"Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. 36 Date Sent: September 09, 1998 Subscribers: 772 David Collins 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 317-899-5747 davidc@iei.net {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} ***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 Back Issues: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/2468.html Weaver's Words Classifieds: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/classifieds.html Weaver's Words Subscribers: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/subscribers.html Weaver's Words Basketry Links: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/basket.htm Weaver's Words Basketry Books: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/book.html Weaver's Words Chat Room: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/chitchat.html Weaver's Words Bulletin Board: ---http://www.InsideTheWeb.com/messageboard/mbs.cgi/mb83941 Weaver's Words RIT Dye Color Chart: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/ritdye.html 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 Weaver's Words Basketry History: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/history.html Weaver's Words Basketry Dictionary: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/dictionary.htm Weaver's Words Guestbook: ---http://www.lpage.com/wgb/wgbsign.dbm?owner=Basketry 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 Bulletin Free Banner Service: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/banner.html {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Hi Everyone, Ms. Kotarba contacted me and said it was OK to add a Basket Weaver's Recipe Page on Weaver's Words web site instead of printing a hard copy at this time. So send me your recipes. Take Care, David davidc@iei.net {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: aloha Date: Tue, 08 Sep 1998 20:47:03 -1000 From: The Keener Clan To: davidc@iei.net Aloha, all, Actually the weather is nice here in Honolulu. We are enjoying nice trade winds and the nights are definite blanket weather--makes for good sleeping. I did undergo surgery Friday and all went fine (obviously, since I*m sitting in front of the computer writing to WW!), but I*m still moving slowly--but since I have class in the morning, relax and recovery time is over. Say what you want about military medicine, but my treatment at the local Army hospital was top notch. The minwax recipe I use is: one part minwax to one part mineral spirits and 1/3 part boiled linseed oil. I find the latter keeps the reed supple and gives it a little shine. Lately, I*ve been experimenting with a combo of golden oak and early American. My baskets come out in different shades anyway--don*t like going to a fair with all the baskets the exact same color. I like the variety. I do use strictly Minwax brand even though I can find off brands cheaper, but I find that early american minwax and early American generic brand are not the same colors. I used a brand called Behr, (a nice Bavarian oak) but when I mixed it with the mineral spirits and linseed oil, it was an incredibly ugly pumpkin orange. So do be careful mixing this stuff. And do remember, it is highly flammable!!! I*m all for the cookie mail-off to David, the cookbook, and another swap (tho my first one isn*t here yet and is coming a great distance--I*m still excited!)..... And I*m going to agree with Linda Scoggins. I love weaving...I love doing it for a living....but I sometimes tell people I*m a "fiber artist" when they ask what I do for a living....I find that telling people that I*m a basket maker makes for some snippy comments (Oh, did you learn that in the hospital?? Do you do it underwater?? No, what do you REALLY do? Oh, you sell those expensive ones from Ohio. Don*t you have a real job?) and there are days I don*t really feel like explaining what I do to someone who feels the need to make condescending remarks. (now when they can actually see what I*m selling or making--well, that is a different story..I can*t remember anyone making snotty comments when I*m holding the genuine article in my hands). If you tell some one you are a sculptor or a quilter, people seem impressed. Now, why can*t they be impressed when you tell them you make baskets? Darleen--still waiting for you to join guild. We are weaving a BIG backpack this coming Monday! I*m excited! aloha, Lois {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Basket swap Date: Wed, 9 Sep 1998 11:14:43 -0000 From: "Jeff & Diana French" To: "David Collins" Hello everyone! I'm so excited! ... I returned from my trip to Maine to find my swap basket! It's a "French Bun Basket" woven with natural and cranberry weavers - It's beautiful and very unique. Thank you so much Linda Moore - I love it!! Now to find a place of honor for my newest treasure.. :) I'll get a picture in to David as soon as I can. I also returned home to 5 WW, so will have to sit down and read them later. Happy Weaving Diana French from Southern New Jersey where it feels like fall has arrived. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Recipes Date: Wed, 09 Sep 1998 07:15:50 -0400 From: Linda Kotarba To: Weavers Words David wrote: I would have no problem allocating a page on Weaver's Words site for Weaver's recipes, but Ms. Kotarba initiated the cookbook. So I wouldn't feel right undermining her project. Hi David, Roberta, & Weavers, David, I think it's a great idea for you to place our recipes on your Web site!!! Please, go with Roberta's suggestion by all means. The cookbook was just an idea to alleviate the list of recipe exchange, as there was some discussion about long, off subject lists. We all enjoy a good, new recipe and we all enjoy visiting your Web site. You do us a great service and it is tremendously appreciated... and now you are even willing to accommodate our recipes! Thanks. Linda Braun: Your tip to singe hairs off baskets using the burner on a gas stove is great! I can't wait to try it. Thanks. Myra Strutler: Your email has changed? I use your tip to stain baskets using a turkey baster. It makes staining so much easier! Thanks. Linda Kotarba {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: a couple thoughts Date: Wed, 9 Sep 1998 09:46:26 -0400 From: "Angie - Country Seat" To: "David - Weavers Words" Hi all, Basket Book - Bert - The Celtic Baskets book at Amazon is exactly what you described. I purchased it a couple weeks ago thinking it was Celtic designs applied to basketry. Very disappointed! Staining Big Baskets - Claudia - You might want to try holding your basket above the container of walnut stain and using a turkey baster (plastic tube with a bulb on the end) - you can suck up the stain and put it anywhere on the basket and let it drip back into the basin. Make sure you don't use the same one for cooking again - or steal your parents baster! Treating Baskets - to everyone - I've found that Mineral oil as a last step makes a beautiful basket. It is edible, so no need to worry about chemicals and food contamination. It adds just a light sheen to the basket and the colors look richer. A little oil goes a long way! The wooden handles look great also! It takes away the dull look that natural walnuts leaves. It goes right over acrylic paints with no problem and a final light sanding on the wooden handles leaves then satiny. Too cool already in PA! Angie The Country Seat http://www.countryseat.com {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weaver's Words Vol2. Iss.36 Date: Wed, 9 Sep 1998 10:37:45 -0400 From: "joym" To: Back Again! David, with 700+ subscribers we can't please everyone! Keep up the good work. Cindy, re: Umbrella baskets, I think Sue Bajczyk referred to the swap basket I sent her as an umbrella basket. I call it Tulip Vase (pattern to be posted in my Pattern Room soon). I would think for the intended use of umbrellas the width of the base in proportion to the height would be important for maximum balance. Linda, while it's nice of you to hold the checks for the cook books until they are in the mail, I don't think anyone expects you to "up front" the money. I suggest you cash & use our checks for the expenses as they arise. The printer will want to be paid when you pick them up & the post office will want to be paid when you mail them. I like the idea of adding basketmaker info. for a kind of hardcopy Directory. Myra, I have just discontinued my Maine Memories line due to the business practices of Basket Buckles & their Maine distributor. I have come up with a replacement line that uses both stamping and painting. When stamping, be sure you use the correct side of the reed or wood or you'll get bleeding & blurred images. For those "L" owners well, since you purchased them perhaps you could offset the orangey color with bow or tie-on accents in greens, blues, brown or rust? Linda in Small Town USA, my husband has a chronic pain condition. He has successfully been using a glocosamine (250mg), chondroitin sulphate (200 mg) & manganese (1 mg) formula. This combination & dosage was recommended in the book The Arthritis Cure and was extensively studied. Neither glucosamine nor condroitant sulphate are herbs. They are extracts of cartilage which have been found effective for certain symptoms. Gail Caron & everyone: Having done the coordination for the last SWAP, I suggest we limit the swaps to the first 100 people who sign up. It's not that we don't want more participating; it's just that over 100 participants would require the coordinator to work a week (not including follow-ups) and that's pretty burdensome to most. ICQ~ it's a communication system by Mirabilis.com where you can set up your own list of contacts, see when they are online, send messages or have online chats. The advantage to ICQ is that it is a PRIVATE forum. You can't just "join" someone's list. They have to agree to put you in their address book. I don't remember the limit on the number of people who can chat. I believe it is theoretically large, but may not work in actual practice. It's great, though, for quick, personal contact. Sandra, can you chime in if you remember more about group chats? Naomi, the Nantucket thing makes me think of the tag system the Canadian government has for authentic Inuit soapstone sculptures. Perhaps the association Kathi mentioned works like that. The resident Nantucket island basketmakers get to tag their baskets bla bla bla Association certified "authentic"???? Karen, how about a Marshmallow Basket to go along with your scorch mark technique? You could make it a gift basket with a few sticks or a long fork tucked inside, and maybe even some campfire songs. Ha Ha! Joy Sign of the Crow http://www.signofthecrow.com in Hampden, Maine {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Wed, 9 Sep 1998 08:09:12 -0700 From: hannah To: "'davidc@iei.net'" Hi all!!! Hope that everyone is finding time for their favorite past-time!!! I am still in a weaving frenzy as my show is less than 2 weeks away, and of course, I waited until the last minute. Just found out last week, that my Grandma, whom I take care of, has colon cancer and has to have surgery, so I am weaving double time in my spare time, so I can take care of her, do my show, and make sure that we can all get through each day. Keeping a smile on our faces, at this time, is very hard. I hate to ask, but please keep my Grandma in your prayers as she is so very dear to me and there is Nothing like the Power of Prayer. David: I am very happy with WW no matter how you send them. I don't care if they are 30 pages or 2 pages, I just appreciate the fact that we have this forum to communicate. I also feel like I am truly getting to know some of the people who also share my passion of basketmaking and when I ever get to meet them face to face, it will be so nice to already know some thing about them. You do a fantastic job and I, for one, say THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!!!!! Linda: A cookbook sounds great. I will be sending you my recipe, along with my e-mail address and web-site address. I think it is a great idea. Also, I can get you some information on a publisher who does cookbooks. I was in charge of fund-raising for my sorority last year and received some info about cookbooks. I think that we should all send in our order and payment prior to you committing yourself to anything. That way, you don't get shafted and have to bear the expense. Let me know if you need the info. Orange Colored Baskets: I use Rit Dye to dye my baskets prior to weaving and mine have an orange look to them. They are not orange per say, but have that orangish color that oak gets when it ages. I collect antiques and my favorite wood is oak, and I have a lot of oak antiques in my home and the color of them is marvelous. My baskets look great with them and my customers seem to like it a lot better than the stain that I used to use. I want to participate in the swap, but I am now afraid to, as I am afraid that no one will like my color. My color is not like Longaberger's, to me theirs looks more Yellow than orange. Anyway, mine is darker and a richer color than theirs. I have a lot of very nice comments about it. Gail: I want to be a part of the swap, but I am undecided at this time due to the color of my baskets and not wishing to send something that someone would not like. I am, however, in agreement, that when we sign up, it would be a great idea to send your colors, what baskets you have always wanted but never had time to make, and things like that. If I decide to join, I would love to know these things so I can make the right choice of a basket to weave. Thanks so much for doing this. I am willing to take my turn, whenever it is. Susi Nuss: I am very happy that you shared the U of I site with us. I also get very angry at the comments made about basket weavers but I also keep in mind, that those who make those comments are just ignorant to the extreme artistry that basketweaving truly is. A market basket is a market basket, but in my eyes, each and every person who makes one puts a bit of themselves into it and their personality shines through. People who look down their noses at basketweavers are just not worth the effort, in my own opinion. I look down my noses at them!!!! HA Karen Mitchell: It sure sounds like you have been a very very busy woman. I envy those of you who know how to sew, as I don't and wish I could!!! I hope that you will find time to weave in the very near future!!! Also, we have a pork festival coming up here in less than two weeks, and if they have any elephant ears, I will send you one, if you e-mail me your address. I will put it in a zip-lock bag for freshness and send it priority mail to you. They truly are great. And by the way, Joy is right, they are basically the same thing as Indian Fry Bread and they are delicious. Well, that is my two cents for now. Happy Weaving to all and keep smilin' :):):):) Pam Feix in Southwest OH where it got down into the 40's last night, fall is definitely in the air!!! {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Minwax Stain Date: Wed, 9 Sep 1998 15:43:27 +0000 From: Kathy Halter To: davidc@iei.net Hi! For those of you using Minwax Stain.... To lighten the color use the Minwax Natural instead of mineral spirits. You can add as little or much of the natural - it is clear - to get the desired shade, and it will not dull the color as it is the same stuff. We have been using Minwax to stain the baskets I make for nearly 20 years. The very first ones we stained still have the soft shine the Minwax gives them. Generally, we use the Dark Walnut and by mixing more or less Natural with it one can achieve anywhere from a soft honey color to a very dark brown. It does smell, so we leave the baskets out in the garage for a few days until the smell dissipates. For those of you who like to refinish furniture or do unfinished furniture - Minwax is the best stain we found for use on Pine. It gives the pine a deep rich color that is hard to get with other type stains. Kathy Halter from Ohio where the leaves are turning and Fall is in the air! {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Old Reed Date: Wed, 9 Sep 1998 11:26:55 -0500 From: ekduff1@mmm.com To: davidc@iei.net This is my first time writing in. I became hooked on basket weaving about twelve years ago when I took a Community Ed Class in North Carolina. I was hooked from the start. The class was 10 weeks long and we learned a new technique each week. I was so excited I would make several baskets between classes using the technique we learned in class that week. I have not been actively weaving for the last 4 years because of carpal tunnel and 3 small children (the oldest turned 3 in July) and working full time. Weavers Words allows me to weave vicariously through all those who participate. I hope someday to return to my weaving, but not likely in the near future. I am not complaining, but it does lead me to my question: Does unwoven reed have a shelf life? Should I discard my stash of reed or donate it to the local guild to be sold at their "Flea Market" Fund raiser? I don't want someone to put a lot of work into a basket only to discover the reed is brittle. Elizabeth {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 35 Date: Wed, 9 Sep 1998 13:06:15 -0400 From: "Donna" To: "David Collins" Hi everyone Well you sure can tell that fall is here when it's too cool to keep all the windows wide open. David - Don't care what others say, you're doing a good job here. Wanna bet that some of the unsubscribers go to your pages to read issues just so they don't miss anything? Cindy - As much as I like flour tortillas, I can't imagine using them for elephant ears - aren't they rather "blah" tasting since ee dough is usually a sweet dough? Darlene - Nice to hear from you again. You can solve your "tan lines" but it takes a true commitment to using only one type of finish. Find a 5 gallon lidded container and mix up approx. 3 gallons of your stain mixture. Then, instead of spraying on your finish, dip in and slosh around in your stain. If basket is too big to fit, hold over container and use a BIG paint brush and do both the inside and outside of your basket. Set the basket on top of container to drip dry. This allows the stain to penetrate between the spokes and weavers. Joy - Will look for violet recipe when I go home. You won't believe how easy it is and little kids think it's "neat" to eat flowers. (Dilemma - Do I post here or send privately?) AnnaMarie-Personally, I don't like the idea of answering things via private e-mail. A lot of things are brought up that I may be interested in even tho I don't mention it and then I would not get to see the answers unless I wrote into WW, or to the individual and also requested it. (For example - It's turned out that several people were interested in Peanut Basket patterns, even though only 1 person brought the subject up.) I just feel it would "break the flow" of conversation generated here and result in "choppy" & "cryptic" messages. Claudia - You can do the same with your walnut hull stain that I mentioned above. If you get a metal 5 gallon bucket with a lid, you can heat the stain right in the container or use it cold - whichever. Use a brush to do "larger than bucket" baskets and just set on top to drip for a while. Chrys - My all time favorite baby carrier has always been the one in Mara Cary's "Useful Baskets" (c.1977 - Houghton-Mifflin Books) which unfortunately has been out of print for many years. I understand that a lot of libraries still carry it. It looks quite easy, mainly round reed with some flat or seagrass and carrying handles. Judy - Thanks for the comments - unfortunately, the newspaper took liberties and edited out some of my comments (Thanks David, for NOT doing so.) Sorry, as usual, I rambled too long. Seems some issues I have nothing to comment on, and others, way too much. In cool PA (where I left the socks on overnight last night - you know it must be getting cool!!) Donna http://www.countryseat.com {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Christmas ornaments Date: Wed, 9 Sep 1998 13:21:54 -0400 From: Eileen To: davidc@iei.net A few issues back someone was mentioning about the reindeer pattern and wondering if there were other patterns. A few yrs ago I purchased a packed of patterns from Susi Nuss. The packet includes fish, star, bird, heart and garland. You could use paper, ash or birch bark. The pattern packet has excellent diagrams and instructions. Susi is the host of the Basketry mining co. web site and her email address in case you are interested in contacting her is - basketry.guide@miningco.com. Eileen Romeo, MI {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 35 Date: Wed, 9 Sep 1998 13:58:38 EDT From: DeeGrin@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net David, Please don't feel bad if some drop off the list. You are doing a great job!! I really look forward to getting the Weaver's Word and have finally learned how to bold and save the information I want to reply to and save. I plan on trying Bert's suggestion on how to try and reply in a better e-mail form. I just want to share my excitement right now with my fellow weavers. It is probably one of the most exciting thing I have done, maybe even more than learning how to spin, not quite sure. Anyway, My great husband helped me split my 24 inch white ash log I brought home from Mich. a few weeks ago, and He helped me pound it so that I was able to bring it in and have a 4 inch square to round basket worked up 6 rows!!! I ran out of weavers and am to anxious to wait and pound enough, so going to see if I can get him to pound some more. It is awesome!!! and now I know why Jeffrey Gale and others charge so much, haven't even got to the rims and handle yet!!! I did buy the john Mcguire tape and it's is really good to learn how to do all this and great for anyone how to weave a round or square basket with reed if you don't have an ash tree handy. Thanks for all the replies on staining. The Deft Gloss Wood finish sounds like it might be what I'm looking for. / Dee an excited weaver in Dover Fl. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 34 Date: Wed, 09 Sep 1998 16:18:29 EDT From: froggestow@juno.com (Roberta R Comstock) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 "Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. 34 Hi Everyweaver! Today we are having a taste of fall and I have to admit I'm ready for it. Now maybe I can get some outdoor stuff done in the yard that I have been putting off because of the heat & humidity. With regard to stains changing color accents, those of you who use spray stains could probably mask the accent areas to protect them from the spray and preserve your original colors, if it would be worth the extra work. (B): Marcia Balleweg - Regarding mention of Polish basketry in _International_Basketry_, there isn't much of a specific nature. On p.24 it says: "Many large willow plantations, comprising thousands of hectares, in the Oder lowlands around Breslau and Brieg, fell to Poland after the war." This is followed by discussion of economic effects on the German willow growers and basket industry. On p.59 is a paragraph on Poland which states: "The willow plantations laid out and cultivated in the formerly German districts are being carefully preserved by the Poles." Further discussion describes the Polish Trade School in Kwidzyn and says "In the city of Rudnik alone some ten thousand people engaged in basket weaving were counted." P.64 mentions "In Poland, to be sure, light and comfortable willow armchairs, mostly staved and scarcely woven out, are still produced." This is the gist of the Polish basket history in the book. You can probably glean more by studying the general European information and descriptions of nearby regions. It's really difficult to trace 'national' styles and practices because political boundaries have changed dramatically over the centuries. [Bye the way, Mr. Will's first name is Christoph (the last letter is 'h'). I can't count the number of times I have seen it extended by the addition of those extra 2 letters which shall herein remain nameless - usually by writers who aren't paying attention or uninformed people who are quoting them. Please don't take this comment personally. I'm just compulsive about trying to get people's names right.] Barb Foster - A whole week of weaving sounds divine. Is that an annual event? Can you provide more information in advance for next year, please? Wisconsin is just close enough I might be able to get there. Christine Raymer - Congratulations on your prizewinning baskets. Myra Stutler - If you really want to go whole hog stamping on your baskets, you can have custom stamps made at many large office supply stores. Have you seen the embossing powders that are available for use with rubber stamps? You sprinkle them on the freshly stamped image while it is still damp, then heat with a hair dryer and the powder puffs up. Judy Benner - I think a certain amount of cracking is inevitable when bending stakes to tuck them in. That's why we put fillers between the two layers of the rim - to cover the split ends of the stakes. I agree with you about overlays. Even if a color piece doesn't go all the way around the basket, I am inclined to insert it as I weave, rather than trying to put it in later. Have not yet done curled overlays though, so don't know if that works on them. Barbara in Arizona - Re: Michigan conference. Prepare for sensory overload and more fun than you can imagine. Basket people in general seem to be very warm and friendly. You will be amazed at the diversity and at all the wonderful basket-related things for sale. Enjoy your classes. Take plenty of money. And please have some fun for me, while you're at it! Diane R. - What to weave while sitting at a show? In addition to waxed linen for twining or looping, Pine needle (or other material) coiling is also pretty compact and portable. (P): Lois - Still sending 'recovery energy' your way & wishing you well. I knew my age was catching up with me the day I realized that my doctor was younger than my son! I have had very good experiences with young doctors. They seem to be more in tune with the latest treatment technologies. Brenda Johnson - Thanks for telling us about 'elephant ears'. I think that niche is filled locally by funnel cakes served with powdered sugar. I may have to try making some elephant ears though. Do you know if it is a yeast dough? Judy Benner - No, glucosamine is not herbal. It is an organic chemical compound that contributes to cartilage and connective tissue growth. It's often on the vitamin shelf near the minerals and shark cartilage. It was recommended by a doctor friend and many of the other people I know who do medieval fighting. I understand many modern athletes also use it. I too am asthmatic and have assorted allergies. Ask your doctor about it. (I also sometimes spin and knit.) Bert Comstock in Independence, MO {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: torch Date: Tue, 09 Sep 1997 13:19:58 -0400 From: John Miles To: davidc@iei.net Karen: you said you were using a torch to burn your hairs and I am curious what type of torch you are using and where you purchased it. I ordered one from the science catalog someone told about on WW and I just couldn't get it to work so I returned it. I have been using a propane lighter - the type you light a grill with - and it has been working very well. I have found them on sale and they seem to be lasting for quite awhile. Carolyn: You stated you are 40 baskets short of normal inventory - do you have a shop where you sell your baskets or mail order. I will be in VA Beach speaking for Christian Women's Club next week and I know Suffolk is not far away so I was curious. Claudia: a turkey baster really works great for applying stain to a large basket. Cindy: I believe Judy Richmond has a wooden bottom umbrella basket. Linda: You said that rubber stamps were working for your baskets. I have been wanting to try using them and I just got a sales brochure from JoAnn Fabrics. On Fri Sept. 11 they are having a huge sale on Sept 12 and 13. All their rubber stamps and accessories are 50% off. Maybe there is one in your area. For those asking about glucosomine: Two years ago in July I was in the tree house playing with my grandsons and I fell out and shattered my shoulder. The shoulder had to be replaced and after a year of PT I was finally released. I was still experiencing a lot of pain and just recently have been going to a pain management doctor. I have been on glucosomine along with quite a few minerals and I am so much better. Still very limited with my range of motion but the pain is so much better. There are many minerals that can help with pain management and I would recommend anyone seeking help from a Physical Medicine or Pain Management doctor for help. Judy Miles where the weather is absolutely wonderful on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: underwater weaving Date: Wed, 9 Sep 1998 18:28:14 -0700 From: "Ames, Kay H" To: "'Weaver's Words'" Because I have been so busy, I have not yet announced what a wonderful swap basket I received from Bonnie Fanning. A great huge box arrived, and nestled safely inside was a marvelous carefully made market-style basket made from white hickory, oak, red elm, black walnut and ash splints, and a hand carved handle. Wow! Of those materials I have only tried ash before. It is so light to carry, yet totes a good load, and what I like best is the way it truly glows when you catch sight of it. Even from across the room the materials have such a lovely sheen. She also included a long newsy letter about herself and the basket, that was very thoughtful and a special extra. Thank you Bonnie, for a lovely addition to my basket collection. Although when I visited the site I was not nearly as offended as I expected to be, I spent ages carefully crafting an instructive letter to the University of Illinois site with the bogus web page disparaging basketweaving, but alas the note would not send to either of the e-mail addresses provided. Susi is right, we should be proud of what we do. The longer I am involved, the more I feel the heritage of basketry calling to me from the ages. And this is a case of stereotyping, born of ignorance, both of which should be stamped out! Whenever I overhear an "underwater basketweaving" jibe, I always reply in my most knowing way, "Well, a hot tub is an excellent place to weave baskets." Susan Tripp, I laughed out loud at your interview story when I read it, and am giggling now remembering it. That is one guy who [hopefully] learned a lesson about stereotypes! Marcia Balleweg - I know little of Polish basketry, except that I have an old buff willow cat carrier that is quonset-hut-shaped. The door has long since been replaced by an awful wire contraption (but Hey! I now have the skills to replace it - one of these days). I took it with me years ago to a willow workshop taught by Werner Tiertsche, a visiting master basketmaker from Switzerland. I asked him about it, and he said it was probably Polish. He recognized the style of weaving and shape I think. So at least there is ( or was ) a recognizable willow weaving genre in Poland. Myra Stutler - Stamping your baskets is a good idea - there are so many designs to choose from. However the standard stamp pad ink will bleed on reed. Even if it is dry it has a tendency to run up the fibers. I have found that stamp pads designed for stamping on fabric work very well and do not bleed, even if you happen to splash water on the basket. Have fun experimenting! Bert - I too looked longingly at the Celtic Baskets book at Amazon, but inferred from the review or something that it was all about quilting. Pity.... Whew, I was three WWs behind, and now that I finished reading them I realize I will be late for the Guild business meeting! I am only a board member without an office so I won't be missed, but tut tut. Happy weaving to all from Kay Harradine in Mount Vernon, Washington, where three Muscovy ducklings are growing up strong, and four baby chicks have just been 'weaned' by their mom now that they have their feathers. The air is full of "peep, peep, peep", and I am loving it! mames@fidalgo.net {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Date: Wed, 9 Sep 1998 20:55:17 -0500 From: "Linda Scoggins" To: "David Collins" Lois, thanks for the kind words. I was allowed to help you a little on your way as a basketweaver. You had already made a few before we met and I'm sure you have learned a lot more since. But thank you, I'm sure your students feel the same way about you. Susi Nuss, I agree with you about taking pride in what we do. I guess that I have heard too many people laugh and make jokes about what I choose to do for a living. I no longer think it is funny. The stereotypes are so strong that people take them as truth as opposed to other jokes that people know are false. If we refuse to go along with these jokes and stand up for ourselves then people will start taking us seriously. We shouldn't have to qualify what we do by saying we are in business, etc. We should be able to say that we are basketweavers without having anyone laugh in our face. Someday maybe that will happen. Linda Niceville, Fl. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 34 & 35 Date: Wed, 9 Sep 1998 19:04:30 -0700 (PDT) From: Marsha Ackerman To: David Collins I have been out of town and am slowly catching up on all the issues I missed! Wow! (P or B or P/B?) For those of you who have carpel tunnel syndrome I will briefly relate my experience. I was diagnosed about 1 1/2 years before I began basketweaving and chose to go the conservative route as some of you have described instead of surgery as initially recommended by the neurologist. (I wore the splints, took vitamin B-6 and believed that with the end to my pain, I was controlling the problem and thereby avoiding surgery.) When I began noticing numbness in my fingers, I had a repeat myelogram with a different neurologist and found that I had much more nerve damage and needed surgery ASAP. The surgeon evaluated my hands/wrists as well and concurred and told me I would probably not recover all sensation. I had surgeries on both wrists, they were really quite tolerable, I weave much more pleasurably (sp?) and have most of the feeling back in my fingers. Another instance where I learned that being a nurse does not always give you good judgement where my family or I am concerned! Be careful in how you choose to treat your ailments! Linda K: I like your cookbook ideas; especially that we include our E-mail addresses. Linda B: My husband collects buttons. Re: drying baskets quickly: If you have a dryer with a rack (supposed to be used for things like sneakers and sweaters and items not to be tumbled) you can dry a basket in 20 - 30 minutes! Re: basket finishes/stains: I have used Minwax stain, Liquid Gold, Deftoil, Weavers' Stain and some various washes. I like and use the Deftoil the most as it gives excellent protection and you can mix a multitude of colors. Weavers' Stain is similar in ingredients, I believe, and is very, very convenient. It is just too expensive and color limited for my current needs (or tastes?) P: I collect Precious Moments figurines and am learning to not collect napkin rings, pitchers, bells and decks of playing cards! Marsha from the U.P. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: WW Date: Wed, 9 Sep 1998 22:10:39 -0400 From: "Chris Baker" To: David Collins Claudia: It was someone else on WW that gave this tip, but I am clueless as to who. I have since started using this & it really helps. Hold your basket over your tub of stain, & use a turkey baster to squirt the stain all over the basket. Linda Braun: thanks for the tip on the Deft Gloss Wood Finish, I might try it. Sounds like a good idea. I also liked the idea about drying baskets on a food dehydrator, I think it would also work to dry dyed reed on a rainy day or for winter time. Chris Baker Days Gone By Augusta, Maine http://w3.ime.net/~cbaker/ online catalog:(updated 9-8-98) http://w3.ime.net/~cbaker/catalog.htm NOW ACCEPTING VISA & MASTER CARD! {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Kettle Corn Date: Wed, 9 Sep 1998 22:05:18 -0500 From: "Patricia A. Moritz" To: David Collins Hi Everyone, While we are busy thinking about recipes for the Weavers Cookbook, does anyone out there have a recipe for the old-fashioned "kettle corn?" At ole-time festivals here in the St. Louis area, vendors make the corn in a large copper pot and use sugar, white corn and some type of oil. Needless to say I haven't been able to find the recipe. I'm sure it is called by several names in different parts of the country. And no, this isn't caramel corn. It is just an absolutely wonderful, addictive sugared popcorn that is crisp and not overly sweet. If anyone has the recipe, please e-mail me direct or include it in Weaver's Words for everyone's enjoyment. Bert C. - I would like a copy of the bibliography write-up when you get it finished. Right now, I'm experimenting with waxed linen in flat designs. Am hoping to get some pointers from Jane Sauer. Too bad I didn't plan to try this project while Jane was still living in St. Louis. Hopefully, she is settled into her Santa Fe studio and home by now and give me some hints. Karen Mitchell - Send me an e-mail if you might want to ride along with me to the Oct. 11 guild meeting. The more the merrier. Be sure to bring along any scrap reed you have - any size, any colors. Elaine - Let us all know how the blindfold weaving goes. Linda Katorba - The cookbook sounds great! Just let us know what categories and I'm sure you will be deluged with recipes from around the country. David C: What kinds of cookies are your favorites???? Maybe we will all stagger our mailings to you so you won't be overwhelmed with cookies, although Mom would probably be glad to help you eat some of them. Thanks for all you do for Weavers Words and for each of us individually. Although most of us have never met you, we all hold you close to our hearts! {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.