"Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. 89 Date Sent: March 05, 1999 Web Page: http://welcome.to/Weavers-Words Subscribers: 970 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, If you haven't already, everyone need to check out the forum/bulletin board that I added to Weaver's Words. This is a great way to post messages for everyone to see. It's particularly great to post your basket weaving tips & techniques or any special gatherings or events you may have coming up. A few of you have already taken advantage of the bulletin board and I think you will all like it. The address is: http://www3.bravenet.com/forum/show.asp?userid=zb101628 There's been more pictures added. Check 'em out. The address is: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/pictures.html Take Care, David davidc@iei.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: A few words Date: Thu, 04 Mar 1999 07:01:14 -0600 From: Crystal Drenner To: davidc@iei.net Hello, I used to think weavers words was great, but every time someone asked a question, not all would be answered. I had asked several a while back and was ignored. It seems to be a click, and certain people talk to certain people. I AM NOT TRYING TO START SOMETHING, JUST TO MAKE YOU AWARE THAT IF NEW PEOPLE TRY TO COME ON, THEY WILL BE IGNORED. I stopped reading after a while {almost a year}. Now I have started reading again thinking things may have changed, so I submitted two questions last week. UNFORTUNATELY, no one answered. Personally the questions were not difficult at all. Sorry, but this is what I have observed. Blessings to weavers Crystal %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: Fw: stains minus odor Date: Thu, 04 Mar 1999 09:39:36 -0500 From: Ruth Emberg To: David Collins References: 1 Thanks, Karen I appreciate your reply. Do you get lemon oil, or lemon oil furniture polish? It sounds nice, but I will still have to be careful using it near my spouse. It is any pollutant in the air that affects his emphysema, regardless of the scent. That is why I use some things only in the summer where I can get rid of the fumes outdoors. I really prefer no treatment on the baskets, but some customers do like a finish. Occasionally I use a clear spray that has no residual odor. Since we moved, I no longer have a paint spray booth with exhaust fan, so that too is a summer project. Angie suggested mineral oil, and I plan to try that. Ruth %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Thu, 4 Mar 1999 10:09:25 EST From: Charweav@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Winter Weave in Mentor Ohio is over :( The conference went very well. I took Jo Campbell Amsler's fishing creel. It turned out great. That's saying a lot because I don't weave with willow very often. I also did Mary Hetts, 3 stick basket. She's a great teacher. I've been weaving for about 9 years and I learned so much about filling in on ribbed style baskets. I also made Dianne Stanton's woodland market. I don't get to work with naturals very often so this class was wonderful. The birch and elm bark we used was great to weave with. I even finished 2 of the 3 baskets (thanks to Flo Hoppe!) Other Business! Believe it or not, I will be sending out proposals for next year's Winter Weave 2000, this coming week. It will be held Feb. 25, 26, and 27th. Winter Weave is held in Mentor Ohio, about 30 minutes east of Cleveland. We had 100 students this year and 12 teachers. Anyone wanting to be added to the proposal mailing list, please email me and I will send. Proposals will be due May 1st. The actual basket you propose will have to be sent along. We will take our own pictures this year to try to get better brochure pictures. Now that Winter Weave is over, I get to go play!! I will be attending Midwest Conference next week, then I will be going to Indiana for the first time. I am excited. My boys are getting older so i can travel away a little more. take Care all and hope to meet some of you at Indiana Char Ciammaichella in snowy Aurora Ohio %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: weavers words Date: Thu, 04 Mar 1999 09:11:27 -0600 From: shontz To: davidc@iei.net Hi, Everyone, I have been reading WW for some time, now and feel that I know so many of you. I live in beautiful Iowa on the banks of the Mississippi River, and have been weaving for about 10 or 11 years. I teach a wonderful group of people in small classes here in Clinton and the surrounding towns. I have been listening in amazement about Kudzu. Am familiar with it from trips to So. Carolina and would like to know what you have to do to it before it's weavable? I weave mostly with reed, but have done some with naturals, especially driftwood from the river. Thank you Dave, for letting me join this great group. Vicky on the Mississippi River shontz@clinton.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Hello from VA Date: Thu, 4 Mar 1999 10:27:05 -0500 From: Chris & Melissa Kile To: davidc@iei.net I've been lurking here for a few months--it's a lot of fun to read about all the different materials and types of baskets everyone is making. I've been weaving about 10 years, mostly in the summer--I teach Kindergarten. I love it--very relaxing, and makes great gifts. The only time I've sold any is for a fundraiser our Sunday school class did, and made over $150 for our building fund. It was a great chance for me to see how to price the baskets, and what people like. Very educational! I don't see many people from Virginia on WW? Are you out there? Some year, when I have time, I'd love to help start a guild down here (near Blacksburg, in southwest VA). This year has been incredibly busy--we opened a new school, and we've been meeting-ed to death. Susan R-F--thank you for the info on starting a guild. I love the Shenandoah Valley--I attended JMU in the late 70's. I've enjoyed reading about the kudzu also. When I was much younger, my family would travel to far southwest VA (coal country) to see grandparents. Kudzu was everywhere. I personally would never plant it anywhere. It would be likely to survive even in Alaska! Thanks also to David for getting this together. It's very informative and fun. Must be a monumental task! Melissa Kile Riner VA --where we just got another huge blast of winter, and are supposed to get more! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Thanks Date: Thu, 4 Mar 1999 11:33:20 EST From: AuntPattie@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Dear David, Thank you for this newsletter where I can make my silly comments & get my questions answered. A while back I asked if anyone knew of a basket shop near Panama City & one of the replies I got was about Woven In Time owned by Linda Scoggins. I made an unexpected 36-hour business trip to L.A. (Lower Alabama) and Linda was gracious enough to make room for me in her class. I made a really cute melon basket from space dyed reed, bought a few supplies and had a blast. Linda, thank you for your time & hospitality. If anyone is headed in that direction, you should definitely check out Linda's store. When I returned, I had a package waiting for me from Diane Rigterink. Thank you Diane for the Chip-N-Dip basket. I love it!!!!!! We have a lot of company and I know I will use it often. OK - Here I go again. Does anyone know of a pattern for Snow Shoes? My brother's birthday is in April & yesterday he asked me if I could make him some snow shoes for his birthday. Knock me over with a feather - I couldn't believe that he didn't already have 3 or 4 pairs since they are such a necessity here on the north side of Atlanta. Maybe he wants them so he can walk across kudzu fields or something. Anyway I told him I'd try to find a pattern so, if anyone out there knows where I can buy one, please let me know. Thank y'all in advance for your help. Pattie Bagley in Georgia where spring is bustin out 4 weeks early. Woohoo %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: auction Date: Thu, 04 Mar 1999 11:38:03 -0500 From: roman@tm.net To: davidc@iei.net Was surfing the cable channels and happened on "At the Auction" People bring in things and experts determine an approximate value. A miniature egg basket was presented by a gentlemen - a weaver himself, who had paid $500.00. He guessed it might be worth $1,000.00. The egg basket was in good shape with a rich patina - old, but not ancient. Woven of white oak and probably from Kentucky. Though a miniature, it was larger than necklace size. The "expert" in this field of antiques, estimated it's value at between $6,000.00 and $10,000.00. Luckily my husband was watching the show too. I know "value" and price are all in finding the real live person who would actually PAY that much, but it was gratifying to see that fine little basket get that kind of recognition. From chilly Midland MI- Kristin %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Thu, 4 Mar 1999 11:48:51 -0500 From: "joym" To: Hi Everyone! We are in the midst of a B-I-G windstorm here in North Central Maine. And, I am ready for Spring! Adding to the cat census: We have Bonnie the Maine Coon Cat. You can pop in & see her in both natural and dyed colors at http://www.signofthecrow.com/housestudio.html I lost my sweet little Cabbit Kitty Christmas before last when someone ran him over in front of the house & left him for dead. His memorial picture is at http://www.signofthecrow.com/spring.html He was a beauty - white with blue eyes & a coon center! Came off the Indian reservation. Re: staining & order. My favorite is still Deft spray because it dries very fast. As with all spray, you have to stay upwind. I will often spray, step away to fresh air, spray some more etc. My second choice is Weaver's Stain; second only because it takes longer to dry. The odor dissipates quickly, once dry. First basket: A small berry basket woven from a kit purchased at a local Indian store. The store's gone now, but the basket hangs on the big iron pot rack in the kitchen. Nantucket supplies: Also try http://www.johnmcguire.com and be sure to check out Susi Nuss' Mining Co. site. If you go to the Bulletin board & check the 3 recent postings about Nantuckets/value for dollar, Susi's posting gives the link to her article on Nantuckets. She lists lots of supply sources in there. Jackie: Adding to Bert's comments about early baskets. The pilgrims (and probably some other groups a little later) were NOT active in basketry. At Plimoth Plantation, in particular, their venture was financially supported by folks in England & their contract (or whatever it was called) included their provisions for the first several years. They were too busy building their homes, clearing land etc. to make their own baskets, but received goods from England. Easy to see why they may also have used Indian made baskets. You can see some pictures of baskets at Plimoth Plantation in the Explore Maine & Beyond section of my website. Also check out the crafts center, museum & Mayflower pages for other early basketry examples. Joy Moody, Basketmaker E-mail: baskets@signofthecrow.com Website: http://www.signofthecrow.com Handwoven baskets for the discriminating buyer. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket Swap, trips, and cats Date: Thu, 4 Mar 1999 13:12:19 EST From: Arlo1225@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi Everyone! Just received my swap basket from Teresa J. in IN. It's gorgeous! Thanks so much Teresa - will send in a picture soon! Hope my swap basket found its way safely to MO and my buddy likes it! Thanks again Jan for your work coordinating this swap. Can't wait 'til the next one! Kathi K - Your trip to Nova Scotia sounds exciting!......and long! Don't know which routes you will be taking, but if you happen to travel through NE New York you might want to take a detour to the Iroquois Museum (just outside of Cobleskill), the Adirondack Museum (about 1 hr. north of Albany) or the Shaker sites in Old Chatham, NY, and the Shaker Hancock Village outside of Pittsfield, MA. All have wonderful examples of baskets. Cat count: 5 indoor cats - 3 Siamese (Blu, Montana, and Mindy), 1 black and white short-haired (George) and 1 long-haired calico (Tiger-eyes). These critters are not too polite when it comes to my baskets as they like to "mark" their spot - consequently, I keep my baskets out of their range! They all seem to prefer my lap...usually at the same time! Also have 3 dogs, 100+ pheasants my son raises (raise and release 4H project) and 1 goose (his/her buddy just died - coyote?) and this goose is driving us crazy! It climbs up on our front porch and back deck, leaves messes, and honks all the time! MUST find him/her another buddy soon! 2 cats, 2 dogs and the goose were all strays - must be a sign outside our house saying "home available"....can't really complain, I love them all. Gotta run - Happy weaving to all! Lesley %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: basket swap Date: Thu, 4 Mar 1999 09:23:53 -1000 From: "ckat" To: "david collins" I received my basket the other day from Julie in East Tennessee and it is gorgeous. It's a heart shape basket with blue wall and a beautiful border. Thanks again Julie. This is nice to come home from a long day at work and find a box there for me with a beautiful basket inside. The weather here is great not to humid yet. Hope that everyone has a good week. Kathy %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Baskets Date: Thu, 4 Mar 1999 14:36:38 -0500 From: Wendy Milne To: "'David Collins'" Hi all... I have been lurking for a while and wanted to jump in on the bas-cats issue. I have 5 and they love it when I weave and chase the reed until I throw scraps for them. When I vacuum I need to do all the baskets since they are considered the cat's possessions (and how dare I use them for anything!!) Just arrived back from my first trip to Baskets of Joy in Brunswick Maine and it will definitely not be my last!!! It was the first time I have been to a shop that was exclusively baskets and basket supplies. What a difference from a craft store! And Maureen and Lisa were great in helping with questions and quantities for my first class that I will be teaching on Saturday! I have been paying close attention to the advice given in the past regarding teaching and hope to do as well as you all have! Well, wish me luck! Wendy Milne Gorham, Maine (Where the wind is blowing but the sky is dry!) %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: misc. Date: Thu, 4 Mar 1999 15:59:52 -0500 From: "Angie Longenecker" To: "David" Hi all, Lois - That's great! Mike actually told his mom he was going to marry me about 6 months into the relationship and it was probably about that when I said the same thing to my mom. So everyone's just been waiting around for him to ask me. Their responses were all "It's about time!" I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one with funny cattails, no pun intended. My indoor kitten has a 90-degree bend near the end of her tail, her sister has a smaller bend near the base. They were both born that way (there were 6 kittens and their mom was only 1 year old - I think they got smooshed in there). Hope you had a good trip - I hear it's been snowing in NY! It'll prob. be enough to hold you over for another 6 years! Marilyn - with this many members, it seems as if we completely cover every positive and every negative possible! It's wonderful that weaving has turned into a healing process for you. Hope everyone is hanging on until spring gets here! Angie in PA The Country Seat http://www.countryseat.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Thu, 4 Mar 1999 14:46:16 -0800 From: hannah To: "'davidc@iei.net'" Hello again, I wanted to let all of you know that due to the volume of our current orders and with the IBA coming upon us so quickly, we will not be able to ship any orders that are received between March 4th and March 31st, until April. If you have an order already placed with us, we are working on it and it will be mailed as soon as possible. Otherwise, we apologize if this causes you any inconvenience. We certainly appreciate all of the business that we have gotten in the last 6 months and look forward to working with all of you again, very soon, and maybe we will see you at the IBA. To those of you that are going to attend the NC convention, I hope that you all have a wonderful time. Make many new baskets and friends. I hope that we will get to meet you all someday!!! Until next time.....keep on weavin'!!!!!!! Pam Feix in Southwest OH, where the weather cannot decide if it is spring or winter. I hope it decides upon spring very quickly!!! http://www.feixbaskets-crafts.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 86 Date: Thu, 4 Mar 1999 18:26:14 -0600 From: Roberta R Comstock To: davidc@iei.net ww v2 i86 Pattie - Your kudzu post was great for a laugh - I needed that! Alice - Thanks for the tip about using fine round reed to wedge the spokes into a slotted base. Judy Benner - One more comment about carpal tunnel surgery. If you let the problem go too long without the surgery the nerve damage may become permanent and not be relieved by the surgery. Sharle - Thanks for the lemon juice tip. I plan to try it on an oak camp table that turned black where well water was spilled on it at a camping event several years ago. If that doesn't work, I may just pour iron-water over the entire thing and let it all go black. My daughter's move is kind of up in the air at the moment. It all depends on when her SO gets his settlement for injuries suffered in a vehicle accident a couple of years ago. The court date seems to keep getting delayed. Once that happens, he plans to enroll in a heavy equipment school under the voc rehab program. I'm not exactly clear on the location of the school. I'll definitely let you know when I get particulars. Norma - Hi! It's always nice to hear from you. Good luck with the convention and raffle. I can't be there this year - maybe next. Sandy Atkinson - I had an interesting experience today. I was reading a basket book while waiting in line at the pharmacy and the man in line behind me made a comment about it. Then he asked if I watched that basket show on TV. Yep! He was talking about your show! I had looked for it last year, couldn't find it, and just figured we didn't get it around here. But now I know what channel to look on, so maybe I'll finally get to see it. Sandi Quint - I have sisal twine in two sizes. I dyed quite a bit of it with Rit at our guild dye party in September. I'm about to start a coiled basket (or maybe a mat) with it. It took the colors beautifully. I bought mine at a salvage store, but I think you could find it at farm stores or builders' supply places. I've also seen balls of sisal twine in garden shops, and once in a great while in craft stores. The dyed twine is not twisted very tightly, so I'll probably tighten it up as I coil it. I'm also going to use some in a rib basket soon. Bert Comstock - off to make some hot herbal tea to loosen up the congestion in my head and chest. (Independence, MO) %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Sweetser Baskets Date: Thu, 04 Mar 1999 23:36:47 +0000 From: Tony Stubblefield or Dean Meredith To: David Collins References: 1 Hello All, Marty - How timely you question about Sweetser baskets is! The Basket Shop News from Nate's Nantucket just featured an article about the Sweetser tradition. The Sweetser family was originally from Vermont and for generations produced a wide variety of brown ash baskets. There round bottom baskets are characterized by a "star" pattern on the base of the basket that is formed from the radiating spokes. Fifth generation basket maker Newt Washburn (Bethlehem, NH) is the of the family still weaving. He has taken on an apprentice though, Irene Ames (IMA Basket) from Morgan, VT (I am so jealous!). I first learned of Irene from her web site http://www.vermontcrafts.com/members/IreneAme427.html and asked her to send me a copy of her brochure. Her baskets are quite nice and reasonably priced. I would like to add one to my collection. On her site you can see examples of her Sweetser baskets. Bert - Thanks for the nice complement on my web site and thanks to everyone who has sent me notes to the same. I am planning on coming to the MO convention, but only to shop the vendors. One of these days I have to get my act together and submit a basket to teach myself. If you are going to have a get together or some identifying mark for WW people please let me know. Either way I will try to look for you. Oh, I just got back from London, England this past Monday. It was cold, gray and rainy, just as I expected it to be. I had a good time anyway I was disappointed that I didn't find a basket to add to my collection :-( Next time I think I will need to venture from the big city to find any examples of traditional English basketry. Oh well, I guess that is an excuse to go back again. Talk care and happy weaving, Tony Stubblefield - St. Louis http://www.tetranet.net/users/deanandtony/baskets.htm %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Swap Basket Date: Thu, 04 Mar 1999 23:09:18 -0500 From: Joe Conroy To: davidc@iei.net Hi David, First of all, I would like to thank you for Weaver's Words; although I am usually lurking in the background, I look forward to each new post. There is always so much to learn and the hints are very helpful. This is the first time that I participated in the Basket Swap and it really was an exciting adventure. I felt like a child anticipating Christmas morning as I waited for my swap basket. Monday afternoon, as I was heading home from school, I passed the US mail truck down the road. As I approached my driveway, I noticed a package on the ground next to the mailbox; it was what I hoped it would be - THE SWAP BASKET!! My swap partner was Gail Caron; she made a beautiful basket called Melissa's flower basket. It is an Eileen LaPorte pattern. Attached to the basket was a bouquet of silk roses. It certainly perked me up on a dreary winter day! Thanks so much Gail! In June I will retire after teaching seventh graders for the past 29 years, and as much as I have enjoyed teaching adolescents, I am eagerly looking forward to my next adventure which will be spending more time in the world of basketry. Maybe I will even get to actually use some of those many, many patterns that I have been collecting for the past 12 years! ...From chilly Rhode Island where there really are daffodils springing up outside of my classroom window. Kate Conroy %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: traveling with tools Date: Thu, 4 Mar 1999 22:31:05 -0600 From: jean c may To: davidc@iei.net Hi everybody, In answer to Yvonne Cornelius' question regarding traveling (by plane) with your tools. Don't try to carry them on board.....put them in your checked luggage. I have "gotten away" with leaving them in my carry on but have also been stopped! It's not worth the risk (to say nothing of the embarrassment), security is taken very seriously in most places, and I for one am most grateful. Now my husband just wheels his tool bag on board without a problem, but I'm not going to get into that right now. Just check them and don't run the risk. On the question of bringing back "stuff". Most conferences have a shipper available at the hotel on check out day. It's sometimes a good idea to keep size in mind when choosing your projects. I usually have boxes to ship home because of baskets from the pattern room and left over teaching materials. I try to keep things at a minimum just simply because it starts to get costly. Do some careful measuring, pack well and if you can manage it use a wheeled oversized duffel type bag. The key word here is "wheeled"....pack so that the weight is at the wheel end and fill up all the spaces so your baskets are well protected. I have 2 wheeled duffel bags that one will fit inside the other. My plan is usually to put one inside the other for the trip home if I don't need them both. Just keep in mind that you've paid for so many pieces of checked luggage, even if you have to check a box (that you purchased from the shipper), you can check it by just declaring what's inside it...just pack it well. Enjoy IN.....I'm headed to NC that week end, too bad the two events both landed on the same date this year. Where in TX are you? Maybe San Antonio? I'm on the Gulf Coast, between Houston and Galveston. We have a small active guild here that you might be interested. I also know a couple of weavers in the San Antonio area. Email me and I'll put you in touch with them, if you're interested. I know what you mean about finding basketmakers in TX.....I'm sure they're out there somewhere but this is a BIG state and it's not always easy to find them! Jean Cadmus May %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: WW V.21. 87 & 88 Date: Thu, 04 Mar 1999 22:46:57 -0800 From: "Larry T. Boitnott" Organization: Larry T. Boitnott To: davidc@iei.net Hi Everyone, I'm between weaving conferences so thought I would get caught up on reading and share my experiences. Thanks David for all you do. Without your expertise we wouldn't be connected. Congratulations to Angie and Carolyn on your engagements. Rae, please let us know the minute we can purchase your willow melon basket manual. I for one can't wait. Beth, I helped form the Woven Together in Kalamazoo Basketry Guild a couple of years ago. In Michigan, we have a state association and we followed their guidelines when we organized our local guild. Five basket weavers met several times and jotted down ideas and then called and mailed as many weavers as we could and invited them to an informational meeting. Then, I think we set a date to have our first meeting and formalized our ideas according to the wishes of the many. Later we elected officers, ask for volunteers to teach baskets and we were off and running. I do not get down to the meetings as much as I'd like cuz of the distance, but I think Linda Cleveland a weavers words subscriber, would be happy to answer questions. Right Linda? I think I missed something while gone weaving. I do not understand the new forum/bulletin board. How does it differ from this posting? Can someone explain the difference to me? Marily from Missouri, The way that you are able to express yourself certainly is a gift. Your last post was very enlightening and excellent food for thought. Thanks for sharing. Chris Baker, My best friend up here had a baby 2 yrs ago. She is not a weaver but loves baskets. She ask me to make a full size baby bassinet. I made one and it turned out great. But I did not have a pattern. I do not write patterns. I do have a rough draft and notes for Raegan's Bassinet. I could make another one from that if I needed to. I don't know how that would help. But I'm interested in any ideas. Hi Jackie Z. Nice to see that you have joined in. I'll write and thanks for the e-mail. Bert and all - My trips have been GREAT!!!! One more to go - Midwest Focus, an alternative conference. My best friend, Mary, and I headed for Iowa and had good weather. We didn't have much time outside of weaving to explore the colonies, but this was my third trip. We did manage to get to a quilt shop before closing. I do not quilt but love to look and appreciate the fabrics and quilts. A method that I am not familiar with is called "stack and wack". The quilts were beautiful. At Willow Weekend '99 there were 3 teachers and 4 students per teacher. It was wonderful. Joanna Schanz was my teacher. I learned to weave an oval French Lace basket. It is also called a zig zag weave. An apple picking basket, an oval laundry basket and square letter box were the other baskets woven in my class. Jo Campbell-Amsler and Kathy Kellenberger were the other teachers. We stayed at Joanna's house and on Saturday nite we all went to a local eatery and enjoyed a family style meal. Wonderful weekend with intense learning, great fellowship and the aroma of willow all weekend. Doesn't get much better. And as it turned out, I met a fellow ww - Pam Parins. Great bonding! With memories of the Amanas still whirling in my head and willow basket techniques fresh in my mind, we arrived home in time to do laundry and pack to leave for Winter Weave '99 in Mentor, OH. The Wildwood Basket Guild did an outstanding job again this year. Pam and the girls were so organized and the food was catered and out of this world. I wove 4 baskets in 3 days. My first class was with Mary Hettmansperger. This was my first experience with Mary. She is a great lady - very creative, sensitive to the needs and feelings of others and willing to share her ideas. And she is to funny!! I'd recommend her to anyone wanting to learn ribbed basketry, gourds, beading, papermaking, and wild weaving. And she learned to call me Sue Ann instead of Sue. Then that nite I wove a shaker hex with Judith Olney. Good class and I learned alot. Most everyone wove for 10 hours that day. Saturday, I wove a ribbed basket using 3 sticks for rim and center rib. I learned so much from Mary in that class too. Then, the icing on the cake was the Willow Bowl that I wove with Jo Campbell-Amsler on Sun. I didn't get my basket finished but will complete it. I think that I finally learned the concept of weaving ribbed baskets. Jo is an excellent weaver and great teacher. It is great to watch her demonstrate. She handles the willow rods with ease and they just seem to lay where she wants them to go with no effort. We left that conference and headed for Kentucky to see my friends Ron and Bobbie at Willow Dreams Farm. When we arrived Mon. morning the sun was shinning and the peeper (little frogs) were peeping and the grass was greening. Bobbie met us at the door and we walked down to see Ron in the willow field. The willows are already putting on leaves. Ron showed Mary his field and after lunch we headed out in the jeep for the grand tour. We picked up some willow and cedar for embellishments (like Jo Campbell-Amsler shows in her book) and Ron cut some Staghorn sumac for us also to use for embellishment. We talked willow until before supper and after until bedtime. It doesn't get much better. We also tried to talk Kudzu but Ron wouldn't allow it. He was afraid it would start growing in his willow just by mentioning it. Ha Ha. Anyway, don't tell Ron and Bobbie that we stopped in town on the way home to look at a hillside that had been overtaken with the vine. We decided not even to cut any to take home and weave with. But at least I have a feel for all the discussions. We stopped at Restoration Products on the way home and found room in my truck for a few more purchases. Our first time there. I dropped Mary at home at 7 PM and then headed north. North of Grand Rapids I hit snow and slippery roads. The slow trip home took until 10:45. I was glad for my 4X4 truck. Well, I've scheduled another oil change and then on to weave willow baskets under Sandy Whalen, my mentor! Guess I'd better sign off happy to have the chance to share my experiences and encourage others to "experience willow". If you are concerned that it is hard to work with, just use smaller rods and make a smaller basket. I'll bet you won't regret the challenge. Right, Joanna, Kathy, Jo and Sandy? Peace filled days everyone. Sue Ann %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket Swap Date: Fri, 05 Mar 1999 07:50:05 +0000 From: wanda crist To: davidc@iei.net David and fellow weavers- I received my wonderful swap basket from Vicki Robinson in Richmond IN. She wove a napkin basket and it's already in use!! And as usual, it arrived on a day where we need a little pick me up!! I volunteered at an "Artist Day" for a local elementary school. Two moms compiled twenty different artists (dance, drama, watercolor, pottery and Baskets-as well as others!) The kids rotated between artists about every hour, which created its' own challenge. In all about 130 3rd and 4th graders wove a little 3" basket very similar to the small Yankee candle basket by Farmers' Wives. A very rewarding day for all involved, including me!! Thanks again, Vicki - I love the basket!! Lori in Illinois %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weavers Words Date: Fri, 05 Mar 1999 07:04:15 -0500 From: Ellen Dewkett To: davidc@iei.net I'll join in the pet count by adding my cat Gus and large, lovable German shepherd, Toby. Gus can scrunch himself into very small baskets. I don't know how he does it. The two of them have a strange and wonderful relationship. It used to make me nervous when Gus' head would disappear into Toby's mouth, but apparently, they have some kind of deal worked out. I am looking forward to the NCBA convention in a couple of weeks. I have such a full schedule, it's going to be hard to get any shopping done. I hope to get to meet some of you there. Ellen Ninety Six, SC (where the early daffodils are almost finished blooming but the hyacinths and crocuses have started doing their thing) %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Paris Date: Fri, 05 Mar 1999 07:11:45 -0500 From: Winnie Organization: @Home Network Member To: David Collins Hi Everyone, My trip to Paris was wonderful, I'd do it again in a minute. I did notice a few French women with baskets on their way to the market, nothing special very utilitarian looking. I was hoping that my swap basket would be here by the time I returned, but I'm still waiting. Maybe tomorrow. Winnie %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 88 Date: Fri, 5 Mar 1999 08:41:45 EST From: DeeGrin@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi David and fellow weavers, Have been having a great month of weaving experiences. I wove baskets at the Florida State fair for three days and met a lot of interesting people and just enjoyed showing people and telling them about weaving baskets. I was surprised at the number of women that told me they are taking classes or have made baskets. I would say close to 30% at least. Met some new spinning and weaving friends at have joined the local basket weaving guild and attended the spinning & weavers group. They were all very nice and friendly. One lady at the fair told me she would be demonstrating how to weave the bottom basket like she had learned how in Germany. It is a straight up and down on inside and then the way is it is wrapped it comes out as a sideways v on the right side. Very pretty. She used cane and reed but I came home and made a miniature with brown ash which weaves so much nicer. Then I looked thru my notebooks and found a pattern for tea baskets by Joan Moore who uses it in her baskets on the side. I ended up selling all my baskets that I took into the fair the last day I was there. I keep saying I'm going to keep one of each one I make but then end up selling them. Then I was going to demonstrate but not sell my baskets at Strawberry festival on the porch of their pioneer house, but someone felt it was too commercial! Oh, well. Another lady that takes all her antiques in had asked me to do so after seeing my Hearth basket, and she was so upset at them for not having me, she took my hearth basket in and has it setting in the house. What a hoot! I am getting excited as my daughter and her family with the 8-week and 3 1/2 year old granddaughters will be here next weekend, and then I leave for the NCBA convention. I know there are a couple more of the WW going. Are we going to wear red ribbons or anything? I have the miniature fishing creel on Thursday night and the Ash lampshade on Friday. At first I was disappointed that I didn't get anything for Sat. & Sun. but after reading Billie's comments I remembered how tired I was last year, exhausted would be a better word. So going to take some of my kits I bought last year and try to control my spending a little bit more this year. My husband helped me finish the rims on our first handpounded white ash basket that we have completed together with a handle. We were going to send it to the friend that gave us the log, but I told him I just can't part with it. It is such a thrill to actually have done the whole thing together and the white ash is so beautiful. I am sorry to hear of so many of the weavers suffering illnesses and losses and my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I am glad we have this way to share our sorrows and joys together. Bert, was glad to see your comments again, you are missed when you don't write. David, thank you so much for all the time an effort you put into bringing so many people together. Dee Grin in sunny Fl. Where the weather has been beautiful for weaving outside. Hope the spring will be coming soon to those who are having such bad snowstorms. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Website Update Date: Fri, 5 Mar 1999 13:48:12 -0500 From: "Baskets Of Joy" To: Hello from Baskets of Joy! Be sure to check out our newly updated website www.basketsofjoy.com! You'll find new patterns and products listed on our New Products page. Our latest FREE PATTERN is "My First Easter Basket" -- just click on the photo you'll see and print it out. This is a great basket to learn to make a pretty round reed border. Got any questions about patterns or products you're looking for? Email us at basketsofjoy@basketsofjoy.com. Hours for 1999 are: Monday-Friday 10 am - 5 pm and Saturdays from 10 am - 2 pm. (Remember, we're in Maine so we're on eastern time.) You can email or fax (207-725-6004) your order 24 hours a day. Visit www.basketsofjoy.com today! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 87 Date: Fri, 5 Mar 1999 14:11:54 -0600 From: Roberta R Comstock To: davidc@iei.net "Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. 87 Crystal - The WW basket swap was started last summer by Joy Moody. Someone agrees to be the coordinator and announces the dates and rules. Then whoever wants to participate signs up via email. We have a month to weave a basket and send it out to the assigned recipient. Meanwhile, somebody else in weaving a basket they will send to us. It's fun and exciting and will probably happen again in a couple of months or so. The one that's just finishing was the third. Anna - Thanks! That's just exactly the sort of information I was looking for on the NZ Flax. I've heard that it is grown in the US as an ornamental. Now to see if I can find some. Our winter may be too harsh for it, but I could make space in the tub room, along with my jade plant and Bob's lemon tree. I envy your ready supply of NZ flax! Bert Comstock, Independence, MO %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: WW Date: Fri, 05 Mar 1999 15:09:56 PST From: "Alice Edwards" To: davidc@iei.net Hi Everybody, I have been hip deep in stuff to do at work and home, but meant to get this sent in sooner. I keep working on it in a few spare minutes, then just as I'm almost ready to send it, I receive another issue and decide to answer it also. So.. this is it! I'm sending this and everything else will have to wait for the next time I send in. Bless you David for all your time and effort. Even if I don't write, I certainly look forward to each issue and read them avidly. Kathy In Aiea - can you explain what 'Lahala basket weaving' is and how it differs? That is a new term for me. I am also trying to decide what classes to take at the Missouri Convention. Meet you there! We'll all have to try to get together during the convention. Barbara (Ten Thumbs) - No cats, sorry. In fact no pets for several years now. Better for allergies and our schedules don't really leave enough time for pets. Jayna - yes, I have my first basket, in fact I still have the first 5 or 6 at least and use them. They really do help remind me of my 'beginnings' in the craft. My first basket was a Kitchen Counter Clutter basket and even then I tended to go my own way a bit. I didn't add the ball feet or stencil the apples on the ash strip. But it is still very useful and I enjoy using it. Thanks for a question that has stimulated very interesting discussion. Lois - Yes, I've found a few patterns that are a bit lacking. I agree that the dimensions of the finished basket should be included. I would also suggest that the person that tests the pattern should do so when the writer is not around to explain or teach. I think part of the problem is that when you are writing something you know what you mean to say and even when you go back over it, you miss the holes. This is true of e-mail, letters, and all types of writing; not just patterns. Years ago, I helped produce a newsletter when I was secretary of an organization and I found it helped to write what I needed and then wait a couple days and review it. I caught some definite goofs. I occasionally blow it when I write in to WW, and wonder how I could have missed them at the time. Hope you enjoy New York. Chris Baker - I think there are a couple of Moses baskets in the book, "Basketmaking" by Kay Johnson. You might try to get a copy from your library and see if they are what you are looking for. As I recall they used round reed or willow, but it has been awhile since I got the book out so I could be wrong. Ruth Emberg - I have asthma, so can sympathize with your necessity to avoid odors. I use Weavers Stain occasionally and let the basket air out in the garage for at least a day. I often leave them unstained. I haven't done craft shows yet, but have had problems occasionally when the Friends of the Library have a book sale at the mall. Candle places I expected to be a problem, but since I'm not a mall regular the smell from the nail place was a surprise. No one involved in planning realized ahead of time how bad it would be. We had a fan in the store room/office area and plugged it in and blew fresh air at the area where the volunteers were working. Pam Feix - the accident Ruthann mentioned was serious, Donna Kallner's vehicle was struck by a drunk driver while traveling to Willow Weekend at the Amana Colonies with a fellow weaver. Her tools were scattered all over the vehicle. Thankfully no one was injured by the tools, although they were both injured. She wrote in to warn everyone on the list about the potential danger in Vol 1, Issue 97. Scissors, knives, bodkins and other tools could be very dangerous flying about at high speeds. She also included other very good advice for traveling and I would recommend everyone go to the back issues page of David's website and review it. Diane - It was a pleasure to meet you as well. Hope you make it to the next guild meeting. Happy Weaving from Alice Edwards in the damp Kansas City Area %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.