get again. It was a great way to experiment. Dip it in one color and then another, and if you don't like that even other. We had a beautiful burgundy that came from first being in Black Plum, then Purple then a Scarlet/Wine combination; it was gorgeous. Anyway, we do alot of varigated reed when we do this because of all the different colors. Last year we did a varigated fall color scheme. We used Pumpkin, Scarlet, Yellow and Brown. Now to get back to the rust question. On my reed where the pumpkin and scarlet mix next to each other is a beautiful rust color. How to get it I have no idea, but it could give you a place to start. I hope that is of some help. Thanks to all the contribute. It's fun to read and learn. Diane Vanden Heuvel Beloit, WI {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: aloha again Date: Fri, 24 Jul 1998 16:23:43 -1000 From: The Keener Clan To: davidc@iei.net Aloha again, I forgot this part on the last letter.... I have a hypothetical question....let*s say you needed a basket part in a hurry and very few suppliers carry it. So you snailmail a company (didn*t want to phone as you would have to use your credit card and didn*t want to do that and they don*t have e-mail, so you sent a check with the order) and tell them to ship it the fastest way. So the company ships it overnight delivery for a whopping $15 for a 12 ounce package. However, someone at the company misspells your name AND your street name, so the box isn*t delivered for 2 days. Now, due to no mistake on your part, the company wants you to pay for overnight delivery which didn*t happen due to their error. If you don*t pay it, they will probably not want to do business with you again....so what do you do??? You don*t do a lot of business with this company, but you aren*t sure you want to lose the opportunity to do so..... So what would you do? Thanks for any input, Lois {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.