"Weavers Words" Vol. 4 Iss. 44 Date Sent: August 22, 2000 Web Page: http://members.xoom.com/dgcollins/ Subscribers: 1450 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 Carolyn Miller's-----Gourd Coiled With Pine Needles. Barbara Byrne's-----Woven Lamp Shade. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% 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: http://members.xoom.com/dgcollins/companion.html Here's a little more information: THE GOOD NEWS: There is at least one listing in 35 states and Canada. THE BAD NEWS: That leaves 15 states (listed below) 188 countries without any listings. ALABAMA ARKANSAS DELAWARE KANSAS LOUISIANA MARYLAND MISSISSIPPI NEBRASKA NEVADA NORTH DAKOTA OREGON UTAH VERMONT WEST VIRGINIA WYOMING SO IF YOUR FAVORITE BASKET SHOP/MUSEUM/GALLERY/EXHIBIT/ETC. ISN'T LISTED, GO TO THE ABOVE LINK AND SEND ME REQUESTED INFORMATION. Thanks & Take Care, David %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Thumb surface Date: Sun, 20 Aug 2000 21:20:11 -0400 From: gorbics To: David Collins References: 1 Dear Friends who weave so much that you are thinking of buying stock in Band-Aids. I keep wearing off the skin on my thumbs and have been wanting to buy a rubber thumb that office people use for the ancient art of filing. I finally found some. They were a dozen for 1.99 at an old-fashioned office supply store in Muskegon Michigan. It is a wonderful addition to my tool basket. They come sized so try one on before you buy. I may get my thumbprint back again now that I have it protected. Nan Nan Gorbics nangorbics@oceana.net Homepage: http://www.homepage.oceana.net/~gorbics/ With links to the antler basket pictures %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Ash Camp Date: Sun, 20 Aug 2000 22:41:53 -0400 From: "Ruthanne M.S. Morningstar" To: davidc@iei.net Hi Weavers, Well, got back from Ash Camp up in the UP of Michigan with Daniel Nye. What a terrific experience. He's a wealth of information. And, was willing to share his knowledge with all of us, as well as all of us sharing with him and each other. We pounded out ash logs, dug up spruce root and learned how to prepare it, removed the inner basswood bark and made cordage, learned how to make Pine tar, and he was demonstrating how to carve rims and handles when my party had to leave. I've done this many times with the McColleys with white oak, but would have liked to see his techniques. Oh well, there's always next time. It was a great weekend and was able to put faces to many names from WW's. Bert, Deb, Sue, Poppy, Joan, Sarah, etc. will now take on different lights when I see their names posted. Bought three ash baskets from Daniel and came home with a vehicle filled with materials. Looking forward to teaching a workshop for a Guild in Saginaw, Michigan Saturday. It's an open workshop and they will be making 5 or 6 different baskets. Better check my notes. From Dryden Michigan where it's cool enough for a sweatshirt! Ruthanne M.S. Morningstar 'The Electronic Woman' %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" Date: Sun, 20 Aug 2000 22:51:49 EDT From: Baskets58@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net To Shirley Shipley, here is a poem that I like: The Weaver My life is but a weaving Between my Lord and me. I may not choose the colors; He knows what they should be... For He can view the pattern upon the upper side, While I can see it only On this, the underside. Sometimes He weaveth sorrow, Which seemeth strange to me; But I will trust His judgment and work on faithfully. At last when life is ended, With Him I shall abide, Then I may view the pattern Upon the upper side. Then shall I know the reason Why pain with joy entwined Was woven in the fabric Of life that God designed. Author unknown I carry this poem with me at all times. Cindy C in sunny OH %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 43 Date: Sun, 20 Aug 2000 23:30:02 EDT From: Baksue@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net In reply to Elizabeth J. Bechtel: Our basketry shop, East Troy Basketry is very near Milwaukee, just 25 miles southeast. Beginning in September we'll be having "Open Weaves" and we'd love to have you join us. It will be every Wednesday 10-4 and every Thursday evening 5-9. Come when you want and stay as long as you want. Call 1-888-424-9866 for details. Eileen Mirsberger, new owner basket@wcf.net www.easttroybasketry.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Excuse Me! Date: Sun, 20 Aug 2000 22:45:43 -0500 From: Tony Stubblefield To: David Collins/Weavers Words Blythe - About being a "lady" - Well, I like to think of myself as a Gentleman ;-) I am having to type this message standing because I can't sit down for kicking myself. Boy am I sorry I missed the workshop with Daniel Nye. It sounds like everyone had a blast. I am so jealous! Oh well, I am glad everyone who did go had a good time. Maybe I will see you all there next year. Happy weaving, Tony Stubblefield St. Louis http://www.jaskets.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Black Ash Workshop Date: Sun, 20 Aug 2000 23:46:42 EDT From: Baksue@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net I have renewed interest in weaving with materials that can be harvested on your own. Daniel Nye's workshop was both fun and very informative. He has a wealth of knowledge about materials and also basketry. His Black Ash Baskets are absolutely gorgeous. The small weavers and intricate designs make these baskets very special. Thanks to Daniel for sharing your interest and knowledge with us all. I feel very lucky to have had the chance to attend this workshop. Thanks also to the various people who were ever so patient in teaching about stripping the black ash to use as weavers. It's unbelievable how difficult this is. I certainly understand why it is necessary to charge what many would feel is a very high price. The amount of time just to prepare materials is much greater than most of us realized. Poppy, A special thank you for your generosity in sharing the camp. It was a special treat to be there and see your beautiful baskets. It sure is good sleeping out in the woods, with all of the fresh air. Hi also to Bert. It was fun getting to know you and thanks for the special transportation into the woods to gather Spruce root. Sue B. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 43 Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 07:11:05 EDT From: LMBAUCH@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Sue, One of the best, DARK batches of black walnut stain that I've had so far came from a bunch of husks a farmer gave me. They had run a car over the whole thing to get the nuts (you can eat the nuts - but they are hard to get at). Anyway, I was thinking that since you had trained squirrels - maybe you could go into business!! lol Laurie in Easton, PA %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Looking for Bert! Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 06:21:47 -0500 From: "Bunga & Bunka" To: I tried to e-mail Bert from the e-mail address under the subscriber's page and it bounced back. Bert Comstock could you please e-mail me privately please. Went to Land of Lincoln Guild meeting on Saturday and had a wonderful time, met some wonderful ladies and made two great baskets! Basketmakers are the nicest people in the whole world! It amazes me all the wonderful talent and terrific ideas that are out there. The "teachers" were magnificent, the "vendors" were full of new ideas and the "food" was fantastic! Great friends, great weaving and great food, what can be better than that?! Thank you all! Sandi Carstensen in Iowa where it is beginning to feel like Fall! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Former Swap Info... Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 08:34:24 EDT From: Frbasketsc@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net << Here are the five easy steps to successful swapping: 1. Weave a basket of some kind for the person listed at the end of this message. Weave a basket you would be glad to receive. (If they indicated a favorite color, it is shown below. You may use this information if you wish, but it is not a requirement.) 2. When you pack the basket for shipping/mailing, include the recipient's name and address on a paper or card inside the package AND include your own name, address and email inside the package. 3. Send the basket to the designated person. The final deadline for sending your basket out is APRIL 22, 2000. 4. Notify me by email when you have sent your basket (Please!) 5. Notify me AND the weaver (by email) when you have received your new basket. A post to WW is great, but should not substitute for a personal thank you note to the weaver, expressing your appreciation for the basket they wove. >> Just my two cents. Here are the rules from a swap that was conducted on WW a little while back. It says nothing about snail mail. I always thought that sense you sign up for the swap on the Internet. The thank you and notification would be through E-mail. I am sure if we could we would E-mail the basket. Just because it would be free. So let follow the rules. A thank you through E-mail is satisfactory for me. I think I am luck to receive a swap basket. I enjoy giving a swap basket, so don't worry be happy. A Friend in weaving, Carolyn of MI %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 43 Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 09:59:02 EDT From: LYNNRAMM@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Just wanted to add my 2 cents about email verses snail mail Thank you's. I have participated in the last 6 Swaps and I prefer email Thank you's. I find the people I email and I chat a lot more then someone who has just sent a note, snail mail. I have met a lot of great gals through these swaps and enjoy chatting long after the Swap is over. One gal, Sue, I met through a Swap has even been to my house and is coming here over Labor Day weekend to weave with me. I can't wait!! Thank you David for all your time and effort. Lynn Sherlock from eastern NY where it has been unseasonably cool, 60-70 degrees %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Thank You's Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 10:07:24 -0400 From: "Robbie Sykes" To: "David Collins" Hi folks, well I'm on my "soap box", so here goes. I've been reading all these posts lately about "Thank You's" for the swap baskets and feel it's time I waded in on this. When I was growing up in the southern part of North Carolina, the first thing our Mama's taught us was manners. And the one message mine imparted to me above all others was how to say "Thank You" in a timely manner. Everyone should remember that when someone else does a kindly deed the LEAST thing one should do is say thank you, as quickly as possible! In the case of our swap baskets, these baskets are woven by someone who is trying to be nice and do a "kindly deed" for someone else that they don't even know! They have done it with love and in a "timely manner" because THEY have a deadline in which to get the basket woven and shipped to the recipient. Therefore, it is the recipients responsibility to "thank" them in a timely manner. Regardless of what may happen in the weaver's "life" during the time the basket is to be made and shipped, they have worked tirelessly to get it finished on time. So, the person receiving the basket should work tirelessly to get that "thank you" out on time------regardless of what may be happening in their "life". None of us who participate in these swap HAS to make a basket. It is purely voluntary. So when you receive something from someone else in the future, remember, that person has given or made the item with love and genuine friendship because they WANTED to! Be kind and gracious enough to THANK them for it. They will feel great about doing it in the first place and you'll feel even better because you let them know you appreciate their kindness. I've probably said more than enough, but just had to add my 2-cents to this. Sorry gang, I'm off my "soap box" now. Will get back to weaving! Robbie in Wilson, NC where the weather is SUPER; for a change! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: RE: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 43 Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 10:13:09 -0500 From: "Pace, Dorothy" To: "'David Collins'" David, Just want to thank you for your dedication to this list and the weavers who enjoy it so much. I've been more of a lurker than a participant for about a month. But, feel a part of the group as I have laughed, cried, cheered, and commiserated with all. I have been weaving about 7 years and began by taking an adult education class as so many of us have done. Teach and demonstrate whenever possible and sell a few baskets. Have supplied gift shops and craft stores and have only done one festival or fair. Not a success financially, but so satisfying. All of my work is with reed except for the white oak baskets made at Betty Curry's spring and autumn weekend events. I'm a member of the Missouri Basketweavers and the Ozark Mountain Weavers Guilds. OMWG meets in Springfield the third Saturday of each month at the Senior Citizen Center on South Fremont. There are only 3 or so of us willing to teach and a total of about 25 people who come when they can make it. The Missouri convention each June is the high point of my summer. I always make sure that I have vacation time available for that weekend. Asked at one point if there were any weaving events or shops, galleries, etc in the San Antonio, Texas area that I might visit Labor Day weekend but have not had a response. My daughter and son-in-law are now living there thanks to the U.S. Army. Thanks to each of the other members for their hints and ideas. Looking forward to each issue from central Missouri, Dorothy %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 43 Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 08:49:52 -0700 From: "Jan Putra" To: "David Collins" References: 1 Hi all, Just a thought with all the discussion about the L baskets and collecting. It is always impressive when looking at an old basket to find out it is from the "turn of the century", thereby making it more valuable. Well any baskets you have made in the last year or so were also from the turn of the century!! My husband gets the biggest kick out of pointing this out to people. Jan Putra %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Ash Camp Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 12:48:56 -0400 From: "Ruthanne M.S. Morningstar" To: davidc@iei.net Hi Weavers, Well, got back from Ash Camp up in the UP of Michigan with Daniel Nye. What a terrific experience. He's a wealth of information. And, was willing to share his knowledge with all of us, as well as all of us sharing with him and each other. We pounded out ash logs, dug up spruce root and learned how to prepare it, removed the inner basswood bark and made cordage, learned how to make Pine tar, and he was demonstrating how to carve rims and handles when my party had to leave. I've done this many times with the McColleys with white oak, but would have liked to see his techniques. Oh well, there's always next time. It was a great weekend and was able to put faces to many names from WW's. Bert, Sue, Poppy, Joan, Sarah, etc. will now take on different lights when I see their names posted. Bought three ash baskets from Daniel and came home with a vehicle filled with materials. Looking forward to teaching a workshop for a Guild in Saginaw, Mich. It's an open workship and they will be making 5 or 6 different baskets. Better check my notes. From Dryden Michigan where it's cool enough for a sweatshirt! Ruthanne M.S. Morningstar 'The Electronic Woman' %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Aloha Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 07:58:09 -1000 From: The Keener Clan To: davidc@iei.net Aloha from wet and windy Honolulu, where we had an actual thunderstorm yesterday, I saw something on a basket site the other day that was new to me. There was a free pattern offered and after the spokes were cut and tucked on the small basket, the tucked spokes were stapled down. Staples? Tell me this isn*t common. Joanne, bring the sheaths home (if you can sneak them through customs) and I*ll show you what to do with them. You missed a stinker of a storm yesterday. Say what you want about the L baskets, but no one has been able to explain to me why, if I attended an L party in Hawaii, I would have to pay 17% more for the basket than I would if I lived on the mainland. Ahh, the postage isn*t that high, believe me. When I moved here 7 years ago, I found that some companies (not basket suppliers) I*d used in the past were now charging me an extra $10 (plus the postage) just to ship to Hawaii. I mean, does it take more of an effort to put something in a box to ship here? So I don*t order from anyone who makes me pay more just because I live in Hawaii. Oh, I did once call a supplier to order something and was told "We don*t know how to send anything to Hawaii". I once ordered a Peterborough basket from QVC just to get a look at the divider in the basket. When it arrived, the center spoke sat an angle while the rest of the spokes were fairly straight. I would be embarrassed to sell a basket that looked like that. I had heard of but had never seen an L basket until I moved here. My neighbor had one on her counter to hold fruit and I asked her one day, "Are the spokes supposed to slide from side to side?". I couldn*t understand why she*d paid so much for such a poorly woven basket. The comment that a quality basket cannot be made in a day is kind of judgmental. I am a craftsperson, not an artist and though I don*t do volumes, I do weave on a continual basis--almost everyday (and my bad shoulder and pinched nerve in my back can attest to that). I wouldn*t sell my baskets if I didn*t think they were "quality"--I wouldn*t sell something I wouldn*t buy myself, so maybe quality should be decided by the maker and the buyer. Marty--nice to hear from you again! And I agree--a written thank you shouldn*t be an absolute necessity-but some sort of thank you should be sent. Friend Joanne got nothing-no word--from her swap partner. That is rude, regardless of someone*s busy schedule. If a weaver can take the time to join the swap, she can take the time to e-mail a thanks. And now I, too, will climb off the soapbox and weave something quality :-) Lois Honolulu %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: Help Please Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 14:09:44 EDT From: Baskats@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Thanks to all for the great advice. I am a new weaver and have a source for pecan shells to use as dye. Do I need both the husk and shell to make the dye? If there is anyone in Northern Virginia that can give me some help on an antler basket? My first basket class was with Jill Choate and am stuck. Thank you. Luanne Jones, Alexandria, VA baskats@aol.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Appreciation of baskets. Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 12:55:20 -0700 From: "Allen's Basketworks" To: "David Collins" I might start by saying there are many things in this world I don't understand. The success of Longanberger Baskets, Amway, Beanie Babies and Starbucks are among them. However I wish I had had the ideas first. The vote is in, they all hit home runs. One thing we tend to forget is that all baskets are made by hand. Until recently the craft of basket maker was a honored and skilled profession with an apprenticeship necessary before one could practice the trade. Whether a basket is a $50,000.00 antique Panamit basket or a Wall Mart $0.50 special it represents someone's handwork. In many parts of the third world they are part of the cash economy, The Mexican rural farmer trades much of his crop among his fellow farmers for his basic needs. But when it comes to blue jeans, cigarettes and tequila it is the baskets he takes to the market to sell for cash to buy the "necessities". The Balinese weaver at the Monkey Forest is supporting her family with the baskets she weaves. A few dollars hard currency goes a long way in Indonesia. The fine baskets made in the factories of China we rarely see as they do not adapt well to the mass marketing methods of Michael's, Wal-Mart, etc. The Chinese factory basket weaver is considered a skilled worker and receives a good wage. The only reason baskets from China are so cheap is the currency exchange rate. Also we usually only see the lesser baskets. But beware they can copy anything you can weave. I have had the "privilege" of seeing one of my originals copied and dozens of them for sale at Jo Ann Fabrics. I have also seen Nantucket's being woven in Chinese factories. The African tribal baskets are as precious as the Native American Baskets and take as long to weave. Once again it is the standard of living and currency exchange that makes them affordable. If Africa ever loses its third world status they will be very valuable. So when you have an imported basket in your hands treasure it and remember someone made it and what ever price was paid it contributed to the well being of its maker. We domestic basket weavers must remember a large part of our basketry experience must be in our enjoyment of the craft and the feeling of success from mastering new techniques. Remember an original work is the creation of the one who made it and a one of a kind pieces are always unique treasures. Allen Allen's Basketworks %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: potato masher pattern Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 16:08:47 -0400 From: "Angie Wagner-Country Seat" To: "David" Hi all, With all of the talk lately about potato mashert patterns, I wanted to let everyone know that the latest issue of "black creek country news" has arrived and it contains patterns for a "Grandma's Potato Masher Basket" and a "Grandma's Pastry Blender Ribbed Basket". All the details are in our on-line catalog with a picture of the baskets. Angie The Country Seat http://www.countryseat.com/shophome.htm %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Swap Pattern Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 13:14:00 -0700 From: Kathleen Cox To: davidc@iei.net Hi David: Thanks very much for what you do for us through WW. Look forward to every issue and refer back to issues frequently..........I received my swap pattern this weekend from Cindy Dunham of Crystal Lake, Ill....Cindy, I did not have this pattern (While You Were Out---A Message Basket) by Baskets Of Joy and it is a darling basket. I'm going to make it very soon. I do thank you very much and I know I will enjoy using it over and over for gifts also. Thanks to Jayna Glemby for organizing the swap. Kathleen Cox - Alpharetta, Ga. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: THANK YOU Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 16:35:34 -0400 (EDT) From: ebernier@webtv.net (Evie Bernier) To: davidc@iei.net Why not just take the time to post a thank you note instead of taking the time to explain why it was not done. I certainly appreciate a kind word for my effort. Evie in sunny Mi %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 43 Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 16:49:57 -0500 From: Dianne Gleixner To: "'David Collins'" Hi all basketmakers! I just have time to give a reply to the person asking about Bruce Baker. His tape can be order through his web site at www.dbakerinc.com. This tape has been highly recommended to me, although I still haven't gotten around to getting it yet. I will be ordering it soon. I've heard he's quite motivational, and incorporates a lot of common sense stuff most of us just wouldn't think of. One quick question also, for those of you who do weaving with gourds, is there anything that needs to be done with the inside after the dried stuff is removed? Also, I've heard that people use leather dye to color the outside. Where can this be found? Thanks. (I'd like to try my first gourd, but don't want to mess it up too bad!) Dianne - in sunny, warm (mid 70s), SE Wisconsin. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Free patterns Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 18:19:54 -0400 From: "Angie Wagner-Country Seat" To: "David" Hi all, Janie in OH - hope you found the free patterns on our site. If you haven't, go to www.countryseat.com/freepattern.htm and enjoy! Angie The Country Seat http://www.countryseat.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Thanks Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 18:53:55 -0400 From: "Angie Wagner-Country Seat" To: "David" Hi all, Thanks Barbara - 10 Thumbs. Glad you liked my post. Feel free to quote any of what I wrote. I'm not often complimented on my writing :), so I'm glad that this time it came out well. The more people who appreciate basketry the better. I agree with some of the other "L" replies. I'm not trying to reach a mass market (I just laugh when my husband's friends - who mean well - ask if I've ever thought of selling to a chain store. I don't even sell wholesale because if I cut my prices in half, it wouldn't be worth the time or effort of selling.). I own many baskets woven by other people. I love the different styles and types. Glad there's room for all of us. Angie The Country Seat http://www.countryseat.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 43 Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 19:31:48 -0500 From: kderrick@swbell.net To: David Collins References: 1 I am one of the persons who thanked my basket swap partner by email. I felt quite badly when I read that the rules stated that we should send a note by snail mail so I went back and reread the rules. The email that I received stating the rules, said...and this is a direct copy and paste: 5. Notify me AND the weaver (by email) when you have received your swap basket. A post to Weavers Words is nice... everybody loves to read about the swap baskets... but it should not substitute for a personal thank you to the weaver. I guess I did not see this as a directive to use 'snail mail.' I think that a 'personal thank you' can be defined as an email directly to that person, rather than just a post on Weaver's Words. I find an email sent directly to me a perfectly adequate thank you and am not offended in the least. I was very pleased to receive a lovely email from my swap partner. For the sake of all of us busy weavers who have to leave something else undone to have time to weave...can we just say an email to the individual is acceptable on future swaps? However, if someone sent an email directly to their swap partner saying they received their basket and did NOT say thank you, they need ten lashes with a wet reed. That is just plain tacky. Kathy in Parkville, MO %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Rit Dye Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 22:48:10 EDT From: Papursuits@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net I used Rit about 20 years ago and found that it faded very quickly. Have they changed the formula so it doesn't fade? Lois Mittleman %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Unusual free pattern site Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 22:54:19 -0400 (EDT) From: mdcamcd@ix.netcom.com To: davidc@iei.net For Janie, and others who like finding unusual pattern sites... I found this one ages ago, and have sent it to a number of people, so some of you may already have it... http://www.inseason.com/baskets/maketobaccobasket.html The pattern is for a 'miniature' North Carolina tobacco basket. It is made on a 10" square hoop; the reason it is a 'miniature' is because a true tobacco basket is 43" across! I think it works best as a wall or door basket for arrangements. The site also has a link to an interesting story about the history of this type of basket. Please bear in mind the directions are designed for a NON-basket weaver and so are very detailed... Cass McDonald PS I am making one for my boss. I work for a plaintiffs' law firm that is involved in one of the big class-action tobacco lawsuits. When the firm got into the process, someone gave my boss a tied bundle of whole dried tobacco leaves (framed). Somehow I think the basket will be just the right thing to go with it... Helps keep us centered on our clients... %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Politics Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 22:10:18 -0500 From: "Peg Weston Brondyke" To: Billie - I don't think you can even use the words "liberal feminist" and "Republican" in the same sentence, can you?? ;-) (Just kidding) Peg in Clinton, Iowa--a liberal feminist Democrat social worker who went to an Al Gore rally Sat. night %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Black walnut stain Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 22:17:25 -0500 From: "Peg Weston Brondyke" To: Sue - I liked your story about your experience with black walnut stain. I used to boil the walnuts and water in my kitchen, but it smelled awful, so I gave it up. Now I just let them sit in a bucket in the garage. Boiling really isn't necessary, unless you're in a hurry. I also just leave the walnuts in the water and strain the stain into another container. Each time I use my stain, I strain it again to get any mold, bugs, or other gunk out. I've had mine for years, and it's never made my baskets moldy. Those walnuts are so smelly and yucky, isn't it hard to believe that squirrels love them? Peg in Iowa--this is the first year that I'm ready for my kids to go back to school (Wed) %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: My Two Cents Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 23:39:52 -0400 From: "basketcase" To: "David Collins" Okay, like many others I've been reading all the comments about Basket Swap etiquette. My two cents will be short and sweet. If you don't have time to email a thank you to your swap buddy, don't participate in the swap. Everybody has busy schedules, but busy doesn't exempt someone from adhering to common courtesy. When that happens we cease being human. Mona Campbell, in Havelock, N.C., where in the south common courtesy is our Seventh Sense. Thank you Lord for another absolutely beautiful day! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Post in WW Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 09:52:31 -0400 From: sgodfrey@mcc.edu To: davidc@iei.net I would like to thank my pattern swap partner for the two nice patterns she sent to me. THANK YOU NANCY SKINNER. It was quite a surprise to receive a couple of patterns that I did not already have. Sue In cloudy Flint, Mi %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Swap thank you comments Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 10:26:56 -0500 From: "St. Peters" To: Hi Weavers, It seems that everyone has an opinion about what a proper swap thank you should be. I felt I needed to voice my opinion because when Rae Hunter wrote an apology in to WW it was to ME. Rae also emailed me the same message privately. I promptly responded to her private message saying that I wasn't looking for a hand-written thank you, all that mattered to me was that she had received her package and that she liked her basket. When she received her swap, she sent a notice via WW that she had received it and I was happy! End of story, or so I thought! I also told Rae that I didn't feel she needed to "punish" herself by not participating in the next swap and I hope that she will take that advice! Weavers, the swaps are for fun and for sharing your love of the craft with another who loves the craft. Here's my opinion on swaps: If you decide to sign up for the next swap: FOLLOW THE RULES and leave it at that, don't add to them or take away from them, it makes it difficult for the rest of us to enjoy. Thanks! Debbie Wagenecht In muggy Morrison Illinois %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: WW Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 11:16:02 -0700 (PDT) From: sassy kat To: David Collins Hmmm.... In reference to charity, "L", and the selling of baskets.... It is excellent that Longaberger gives$2.00 from the sale of one of their dozens of products, for some months out of the year, to a charity. It is very commendable of them. But, don't think for a moment that none of us support anything to that degree from our own 'meager' earnings... I teach classes at a couple of non-profit organizations. At one, I give 25% of my teaching fee and at the other I give 30% of my teaching fee. The money I raise for them goes towards providing each community (and they are separate communities - 30 & 45miles from my house, in different directions!) with funds for arts and recreation that they wouldn't have if I, and others like me, were not willing to give of our time and money. Besides the basketry classes, the Arts Center that sponsors the largest show that I will do this fall/winter season will benefit by receiving 20% from my sales, plus several hours of my time as a volunteer. Given, I'm not selling hundreds of baskets, but I'll bet my 'charitable contribution' is a darn sight larger percentage of my income than the "L" company's is. I don't want to come across as self-righteous. Believe me, I also do classes where the fee is profit for the shop sponsoring the class, and sell baskets at shows where all I have is the cost of the event. And, I do agree about the lack of quality in an "L" basket. Well put, Joy! That is probably what aggravates me the most about their success! Katie In hot hot hot central Florida, where I will continue to pack those rows down tight!! hehehehe %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Lots of stuff!! Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 14:33:56 -0600 From: "Chrystal L. Higgins" To: davidc@iei.net I don't write in often, but had a few things to mention: 1. Jill Choate has offered to do a class at my shop in Kalispell, Montana, next spring. To be specific, she is looking at April 14th (Saturday). If anyone is interested, please let me know. I desperately tried to set up a class with Jill this spring, but got on the bandwagon much too late and just didn't have time to get enough people organized. Never again! Drop me a line if you are interested and I will get back to you with details. 2. To Sue re: your black walnut dye adventure: I have never tried making my own natural dye, but I got such a kick out of your adventures!!! Now I can't decide if I want to try making my own or not. 3. This will sound like I am tooting my own horn, but I just had to tell someone besides my mother and the rest of my family. I entered 3 baskets in our local fair, which just ended a couple of days ago. All 3 won blue ribbons in different categories. One was the basket I made during the class held by Carol Antrim at my shop - needless to say, I was thrilled. That particular basket also won "People's Choice" which was voted on by the judges and everyone going in to look at all of the crafts entered. I have always tossed my blue ribbons from the fair in the past, but I am going to keep these three! I have been thinking about sending some pictures in to David for posting, so now may be a good time. Chrystal Higgins Whitefish, MT %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Swap #9 Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 17:46:28 -0700 From: "Faye Stukey" To: "David Collins" Hello everybody! I feel so badly that I haven't written to WW for so long with an update on the closing of Swap #9. As I'm sure all of you have heard, Montana is on fire. Fortunately, Kalispell has only seen smoke... some days are smokier than others... but we only have a couple of major fires burning in Northwest Montana. A week ago Thursday we received some much needed rain... but along with the rain came lightening... which not only started more fires... but fried my computer! I just set up an old computer... one I had set aside for my daughter... it's a dinosaur but at least I'm back online! If you have not received your swap basket yet, please let me know. I have a couple of weavers I need to contact privately to be certain that baskets have been sent and received, and then I'll be ready to turn everything over to the next coordinator, Katy Ulrich. Katy, if you have a moment, please drop me a line. When I checked my emails after being off-line for about 10 days, I had 214 messages to sort through. I'm still sorting... so it may be easier for you to send me a new email than waiting for me to sort through all my messages! Also, I'd like to thank all of you who have sent me private messages regarding the fires here. This weaving community is full of wonderful, kind-hearted, caring people! I will try to get back with each of you individually... but in the meantime I just want to thank you each of you for your concern. Until later, Faye %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% If for any reason you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.