"Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. 86 Date Sent: February 25, 1999 Web Page: http://welcome.to/Weavers-Words Subscribers: 957 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 have created a new forum/bulletin board for everyone to use. This is a great way to post messages like basket tips. All you have to do is go the forum and click "New Article". Then type your message. Easy As Pie. You can also reply to other people's forums. The address is: http://www3.bravenet.com/forum/show.asp?userid=zb101628 Please keep sending your messages to Weaver's Words first. There's been more pictures added. Check 'em out. The address is: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/pictures.html THERE'S STILL 21 STATES I HAVEN'T FOUND ANY GUILDS OR ASSOCIATIONS. 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: Moses Baskets Date: Tue, 23 Feb 1999 20:54:32 -0500 From: "Chris Baker" To: David Collins I recently had someone write to me asking for Moses baskets describing them as baskets that can be lined with material and used as portable bassinet's for babies. I told them I'd look for pattern. Can someone tell me where I can find a pattern for one of these. It needs to be traditional weaving, I don't have time for anything fancy. If you could email me personally that would be great, & faster. Email address: cbaker@ime.net I appreciate any help I can get. Thanks Chris Baker-ICQ#19347967 Days Gone By http://w3.ime.net/~cbaker Updated 2-20 online catalog: http://w3.ime.net/~cbaker/catalog.htm Updated 2-19 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 85 Date: Tue, 23 Feb 1999 23:24:37 -0500 From: "Donna Longenecker" To: "David Collins" Hi everyone - I guess Angie & I will have to compare notes before writing. With us both being busy, she usually reads WW at work, but I get it at home the night before. So please pardon us if we duplicate, but as you see, we sometimes have different opinions. Jayna - Thanks for your wishes, but it's Angie that's getting married. I've already been in that "blissful"(Eileen & Patti - don't laugh too hard!!) state for 32 years now. Winnie - What a wonderful birthday present - you have a very thoughtful husband. Lois - It's a shame you're not driving! Since we seem to be on everyone's route to the Big Apple you could stop by and we could outfit you with some snuggies. Unfortunately, we're getting into one of the coldest spells we've had all winter this weekend. Connie - Sorry for all the flak you're getting on the kudzu - hope you realize that a lot of it was good natured kidding. (Kinda like the person who, thinking it was just another vine, harvested poison ivy for basketweaving). Greetings to everyone coming this way in your travels. If you let us know ahead of time, we'll send you our listing of "local" accommodations - campgrounds, motels, & B&B (understand, we are out in the country), eating places and sightseeing in the area for those who may be along but not thrilled with spending a lot of time in our store. There are great walking and hiking trails in the area (we are right off the Appalachian Trail), a world renowned Hawk & Eagle Sanctuary is just a few miles away with a great visitors center and trails, antique shops, steam RR, etc.,etc. There are some links from our site that will tell you more. Also, this summer is a celebration for the 125th anniversary of Kempton. Big time in the little town. So if you do come to see us, let Doris know in the store that you're from WW. Angie and I are always in the office and we won't know you're here unless you say something. Please everyone, THINK SPRING (we do have a crocus peeping out, but think he'll go back with the forecast for this coming weekend!) Donna ctryseat@fast.net http://www.countryseat.com (online catalog in full working order) %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Vol. 2, No. 84 Date: Tue, 23 Feb 1999 23:53:55 -0500 From: David & Ruthanne Morningstar To: David Collins Hi Everyone. I wanted to remind everyone traveling to Indiana Convention by car to make sure you stow your basketry tools safely. Remember one of our members had a terrible accident and her tools went flying around her car. The best place is in your trunk if you have one, or probably behind your seat on the floor. In an enclosed container would probably be better. Let's be safe out there! I haven't been to a Convention in years. Been out West every October during the Michigan convention and have never been to Indiana's. Have been told it's great. Looking forward to it. Also, a word about Carbon monoxide detectors. We heat our home with wood. For a few weeks, my husband would wake up with severe headaches and I didn't want to get out of bed. Just felt very sleepy. Well, I bought a detector, plugged it in and it went off 15 mins. later. We had a leak in our stove. The detectors cost about $40 but you can get them cheaper without the numerical readout. It's a good idea for people to get one for their home. This is not just for old homes, newer homes can have leaky furnaces, too. It's cheap insurance. I encourage everyone to invest in one if you haven't already. Connie in upstate NY - I don't think any question has gotten more responses than your Kudzu request. Beverly in central Mass - I'm a big Civil War buff too. Been down to visit the battlefields in Virginia, i.e. Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, Cold Harbor, The Wilderness, and Spottsylvania Courthouse. Wonderful places. Just standing on the same ground where all this happened is beyond words. We even followed the route that John Wilkes Booth took after shooting Lincoln. Well worth the trip, if you're into that sort of thing. I don't know anything about the reenactment though. Basket Bash '99 is underway. If there are any businesses that would like to send catalogs, or info on what they sell, e-mail me and I'll give specifics. We are giving out goody bags and welcome any materials. The dates for Basket Bash '99 are April 9, 10 and 11 at Mayville, Michigan. Registration is open and the deadline is March 9. After that date, there is a $10.00 late charge. Get your registrations in. I'm looking forward to Indiana Convention and hope to meet some of you! Ruthanne Morningstar in cold, cold, Dryden, MI. It's Cold! David & Ruthanne Morningstar Dryden, Michigan Mstar@mich.com dmstar@CompuServe.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re:more guild info Date: Wed, 24 Feb 1999 16:45:59 +0500 From: Freebairn To: David Collins Hi David, It's me again. I just wanted to mention that our guild just had a weekend willow workshop with Sandy Whalen, and there are pictures of it on our guild's web page. http://members.iquest.net/~freebairn/ Thanks janet freebairn %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Kudzu Date: Wed, 24 Feb 1999 10:23:11 EST From: AuntPattie@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Dear David, As a native southerner, it's been interesting for me to read all the comments about kudzu. As a child I never realized that there were parts of the country where trees were never totally covered in a vine canopy. It's kind of fun sometimes to watch the progress as the kudzu grows up the telephone pole and stretches on the line and begins to cross the street. It's really neat when it grows up both sides of the street at the same time. Then you can takes bets on what day it will grow together and give an arbor effect. Since kudzu can grow several inches a day during the prime growing season, you can easily identify the day that this happens. Now, for those of you who are determined to grow this lovely & fragrant plant (it blooms in late summer and the purple blossoms smell like grape Kool-Aid or Pixie Sticks) you need to follow these instructions very carefully: First, apply a serious defoliant - Round-Up is too weak. You need a heavy application of something with real residual effects. Agent Orange is a good one. Next, apply a minimum 3" thick layer of asphalt - asphalt works better that concrete because the heat it absorbs really kicks in the KGH (Kudzu Growth Hormone). Unfortunately, it always dies back with the first frost but you can always pot some for indoor enjoyment all winter. Just set it in a sunny location and be sure to cut it back often as it can get out of control. In fact I think mine probably needs a little attention. Where are my pruning sheers? What's that brushing against my arm? Wait, now it's on my neck!!!!!!!!!! Oh, my ARRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: re: backpack Date: Wed, 24 Feb 1999 10:25:01 -0500 From: "Angie Longenecker" To: "David" Hi all, Rae - Lisa Nortz was the basketmaker who's backpacks were featured in LL Bean last fall. Her baskets are not ash, but are regular basket reed. Ten Thumb Barbara - we beat Karen in cats! We have 4 kittens from last year's litter, the mom cat and her brother (the brother is fixed and he and one of the kittens are allowed in the house - they insisted until we gave in), plus another brother who has become a roamer and only comes home every couple of months for a day or two, plus a stray kitten who comes and goes (usually coming every morning for food), plus about 3-4 stray male cats who are here only because the mom is in heat (they must come from the neighbor's houses). Many years ago we had 15 cats one year - the cat food bill was pretty high that year! We usually have about 4-5, every year some of the kittens are adopted by our customers. We only had one male cat for a couple of years, so I had a hard time letting any of our kittens go the past 2 years (my mom was asking everyone she saw to take a kitten and I was doing my best to make sure they stayed here). Lyn - glad you're coming out for the guild meeting! It should be an adventure. Jayna - Mom (Donna) told me she already wrote a note to you - gave us both a laugh! If you go to our About Us page - http://www.countryseat.com/aboutus.htm - you can see who we are (Donna and Bill are my parents). Trying to stay warm in PA, Angie The Country Seat http://www.countryseat.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weavers Words Date: Wed, 24 Feb 1999 08:14:53 PST From: "Alice Edwards" To: davidc@iei.net Hi Everybody, Bless you David, for all the work you do providing us with this opportunity to share. Could you be persuaded to give us a little information about the "Weaver's Words Forum" you announced in issue 82 and how it works. Congratulations and best wishes to Angie and Carolyn. I won't get to go to the Indiana convention this year, but plan to join the guild in hopes of someday attending. For now I am busily studying the booklet for the Missouri convention. This will be my first convention and I am really looking forward to it. I will be sharing a table to sell baskets at a fund-raiser for the historical society where our guild meets. They are having a spaghetti feed and will have a group of craft tables also. One more step and, I guess, an admission that I take myself, and baskets, seriously. But after saying yes, I am experiencing sudden flurries of doubts and panicked thoughts about ordering business cards. Marty Z. - Thanks for the info about Retayne. I'm going to check first and see if I can find it locally. Do you ever use it with reed you didn't dye yourself? In the soak water perhaps? Ruthanne- a wild boar hunt - Wow. Billie in Va. Beach - try using a piece of #0 or #1 round reed to hold the spokes in the groove on a wooden base. One of the patterns I made called for that and it worked well for me. Just insert the spokes, lay the round reed on top of the spokes up against the base and use a weave-rite tool to push the round reed in the slot. It holds the spokes in place nicely. The size of the slot and the round reed determines how firmly the spokes are held, so adjust the size to what you need. Good luck and hope it helps. Marty Holihan - Thank you for offering your advice to Carol in 'open forum'. Your words will be in our memories if we need them later, and we may have other members who will benefit now. I like to see the answers included for all. We have so many members now that it seems possible that any question will apply to more than just one of us. Beverly - central Mass. - thanks, glad you like the idea of just keeping everyone in my prayers. I have perhaps been remiss in not mentioning that it isn't exactly original. The basic concept goes back to a seminar by a Rev. Goff, a Methodist pastor, that I attended years ago. His suggestion was that many people were often unwilling to ask for prayer because they didn't feel comfortable sharing the details. He recommended only sharing names and that you should visualize yourself mentally lifting the person or situation up to God, who already knew more about the problem than we did. So, I mentally lift the whole list, all of you when you are in my thoughts, including anyone who has shared their problems. And I generally assume that if you are on my mind, perhaps there is a reason, so prayer is indicated. Eileen - Yes I do back track and redo portions of baskets sometimes, though not as often as I once did. Kudzu Karen - I take several magazines. Since I am at work now, will check and send more information about them later. Several suppliers such as Country Seat offer back issues for sale, which could be a good helpful in trying to decide if they are what you want. I think I have received issues of both 'Just Patterns' and 'Black Creek Country' recently. Happy Weaving from Alice Edwards in the Chilly Kansas City Area %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: Williamsburg Date: Wed, 24 Feb 1999 13:18:24 -0500 From: jbenner@juno.com To: davidc@iei.net To the person going to Williamsburg, Beverly?, We went about 10 yrs ago with our son and daughter. They were ages 11 and 13 respectively. They were not one iota interested. Son kept wanting a drink and seeing kids with soda cans so spent his time looking for the elusive soda machine (never did find it). Daughter just huffed her way around desiring to go to Busch Gardens. That was why we didn't buy tickets to go into anything. Wasn't too neat not going in, just wandering around. I'd go again (as a couple without children) in a minute. Was a beautiful area and lots of unique shopping. We stayed in an econolodge with a dome over the pool. Was very pretty and the happiest part of the kids trip. Beware if there are people outside restaurants giving appts to see a plantation in exchange for free tickets to Busch Gardens. We fell into that trap and lost 4 hours of vacation time to pushy time share salespeople. It wasn't a real plantation as my dh thought. It was a timeshare named a plantation. We did get the tickets, but boy were those salespeople mad and rude when we didn't buy. At that time I didn't spin or weave so would be interesting to go back with an eye toward those crafts now. I understand there are sheep there but never saw them the first time. Since we live in Pa. near Phila. we've been to Gettysburg several times. Actually as a child we went every year for my birthday. I loved the battlefields not for their history, but cause I could run to my hearts content and climb the huge boulders at devils den. Also heard the Baltimore Aquarium is quite good and Harpers Ferry is nearby. Lots of history for the civil war buff. Just make sure to take extra food and drinks for the kids if they are anything like mine. On another note, thanks to all who replied about my carpel tunnel. Seems evenly divided between the people who are glad they had the surgery and those who are avoiding it. Since surgery would mean being without work for a few weeks (I'm a self employed housecleaner) I'm trying to avoid it as long as possible by babying the affected areas. Sooner or later though, it seems like it will be a necessary evil. Take care and happy weaving! Judy Benner PS> To Angie, I didn't realize your wedding was this summer. Congrats! Your fiancée seems like a nice friendly and funny guy. Did you ever decide on an "official store greeting?" (VBG) %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: viewing patterns Date: Wed, 24 Feb 1999 15:24:01 EST From: StarlaK@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hello Fellow Basket Addicts: My husband will be out of town for 4 weeks doing some military training. I'm sure I will be a weaving fool until he returns. We are in small government quarters so it is becoming a challenge to find a "spot" for the latest baskets. I give classes a few times a year to some of the other military wives looking for something "creative" to do. I just did a second "Judy"s" New England Quilt Basket, just love it! Bought the wood base and handle from Suzanne Moore's. Those who are just beginning or those who are looking for something different may be interested in viewing some of the sights that have pictures of their patterns for sale. I have to limit my time on these sights because I find so many "great" patterns that I've just "got" to have. One sight is www.basketpatterns.com, another is www.basketsofjoy, of course there are others, these are just my current favorites. If you know of any others, don't keep it to yourself!! Just tried my grandmothers old trick of setting dye, I rinsed my reed in cold water and vinegar. We'll see if that helps. I will also try the Retayne method, I just saw that stuff at a quilt store last week. I have a few checkered baskets that I'd like to try, but hate it when the reed runs! My thoughts and prayers go out to you who are going through difficult times. Joy and Hope to all, Darla Krahling %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Driving adventure Date: Wed, 24 Feb 1999 17:45:02 -0800 From: Kathi Klopfenstein To: David Collins References: 1 Hello to everyone. I am new to WW, and would appreciate information from you. My husband and I will be driving from California to Halifax, Nova Scotia in July. I am looking for recommendations for basket-related stops we will "need" to make on the way. Fortunately we will not have a tight schedule and I would love to see as much as we can. I am a pine needle basket weaver, but I am interested in all kinds of baskets....so please indicate any ideas you may have. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Kathi %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: opps! Date: Wed, 24 Feb 1999 21:24:32 -0500 From: "E.W. Clark" To: "David Collins" Sorry everyone! A number of you wrote back to me after my last post (THANKS!) about my book, ADDICTED TO BASKETS. You can either send me a check directly, $16.50 for book rate shipping, or $18.30 for Priority Mail. Send the check to me at EW Clark, PO Box 1333, Havelock, NC 28532 or you can print off an order form at the website, www.basketaddiction.com. Let me know if you want the book autographed and/or personalized . Be sure to mention Weaver's Words, and reduce the prices on the form. Sorry for the mix up, I guess I shouldn't try to burn both ends of the candle while I am sitting over the flame! Until next time, may all your baskets be filled with special blessings! Betsy Clark %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 85 Date: Wed, 24 Feb 1999 19:17:33 -0800 From: Sharle Osborne To: David Collins I'm sending some basket pictures in to David's picture page. I love looking at other peoples work, so I thought I should contribute too. I skim through WW, picking up bits and pieces and tips along the way. I know people join all the time and information gets repeated so I'm going to repeat a tip I posted some time ago. I had a stain on a cedar hat I was making when I left it soaking with a metal clip on it. It turned the cedar black. I used a lemon juice solution that took the stain off and saved my day, It also lightens cedar that has turned dark from being in my iron rich well water. I use lemon juice to wash my stained hands and even keep a bottle at work. I'm looking forward to a Basket Symposium on March 6th at the Seattle Art Museum, a Spring retreat with the Northwest Guild March 26-28th, A workshop with Melinda West in Port Townsend in April through the PT guild. That should bring us to within a month of the beginnings of gathering season for cedar bark. I think gathering comes up in conversation every time I talk to Kathey Ervin, We just can't wait. I see lots of blowdown and trees washing down the river now but it is too early to take the bark. breaks my heart. Bert Comstock- Let us know when your daughter moves to Seattle. Maybe we can give you some choice dates for visiting her that match events out here. Thanks to everyone who sent me emails about my basket site, and the nice compliment about how fast it loads. My husband works at that. We have a slow connection out here and like fast sites too. Sharle Osborne sharleo@orca.esd114.wednet.edu http://www.olympus.net/personal/skoehler/bskt.htm %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Wed, 24 Feb 1999 23:27:20 -0500 From: David Collins Organization: Weaver's Words To: davidc@iei.net Hello Everybody, I should be ashamed because it has been so long since I've written in but see David spends so much time on the computer that I don't get much of a chance. I am David's mom and again this year I am the chairperson for the IBA Raffle for our 1999 convention which will be March 25 - 29. If anyone is interested in helping us out this year by donating an item for the raffle, please contact me at our e-mail address or call me at (317) 899-5747. If you are coming to the convention you can bring the donation with you if you'd like or you can mail it to me beforehand. I just need to know what the item is so that I can make up signs before convention time. We did a great job last year and of course would like to do even better this year. Your generosity is very much appreciated by all who attend convention. If you happen to have a business this is a great way to advertise. Keep all the input coming for Weaver's Words. David needs to keep busy and stay out of trouble. Thanks, Norma %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 80 Date: Thu, 25 Feb 1999 02:24:32 -0600 From: Roberta R Comstock To: davidc@iei.net Hello WW! I just discovered that there are several posts I wrote, but never sent, so I'm going to run several of them together here. Guess that's what I get for trying to deal with email at 3am. Vol 2, Iss 78 - Christine Raymer - Where is your area? Are there a lot of other weavers near you? Elaine Bidstrup - Hope your husband recovers rapidly from his car accident. Iss 79 - Ron and Bobbie - Your website is way cool! I hope you plan to expand it soon. It needs a picture of Jack & Bobbie, for starters, and some descriptions of each variety of willows that you grow. I'll check back every once in a while to watch it grow. Susan Haslebacher - I wove a lidded basket that could be used as a purse at woven Circle's fall weave-in in November. Wanda Graham taught the class. The lid is in 3 pieces. The center section fits between the legs of the handle and the moving flaps are connected to it with leather laces. The handle came already attached to the slotted wooden base, so it worked up quickly. I still haven't had time to paint a design on the lid, though; but I think it will probably be something from an Anglo-Saxon manuscript illumination - maybe a pair of animals and some acanthus leaves. (I'll send info about the pattern name & author as soon as I find it.) Lois - Hope you enjoy your trip to New York. In March you will need more than sweaters there. I recommend a layered approach - such as a long sleeved shirt, perhaps a vest, a zip-front hooded sweatshirt or unlined polar fleece jacket, and a windbreaker that can fit over everything else and will double as raincoat. (If you can get to a thrift store after you arrive, these things would be readily available at low cost and you wouldn't have to worry about lugging them home again - just a thought.) The weather is likely to be chilly, rainy &/or windy. Snow is unlikely, but still possible. Sturdy comfortable walking shoes are a must - something like sneaker-type running shoes or leather ones of the sort worn by nurses. They can make a world of difference in how you feel after all the walking on concrete at the airports. I gave up panty hose years ago - you don't really need them if you wear slacks or longish skirts that hit about mid-calf. Knee-highs will suffice. (But I usually wear cotton socks with all my shoes - it's much healthier for my feet.) In New York City, many women can be seen in athletic shoes along with their business suits. They only put on the dressy shoes after arriving at their destinations. Will you have any free time to see sights or shop? Sandy Atkinson - Please share my condolences with Nicole and the rest of your families on the loss of her baby. Anna in Tassie - What a great vacation you had! What can you tell me about New Zealand Flax? Gretchen Hautzinger - I would stain the basket and then paint and then apply a clear sealer over all. Painting the strip before weaving would only work if a) you knew exactly what part of the strip would show on the finished basket, or b) you painted a continuous pattern that wouldn't be diminished by part of it being out of sight - such as vinework or a small repeated motif. Also, if you dyed your reed before weaving the basket, you wouldn't need to stain it afterward - just paint and seal. Mary Carty - Sorry to hear about your uncle's death. Hope things go well with your aunt. Is she in good health? Iss. 80 - Gail Caron - You and your husband have my sympathy in the loss of your father-in-law. Valerie - I've been collecting basketry books for a number of years and have most of them catalogued in my personal basketry bibliography. It's much too long to post here, but if you'd like a copy, email me privately (Froggestow@juno.com). I sometimes find some real treasures in used book stores. It might be worthwhile for you to visit the ones in your area and see if they have any basket books. Char Braun - I really enjoyed your discussion of painting and how to deal with oil base stains and acrylic or oil paints. I usually don't have to worry about that as I only stain with water base home-made stain, so far (walnut or coffee/tea). But I will definitely think more about the technicalities before getting into future paintable baskets. (It's years since I painted with oils, but I used to do a fair amount of that, including illustrations on Easter eggs.) Thanks! Amy from NW Ohio - Glad to hear none of you were seriously injured in your van mishap. Andrea - Welcome back! Well, this is getting pretty long so will wrap it up for now & send the rest later. Bert Comstock - busy, busy, busy in Independence, MO %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 84 Date: Thu, 25 Feb 1999 09:59:26 -0000 From: "french" To: "David Collins" Hi All: I want to thank everyone for their answers to my questions about outdoor baskets. I did just use walnut hull stain on them, so I'll just let them weather and see what happens with them. I'm hoping I won't have too much of a mold problem, but only time will tell. :) I also want to let a fellow weaver not far from me know that her swap basket is FINALLY on the way. As usual, my biggest problem was finding a box. Next basket swap I think I'll get a box and then make a basket to fit in it. :) Hope everyone is having a pleasant winter - spring is just around the corner. In fact, my daffodils think it's Spring already - they are popping up all over the place. I only hope this cold snap doesn't wipe them out. Happy Weaving to all Diana French from southern NJ %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" Date: Thu, 25 Feb 1999 09:49:06 -0600 From: "Sandi Quint" To: It's been a while since I've written - I read all the stuff I get - I really enjoy the discussions and the tips for everything from painting to Kudzu! Someone asked about first baskets - yes, I still have my first basket - and since I signed and dated it - I now know precisely when I started this magnificent obsession! I received my beautiful swap basket a couple of days ago - a wonderful feather design with a handmade handle. Thank you soooooooo much! It's given me lots of ideas - although I'm wondering what you stained it with? My swap basket will be in the mail to somewhere in Maine this weekend - sorry it has taken so long - it's been "done" for a while, but I wanted to stain it, and it's been too cold here to do it in the garage. It is supposed to get into the 40's in the next day or two, so I should be able to do it then. I have two questions: 1 - has anyone ever heard of or worked with sisal? All I know about it is that it's used in the Far East to make rugs, and that it used to be big here in the 70's for macramé. I was wondering if it could still be purchased anywhere here, and if it could be used in basketry. 2 - I have a sister in the San Diego area, and was wondering who or what is out there in terms of shops or guilds or just plain basket makers. I'd like to be able to explore that when I visit, and of course since my sister is not a basketer, she doesn't think there is anything available. Any ideas you can give me will be appreciated. Take care and God bless . . . Sandi Quint Internet: s-quin@.cafe.tc.umn.edu Brooklyn Park, Mn 55444 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Swap Basket - Thank you! Date: Thu, 25 Feb 1999 15:34:35 -0800 From: "Mike Bajczyk" To: Hi Weavers, I received my swap basket Monday from Jeannette Loutsch in LA. She made "Totally Twill" by Jean Cadmus. It's very festive looking with space dyed reed of blue, teal and pink. Thank you so much - sure brightened my day! Thank you also for the Mardi Gras treats stashed inside. My daughter's Elizabeth (8) and Madeline (5) were quick to snatch the beads and wore them the rest of the day. Jeanette: Right now, I would be glad to trade some cold weather and snow for some 70% weather! Spring won't get here soon enough for me!! My swap basket went out on Monday - to Tennessee!! (a touch of spring). Enjoy!! Sue Bajczyk Hibbing, M %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.