"Weavers Words" Vol. 3 Iss. 62 Date Sent: October 29, 1999 Web Page: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/ Subscribers: 1219 David Collins 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Phone: (317) 899-5747 Fax: (520) 222-0391 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 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% The Basket Bookstore Stop by "Weavers Words Basketry Bookstore" for a great selection of basketry literature & save up to 40%. Over 40 titles to choose from. The address is: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/book.html %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Attention New Subscribers You can search Weaver's Words web page and back issues by going to Weaver's Words web page (http://www.iei.net/~davidc/) and entering your search criteria into the PinPoint search box. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Attention AOL Subscribers For some reason some AOL subscribers haven't been receiving Weaver's Words through email. If you are one of these subscribers, or know one of someone who has not been receiving Weaver's Words, you can get all of the issues on the Weaver's Words web page. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Hi Everyone, I just want to thank everyone that sent me surprises for doing Weaver's Words. I was totally amazed by everyone's generosity. I received over $1,300 from my extended family. It was a wonderful belated birthday surprise! As I've said before, I don't expect any money for doing Weaver's Words, but I won't complain. A special Thank You to Pam Feix for arranging all of this for me. I will let you all go so I can go shopping. Thank again very very much! David %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 07:30:56 -0500 From: mlower@mail1.aeroinc.net To: David Collins Hi Everyone, I received an email from someone who wants to buy miniature basket size necklaces. She is interested in native natural materials if possible, such as white oak, ash, maple, horsehair, etc. If you make these or know anyone who does, please send me your email and I will forward it on to her. Thanks. Mindy http://www.aeroinc.net/~users/nantucket %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 61 Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 08:04:44 -0500 From: Judy Spates To: David Collins Hello everyone! I am one of those who didn't receive the e-mail about David's birthday. David, a happy belated birthday wish comes your way!! To those of you who are beginner weavers: When I was a beginner I looked for a basketweaving company that sold lots of books. I called and asked what book(s) they recommended that had clear directions for a beginner to learn how to do twining, weave & chase, cut & tuck, applying the rim, braided rims, etc., etc. These types of books are invaluable for a beginner. Once you master these different techniques you will no longer need to refer to the books. When you purchase individual patterns from different authors, you will automatically know how to do the techniques called for in the pattern. It's all part of the learning experience. Like many of you, my craft fair season is in full swing. I have three huge fairs coming up in November that I am preparing for. My workroom looks like a disaster!!! Happy weaving. Judy Richmond Spates JSpates@hope.gordon.edu %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket Swap Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 09:11:14 -0400 From: "Bren Miller" To: David... I sent out a note to you and I think it may have bombed or something so am trying once again. I'm interested in hearing about the basket swap. How did it start... what is involved in order to participate.... when is the next one.... etc. etc. I would love to hear more about it and hopefully participate. I don't know how you keep tabs on all of us and our need for you. You're a doll. Love your newsletter. Bren Miller brenfm@tampabay.rr.com (in case you have a problem reading rr.com, (rr = RR.com) %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: WW Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 08:22:01 PDT From: "sassy katie" To: davidc@iei.net Hi, y'all... I've been lurking for about a month now, and have been enjoying the conversation quite a bit! Having recently moved from Ohio to Florida, I miss my basket friends that I left behind. Faye Stukey - I'm near Ocala, about 90 minutes (I've been told) from Orlando. There are a couple of basketmakers here besides myself, but no guild (pout!). I haven't found any shops nearby, yet, but am still looking. I've been ordering from the same mail order places that I did when I lived in the middle of nowhere in southern Ohio. If you're going to be nearby, and have the time, I'd love to have you come over and make a basket with me! Katie Avram Fort McCoy, FL Where its finally below 90 in the piney uplands! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Convention Meetings Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 08:25:07 PDT From: "Kay Janke" To: davidc@iei.net Hi everyone: I have been limited on time lately, my husband & I have been on a marathon of Dr. appts., labs, x-rays & hospital. Hopefully we have a reprieve for about a month & his hospital stay turned out well. He is now home recuperating. It is getting time to make some decisions about convention meetings for WW members. I have gone through the scheduled classes, banquet times, the workshops, etc. trying to figure out a time that we might be able to meet. So far this is what I have come up with. On THURSDAY for those that may be there - 6:30 PM. FRIDAY - between 4:30 & 5:00 (banquet get-together starts at 5:30) and this will be after classes end. On Sat, classes end at 4:30, so I thought that 5:30 might be a good time, just in case some classes run over the time-that usually happens in my classes anyway. This is not set in stone & if anyone has something else they would like to do, please let me know. We might be able to schedule something later, but if you go to workshops, the earliest one starts at 8:45, so possibility we might consider something later that evening. There are couches & chairs by the front desk, lobby area, so that would be a place that all would be familiar with so plan on meeting there. IF YOU WANT TO MEET WW MEMBERS, PLEASE WEAR A RED RIBBON NEXT TO YOUR NAME TAG. This is easy to see & identifies you as a WW member. And it does the job. Hope to see some WW members at convention. Have a safe trip to T. C. Looking forward to meeting even more of our 'extended family'. If you want to contact me, please contact me directly. After this message comes out, there probably will not be time for another one on WW. Kay Janke (basketladie@hotmail.com) (basketladie@yahoo.com) %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weavers Words Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 08:49:24 -0700 From: "Pam Feix" To: "David Collins" Hi all, I want to take this opportunity to say a HUGE thank you to Connie Curran and David's mom, Norma Collins, for helping me make this surprise happen. Without the two of you and your help, it would have never taken place. Now, I really want to thank each and every one of the members who participated in the surprise. I am thrilled to know that we did this for David, who is so very deserving. You are all truly a wonderful group of people and I feel very connected to you all. David, first of all, Happy Belated Birthday!!! You must tell me the date so I can mark it on my calendar for next year. Secondly, I am so very thankful for you and the things that you do for us. I have benefited from this forum in so many ways. You have enriched my life and I thank you for it. I truly think that there are Angels Among Us and you are one of them. I will keep you close to my heart and forever grateful. Happy Weaving to you all. Pam Feix in Southwest OH where Indian Summer is among us and it is beautiful outside. :) %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 61 Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 12:00:07 -0400 (EDT) From: IBWEAVIN@webtv.net (Juanita Gulden) To: davidc@iei.net (David Collins) Hi Everybody, Just wanted to add my comments about the Seminar East in NC. The Goldweavers Guild did an outstanding job and the Mt Olive College was a great site for it. I took three classes and finished one basket and only have to rim the others. The raffle prizes were great and my twin sister won three of them! I was hoping for the antique chest that was full of baskets made by the guild members. Better luck next time! I bought lots of neat kits, patterns and handles. (Maybe that's why I didn't finish all the baskets) Everyone was really friendly which only proves basketweavers are the nicest people. To all that worked so hard for the seminar THANK YOU! See you next year. Juanita Gulden from Baltimore P.S. Thanks Georgia for inviting me. I love you sissie %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 60 Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 13:01:40 EDT From: BasketsbySharon@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Jan Putra: Don't feel bad about complaining about the details (or lack of details) in the patterns. I have done it many times myself!! Before I started selling my patterns, I was worried they weren't "professional" enough, until I took a look at a bunch! I realized that mine were unbelievable easy to follow compared to what I saw. I think part of that is when people are writing the directions of a fairly complicated basket, they assume a whole lot on the part of the weaver. The first page of mine lays everything out so that you could completely cut a kit of the basket if you wanted to. You will know what length each spoke and weaver is, etc. Also, I try and write down the handle size exactly from the catalog of the supplier so there is no confusion and could be ordered from any basket supplier. I have my own web site (advertised on WW same issue as your note) and am also on BasketPatterns.Com. Please don't hesitate to order off the Internet because the patterns do have the author's name and phone number on them (at least mine do). Check out my site at: http://www.galfridays.com/basketsbysharon.html and BasketPatterns.Com; Author Sharon Klusmann. I will be continuing to add patterns - have a bundle that aren't on yet - site is only a few weeks old. Happy Weaving Jan!! Sharon Klusmann Baskets By Sharon %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: weavers' words Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 10:16:15 PDT From: "shirley albright" To: davidc@iei.net David--what a lovely surprise, I check my email in the morning and there's a new Weavers' Words. Stop everything, go get coffee and breakfast and sit down to enjoy it all. Life is good. Faye--On your trip to Florida, try collecting the long pine needles, fallen inflorescence from palm trees (they vary from very short and bunchy to long and slender, but nearly all are useable) and pandanus leaves. Caution: pandanus leaves--called screw-pine in Florida-- are long flat green to brown leaves with VERY sharp thorns on either side and along the back midrib. You remove the thorns with a sharp knife, then clean the leaves. Also watch for centipedes and scorpions in the curled leaves. To use, wrap overnight in a damp sheet to let them mellow. The leaves have a leathery feel that is just, well, sensual. The best pandanus (I feel) comes from the South Pacific. I was "talking" to James Bamba the other day, and he can get a roll for about $20 each, all prepared. IMHO, well worth it. Pandanus in Hawaii--where I learned to weave, is called lauhala. Penny--probably a dumb question, but do you use "raw" or processed raffia. I have found the processed is much stronger and doesn't "string" too often. I made a very tight coiled cup basket with it, and the processed raffia helps to hold water. The scars from weaving that tightly are healing nicely. Cathryn--the first basketry book I ever bought was Flo Hoppe's. We moved to Iowa and I ended up attending the Midwest Basketry conference in the Amana Colonies and taking a class with Flo. The first time I met her, I felt like genuflecting. I still get excited when I meet the authors of my basketry books, but they all seem so down-to-earth and genuinely pleasant. Carolyn--re your recent experience...my husband and I found out that we could save several thousand dollars by installing our own kitchen cabinets. Now I'm an audiologist and my husband is a college professor and neither of us knows which end of the nail to hit. Suffice it to say, this was a mistake. We decided the divorce would be more costly than having the cabinets installed professionally. (not to mention that they would also hang straight) Kirsti--I've been using Gratiot Lake for my supplies for several years now, and have been more than happy. Carole is gracious and--by now--used to my panic calls for supplies I need "yesterday". The only product I have had ANY problems with is the lauhala, which as I already said, is not as good as that of the South Pacific. I better quit, I'm talking too long. Does anyone know of a basketry conference on the West Coast? I feel like I'm out here in Ultima Thule. Shirley in foggy, foggy, foggy...ad naseum California. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 61 Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 13:50:53 -0400 From: "Donna L." To: "David Collins" Hi everyone - For those of you like me who still like to use clothespins, shop around a bit. Check your grocery store for ONLY Made in USA, maple clothes pins. You'll be surprised what a difference it makes. They are larger than the imported ones, have a wider opening and a much stronger spring. (I never thought about it either until I asked my husband to pick some up for me and noticed how different they were than the ones I already had. That made me look around a bit and see the difference in what's on the market!) Karen - have to kid you here - your stain must have been on your shelf for "eons." Snaggy Hollow has been out of business for "eons". If my memory serves me correctly, the gentleman was elderly and passed away. I remember talking to his wife a long time ago as they used to cut our tulip poplar stenciling strips. She told me how they cut them and hung them over wash lines to dry. I believe they had grown children but they didn't want to deal with all the work involved after their father passed away. Maybe someone else can jump in here - I know my memory's not what it used to be and I'm thinking he's probably gone since around 1990. OK, enough trivia for one posting - more than most of you probably cared to know. Donna L. in absolutely beautiful, crisp PA ctryseat@fast.net http://www.countryseat.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Susan Coyle classes Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 13:51:57 EDT From: BOverlock@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net We are very excited because Susan Coyle is coming back to Arizona in February 2000 to give classes. She will be in the Scottsdale area from February 12th to February 18th. Susan is a super teacher, her baskets are wonderful and the classes are loads of fun. If anyone is interested in more information you can email Joann, at johnjo@azlink.com for more details. Barbara %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Teachers & Guilds Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 15:58:13 -0400 From: "Angie Wagner" To: "David" Hi all, I just wanted to remind everyone that we are still looking for teachers and guilds to list on our site. Please e-mail us or visit our Open Forum page to post the information yourself (we'll move it to the Guild & Teacher Pages. It's never too late to send us the information. If you have sent us info in the past, please make sure that we have your current information so people can reach you. Angie in PA The Country Seat http://www.countryseat.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: re: kudzu Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 16:06:08 -0400 From: "Angie Wagner" To: "David" Hi all, Tina in PA - That sounds like a good description of kudzu growth! The roots grow to amazing sizes. It's a wonder that it hasn't taken over the world yet! I wonder when the first kudzu horror movie will come out? You know - something like "The Blob" - "The Attack of the Killer Kudzu". To all - Thanks to the Aloha Guild we have the first free pattern up on our web site (http://www.countryseat.com/freepattern.htm). If anyone has a pattern to share we will gladly post it. Please remember these patterns are generously donated by the author of the patterns and should not be printed for resale. Angie in PA The Country Seat http://www.countryseat.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: November issue of Southern Living Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 09:42:18 -0400 From: Rebecca Ladew To: David Collins To "Robbie & Skip Sykes" who wrote: "Everybody needs to look at the November edition of Southern Living magazine for the picture of one of Billie Ruth Suddath's baskets that is in the Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC. For you folks who don't live down South, maybe some of us could share our pictures with you. Billie Ruth was awarded the North Carolina Living Treasure designation awhile back and she certainly deserves it." Please share the page number in the November issue of SOUTHERN LIVING, which the picture of Billie Ruth Suddath basket is on. Either I'm blind or can't read -- and I read the magazine from cover to cover -- I missed it! So, page number please! Thx. ~~Rebecca Ladew %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Kitchen Kettle shopping area Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 09:58:32 -0400 From: Rebecca Ladew To: David Collins Carolyn Corbett wrote: "We have just returned from a mini-vacation to Lancaster County, PA. As all basket weavers seem to do, I was really excited about buying a basket that was made locally. There were a lot of shops, but one was special. I met a lady named Teresa Green who works in the basket shop at the Kitchen Kettle shopping area. Teresa has been making baskets for many years. Her baskets were in a display of Appalachian crafts at the Smithsonian for over two years. I purchased one of her ribbed baskets. She loves to teach and she is a real people person. She is now making and selling commemorative baskets for 1999. It was such a treat to find "real" baskets -- not just those made in China and imported." Please share with us just where in Lancaster County is the Kitchen Kettle shopping area. I haven't been in the area in years. Do know that Kitchen Kettle -- at one time -- was just a restaurant with a gift shop -- now it has its own shopping center!!!??? I know that the Lancaster area has really grown over the years... ~~Rebecca Ladew %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Storage containers Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 13:19:47 -0500 From: "Crystal Drenner" To: I have 10-4 quart plastic storage containers and 4-3 quart containers. They were used to store dyes. All the screw top lids are marked, and the bottles are stained on the inside from the stain. I have to pack up all my supplies and get rid of some, because we are having family move in with us. If anyone is interested in purchasing, please email me. cdrenner@netnitco.net Crystal from Northwest Indiana %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 61 Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 14:25:57 -0700 From: "Pamela Zimmerman" Reply-To: "Pamela Zimmerman" To: "David Collins" Penny Palkovic - I was told the raffia you buy in the store, packaged in a bag, has fire retardant chemicals on it and is of generally low quality, which is why it shreds and breaks so much. The basket supply places stock a higher grade of raffia, which comes in a hank (or "ponytail"), and is more expensive. The strands are much longer and more uniform, and do seem to be stronger, and easier to handle. I still don't like it, though. I have switched to the imitation sinew, which comes in a "natural" color, similar to raffia. If you need suppliers for either of these, there are several listed on the resources page of The Pine Needle Group: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Trail/9114/resources.html Several issues back, someone was looking for a way to remove sticky pine sap from pine needles and pine cones. I have not had this problem before, except when removing green needles from green trees, in which case, it gets all over my hands and clothes. I have always had good results with Lestoil, Murphy's Oil Soap, and the de-greaser called "Goop". My favorite is the Murphy's Oil soap - I just put it on the stain, or a big gob in the washing machine, and use as warm water as possible. I would think they would also work when soaking pine needles - but I would rub some directly into the stickiest ones. Let us know how this comes out! Pamela Zimmerman http://www.homestead.com/lizardskinsnpineneedles/index.html Come to the Pine Needle Group: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Trail/9114/index.html %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 61 Date: Fri, 29 Oct 1999 00:00:44 EDT From: AKelly8230@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net I buy most of my basket weaving supplies from Gratiot Lake and I have been very pleased with their quality and service. Actually, I have ordered from 4 or 5 different mail order suppliers and have had only good experiences. Now a question, do any of you make white oak baskets? I bought an antique basket made in my area (central PA) and would like to reproduce it. Most of the information I've found starts with picking out the right tree---I really don't want to get that involved. I did find oak splits from GH productions and have ordered some. Advice? Thanks, Anne %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: All about reed processing Date: Fri, 29 Oct 1999 15:55:28 -0400 From: "Donna L." To: "David Collins" Hi everyone - Just wanted to let you all know about a project that Angie's been working on for some time. I saw the final results today and I'm very proud of what she's done. She has set up a new page at our web site entitled "all you wanted to know about basket reed and more" at: http://www.countryseat.com/basketryreed.htm where she has posted photos and details of just how the rattan gets from the jungle to becoming the basket reed that you weave with. Yes, this means I no longer have to keep posting the same answers - I can send them right there for the details. Thanks for letting me brag a bit - Donna L. ctryseat@fast.net http://www.countryseat.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.