"Weavers Words" Vol. 4 Iss. 40 Date Sent: August 11, 2000 Web Page: http://members.xoom.com/dgcollins/ Subscribers: 1446 David Collins 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Phone: (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 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% 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://members.xoom.com/dgcollins/book.html %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% ATTENTION NEW SUBSCRIBERS 1.) You can search Weaver's Words web page and back issues by going to Weaver's Words web page (http://members.xoom.com/dgcollins/) and entering your search criteria into the search box. 2.) If you have recently subscribed, more than likely you will read messages about a basket swap in progress. Basket swaps are organized by other weavers approximately every 2-3 months. So if a swap is in progress when you subscribe, be patient and a new swap will begin before you know it. Every subscriber is eligible for each swap as long as you fulfill you obligation from the previous swap. 3.) If you are looking for basket shops across the country, there is an extensive list on Weaver's Words web page. The shops are listed alphabetically. If you know of a shop that isn't listed, send me the shop's information for addition. Include all of the following if applicable: Shop's Name; Web Page Address; E-Mail Address; Street Address; City, State, Zip Code; Phone Number. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% 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. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% ATTENTION ONLINE AUCTION USERS Make Auction Payments Thru PayPal Plus Get $5 - FAST, FREE & SECURE: https://secure.paypal.com/refer/pal=ka9zre%40yahoo.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Picture('s) Added To Web Page Since The Last Issue NONE %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Hi Everyone, Here's an update on the Basketry Travel Companion. I've listed a form and a list on the Weaver's Word web page. If you know of a shop that isn't listed, please send me the info with as much information as possible that is listed on the form. If the shop that you know of is listed on the web page, it's already included. I plan on having the finished booklet completed by September 30th. Here's the link to the form and the list of shops that are included: http://members.xoom.com/dgcollins/companion.html Here's a little more information: To have a shop a shop listed in the booklet is totally free. I really wanted to limit the list to places that people actually visited while traveling. After the list is completed I plan on selling the booklet to anyone interested for $10 to $15, depending on the overhead. Thanks & Take Care, David %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 39 Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000 00:10:50 EDT From: PBWEAVE@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Angelique, I doubt you will find anyone who will sell you river cane. In the past 10 years, I have inquired at many sources about buying it. The Native Americans are protective about their collection spots, and the river cane is found in fewer areas every year. The hurricanes have damaged some of the habitats. I live in Oklahoma and am Cherokee. We have it in the NE part of the state, closest is in Tahlequah on the Illinois River. Come to OK and I'll go cut river cane with you, show you how to split and peel it and weave with it. It's a lot of work and I don't get long pieces because of the short lengths between joints. In the meantime, do what I do and use hamburg cane, 1/4 size. You may want to use a light yellow or green on the hamburg cane so it looks more like a cane color. I also use country splint and satin finish black ash. Both are flexible like river cane. I have also ordered bamboo poles from Royalwood. They are the most similar material we have to river cane that you can buy commercially. They are better weavers than spokes, however. Use your goldenrod with alum mordanted fibers for an excellent yellow according to Rita Adrosko, Natural Dyes. I just happened to have that book open. Pick it just after the flowers bloom. Peggy Brennan in Oklahoma %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: L Baskets Date: Wed, 09 Aug 2000 21:18:17 -1000 From: The Keener Clan To: davidc@iei.net Aloha, While at the expo this weekend, it seemed that every other question was regarding the L baskets (mostly from people who weren*t familiar with the actual L basket--such as "are these L baskets, why are these different from L baskets, are L baskets made from this stuff" and so on). I tried my best to hide my painful expressions while Joanne2 kept saying "I love L baskets!". Why do I think they*re popular? Because someone started this "they*re collectables!" idea and because they cost a fortune. The L company wouldn*t sell near as many if they were priced far less then they are. If they were cheaper, they*d be treated as though they were imports. They are great sellers around military posts (of which we have many on this island). Just my 2 cents. I agree with you, Billie, re: pricing, but it doesn*t work here. Our market is small as there isn*t a lot of interest in Americana/country/Shaker with the local (Japanese, Filipino, Hawaiian, Tongan, Fijian, Korean) population and tourists are not interested in buying something non-Hawaiian--something they can find at home. And it isn*t just me. Nearly all the weavers on the island sell at the same price--or they don*t sell. I have a fairly steady clientele who obviously think my baskets are well made--and different from the next weaver--and tho I*m not getting rich, I*m doing fine. Like I said, we all get what we can. Speaking of prices, I came out of the BX complex today to find a potter selling some really unique pieces. I was drawn to her pottery "pockets" that hang on the wall--and asked prices and was stunned to find the smaller pockets (about the size of my hand) were $5. I bought 3 (one for you, Joanne) and one larger one (done in a paint she calls "Long Island blue" that turns green with age) for $10. Compared to the work in those pieces, my baskets sound darn costly! Joanne, have you found any Slate RIT yet? Everyone is asking if I*ve heard from you. But, alas, I*ve had no time for Sam and Taylor. Ain*t the same without ya. Aloha, Lois Honolulu %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 39 Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000 06:15:54 -0400 From: Pamela Woodbury To: David Collins References: 1 Hi Weavers, I too would like to let everyone know what a great time we had with Carol Antrim. She was patient, knowledgeable and an all around delight as a teacher. I think she might have turned a lot of us on to pine needles and gourds. Anyone contemplating sitting up a class like this would be doing themselves a favor by getting Carol as their teacher. We had 14 scheduled to come and 13 showed up so she had quite the challenge. As Michigan weather goes it didn't turn out anything like I had planned. Carol wanted us to learn how to do the gourds from start to finish so there was going to be some cleaning and cutting. I decided as this would be messy we would do it outside and then when we got down to the business of the actually coiling of the pine needles they could go inside or stay outside, whichever they prefer. Of course it stormed so we huddled in the garage until the messy part was done and then mostly drifted into the house. Even with the weather we still had a great time and everyone except those who chose to do an entire pine needle basket finished. I plan on taking a picture of my gourd too so if I even finish my roll of film will send one on to David. Billie I had made one pine needle baskets and one gourd basket before yesterday. I hated them both. Doing pine needle basketry on gourds is really fun or perhaps the teacher made it fun. A teacher can make all the difference in the world when it comes to turning us on or off to any type of craft. I had attempted wood burning one time previous too and was not impressed with it at all before yesterday. I wood burned the cutest little folk art scene on my gourd with birds, picket fences and flowers. I'll be driving my motor home to Warren Dunes State Park next Tues. for 3 days of R&R. It is down at the corner of MI, IN and IL. Kim Renich and I are meeting and plan on 3 days of weaving along Lake MI. If anyone hears rumors of some nutty women in a state park making baskets, it's us. Kim will be in Danville, IL this month so we figured this was about a half way point for the two of us. Summer is gone and it has barely got warm in MI. Pam %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Endings and beginnings... Date: 10 Aug 2000 13:07:11 -0000 From: "J. Choate Basketry List" To: List Member J. Choate Basketry List - http://www.jchoatebasketry.com Well the tour of 2000 is finally over. We had a great time and met some wonderful people. In ten and a half weeks we cruised through 23 states and three provinces and logged on some 15,000 miles. This and we are not even home yet. We are on stand by for some fun in the Ozarks until October when we will again head north for the Great Land. After taking a deep breath we are ready to begin scheduling for the "West by Southwest Tour -2001". We will begin the tour in April and end it by attending "Bishop Mule Days" on Memorial day weekend. Yee-haw!! Can't wait to take in that "Packers Scramble". If you or your organization would like to sponsor a class let me know and we'll start penciling in dates. If you are looking for some excitement before then look what we've cooked up for you. Due to the tremendous interest generated by the tour for the "Alaskan Bush Basketry Retreat" we have opened up a second session for the weeks of February 23 - March 4th. Same itinerary as the first session just some new dates and different scheduling to accommodate all of your Alaskan adventure. This session has already begun to book so if you are interested in attending we encourage you to not delay in making your reservation. If you'd like some additional information on the retreat you can access it on the net at www.jchoatebasketry.com. Until we meet on the trail.... Jill Choate Talkeetna, AK Via the Ozarks of Missouri %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Bits and Pieces Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000 09:41:06 -0400 From: "John W. Dorris" To: "Weavers Words" Those of you who didn't order the calendar from the NE group are really going to be regretful. It is wonderful. It runs the gamut from Nantucket's to art pieces and makes me feel very humble. Technically I'm a pretty good weaver but I'm sorely lacking in the imagination category. I do hope that it was easy enough and the group makes enough to print a new one every year. Joanne, I think you'll find that most of us order supplies just as you do. What little basket making materials the craft stores carry are terribly expensive and terribly terrible. How's that for proper English. In other words a bunch of... Pearl Art Supply has wonderful things (not necessarily basket related). The biggest problem is that they are not available in lots of places. The closest to us as far as I know is in the Northern Va. area. (4 hrs) They do have some "strange" kids working there but most do know what they're talking about. I bought a big roll of paper when I was there in April so I could do some more paper baskets ala Jackie Abrams. Will close for now as I must get my pool exercises in before the dentist and the daily thunderstorms. (Don't know which is worse). Billie in HOT Va. Beach. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket Swap Manners Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000 09:30:01 -0500 From: Ken & Stephanie Funck To: davidc@iei.net Jean Weinrich: Basket Swap #9 was my first swap and I had a similar experience. There was no acknowledgement of the basket I mailed or to the follow-up email I sent until the coordinator stepped in. When I did get a response by email, my swap partner said since she had sent the email there would be no need to send the card she had written to me. Needless to say, I felt rather unappreciated. I think it's very important to be prompt and courteous, especially when dealing with someone you've never met. I am hoping for a better experience with the next basket swap. On a happier note, I'm participating in the Fanny Pack Basket class that Bert Comstock is teaching here is Wisconsin. We started Wednesday night and will finish Thursday night. It's been great fun, the people are wonderful and Bert brought in lots of interesting baskets to show. I can't wait to go back and finish!! Stephanie Funck Sun Prairie WI funck@execpc.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Lyn Siler Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000 11:25:57 -0400 From: Nancy Brandt To: Weavers words Hello everyone, I haven't written for a while but I devour every word of WW. Did you look at the pictures Juanita sent to WW? This was the 10-year the Deer Creek Basketry Guild had a tent (10 x 10 - and we put it up) at the Harford County Farm Fair. We sold $2,000 - $3,000 of baskets. The final figuring isn't in yet. The guild gets 15% and any one selling has to work 4 hours. Its fun. We also promote our beginner class, which will be in Oct. Does anyone have an address for Lyn Siler? I heard she was in Balto or her daughter is. She isn't in the phone book. We would love to have her visit our guild. Nancy in Glen Arm, Md %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: RE: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 39 Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000 10:57:23 -0500 From: Dianne Gleixner To: "'David Collins'" Hi everyone! I sure hope everyone is OK with all the severe weather and fires that are going on out there. My parents recently moved back to WI after a few years in Montana. They lived just outside of Missoula in Frenchtown. While I know they are not there anymore, I still can't help but track the fires near there anyway. Strange, but when you know something is happening in an area you are familiar with, somehow it just hits closer to home. SO anyway, my thoughts are with you, and I wish rain on the fires, cool breezes on the hot, humid areas, and beautiful sunshine on areas where storms are brewing! I had the first half of a class with Bret Comstock Lauderdale last night. Thanks to Bert for taking time on the way to her trip to the Upper Peninsula, MI. Thanks to Lisa Carstens for organizing this, we know it wasn't easy to get everyone together to quickly, but you did good and you can relax now! (Your basket will turn out just fine!) Thank you to Kim Leppin for graciously opening your home to all of us! I am extremely jealous of your weaving room, and of all the wonderful baskets around your house, although I think you should tuck those "L" baskets in a far corner somewhere! :'P It was nice meeting some other weavers, those of you who read WW, HI! Tonight is the second half of the class, I hope to finish up my basket so I don't have homework! This is Bert's "fanny pack" basket. If it turns out nice, maybe I'll send a picture to David. My two cents worth on the pricing issue - every area is different, and what I can sell for $30 here, someone else may be able to sell for $40 somewhere else, yet in another area you'd be hard pressed to get $20 for. I price my baskets so they sell, and I make a little profit. I don't plan on making enough to quit my day job, I do it because I enjoy making baskets, and hope to make enough money to buy more supplies. Not all of you may agree with this, but that's what works for me. I'd rather sell my baskets, than have people look at them, and say "That's beautiful" look at the price and put it down. While I don't think my prices are too low, I try to keep them reasonable. (Climbing down from my soapbox now) Congratulation Darlene Safrit on your purchase of Union Station Studio! It's nice to know that the business will continue, and I wish you the best of luck! Keep us posted. Billie in VA Beach - I also agree with you in positioning myself in the back of my booth at craft fairs. I get a good view of people approaching in both directions, I can make eye contact easier, and it forces someone to walk all the way into the booth to make a purchase. I have a few miniature baskets on the table near where I write up purchases; these can become "impulse purchases" like you referred to. They are cute, and inexpensive! What makes "L" baskets so expensive and popular? Sometimes I think it's a combination of good sales reps, and the group mentality. One person says "you really need this" and pretty soon you are convinced. They also do a good job of selling you on the fact that they will appreciate in value, although they are only worth as much as someone else will pay. Take Beanie Babies as an example - when you find out there are a limited number, you automatically feel the need to have one because someday they may be worth something. I have nothing against people who like "L" baskets, (KIM!) it's just that I have better things to spend my money on. Mary Hooper - I often hear comments from people admiring my baskets, and saying how nice they are, then they walk away empty handed. Sometimes they really sound sincere, but other times just as something to say. Maybe I need to work on my sales tactics! The other frequent comment is "You MAKE these!? Wow, I wouldn't have the patience!" I think I need to get Bruce bakers tape "Be a Dynamic Craft Seller"! Although it's not basket related, I thought you'd like this. Here is my thought for the day: A man came upon a little child hurriedly tossing starfish, stranded by that morning's high tide, back into the ocean. The beach was miles long and covered from one end to the other with the helpless starfish. The man sighed, kneeled down, and said quietly, "You will never get all these starfish back in the ocean, dear child. One person cannot make a difference against these odds - there are too many starfish." The child held up another starfish, threw it in the ocean, then turned back to look the man directly in the eyes. Then, through a beaming smile said, "I just made a difference for that one!" Sorry so long! Dianne Gleixner - SE Wisconsin, sunny, low 80s, and hoping for the same for my craft show this weekend! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: WW Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000 13:23:54 -0700 (PDT) From: sassy kat To: David Collins Hi everyone! Joann Howard here from Hawaii - I'm north of Orlando in the Ocala area. I'm teaching a basket class on this Saturday morning and again on the 26th at the Leesburg Center for the Arts in Leesburg (just off I75 about 30 miles north of Orlando). Come up and say hi! I chat with Lois online quite often and would love to meet you. I'm thinking that I might even be able to get to the Basketry conference in Tampa next month if things work out. Had to laugh at the Longaberger story. When I mention I just moved from Ohio and make baskets, many people ask if I worked for the "L" people. I say, no... I make traditional baskets using techniques common to the Appalachian region. I don't work in a factory, using a mold, and making stuff for piecework. grrrr. All this talk of pine needle basketry has me wondering if I'm missing out on some fun??? My father and my sister both swear that I made several baskets and mats out of pine needles when I was little, but I have no recollection of it... and the coiling just looks like something that would make me crazy! What I love to do, though, is send some of the lovely long pine needles that I have here off to friends who then make lovely pine needle baskets with them and send one back to me. Bought a bunch of gourds on Ebay the other day - they have arrived and now I have been fooling with them, trying to decide how to proceed. The gourd garden I planted this spring has a total of 3 gourdlings growing on the vines so far. Katie In hot hot hot central Florida. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Pattern Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000 17:44:06 EDT From: Corbettrj@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net I may have made a mistake, but I thought I read in an issue of WW that there was an actual pattern for a basket using a potato masher as the handle. I did check the site using the search engine, but did come up with anything that referenced the availability of a pattern. I felt fortunate today as I found not one, but four of the old kitchen tools. I was not selfish, I only bought two. It sounds like it might be fun to make the basket using the old tool, but I don't know where to begin. Thank you anyone out there who can help. Carolyn Corbett Seaford, DE where it is really summer now! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Coil for making rag baskets Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000 18:59:34 -0400 From: "KAREN R. KILPATRICK" To: davidc@iei.net Need names of vendors who sell coil for making rag baskets. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: I agree Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000 16:37:10 -0700 (PDT) From: Joanne Howard To: Bsktmkr23@aol.com CC: David Collins Jean Weinrich: I experienced the same thing. In my case I was even more frustrated to find that the swap coordinator contacted the woman I sent a basket filled with goodies from Hawaii I might add, by email. The woman who received my basket had the audacity to EMAIL the coordinator and tell HER that she had received the basket but was to busy to let me know. She went so far as to tell the coordinator and said she had sent me a hand written note of thanks, which never came. Now how come she could e mail the coordinator but not me?!!! Go figure that out!!!! I stewed for awhile, as I was really mad and wrote to WW just like you did. I stated that I felt if anyone couldn't acknowledge my gift than they should not be allowed in future swaps. Just as if they didn't send their basket. But....no one took on that idea (at least the coordinators didn't). I know how infuriated you must be. Lack of manners is inexcusable. I spent a lot of time weaving and a bunch of money (I know I didn't have to but how many people get to Hawaii) filling it. I didn't do another swap just because I was pretty crushed. I felt pretty bad. I will join the swap again after vacation. Maybe. Special thanks though two the ladies who did love my swaps and let me know it!!! I hope you eventually hear from this lady, but I think the coordinators need to be reminded, those that don't send a basket or response of receipt should be banned!!! No excuses!!! And please don't boo hiss me. I think it is very rude not to at least say thanks even if you hate the basket! Hey Lois, I found us Milk Paint! Thanks for the Lighthouse book! I am excited you found one!! Off on another Orlando, Florida adventure!! Joanne Howard %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket shops Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000 20:12:16 EDT From: Deesbasket@cs.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi I would like to know of any basket shops on the east coast of Florida. South of Orlando and north of Miami. Going there in October. Thanks Dee %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Coiling for rag baskets Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000 20:53:14 -0400 (EDT) From: IBWEAVIN@webtv.net (Juanita Kenner) To: davidc@iei.net Hi Everyone, I got an email asking for help in finding a supplier for coiling for rag baskets. Does anyone know of any company handling this? I bragged if anyone could find this it would be someone from WW. Thanks Juanita Kenner Balto Md. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Longaberger baskets Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2000 06:36:52 -0500 From: Walter K Erb To: davidc@iei.net The last issue of WW had a question...what makes the Longaberger baskets so desirable and expensive? Just my view...of course, I think the main reason would be a very good marketing strategy...a lot of the baskets are available for a short period of time and after that are only available on the secondary market. This creates that 'frenzy' of 'gotta get it now', etc. I have a friend who sells Longaberger and she has told me that the founder of the company has virtually revitalized the town in Ohio where the baskets are made, gives people down on their luck a chance to get on their feet and work, etc. and for this I can admire the company (although when she told me they donate 2 dollars towards breast cancer research from a basket that cost 40+ dollars I was a little skeptical) ;) Just my two cents... Sue Erb in St. Louis, MO - hot, muggy and mowing the lawn every 5 days :P %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 39 Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2000 08:12:54 -0400 From: "sarahwatts" To: "David Collins" References: 1 With all this talk of expensive basketry, I just had to show everyone this link for a "huge Zulu basket." It's featured on eBay with a starting bid of $500 (and $200 shipping and handling!) I've never seen anything like it (although I did see Mary Jackson's sweetgrass baskets once at an art festival. Her work really is beautiful). http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=405344519 Sarah Watts in Savannah, GA %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: John Campbell Folk Art School Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2000 08:56:04 EDT From: BsktByBarb@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net This is for anyone who might have the chance to take classes at the John Campbell Folk School or Arrowmont in Rugby, Tenn. If Scott Gilbert (GH Productions) is the Teacher, you will learn sooo much! Scott and is one of the best. I know Scott and Beth Hester (GH) and not only are they excellent Teachers, they are wonderful people. Their knowledge has been gained from wonderful basketmakers and also from their own hard work and the love they share for basketry. I have had the good fortune to go to their Shop, in Scottsville, Kentucky and take workshops that were offered. No one is a stranger there. They can answer a lot of questions concerning Oak and how to care for it. Hope you have a old freezer that you have to Defrost from time to time. Oak likes being kept there. This was a little longer than I intended. Just had to add my praises for these people. Barbara Wykoff, Back Home in Indiana and loving it! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Bits and Pieces Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2000 09:18:21 -0400 From: "John W. Dorris" To: "Weavers Words" First of all--If anyone has the different colored small round reed left over from the Judy Wilson egg basket kits I would be interested in giving it a new home. Or if you realize that you will never get around to making the extra kit you bought, since it took forever to make the first one, let me know. Her colors are always so wonderful and tho' I've tried I'll never get the same. Just let me know how much you want for it I'll get a check in the mail. I actually sorted through mine last night (it was all tangled up and confusing) and realized I'm almost out. Secondly. Those of you that have liability insurance for shows, where did you get it? Through a regular insurance agency? Or one that specializes in that type of business? I've decided that I really need to get some but would like to find the best deal for it. One place I called quoted about $500 a year and since I only do about 6 shows that is a chunk of change. seems to me I remember a discussion a while back on this subject. Back to work Billie in sunny Va. Beach %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Attaching and Lashing the Rim Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2000 13:36:33 -0500 From: "Wucher, Cathy S" To: "'David Collins'" I sent these instructions about a year ago but we've grown so much and have so many new weavers I thought it would be helpful to repost! Following step by step will result in a wonderful rim and lashing...you won't be able to see where the lashing starts or stops! When I lash, I work from the inside - out. I get a tighter lash this way but it does take longer. I weave for the enjoyment of weaving. I don't sell baskets but do give a lot of them away! Many basket weavers start and stop their lasher different ways. There is no right or wrong method. I like the following method because it gives a very finished look. I didn't create this, I'm not taking any credit (or blame if you don't like it). I doubt that the weaver that first came up with this method is still alive, but if you think it was your original idea, whomever you are, please don't start another name calling fiasco!! This is long, I've reread through it and can't make it any shorter! Picture a market basket and you're looking at it from the wide side. 1. Outside rim starts adjacent to the handle on the right hand side and wraps to the right. I usually have an overlap of about 3 inches but of course on a smaller basket, it would be less. Let it be a little bit long, trim it later. 2. Inside rim starts adjacent to the handle (same side of the basket) BUT it's on the left-hand side of the handle and wraps to the left. 3. Don't forget the sea grass or other medium between the rims - this is important, the sea grass starts on the same spoke that the lasher starts on, leave it about 1/2 inch too long (both ends) and trim it later. **What you have now is the rim attached with clothespins, clamps, electric ties or whatever you prefer, inside and outside rims originate from the same side of the basket, on different sides of the handle. This is where it gets hard to explain! You're still looking at the side of the basket where the rims overlap. 4. Start the lasher at the second or third cut spoke to the right of the handle, just past the overlap. (Yep, this is harder than I thought!) Pretend that the sea grass isn't there for this first step, it won't be under the first lash, just let it stick up. 5. From the outside, go up under the rim row, (don't pull the lasher all the way through, you're working with about the first 5 inches) then back down to the outside of the rim row (but inside the rim itself). It's like you are making a stitch that will be hidden. Pull it down about two inches, so that it's tight and then slide both pieces of lasher to the left and let it set between those two spokes. 6. Now you're ready to lash, the long piece is outside the basket, you will lash to the right, keeping the lashing tight (which is a whole other subject!!) 6a. Make an X at the handle and keep going. I usually tighten before I make the first X, continue lashing then tighten again before the 2nd X. 7. When you get almost all the way around and you've reached the point where you're just to the left of your starting handle, and the inside rim is at the overlap, trim the rim overlap at an angle that matches the angle of the lasher. Not too long, just so that the rim peaks outside the lasher a little bit. 8. Continue past the handle, when you get to where the outside rim ends, trim it to match the angle of the lasher, again not too long. 9. You have one or two more to lash, when you back to where you started (see that piece of lasher just hanging there!) you're last lash will come out in the same space where you started. 10. Tighten up one last time, this is your last chance! 11. Again picture this as if you were making a stitch, you'll have to pull the starting end (of the lasher) to the right to get it out of your way. The end that you've been using goes up under the rim (pull tight) over the rim row then back down to the inside of the basket between the rim row and the rim. 12. You should have the two ends of sea grass sticking up looking like they don't know where to go. Trim the one on the right so that it will go under the lash and you won't see the end. Trim the left one and tuck it in under that same lash. You can slide that lash a bit then move it back over to hide the cut pieces of sea grass. 13. Almost finished! Pull the inside lasher down tight, trim as close to the rim as you can. Pull the outside piece of lasher and trim as close to the rim as you can. 14. Viola' you have now lashed the basket and with a little practice, you won't be able to tell where it starts or stops! Let me know how this works for you, if you have any questions send them to me, I don't always have the time to read all the WW issues. If anyone else starts and stops this way and can explain it better, please do! Cas Wucher from hot and sunny St. Louis cwucher@mail.win.org %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% If for any reason you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.