"Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. 9 Compiled By: David Collins Snail Mail: 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Owned By: Weavers Everywhere Date Sent: June 07, 1998 Subscribers: 614 "Weavers Words": http://www.iei.net/~davidc/ {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} ***IMPORTANT INFORMATION*** ***PLEASE READ BEFORE PRINTING*** 1.) Highlight entire issue. 2.) Click copy. 3.) Paste issue into a word processor of your choosing. 4.) Now Print. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} @=@=@=@=@ PICTURES SENT IN BY YOU @=@=@=@=@ In order to conserve space on printouts, I have removed the list of pictures. You can still see the list on "Weaver's Words" webpage. I will list any new pictures here. Keep the pictures coming. If anyone else has a picture, you can send it to me through email or snail mail. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} +++++Individual Weaver's Words Pages+++++ Of course you can always find links to each individual page on Weaver's Words home page (http://www.iei.net/~davidc/). Weaver's Words Home Page: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/ Weaver's Words Basketry Links: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/basket.htm Weaver's Words Favorite Links & Stuff: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/cool.htm Weaver's Words Free Postcard Page: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/postcard.html Weaver's Words Chat Room: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/chitchat.html Weaver's Words Classifieds: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/classifieds.html Weaver's Words Guestbook: ---http://www.lpage.com/wgb/wgbsign.dbm?owner=Basketry Weaver's Words Basketry Wallpaper Page: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/graphics/graphics.html Weaver's Words Basketry Clip Art Page 1: ---http://www.iei.net/~davidc/graphics/clipart.html {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 7 Date: Wed, 03 Jun 1998 00:35:37 EDT From: froggestow@juno.com (Roberta R Comstock) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 Alice Edwards - Glad you're feeling better. It's been a tough spring for several of my friends with health problems. I've had some rough times with asthma & allergies, but have the breathing thing mostly under control for now. Whew! My mother had kidney problems, so I understand some of what you've been going through; I sure hope yours are clearing up - they can be so miserably painful. I may be getting PAS; I already have a severe case of T(ool)AS, and chronic B(ook)AS. Those will be relatively easy to live with, though! Sandy Howard - Re: Bear grass - *Xerophyllum tenax* is not really a grass, but is a type of lily. Kay Ames - Not that I have time for it right now, but I would be interested in more information about the Society of Primitive Technology & their publication. Back in the late 70s-early 80s when I was dealing with a lot of cultural resources contracts on the job (inventories and data recovery of historic and archeological sites on Federal property), I knew a lot of people who were practicing primitive technology enthusiasts, but I don't think they had a specific organization for it. Many of them participated in what they called 'Friends of the Pleistocene' & I had the pleasure of spending one summer vacation at some gatherings on several of their field sites (other than the ones I 'had' to visit on my job). (Too long a story for here, but many fond memories.) That is where I met an archeologist who was studying primitive textile techniques based on impressions in pottery shards of cord-wrapped paddles that had been used in the shaping of the clay. That was the spark that fired my interest in spinning. Mary Carty - What a wonderful romantic thing! It's always good to hear about successes like your friends' wedding! I wish them a long and happy life together. Dee Grin & Billie Doris - Have once again been overtaken by events - I had every intention of getting to the Sheep & Fiber festival at Butler, MO again this month, as it's only an hour away from home & I really enjoyed the basket class Louise Page taught there last year & all the vendors who had basket books for sale. But here it is the end of May and I'm not even sure which weekend it was. Too many things to do and too little time! I don't understand how anybody can be bored after they retire! Judith Olney - You always have such helpful ideas to share when you write to Weavers Words! Thank you. Leslie - Congratulations on your basket open house sales. Bert Comstock Independence, MO {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 8 Date: Tue, 2 Jun 1998 23:27:01 -0700 From: Sharle Osborne To: David Collins I have a couple of questions. I have some long pine needles that are a nice brown color, but have some spots that I think are mildew. Can I bleach these out or should I just live with the variety it gives me? I would like to make myself a cedar bark hat and am looking for a form. I can think of a couple ways to make a form, but I really want to make the hat not spend time on the form. I've seen them made from Styrofoam. Does anyone know of a source? I want one of the wide cedar hats that has a headband inside. For the third time I am about to get a box of materials in trade from many miles away. It is always so exciting. Meeting, hearing from people and sharing through this list has been great fun. I have even had a chance to meet some people face to face. I can't wait till the end of school. I'll be teaching a science camp on the Dungeness River for two weeks with my husband, but will be off for the rest of the summer. I have a few years worth of projects in mind and a full summer of gathering planned. Our basketry group that started meeting in January is going great. We will have at least 4 of us at the Cresent Lake Basketry weekend in August. It is great to have some local avid weavers to share with. Sharle Osborne sharleo@orca.esd114.wednet.edu (360)6838816 683 Lotzgesell Rd Sequim, WA 98382 {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 8 Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 12:57:27 +0000 From: Pamela Woodbury To: David Collins Hi Weavers, Andrea I am so sorry to hear that Tom has died. My thoughts are with you. I hope you are continuing to weave and will take it back up once everything has calmed down. I know from experience that it does help. I always have my business cards with me at shows, but have finally decided to not set them out. After deciding there were thousands of kids in the world who have collected my card to go home and throw away, I decided if somebody was interested in what I had they would ask and they do. I still give out lots of cards at every show, but none that are just going to a kid to get thrown out the minute they get home. It might be cheap, but after 11 years of doing shows, I figure it has added greatly to my expenses. I went to my favorite antique festival/flea market last weekend. Didn't find any great and interesting things at this one, but did get some good deals on antlers. I always barter and usually can pick them up at a price I like and am sure the price the dealer wanted anyway. I'm always on a lookout for a wife for my 27 year old son and one couple I bought antlers from live right down the road from him and have an available 27 year old daughter. We both passed out information and it is up to both 27-year-old available people to meet now. He says what am I supposed to do go knocking on her door. I told him it worked for me. HAHA Heck I'd give him an antler basket to give as an Hello gift. Guess I am getting desperate. He's not and that's the problem. HAHA Well David I was rooting for the Pacers. I have always liked Larry B. I really enjoyed Larry's comment when the announcer asked him about the games between the Bulls and the Jazz and he said I really don't care. I do have to admit though watching the finals with Mike is always more thrilling and it is refreshing just to see what new tattoo or hair color Rodman can come up with. I decided to try a craft mall. It is off I-75 near where I live. I live off the Birch Run exit which is the second busiest exit only to Orlando on all of I-75 so the traffic is phenomenal, but will they pull off and go through the mall remains to be seen. I only went down to the open house to check it out and was impressed with the arrangements so decided to give it a try. I'll let you know sometime next fall whether it paid off or not. As most people passing though are on their way to upper MI, I am going to concentrate on baskets that have the lodge look and good for outdoors, like napkin, picnic, paperplate baskets, etc. I do lots of craft shows and always dress for the occasion. I do one particular show where they ask us to dress nicely and no jeans although I notice some of the crafters still wear them. I own several long dresses in various degrees of dressiness and seldom get a chance to wear them so do where one of them quite often to craft shows. If I am outdoors in the blistering sun I usually just wear shorts and some sort of basket vest or shirt, of which I own several. Even when I do wear jeans to a show I wear one of my basket vests so that I am dressed to match my baskets. I am known in my area as the basket lady and the license plates on the front of my van say Basketmaker. I agree it turns me off to see somebody selling their wares whatever they might be in some frightful getup. Pam From MI {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Misc Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 09:07:05 EDT From: Arlo1225@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi! Wow, 600 members in one year!!!! Great! To Alice: Love and suffer from PAS! Both for basketry and quilting! Tends to be expensive, but VERY satisfying! :-) To Susan: Where in upstate NY are you? To Lois (I think): In one of the back issues I think you were the one who mentioned lash savers? Can you explain? Thanks Does anyone have a baleen basket picture that could be posted here? Would like to learn more about it....thanks. NY weather leaves much to be desired......tornado warnings - 2 in 3 days! NOT fun! and also very odd for this area.........another gloomy day in the making - but hopefully we've seen the end of tornado warnings! Again, thank you to all who have written in with wedding basket suggestions....so many great ideas!!!!! To try and keep ahead of my growing pile of basketry patterns and notes I have done the following: I purchased the largest notebook available, one that also can be zippered shut, and used dividers to separate the notebook into the following sections: Dying reed - I jot down WW tips and methods, and stain "formulas" I have used for various baskets I've made. I also keep a small-labeled reed sample of the stains I have mixed, making it easy to compare colors and shades. Basketmakers and their patterns: I list the basketmakers I have found on the net (w/net site addresses) along w/ their patterns I like so I have a quicker way of referring back to them when I am looking for a new basket pattern to order. Designs: I jot down various patterns I have seen that are interesting and may be incorporated in a future basket - things like color choices and combinations, and reed width variations used by others, WW member ideas - very helpful when "brain freeze" occurs in the creativity department! Mail Order Catalogs - makes comparison shopping easier Purchased single patterns - makes it harder to misplace these! :-) Books - I just keep these in the back of the notebook - again harder to misplace these! This took a while to organize but was well worth the time spent - now I spend little time looking for ideas and misplaced items, and more time making baskets! My friend and I like to get together and weave and I have found an easy way of carting supplies when we weave at her house. I try and decide on the basket I want to make ahead of time. I will then precut the spokes and place them, along with the rest of the reed needed and pattern directions, in a covered Rubbermaid container. I keep all my tools in another basket, which I place in a covered bag (so as not to lose things in the car). I then place everything in another larger Rubbermaid container, with lid, that will be used as my soaking bucket. This is not as complicated as I may have made it sound and it keeps everything together, and safe, in the car when travelling. Wow - look at the time! Must stop rambling and get to work! Happy weaving to all! Lesley {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weavers Words Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 10:35:48 -0500 From: "Debra Conness" To: "David" Hi David! Congratulations! Oops! I didn't mean to stir things up about Shops! Since I had a few problems, I just wanted Lois to know that she wasn't alone. I could understand how she felt. But instead this subject seemed to have gotten out of hand, I didn't mean to start a war! Sorry Lois, from now on I will e-mail you. I'm lucky, I'm the only basket weaver in the one shop [a VERY small town shop], but I have had other problems, which I will not share here. About the fishing creel in Lynn's book, thanks for those who said they had trouble, as I decided I wanted to try it anyway, I just took my time, and so far I haven't had any trouble. Thanks Lois for the pattern! You're great for sharing! It's nice that others here are willing to share information on baskets. I can't wait to do some space-dying! Someone said she put these newsletters on a disk, so, I love a challenge. After about 20 min. I figured it out. Now I started a collection! I know to some of you it sounds weird, but for those of us just learning about computers, we can get so excited about the little things !! Question: I've been looking for regular walnut [powder form] anyone know of a source? I have walnut trees here, but I have a little wait. Any input on using your own walnuts for stain? Gotta Go And Thanks David for putting this together, I look forward to reading each one!! Debra Conness From warm [really hot] Illinois {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 14:51:11, -0500 From: BDKE97B@prodigy.com (MRS BILLIE A DORRIS) To: davidc@iei.net Susan, liked your idea about the "cut out" in the front of the business card basket. I made mine shorter than the original directions but find they are still hidden. Will try that when I get the time (if I spent less time on the computer I could spend more on weaving/ but it is my main contact with my children in Japan. Did get a call from my daughter in law yesterday afternoon (it was 4 in the am there)that scared me to death at first. We don't talk in person very often and I always fear the worst. This time it was bad news for her as her father had a heart attack and was in the hospital for a by- pass. I think she just needed to talk to someone who would care and understand. See how I digress. Also congrats on your decision to "bite the bullet" and raise your prices. Hope you find it most rewarding. Mandy, I hate to take orders as that never seems to be the basket that I am interest in making and it becomes to much like work. Don't remember if I have passed on this tip or not. Minwax now makes a "magic Marker" for touch ups. I have found it is idea for use on that little dowel that is used to fill the hole in the bottom of the Nant. They don't always match very well. I just use the cherry marker and instant success. Also use it the other day on a basket on which I had added wine colored curls. Decided I didn't like them so took them out then had wine stains on the basket. I got rid of the color as best I could then after it was dyed the black walnut I used the B.W. marker and it covered it perfectly. Another thought on Minwax (which I almost never use) the golden oak is way to orange for me. My neighbor who was the antique dealer used it on furniture but he mixed it with special walnut and it made the color much more pleasing. Don't know about proportions so you just have to experiment. J.Olney-the ash pieces you sent me are perfect/ I can get 2 stakes out of every scrap for a mini. Judy was nice enough to give me the scraps of ash that she had left over after a project most less than 3" long. Said she couldn't see good ash going to waste. Back to weaving Billie {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: Date: Thu, 04 Jun 1998 06:26:02 PDT From: "Kay Janke" To: davidc@iei.net Hi Weavers: Can someone tell me what issue the info was in for the book by E.W. Clark-'Addicted to Baskets'. Seems like there was an offer for us weavers? Thanks. I will write a note in soon. Kay in Michigan (basketladie@hotmail.com) {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: I'm out of the "closet" Date: Thu, 04 Jun 1998 18:44:57 -0500 From: Pam Duffy To: David Collins I have been lurking for some time now and decided to "get out of the closet". I have been making baskets for 7 years and enjoy it as much as the rest of you subscribers. One thing I like best is that one can achieve such a thing of beauty in a relatively short time. My most favorite style of baskets to make is the rib style - I love egg baskets, flat bottom egg basket, key baskets, melon baskets etc. I have made and given away lots not to mention the number of baskets I have in my house. I can't really justify making any more (not that justification stops me) but I was thinking of selling some. I need some advice from the rest of you. Do rib baskets sell very well. Any do's and don'ts? I sure would appreciate any information about selling this style of basket. I am from Anoka MN which is a small town outside of Minneapolis, MN. Hello to Karen Mitchell. What part of Minneapolis are you from? We were having absolutely gorgeous weather - unseasonably warm. Well now it is unseasonably cold - in the 50's - ugh. I belong to the Basket Weaver's Guild Midwest (BWGM) which has monthly meetings and classes in West St. Paul. We try to have at least one class for the beginner-intermediate and one more advanced each month. We meet the 4th Saturday of the month. We recently celebrated our one-year Anniversary. We celebrated by having great classes, a raffle, and a cake with a basket decoration. In one year we have grown to 86 + members. It keeps growing and growing which is obvious that the Twin City area desperately needed a guild. If anyone is interested, let me know at duffykope@hotmail.com. We have basket supplies for sale at the meetings thanks to Fred Kogler and his supply business, All About Baskets. Diana French: Regarding dying reed. I usually boil my water and my dye "takes" in about 1 minute. AnnaMarie DiBucci - if you have taken 9 basket classes with instructors I don't think you will have any trouble making anything. However, I'd recommend buying a book - like Lyn Siler's Basket book or look on basketpatterns.com. They have patterns to buy along with pics. Books usually have good graphics which is more helpful than written directions. Kits are good too if you don't want to invest in a bunch of supplies. I too made a wedding basket once. It was a huge heart-shaped basket with handle. I had some dyed reed in it - peach. I put peach towels, wash cloths etc in it along with other bathing stuff. I hated to give it away but I can't keep every basket. (Can I?). David Collins - Could I get the code to access the back issues. All for now in freezing Anoka. Pam D-K {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: stuff Date: Fri, 05 Jun 1998 10:20:29 JST From: "Darleena Jones" To: davidc@iei.net Hey fellow weavers, I'm still here and will be until the 22nd, which is when DH will break down the computer for shipping. I've enjoyed the sharing of ideas for the cards and tags. Will use a few when I get settled again. I've been using paper bag for tags and using my rubber stamps for embellishments. Lora K.: You are agreeing with "Darleen" in Hawaii. I have to agree with Lois and hope that if I were the shop owner, I'd consider the weaver or crafter that I had in my shop before I would give any consideration to another. I also would have known what was being sold by that person and only add new and different items. Competition is one thing but taking over a part of someone's business is quite another. Consideration for other people has been disappearing from our society and I would not feel comfortable adding to the trend nor would I want my boys to see the example I set by being that way. Loyalty is becoming a rare thing... but not in my house. Winnie: Great idea with the hearts! That makes the basket more personal and if I was a heart person (moon, sun & stars) I'd feel special. Thank you to everyone who has wished us well in our move. I can't wait to start and be done with it. Usually the military moves you in pieces... an express shipment for things you'll need when you get there, the household goods as another shipment and if you are going to an overseas location you usually have to put stuff in storage. We have a bunch in storage ( for 4 years now) and we don't know when we'll see it again since we are going to another overseas location. But the good news in this move is that we get one big express shipment so I only have to nag movers and packers for one day and wait 3 months to see my stuff. If I don't nag them then I'll have flat baskets, broken dishes, and no stereo. My instructor, Pam, who left over a year ago.. had the packers pack up her baskets nice and then put her sewing machine on top when she wasn't looking. Of course my DH will tell you that I have too many baskets to have room in a box for a sewing machine. And since I've started quilting my sewing machine has become more valuable to me and I'll be nagging about that also... Nagging with a sweet smile and in Japanese must be an art form.. I need to practice. I must get ready for my show tomorrow. It's raining mongoose and Habu snakes out there. I can't even get out and dip my baskets. A new plan is in order. Lois K: I have a few friends from our quilters guild coming to Hawaii, one who enjoys weaving, if you could send me some info on your guild I could pass it on. Thank you. Happy Weaving Darleena in quickly flooding Okinawa {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 23:02:32 -0400 From: "Joy Moody" To: Hey David! Lois wrote about a "basket swap" in her area. Here's a wild idea: we may not be able to exchange materials, but I wonder if Weaver's Words members would be interested in swapping a basket with another member, just for the fun of it? We should probably set some sort of limits on size or cost?? Hope you are enjoying sunny weaving weather. Re: Bear Grass.....I do believe I put a bear grass basket somewhere into the Culture Connection at www.signofthecrow.com ..it has grown so much, who could tell! Mary Carty: Might you be making it to the Dulcimer Festival in Bar Harbor this year? I think it's in August. It's always well attended. Would love to meet you! Dee: What a thrill to hear your success with a nice shop. I second the motion for payment up front. When shop owners purchase their other merchandise their suppliers don't generally say, "Well, OK, we'll let you have free use of it till it sells." Consignment is the pits, and payment only after the sale is like a loan without interest! Molly: I've always wondered about Rit colors & whether they hold or fade quickly. What has been your experience? This may be difficult to answer if your baskets go out into the world & you never see them again, but some of us must have a basket or two at home that will tell the tale. Please share your discoveries, and if some colors are better than others. Bert: I believe you made a note to respond to my question about the Certificate of Excellence in Basketry???????? Was that it? Also, do you remember the title of the book on baleen baskets? About business cards: I think the cost of business cards is a basic cost of doing business. Many of them may APPEAR to be wasted dollars, but the people who do not buy immediately will advertise your business via word of mouth and, yes, as someone else commented, that's worth many ad dollars! I built a previous business on inexpensive (relatively) ads, and a sharp logo on a quality card with custom color for impact. Within a year, that business had high visibility & people remembered what was on the card. I even had one man remember the logo & then hunt through his card stack to find me. A good business card is a valuable investment. Judith O: Fire & Wire sounds like it was a great adventure in contemporary weaving! I remember one of my first "baskets" years ago, was made from directions in a book called Hard Crochet. The materials weren't as "far out" as yours.....jute or hemp... but the technique was fun to try. Lisa: Thanks for sharing your spray staining technique! Joy Moody Sign of the Crow www.signofthecrow.com Hampden, Maine where it is warm & sunny today {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: lash saver Date: Fri, 05 Jun 1998 08:44:12 -0400 From: Steve Steidel To: davidc@iei.net Hi everyone, I don't write in much but do read every issue. Lois, I saw your comment about ordering 2 lash savers. Can you tell me where you are ordering them from. That gadget was mentioned on WW this past year and when I was at NCBA I tried to find it among the vendors with no luck. Thanks, Fran Steidel {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: RE: Weaver's Words Request Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 09:05:31 -0500 From: "Bidstrup, Elaine" To: "'David Collins'" I'm thrilled to get the basket designs. I'm going to try selling some baskets for the first time at my workplace, so this will brighten up my advertising poster. Can anyone give me guidelines on pricing my baskets? Elaine {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weavers Words Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 14:23:47 EDT From: Clbeadle@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi everyone! Wow, David! 600 subscribers! What an accomplishment! We appreciate you doing this. It's such a great exchange of information. On the subject of 28 baskets a day.... I'm a full time weaver with no family to take care, just a dog and cat now! and I consider myself a fairly quick weaver! I could never weave 28 in a day, regardless of how small! I'd be afraid of sacrificing quality, which is more important to me. Billie, glad to hear a promoter kicked out a vender who had things they didn't make. I wish more would do that. Maybe then the overall quality and reputations of 'craft shows' in general would go back up! If they state in the contract all items must be handmade, they have every right to kick them out! Shame on the vendor for trying to get away with it! Dee, congrats on selling your baskets to that shop! Bet it feels good! I agree with all the comments from Paula about being in a shop and having more weavers brought in. Unless there is something in the contract, there is only one thing you can do, leave! Shops are in business to make money, not showcase artists! Molly, loved how you do space dyed reed! I do something similar with plastic buckets, but hadn't thought of boiling the plain water first! duh! About business cards... I have 2 small baskets for them and have them in my booth for whoever wants to take one. I've had people call me a year later to order a basket, so it is worth it to me. Although I don't like the kids collecting them, as Susan mentioned, what are you going to do!? I try to keep them towards the back, close to where I sit, so I can give the kids an 'evil eye' which sometimes deters them! Loved Lois' basket swap in her guild where they dyed reed, exchanged it, then wove a basket with it for the other person. What a cool idea! Liked the comments about dressing for the clientele, but sometimes that isn't feasible. I can't see setting up, then changing in a portapotty! I just try to wear fairly decent clothes that I'm comfortable in. Bert, thanks for the info on that catalog! Will have to check it out! Always looking for a quicker or better way of doing things! Leslie, congrats on a successful home party! Loved the 'doorknob basket' idea for door prizes! I'll be having my first ones this fall and just may incorporate your idea! Mandy, thanks for your info about the home parties. I will take as many baskets as possible to cut down on order taking. Good luck, Darleen, on your catalog idea! If you don't add new ones too often, it should work well for you. Andrea, our condolences on your loss. So sorry to hear about it. Guess that's it for this time! Happy weaving, everyone! Cindy/MI {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 7 Date: Sat, 6 Jun 1998 13:21:54 -0400 From: "Susan Tripp" To: "David Collins" David, Thanks so much for the research you did for the graphics. Please enlighten us newcomers and tell us about yourself if you wouldn't mind.... How did you get started with WW? Do you weave? If so, what do you weave and how long have you been weaving? Are you a young'n or do you have grandkids? I read something on one of your e-mails that suggested you did Web pages. Is that true? Boy, all kinds of questions. We don't hear much about you, but we do appreciate all your work. Susan Sunny but COLD in upstate NY {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weavers Words Date: Sat, 6 Jun 1998 23:06:12 -0400 From: "Russell & Leslie Johnson" To: Hi fellow weavers...I have some questions this time. I am looking for a source for basket wallpaper borders, haven't had any luck locally and thought maybe some of you could help me. Part of our vacation will be spent in VT and I know that many of you attend a basket event in Stowe, so I was hoping you could tell me of some "can't miss" shops that we can visit on our trip. Also, I have the pattern Chinese Cookie Cooler on backorder and was wondering if any of you had made that basket. If you have can you tell me how big it is? I think it is a cute & different pattern, from the photo I saw, and I am anxious to make it. I am a "pattern addict", I have many new patterns and have been too busy weaving to even look them over, I am hoping in July & August I can afford some time to just weave for me and do up some of these lovely patterns. There are so many talented pattern writers out here! I had commented before about the weaver who weaves 15-28 baskets a day, I looked at back issues of WW and the weaver was Roberta Huisman. She did say that her children(5) help her cut the reed, etc and her hubby does the rims. I find that an amazing number of baskets in a day, far more than I could ever think of doing, especially with 5 children!!! Happy Weaving from Leslie (in chilly) Michigan {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 8 Date: Sun, 07 Jun 1998 14:45:51 EDT From: froggestow@juno.com (Roberta R Comstock) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 "Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. 8 Susan Tripp - Please let us know if your sales pick up when you raise your prices and dress for target buyers. I'm betting they will. Natalie Brown - Where on the mainland will you be settling next? There's probably someone on 'Weavers Words' who will be a new neighbor & would like to meet you. Billie - I'm a little envious that you have a baleen basket and I don't, but it's my own fault I didn't buy one in Alaska. :=( And I really am glad for you that You got one! :=) Andrea - I am so sorry to hear that Tom passed away. My thoughts are with you in this time of grief and difficult adjustments. Bert Comstock Independence, MO {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 4 Date: Sun, 07 Jun 1998 14:45:51 EDT From: froggestow@juno.com (Roberta R Comstock) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 Hi Weavers! This answer is out of sequence because it appears to have never been sent when I first wrote it. Oops! Please forgive the possible redundancies if I actually included it along with another response. I have updated the discussion of straw work on the SCA.org web site somewhat. "Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. 4 Brian Jenkins - Your basket pictures on the website are cool. How deep is each basket? They look shallow to me, but I don't know if that's because they are or just how I see them. Mel - The Bobart book is a gem, but doesn't get into specifics for particular times and places. There's another British book that may help: *Baskets and Basketweaving* by Alistair Heseltine, Shire Publications. I haven't seen this one, but have been pleased with the other Shire books I have. Also, see if you can find Christoph Will's *International Basketry*, 1985, Schiffer Publishing, Exon, PA. Then plan on spending a lot of time looking at pictures in art history books and illuminated manuscript references. You will have to do a lot of interpreting, based on the pictures you find and what you can glean about the economic history and materials available for the area you are especially interested in. Are you by any chance involved in a historic recreation group? I see by your post asking about straw rope that you at least know about the SCA. I think it is the nature of straw rope to be prickly. I believe it was made for immediate and temporary use and not expected to be long lasting or smooth. There is a new item in the 'Florilegium' at the WWW.SCA.org website about straw crafts and straw hats, but it's only a couple of posts so far and didn't provide any new gems of information. I would expect it to eventually discuss such things as straw rope, coiled mattresses and bee skeps, and corn dollies. Most of the 'Florilegium' topics are collections of various threads discussed on the Rialto, SCA kingdom lists and the SCA-arts list. Mandy - Congratulations on your first home basket party! That sounds so much more pleasant than working a craft fair. Judy Miles - The Kansas City yellow pages has listings under Rock Shops, Lapidaries, and Jewelers Supply & Findings. Or see if there's a gem and mineral club in your area. People who make glass beads and small enameled pieces also use small torches, so look for bead places, too and maybe stained glass places. Kay - I like your 'Basket, Basket' approach to teaching. When I started writing up patterns, I found that I can't just explain how to make that particular basket. I feel compelled to point out several logical variations and encourage the basketmaker to try them and invent others of their own. Bert Comstock in Independence, MO, getting ready to do the camping gear inventory and repair session in anticipation of the coming 'war'. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.