"Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. 85 Date Sent: February 23, 1999 Web Page: http://welcome.to/Weavers-Words Subscribers: 952 David Collins 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 317-899-5747 davidc@iei.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Do You Like Weavers Words? Click Below To "Recommend-It" To A Friend! http://recommend-it.com/l.z.e?s=210339 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% "Web Cards" - Create Full-Color Postcards For Your Web Page. http://www.printing.com/affiliate.asp?site=davidc For every free sample of "Web Cards" that you request from the above link, I will receive a $1 commission. It cost you NOTHING. Once you receive your free sample, you can purchase personalized "Web Cards" for your web page and/or business if you like. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% "Bare Walls" Basket Pictures/Prints If you are looking for basket pictures/prints, check out "Bare Walls" through Weaver's Words site. I will get a 15% commission from Bare Walls for every picture/print ordered. The address to check out the pictures is: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/prints.html %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Hi Everyone, I've been able to find many guilds and associations. I need help from everyone in finding more. I would like to thank Linda Braun for helping me find many. If you want your guild and/or association added, please include the following information (If Applicable): Name Of Guild And/Or Association Contact Name Web Page Address E-Mail Address Postal Address City, State Zip Phone Number You can find all of the guilds at: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/events.html Take Care, David davidc@iei.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 84 Date: Sun, 21 Feb 1999 00:44:09 -0500 From: "Susan Tripp" To: "David Collins" Hi weavers. This weekend is Winter Weave and I'm really excited as it's my first convention. Here's hoping the snow will stay away another week! I've also just signed up for the Stowe convention in May. There must be other WW subscribers who go to that - who else is going? I'm hoping I will receive my swap basket before leaving for Winter Weave???? I've sent my basket out priority on Friday so my person should be receiving it Tuesday. Connie: PLEASE don't bring that kudzu up here! (Unless it's dead and twisted into a beautiful kudzu basket.) Mary Hooper: Glad to hear you are keeping an eye out for your dog. I got a chuckle out of that. Eileen: I don't back track much on baskets. Sometimes when weaving a particular pattern the basket wants to go its own way. I usually let it go and see what happens. I've gotten some beautiful baskets that way! Dianne Gleixer: Be sure to stop at The Country Seat in PA when you go there. They are members here on WW, so you should be able to pick up their web site from their postings. You will have a ball inside there! Someone warned me on my first visit to plan for several hours (they have lots of patterns and books) and they were right! Have fun. Susan from upstate NY %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Kudzu, monster and menace? Date: Sun, 21 Feb 1999 09:50:13 -0500 From: The Horners To: davidc@iei.net Hi guys! First, David, thanks for this list. Really enjoy reading each one. You know, I especially enjoy the weather updates from people. Since I'm stuck here in the mild South where snow is a rarity, I love hearing about other peoples winters! Second, about Kudzu. It is native to Japan, but is not a rogue plant there, because of weather or other biological controlling factors that keep it nicely in check. Kudzu was brought to America by the Japanese to some Exhibition in Philadelphia, PA, where it was a well behaved plant. My understanding is that some of the original plant still grows in Philadelphia. When the kudzu was transplanted to the South, to feed livestock and to help stop erosion, the result was overly impressive. The plant apparently thrived too well in our heat and without hard winters to kill it back, it got quickly out of control. It is the weed that has taken over vast parts of the south, see my webpage. But, it does not appear to be so detrimental in other climates, so I don't think growing it in NY would be devastating, if it will grow at all. BUT, I would watch it closely. Kudzu is tricky, and one never knows. Plant ing it in a steel box to see what happens would be a good idea. Hope people are doing well, and preparing for Spring. The daffodils have been out here for about 2 weeks, but we could still have some cold weather ahead of us. It was 25 last night. Karen in Georgia http://members.xoom.com/kudzuweaver %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: outside baskets, swap Date: Sun, 21 Feb 1999 09:53:09 -0500 From: Winnie Organization: @Home Network Member To: David Collins References: 1 Hi Everyone, I have another idea about outside baskets. When I make a basket for use outside and I know it will be sitting on the deck or patio, I always put "feet" on it. They are wooden stilts that raise the basket about an inch off the surface, thus letting air circulate under the basket. I had to rush my swap basket to the post office yesterday. I teach and was planning to make my swap basket during my February vacation, which started on Friday. Last week was my birthday and my husband surprised me with a trip to Paris, yes, the one in France. We're leaving tonight so I had to rush to make the basket and mail it because I won't be returning until after the mailing deadline. I was hoping to receive mine before I left, but I want to let my swap partner not to worry about the basket, someone will be staying at the house to receive the basket and take care of the cat and dog. Au revoir, Winnie %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Finally had a minute to catch up.... Date: Sun, 21 Feb 1999 10:06:01 -0500 From: "E.W. Clark" To: "David Collins" Hello everyone! I can't even remember the last time I got to finish the whole posting, let alone take a minute to write. I guess I have found my limit to how much I can cram into my life and still stay on top of things... Lately I have been losing the battle. One son started T-Ball practice yesterday, and the other is waiting for the Little League coach to call, so looks like things will be getting worse and not better! Little by little I have just read through the last 5 posts I had saved. It took me a while to figure things out, reading backward from the most current. It sure seems like people have been tried and tested in their personal lives. I am sorry for each of you for your losses and difficulties. It seems like the more you listen, the more problems, hurts and needs arise. I agree that being able to share your feelings in this group and receiving back so much love, prayer and support is what will help get us through the challenging times in our lives. I will keep you all in my prayers. To Dianne Gleixner, don't be afraid to teach just because you haven't taken a class. If you are comfortable with what you are doing, you'll do fine. Try teaching a few friends how to weave or if they already weave, try to teach them a new style basket and see how that goes. As for not teaching at a shop, that's also something not to worry about. I have always been at another location, right now I am teaching 6 week classes at our church. I just give out a list of supplies at the beginning, and try to keep the supply list simple. I always make sure the first basket in the set won't need dyed reed, so the new students won't have to worry about that too! The students can buy supplies at the same place you do. I couldn't teach on a regular basis if I had to do kits or shop for everyone! To Marty Zielke, thanks for sharing the info on Retanye. I am always interested in cheap stuff that makes your basket weaving easier! I have another run of my book, Addicted to Baskets in hand, so there will not be a wait if you decide to order one. I have now linked my website into an electronic mall, so now to get the reduced price for Weavers Words ($15.00 plus either $1.50 for shipping book rate or $3.30 for Priority, oh yeah, NC residents have to add $1.02 for the taxes) then just click on "Check in the Mail", print out the order form, then write "Weavers Words" and change the prices on the form. I am the one that fills the orders, so it will be sent out right away without a hitch. You'll save quite a bit on the shipping and handling charges, on top of the savings on the book itself. Well, I guess I have used up about all of the "free time" I can spare. Has anyone made plans to ID ourselves at the NC Convention? I can't wait to go. I could only go for one day last year, so fortunately it was closer in Raleigh for me last year. For those of you who carry my book, let me know if you'll be at the NC convention and want to get some more books, and I'll bring them to you. Everyone loves FREE SHIPPING!! Until next time, may all your baskets be filled with special blessings, Betsy Clark %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 84 Date: Sun, 21 Feb 1999 07:45:09 -0800 From: Naomi Paquette To: David Collins References: 1 Dear David, Per usual have been enjoying weavers words and love your little friend Jace what a sweety. I have sent out my basket to my swap partner hope it arrives in tack. someone in Washington should have it this week. Just loved participating in the swap can hardly wait for the bell to ring and find my package waiting. I know so much has been written about Kudzu but who ever is thinking of planting it really should take a ride down south and see what it does. I don't think the folks around where ever she/he lives would like it brought in. I loved the baskets made from it, they are beautiful. Maybe we should all find a place in Georgia or North Carolina and harvest it to weave with, we could save a tree or two. Happy weaving everyone. Naomi from sunny Florida %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket swap and shops Date: Sun, 21 Feb 1999 15:05:01 -0500 From: gatsby@larck.net To: davidc@iei.net I received by basket from Mary Hooper the day I returned home to my new hardwood floor. It is a wonderful magazine basket. The color in it is perfect for my house. Mary, I finally have the furniture all back in place and the basket looks perfect. Thanks again. Dianne, you were asking for places to visit around Reading PA.. I am not from that area but have the Country Seat catalog and am definitely going this summer when we drive to Ohio. They have been helpful telling me places to stay, visit and eat at in the area. I don't have my catalog handy but they are right off the main interstate that goes through that area. I'm sure Angie or one of the other people there will give you exact directions. I also went to a place that sells the dreaded "L" baskets (won't even spell out the name). I didn't buy any baskets but did buy a couple of tops and made my own basket to go underneath. I'm not confident enough in my woodworking and painting ability to make my own. If you are interested, let me know and I can give you directions. Beverly, you were going to Williamsburg. I went last summer. It was a great time but very hot. You probably should buy the Patriots Pass when there so that you can get into everything. We did Williamsburg, Jamestown, Carters Grove (a plantation), and Yorktown. My husband is a history teacher so he was able to add to everything we saw. If you are interested in other historical sites, try Gettysburg. We really enjoyed that one. If you go, get the tape tour. It really helps you understand what all of the points to stop at are and retells you about the civil war. It is only about $12-15 for the tape. I borrowed a friends. We went to other battlefields too. Manassas, Fredericksburg, Chancelorsville and probably any others that I have forgotten but were let down after going to Gettysburg. Hope this is helpful. Dot in Maine, were it's bright and sunny but still winter. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: kudzu Date: Sun, 21 Feb 1999 17:07:16 -0500 From: "Valerie S. Miller" To: "David Collins" Hi Everybody, Karen in Georgia-I really enjoyed your website and your kudzu baskets. They are freeform and rustic and beautiful. How and when do you gather that stuff? I would gladly pay for the postage if you could send me some. It looks like it would be a lot of fun to work with. Do you weave with it when it's green or do you have to let it dry some? Keep on making those great baskets! Valerie in Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: swap basket Date: Thu, 18 Feb 1999 22:25:51 -0700 From: "Rae Hunter" To: CC: "Martha Cloudesley" I was away teaching for 4 days and got my swap basket from Pam White today when I went down the road for my mail. A beautiful blueberry basket. Thanks Pam, I love it. It brightens my life to look at all my swap baskets. It is such an exciting idea and the coordinators are all appreciated. Thanks to David also. My manual "willow Melon Basket" should be going to the printers this week. I have a wonderful friend who did the drawings on his computer, John Mount. He has an Adobe something or other and has never made a basket. It is amazing how he could take my rough sketches and make them look like a book illustration. He was the push behind me to get this work done. When I got my ISBN number it all became real and exciting. I will be going to the Basketry Focus in Naramata B.C. and hopefully meet some WW people there. If you don't have the Information and want it contact: Diane Lawerence S12, C11, 230 Ponderosa Kaleden B>C> Canada VOH 1KO Phone 250 497 - 5536 or Martha Cloudesley at 250 497 - 6135 It is lovely setting across the lake from Penticton Dates are June 10 & 11 for Pre conference Workshops and June 12 & 13 for the conference workshops They have arranged a good variety of workshops. Hope to meet you there. Let me know if you do plan to go and weel arrange some way to find each other. Cheers Rae %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: Ash Basket Backpack Date: Thu, 18 Feb 1999 22:45:46 -0700 From: "Rae Hunter" To: CC: "David Collins (Weavers words)" >Hello Rae, > >Came across your email on the 'On line Basketmkers, Site'. I'm a >leather worker by trade and am currently replacing canvas straps on a >beautiful Ash Basketweave Backpack. Are you familiar with this style >Basket? I'd be very interested in finding a source of these to retail. >If you know of someone or are interested please email me at - >skypark@klis.com. > >Sincerely, >Sheila Horton, >Carleton, >Yarmouth Co., Nova Scotia. >B0W 1L0 > >Sheila (skypark@klis.com) I have gone brain dead or something, I looked through my books and can't find the backpack I thought was in one of them. Since I work in willow and other gatherings I had to create my own design for an order. David, Weavers words has a link that is a picture album of many people's work and you will find mine there also. As a result I am calling help from my favorite back-up Weavers Words. If you are not connected to it ...do it, it's great. Some time ago one of the weaver got a contract from L.L.Bean to make backpacks for their outfitters catalogue. I'm requesting that if anyone else has a closer contact or better memory than I do, please contact Sheila if you can help her. Thanks in anticipation of your help. Cheers Rae %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weave & Twine in '99 Date: Sun, 21 Feb 1999 20:50:20 -0500 From: "eskbaskets(Elizabeth S. Kourkounakis)" To: "david collins" Hello everyone! My friend and I just returned from Weave & Twine in 99 in Atlanta, where we had a wonderful time. Nancy Skinner and her fellow guild members did a wonderful job of organizing the event and making us all feel welcome. Some of the teachers included myself, Judy Olney, Eileen LaPorte, Judy Briscoe, Genie Jackson, Jean Cadmus-May, and others. It was a small intimate conference (about 80 students), with Royalwood, Jodi Shebester, Sarah's Baskets and others vending. I really encourage taking a look at this event in the future- it was a good time with great people and Atlanta was an easy place to get in and out of. These people did a great job. I hope you're all well and warm. Betty K. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: RE: BASKET SWAP Date: Sun, 21 Feb 1999 19:59:16 -0800 From: "chas" To: "weavers words" Hello to All: Just wanted to let "everyone" know that I received my swap basket on Saturday.. And boy, did I NEED it.. It was one of "those" days.. I had worked all week and just spend 5 hours trying to clean the house and NOT getting a lot of help from my family.. I was fairly grumpy (to say the least), and then checked the mail and had my basket.. And you really saved the day Kathey Ervin *** ;0) Kathey made me a cedar bark basket, and two bouquets of cedar flowers.. I have never seen anything like them.. the basket is just beautiful and I will treasure it always.. I have not worked in cedar bark, and the detail and time involved astound me... Thank you, thank you, thank you.... I can't wait for the next swap, they are always SUCH fun Ruth Lascurain Cinebar, WA %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket Swap Date: Mon, 22 Feb 1999 08:07:17 -1000 From: "ckat" To: "david collins" Aloha everyone I have just sent my basket on it's way to Georgia. Hope that she like it, this is only my second try at Lahala basket weaving with a lid. I'm so excited I'm going to the Missouri Basket Convention this year. My only problem is trying to decide what classes I want to take. This is going to be so much fun. This looks like a good week to weave in Hawaii. It's cool and rainy. Happy weaving to everyone. Kathy In Aiea %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Round trip.. Date: 22 Feb 1999 02:39:20 -0000 From: "J. Choate Basketry List" To: List Member J. Choate Basketry List - http://www.corecom.net/~choatepp I'm happy to say I managed the trip up the Freeman trail and lived to tell the tale. Actually the infamous (SOB) hill is only bad coming down as it ends in a 90 degree turn that parallels an open creek. I'm assuming that it's name was bestowed on it after several musher's exclamation at not achieving the turn. Of course our trip was not without some excitement. Crossing the Talkeetna river on the way back into town you have a choice of two manuever's. The first is over the (hopefully) frozen river or the second, across the train tressel (which the dogs are not fond of). Opting for across the (hopefully frozen) river we found that it wasn't, at about halfway. Now here is where some of those musher exclamations come in handy. Using a few and hiking the dogs up we made the other side. A lot better than a stress test on a exercise bike to make sure the old ticker is in order. Now that I've given you the latest "dog tail" update let me give you the latest on the tour. Whitehall, Montana has asked to host a class on June 19th. If you are interested you may contact Janet Minyard at janet@in-tch.com or by phone at 406-494-8227. Until the next exciting "tail" of the rookie year... Jill Choate Talkeetna, AK choatepp@corecom.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Survey Date: Mon, 22 Feb 1999 19:51:34 EST From: ZOOBAR@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net First of all- My many thanks to all of you for your kind words, wishes and prayers- they all help so very much- Second- after talking with Karen M in Minnesota I think a much needed survey is in order. Just how many of us Weavers have cats as companions, and if so, how many?? Karen holds the record so far with 4. Also- living in Kentucky, I've seen some of the disastrous results from Kutzu-don't grow it!!! And Kentucky isn't even the "deep" south! As was suggested- just pick what you need for basket making- not planting. Barbara in Louisville- a.k.a. The Ten Thumbs Weaver where 2 inches of snow is expected soon %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket swap, etc. Date: Mon, 22 Feb 1999 20:02:17 -0500 From: "jdlevan" To: Hi to everyone! It has been so long since I have written. The past month I have been without my computer - talk about withdrawal! First, the motherboard gave up. It was under warranty, so the company sent us a new one. Then our modem died, so they sent us a new modem. Meanwhile, the new motherboard is not recognizing plug 'n' play - it was defective. So, finally, another motherboard arrived and hopefully, the computer will continue to work. Someone in Maine should receive a fairly large box from PA - hope you like the "swap" contents! I am eagerly awaiting my package from wherever! Beverly in MA - what part of the Outer Banks will you be visiting and when? We will be in Duck July 3 - 10. I agree with your comment - heaven on earth! Also, The Country Seat in Kempton, PA isn't very far from Reading. Angie and Donna (they run the shop), write to WW often. I'll be visiting there for the first time in March, when they are hosting our guild's meeting. Angie and Donna - As mentioned above, I'll be with the Central PA Basketweaver's Guild when we visit in March - it will be great to finally put faces to names on WW! From very cold central PA (the coldest night this season - around 0 degrees) Lyn Levan jdlevan@mail.csrlink.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 84 Date: Mon, 22 Feb 1999 21:43:42 +0000 From: Tony Stubblefield or Dean Meredith To: David Collins References: 1 Hello friends, Billie - Actually glue is the norm in Nantucket baskets as are nails, both of which in just about any other basket would be a no-no. The only time I think things like glue and nails are bad is when they are used as a short-cut or a crutch to doing something the right way. In this instance my suggestion next time would be to use a little thicker material for the staves and you shouldn't have any problem. I really like 5-6 mm cane for my stave, it is still traditional, looks nice and is very economical. I also think your floss idea was fine, I have heard of people using double sided tape as well. Connie - I bet you are sorry you ever asked for that kudzu :-P I'm sorry we all came down on you, but I hope you know we weren't trying to be mean :-) Kudzu Karen - Did you happen to go to the web site I mentioned to Connie in the last issue of WW? There were some pictures of a women who has been making kudzu baskets for quite a while now and they are very nice. You should take a look at them I think they have the "finished" look you are searching for. Judy Mullins - I have seen the painted baskets you are talking about. I have seen them at flea markets mixed in with antique baskets. I don't know if the sellers knew they weren't old or not, to an untrained eye they look pretty convincing. At first glance I was quite excited, but once I picked one up and began inspecting it, it wasn't so nice. I am sure these are imports. The baskets are basically dipped in very thick buttermilk-like paint, sanded with a power sander (sometimes the worker got a little to heavy handed and sanded all the way through the splint) and finally stained with a dark oil stain. I have painted baskets before with true buttermilk paint (soldier blue is very nice), but I applied it much more sparingly and only to the outside of the basket as many antique ones are. I then hand sanded the basket, concentrating on the handle which I also rubbed with newspaper to give it that nice smooth shine a handle will get with age and use. Like anything, done individually this can look nice, but done in assembly line fashion they tend to start looking generic. Diane - I have been teaching classes for almost as long as I have been weaving and I finding it very rewarding and fun. I can actually make more money in one afternoon of teaching than I can in the same time of weaving. I would start out by limiting the class size to 6 students in the beginning, I never teach more than 10 at a time as I don't think the students get enough attention and that many can run you ragged! Also, start with a basket you feel very comfortable with and have made a lot of, that way you will probably be familiar with about every problem spot and will be able to quickly have a solution. It really isn't that bad and the thinking on your feet part is kind of fun. I currently teach out of people's homes and it is very different than teaching in a shop. It is very easy to grab something off of the shelf if you need it. I always have to assume that I am going to have a full class and I have to get my supplies early so that I am sure too have them. I also have to order extra in case someone breaks a handle or I run into a bad pound of reed. It would be terrible to run out of something, but I have ended up with a lot of extra supplies in the past. That is why I tend to like to teach classes in baskets that I regularly make so that I will have a use for the leftovers. This is also why I ask for a non-refundable deposit to cover the cost of materials. I will only refund the money if the spot can be filled or I decide to cancel the class for some reason. It is only fair and I really haven't had any problems with this policy. I hope this helps a little and good luck if you decide to give teaching a try. Beverly - I am going to New Hampshire this summer to take a Shaker basket class from Joanne Catso. I have gone out that way 3 times before and I always plan to visit shops or basket museums along the way. This year I plan on stopping by Royalwood again in Mansfield, OH for a good looking around and D.E.L.S in East Freetown, MA for Nantucket supplies. I would also like to visit a couple of basket makers along the way like Aaron Yakim and Cynthia Taylor in Pakersburg, WV (they make the most beautiful white oak baskets!), Irene Ames in Derby, VT (she makes beautiful Sweetser style ash baskets) and Alice Ogden in Henniker, NH (she makes beautiful ash Shaker baskets). I really want to bring back a basket from one of these weavers, I haven't decided who yet. I always plan too much on my trips and run out of time, I will see how it goes this year. Since you are going to NC you should look for a nice sweetgrass coiled basket to bring home. I asked my Aunt and Uncle to bring me back one from their trip this year for my Christmas present and I love it. Good luck and have fun safe trip. Eileen - I didn't used to go back and redo sections of my baskets, I think it was a combination of being a beginner and being too hardheaded. Actually now that I am a better weaver I am more likely to take something out. Today if I am going to spend so much time on a project I want it to turn out perfect or as close as I can come to it. So don't feel bad about taking out a few rows to get something right, just don't obsess about every small irregularity, otherwise you will never get anything finished. Having a critical eye is very important in basket making. Perfection is in the details. Sorry this is so long! I hope I helped answer a few questions. I went to my first local guild meeting (the Gateway Basket weavers Guild) this past Sunday and had a great time. I have been a member for years now and had yet to make it to a meeting. I look forward to going again, it was so nice not to have the phone ringing off the hook and not weaving by myself! Well, everyone take care and see you soon on the WW.... Tony Stubblefield St. Louis, MO http://www.tetranet.net/users/deanandtony/baskets.htm %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Mon, 22 Feb 1999 19:52:36 -0500 From: "Joan Culler" To: Hi David and basketmakers, I know that many of you belong to local guilds. We are in the process of planning to start a new guild and I was wondering if any of you had some good advice for me. What are the problem areas? Do you have substantial dues and then classes are free or do you have small dues and each one pays for their class? What officers are necessary? How do you decide what basket to do or what teacher to hire? Any other things that I should know about? I'm sure that the more problems that we have solved before we start, the better off we'll be. We have a place to meet and a source for postage and other small expenses to serve us until we get established. Marty Holihan- I'm glad you sent your advice to Carol to WW instead of to her e-mail. I'm sure we can all benefit from what you had to say. My sister has just finished her chemo after having a double mastectomy and I am awed by her strength and faith. Apparently you have them, too. Carol, time is a good healer. Keep your mind and your hands busy. Diane Gleixer - I assume you will be traveling the Ohio Turnpike on your way to PA. I work at an 1850's village that is just 4 miles off of Exit 25. We have many skilled artisans, potter, blacksmith, glassblower, tinsmith, cooper, etc. and a basket shop which I manage. We have a great restaurant, bakery and inn. If you would like me to send you a brochure just e-mail me your snail mail address and I will send you one. Joan Culler from COLD Ohio %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: SORRY Date: Mon, 22 Feb 1999 19:18:14 -0800 From: George Hart To: David Collins References: 1 In reply to Beverly Scott. I lived in Yorktown for 12 years. Your husband will loved Yorktown battlefied and Cornwallis's cave. Lots of history in the area. The reenactment is nice and the dress of the area is great. Some nice shops to visit. May even find a Williamsburg basket. Be sure to visit the pottery factory which is only a short distance from Colonial Williamsburg. The parkway also makes for a nice short ride along the York river. Some old foundations of plantations left and some history signs. Have fun. From Jo Ann in rainy and very windy Seattle. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: WW Date: Tue, 23 Feb 1999 01:07:26 -0500 From: "Jayna Glemby" To: "David Collins" Hello WW: After all the dire predictions about Kudzu, I don't think Karen in Georgia will send any clippings out...we will all just have to go down and visit her and bring back vines to weave with only, no growing. Karen, I use to live in Decatur a hundred years ago when I was married to what's his name and don't recall much about the vine then.....but like I say hundreds of years ago ( in the 60's). I've been putting together a peg rack to hang baskets from....just an old board and some screw in wooden pegs that I've painted. Don't know why, but before drilling holes in the rack for the screws, something made me think that because this is a house over 100 years old perhaps the studs wouldn't be the standard 16"apart. Good thing I checked with a stud finder.....they are 13", 14" and 15" apart ! And that variation was all in the same room! Thought I'd pass that along to anyone who might be in an older home. Donna at Country Seat: Best wishes on your upcoming marriage! I hope you will both be as happy as can be! Every February I bring out my special Valentine basket. It also happens to be the very first one I ever made....a very simple square to round basket, in half inch flat reed with a wider middle row accented by 1/4" strips of red. The rim is wrapped in red and the handle has red accents. I filled it with baby's breath and little red bows. I don't think we should ever give away the first of any craft we make. It's good to take out now and then and recall the joy and excitement of accomplishment we felt. It's not packed very tight and the upended stakes are not all straight, but this Valentine basket still has the ability to inspire and enthuse me. How about the rest of you? What did you make for your first basket? Do you still have it? From Jayna in cold central Massachusetts %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Atlanta convention Date: Tue, 23 Feb 1999 07:02:38 -0500 From: Ellen Dewkett To: davidc@iei.net I haven't written anything to WW in ages, but I have been reading every issue. I just wanted to say what a wonderful job the Greater Atlanta guild did with their convention last weekend. It was well organized, the location was convenient, the classes were great, and so was the food!! I really like those smaller seminars and conventions. I had classes with Mary Hettmansperger and Luke and Willow Block and enjoyed all of them. Congratulations on a job well done! I hope you continue to have your convention every year. Ellen Ninety Six, SC (where we're in the middle of a cold snap after having wonderfully warm weather all winter) %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: wreath patern Date: Tue, 23 Feb 1999 08:13:30 -0500 From: "Jayna Glemby" To: "David Collins" To: hanna@infinet.com who requested the wreath pattern on WW.....Please send me an email at, jayna@meganet.net and I will send it. I've tried several times and keep getting it returned with a failed message, using the email above that was in WW. Thanks, Jayna in central MA %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: swap basket Date: Tue, 23 Feb 1999 07:37:07 -0600 From: "PriNet" To: "David Collins" Hi fellow weavers, look out anyone who may live in Florida. There is a swap basket coming your way. I have been extremely busy this year, but did manage to get another swap basket on it's way. I hope the recipient likes it as much as I enjoyed making it. Also I am looking foreward to receiving my swap basket with much anticipation now as the month draws to a close with snow in the forecast for us. Will spring ever get here? Happy weaving... Susan prinet@iswt.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: aloha Date: Tue, 23 Feb 1999 13:31:53 -1000 From: The Keener Clan To: davidc@iei.net Aloha from sunny breezy and finally dry Hawaii. The Big Island had 15" of rain over the weekend... I have been working for hours on a basket and I*m ready to shriek! I know we started a holy war over patterns a couple of years ago (and somehow I got lots of flames--and even my husband, who can*t find his own e-mail, was accused of sending hate mail to other weavers--go figure) but I still wish people (and just some, understand--most pattern writers are competent and know what weavers need) would be just a little more careful when writing. I*m not talking about spelling, but this basket pattern--4 pages--left me confused. There were no dimensions. ..no where.. Since it is a round basket, I couldn*t tell by looking at the picture if the base was 6" or 10". I had to dye reed to weave with and knowing how big the basket is would let me know how much to dye. It has self made handles and the pattern writer doesn*t insert the filler until she is finished weaving. I would like to get those irritating long pieces out of the way by tucking them and inserting my filler and weaving around it, but I couldn*t since I don*t know how tall the basket will be and how tall the handle should be. (I could guess, but what if it then comes out too tall or too short?) (Am I making sense?) I did read the pattern before starting and found a third set of spokes that are not mentioned anyplace in the cutting or dyeing directions...just "add the third set of 1/4" spokes now". Then the spokes were so long, I had to cut off 6" in order to tuck them. If some writers don*t want to have their patterns tested, perhaps they could at least have another weaver just look over the written pattern to see if it makes sense. There were other boo boos in this pattern---and I think hell will freeze before I weave it again... I do have other patterns from this writer and have found mistakes in those, too....and I*m wondering why I*m throwing away my money on these patterns. I learned a valuable lesson this week. We are painting a tall garden angel in class and I didn*t like how the tiny stars on the wings looked, so after I came home, I tried to sand them off--and ended up doing so, but leaving lumpy things on my wings. No matter what I did or what I used, I couldn*t remove the layers of paint and sealer.....so I re-painted and stenciled the stars on (which do look better than those little blobs I*d painted in class) and will glue the bad side to her back.....so what did I learn? That painting isn*t like weaving...if I don*t like something I*ve woven into the basket, I can un-do it with little trouble--and I should leave well enough alone. I*m leaving for New York on Saturday and I*m looking for warmer clothes as I saw snow out the window on the TODAY show. I can find what I need (I think) but no mittens or gloves....so I*ll have to stick my hands in my pockets a lot. The Girl Scouts want "paid back" almost immediately-- which means I*ll have to put together my practicum and plan, recruit, and all that other stuff for a statewide adult event in July. That means less painting projects and fewer baskets..... So I shall "see" you all in a couple of weeks...and thanks Andrea for the info on driving in Ireland. When I read your letter to Bridget (my cohort on this trip) she laughed and said "I*m up for the adventure!" We*ll see. Aloha, Lois %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.