"Weavers Words" Vol. 4 Iss. 89 Date Sent: April 06, 2001 Web Page: http://members.xoom.com/dgcollins/ Subscribers: 1582 David Collins 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Phone: (317) 899-5747 davidc@iei.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% ORDER YOUR COPY OF THE "BASKETRY TRAVEL COMPANION" TODAY: http://members.nbci.com/dgcollins/ordercompanion.html %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% 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: Sarah Stoddard Watts'-----Basket She Wove For Basket Swap. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Cooperate Date: Wed, 4 Apr 2001 21:09:07 -0500 From: "info@gingerking.com" To: willow baskets Dear Sir, We are pleased to introduce our self as a China Company specializing in our local native Osier baskets, fruit trays, flowerpot, picnic, laundry, pet baskets... For detailed information, please kindly visit our website at www.gingerking.com When if you would be interested in any of commodities in our company from China, please do not hesitate to contact us accordingly. We look forward to hear from you. Thanks & regards, Zheng xijie Linyi Gingerking Co.,Ltd Add:No.7-2 Lanshan xiaoqu,Linyi,Shandong,China E-mail: info@gingerking.com http://www.gingerking.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Wood bases Date: Wed, 4 Apr 2001 23:04:35 -0400 From: tailes@juno.com To: davidc@iei.net We had a discussion at our guild today - we've only used the slotted wood bases and as we were getting a supply order together, we wondered about the drilled bases. None of us have used them and thought we should write in and see what opinions are out there for the slotted vs. drilled. We called the supplier and were told that the #3 or #4 round would fit into the holes and then you just weave around them as you would the spokes on any basket. Any comments? We didn't order any this time - thought we should see how you feel. The only negative thought we had about the drilled was that it seemed the spoke pieces could pull out and your whole basket could lift off the base - is that true or are we off "base"??!! Thanks for your thoughts - Janie O'Green for the Guild with No Name! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weavers Words Date: Wed, 04 Apr 2001 23:59:18 EDT From: Michdeak@aol.com To: Hi to all, As usual, I have only been a lurker, have not written since probably January. I went to the Atlanta basket convention, and I truly had a very good time. I was skeptical about going since I was so busy at work, and had not been getting home before 8 pm for 3 weeks (I leave at 5:30 AM), but I'm glad I went. I am still training for my marathon in Big Sur California, which is April 29. It has been a huge time commitment, as I need to run a minimum of 4 days per week, with Saturdays sometimes lasting for 4 or 5 hours by the time we're done. I did meet my fund raising minimum of $3,600 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and I got to meet our 6-year-old patient hero, Jack, who is undergoing intensive chemotherapy. I have had a very inspiring experience with Team in Training, and it really feels good to be able to make a difference in someone's life. All I have left is to run 26.2 on a VERY hilly course! I have never done this before and am very nervous, so keep me in your prayers. I have found time to almost complete the breast cancer basket, which was a free pattern on the Internet, and I find it beautiful. I did the Avon Breast Cancer 3 Day in Atlanta in 1999, and that was also quite an experience. It's amazing when you meet people who have overcome such obstacles and are great examples to all they meet. It really gives you a new perspective on life! I am on spring break in Florida, and I brought 8 basket kits with me, and I haven't made 1 basket. I have 1 day left, and I hope to get 1 done tomorrow after the beach (I have promised my 10 year old we'll go!) I have been getting my running in though, and with 2 ten mile runs in only 5 days of being here, it kind of cuts out time. I was disappointed when reading the last WW in one of the people who wrote in complaining about EVERYTHING about the convention. What a downer it was to read! I wonder if she realized how negative she sounded and if she has no faults of her own. It really hurts people's feelings to talk so meanly about them (and mention their names). I am from Maine myself, and although I have lost my accent as I left at an early age, people can't help how they talk. Also, some people talk a lot more than others, not intentionally to annoy others, it's just their personality. We need to accept others as they are. Everyone will not be our best friend, but we are not perfect either. I truly hope the people being talked about are not members of WW. My goal is to get a stair basket, Lyn Siler's "Urn"-double wall twill-,and a tailgate basket done for myself before the summer. I'm at my mom and dad's, and I think they have at least 20 baskets that I have never made for myself-I need to work on that. Sorry to bend everyone's ears. Happy Weaving. Michelle Deak-Atlanta %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Pity... Date: Wed, 4 Apr 2001 22:21:51 -0700 (PDT) From: Joanne Howard To: David Collins To Barbara France, If you ever decide to come out from under your rock again, I pity you. I am sure you didn't intend to send that letter to WW. You must be careful that you have the correct address before you hit the send button. As for the woman from Hawaii STARVED for attention. Let me tell you a little something about living life to the fullest. If you were talking about Lois or myself, it doesn't matter. What does matter is that you don't understand the meaning of having fun. You should look at the glass half full sometime and you might see the pure enjoyment of convention firsts. The only thing we are starved for is basket teachers and new ideas. Of course, if you lived on an island you might understand that. But since you don't, you probably wouldn't get it. It is a damn shame that you can't see your 16th convention for the opportunity it is. The sheer privilege of being with people that have more creativity than you probably know what to do with. I am not usually a bitter person and let me tell you, there were people at convention that thought Lois and I were over the top. But you know what...I don't care...we have extraordinary memories to carry us through. We worked like hell to get there and believe me, I won't let a letter from someone like you, make me feel badly about how much I enjoyed the convention and everyone I met. I don't think you will have to worry about what to do at your next convention. If you don't like it that much, stay home. I am sure your roommates from this convention feel the same way. You have embarrassed them beyond belief and for what!! A diss session with your friend? Well good luck to you. Send me all the hate mail like you. I am an optimist. People like you roll right off my back. To all those who worked the convention, I did have a wonderful time. Don't let naysayers deter you from doing what you do best. If they think they can do a better job, sign them up! Joanne Howard Proudly from Island starved Hawaii %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 88 Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2001 06:29:39 EDT From: Linhebert@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Re: casket basket Dianne, thanks for the ebay info. Fascinating! Does anyone know a source of more info on this type of basket? Was this a unique occurrence that someone's family just happened to weave and have available for transport and viewing the deceased, or were commercially woven casket baskets sold? Linda Hebert V. I. Reed & Cane http://www.basketweaving.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 88 Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2001 08:15:06 EDT From: JDDCNICK@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net I have been a member of Weaver's Words for several years now and do not participate much, but the e-mail from Barbara France sent me into a tailspin. Does she not remember the old saying "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all!!" Her letter was a disgrace. Why on earth doesn't she just room alone at the conventions and be happy about it. Seems to me that would solve "most" of her problems. I'm certainly glad I didn't meet her, I probably could never have met her expectations of a human being. Too bad she can't just take people as they are and be happy to be alive. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Wicker Woman's Class Schedule Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2001 08:21:45 EDT From: Wickrwoman@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Here's my spring, summer, fall teaching schedule for those of you that have been asking me, where I'll be and when. It's also listed on my "information only" domain website. ****************************************************** April 20, 21 & 22, 200l--6th Annual Headwaters Basketry Workshop, Bemidji, MN. Held in Spanish Village of the Concordia Language College. My classes are "Green Metamorphosis" antler wall on Friday, "Stand Alone" Antler Sculpture on Saturday, and "Teddy Bear/Doll Rocker" on Sunday. Contact: Monie Martin 218-694-6522 or email monie@gvtel.com May 4, 5 & 6, 2001--8th Annual Basket Fest 2001, Pewaukee, WI. I will be teaching a "Coin Catcher" Antler Tray on Friday, "Herringbone Cane Footstool" on Saturday, and "Traditional 7-Step Method Cane Footstool" on Sunday. I will be featured guest speaker for the event, with wicker furniture repair and antler baskets as the topic. Also, my "Coin Catcher" antler basket and a cathead basket by Jeannette Biederman make up this years logo for all brochures, t-shirts, aprons, notecards, etc. Contact: Marla Sunstrom sunstrom@execpc.com or call 262-538-4103 for brochure and further details. May 18, 19, 20, 2001--3rd Annual Basket Seminar and Workshop, Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. My classes will be "Subtle Shades" an antler melon on Friday, "Stand Alone" antler sculpture on Saturday, and "Traditional 7-Step Cane Footstool" on Sunday, I'm also vending. Contact: Donnie Ellison dellison@silverdollarcity.com or call 417-338-8232 for brochure and further information. June 8, 9, 10, 11, 2001--10th Annual Weavin' In Winona, Winona, MN. My classes will be; Friday, "Diagonal Cross Cane Footstool", Friday Evening, "Baby/Doll Rattle," Saturday, "Double Take" Antler Basket. Send LSSAE to Margaret Grund 704 Olmstead Street Winona, MN 55987 or email grund@luminet.net for more information. June 29, 30, July 1, 2001--North House Folk School, Grand Marais, MN. Friday is "Traditional 7-Step Hand Caning (hole-to-hole) on a Footstool," recommended before taking Saturday and Sunday class of "Bring Your Own" hole-to-hole cane chair or canoe seat. Contact: info@northhouse.org or visit their website at http://www.northhouse.org/ August 3, 4, 5, 2001--North House Folk School, Grand Marais, MN. ~Rush Weaving Weekend~ Friday is required "Paper Fibre Rush Footstool," prior to Saturday and Sunday class of "Natural Cattail Leaf Rush" footstool or bring your own chair. First time natural rush class has been taught in Minnesota! Contact: info@northhouse.org or visit their website at http://www.northhouse.org/ September 2-8, 2001--John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC. First time ever taught at the folk school! Join me in a week-long course on "Antique Wicker Furniture Repair," bring your piece and learn how to fix it yourself! For more information, call 1-800-FOLK-SCH or visit their website at http://www.folkschool.org/ September 9-15, 2001--John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC. First time ever taught at the folk school! Join me in a weakling course on "Mule Deer Antler Basketry." Learn everything you ever wanted to know about antler basketry and walk away with at least two completed antler baskets that you created! For more information, call 1-800-FOLK-SCH or visit their website at http://www.folkschool.org/ October 5, 6, & 7, 2001--Gasconade Nature Retreat, Vienna, Missouri. Friday night is "Business Card" basket, Saturday is "Checkerboard Seagrass Footstool" and Sundays class is "Coin Catcher Antler Tray." For more information and brochure contact Barb & Mike Byrne at 573-744-5947 or visit their website at http://www.nature-retreat.com or email byrne@sockets.net Thanks, hope to see you all soon! The Wicker Woman/Cathryn Peters Visit: http://www.wickerwoman.com/ FREE monthly ezine: http://wickerwoman.listbot.com/ %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Teaching at East Troy Basketry Company Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2001 08:50:01 EDT From: Wickrwoman@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net I had a wonderful time teaching last weekend at Eileen Mirsberger's East Troy Basketry Company in East Troy, WI. She has come a long way in just one year of ownership, the shop is to die (I almost wrote "dye," well that's the basketweaver in me) for! She has a great facility that can accommodate 12-15 students in each class, plus she has every material and tool that anyone would ever hope to use. The fretwork bases, slotted bases and other wood items she carries are top-notch quality and the array is mind-boggling. Then there's the pattern room, natural and dyed reed, consigned baskets and she does a terrific mail order business for those of you that can't get to the shop. It was so nice to meet several people from Weaver's Words and renew friendships with a few from the AOL basket board. I met lots of great folks from the Wisconsin and Illinois area and some folks even enrolled in all three of my classes! Whew, you guys were brave, three straight days of The Wicker Woman! Thanks so much to everyone that called or emailed Eileen about me, I really do appreciate the kind words. Mary Kurtzman, it was nice to finally meet you after communicating by email and thanks for the compliments about my monthly ezine, too. Mary was one of those gluttons for punishment that took all three days of classes. Some of the pictures we took at ETB have been developed already, so watch David's basket picture gallery for them soon. Being the camera bug I am, you all knew they would be posted on WW soon, didn't you? We all had such a great time that the plans are in the works for more classes in 2002. Block off the last weekend in March next year for more classes, we'll let you know what will be offered through both of our website "Class Schedule" pages. Those of you teachers that are considering teaching here, by all means contact Eileen as soon as possible so you can get on the schedule. Thanks again so much Eileen for everything you did and putting up with me for so many days :) Keep Weaving Your Dreams! The Wicker Woman/Cathryn Peters Visit: http://www.wickerwoman.com/ FREE monthly ezine: http://wickerwoman.listbot.com/ %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Stop the Bleed Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2001 09:24:10 -0500 From: "East Troy Basketry" To: "David Collins" Nancy, To stop the dye from running: We dye many pounds of reed each day and we use Synthapol and Retayne in our dying process. We'll never dye any other way again. We have these products for sale at our shop but you can sometimes find them at quilt shops also as the products were created to use when dying fabric. The Synthrapol also makes dying seagrass a breeze. Here's the "recipe" Dying Reed or Seagrass: The East Troy Basketry Method For 1 pound (coil) of reed: 1. Bring approximately 1-1/2 to 2 gal of water to a boil 2. Add 1 box of Rit or Comcraft dye 3. Add 2 tsp. Of Synthrapol 4. Add 1 lb of reed 5. You can leave solution on the stove or remove from heat if desired. 6. Stir reed frequently to assure even dying. Flat reed tends to stick together and so needs to be separated. 7. When reed is desired color, remove from dye bath. Remember, color will lighten as reed dries. 8. Rinse lightly to remove excess dye. For reed only (because Seagrass is woven dry, this step is not necessary): 1. Add 2 tsp Retayne to tub of cold water (enough to cover reed) I add a little extra Retayne for red, wine and navy. 2. Allow to soak 20-30 min. 3. Hang to dry. Allow reed to dry completely before using. The longer ahead you dye reed, the more colorfast it is. **For reed that you have already dyed by other methods or reed that bleeds: Add 2 tsp Retayne to cold water and soak reed for 20 min. before using. From southeast WI where the Robins are back! Yes, it is finally Spring! Eileen Mirsberger East Troy Basketry Company Call toll free for any questions 1-888-424-9866 www.easttroybasketry.com Email: basket@wcf.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Flower Girl Basket Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2001 11:11:30 -0400 From: merwynjohn@telocity.com To: Hi! I've only been making baskets for a short while (approx. 3 mos.), and have been a member of Weaver's Word for about as long. Here's my problem: My daughter is going to be the flower girl in my niece's wedding in June. I would really like to make a flower girl basket, then give the basket to my niece as a memento/keepsake. Since I've only been weaving a short time I was wondering what type of pattern to use and what things should be considered--i.e. The wedding is going to be traditional, in the afternoon, the bridesmaids dress color(s), etc. Something else to consider is that my daughter is 7 yrs. old and rather tall (she looks to be more like 9 or 10). So, a really small basket probably wouldn't work too well. I would really appreciate any advice you could pass along to me. Thanks so much! (Spring is Springing in Ohio--thank goodness!) Jane %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 88 Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2001 11:31:32 EDT From: LT92092@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Good morning David, I just finished my read and as usual it was interesting and informative. I've always been a lurker and am not even sure if this is the way to post but I'll give it a shot. If I'm not doing this right maybe you can tell me the correct way. I'd like to make anyone interested aware that our guild CAPE FEAR BASKETMAKERS ASSOCIATION is having our 5th annual weave-in June 16, 2001. This is in Fayetteville NC at the Westminister Presbyteian Church from 8:am to 5:00 pm. The registration fee is 15.00 for non-members. We have some great baskets to choose from and would love to invite everyone. For anyone interested and would like to receive a brochure contact me via e-mail and I'll get the info to them. Thank you.... Terri in NC %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2001 09:41:47 -0700 From: "Vicky Williams" To: When reading today's WW's, I was surprised and a little disgruntled when reading one particular rendition of happenings at a basket convention. The author included a long and drawn out description of her roommates who she described as "a neurotic mess" and a "master sgt. who wouldn't shut up"!!!!!! Wow! Is this the venue for this kind of discussion or is this an April Fool? For someone who apparently is an experienced weaver, I was disappointed to have to be privy to this kind of scathing gossip. I don't think we have to necessarily define the topics of discussion here on WW's, but I would hope we could avoid these kinds of personal attacks. What if those people log on to WW's and see it? The author even named the people by name------was that her intent? I enjoy WW's for the purpose of feeling more like I'm involved in a community of people who enjoy this wonderful craft of basketweaving and I learn from the expertise of those people. I respect our members because of this, but I cannot respect the aforementioned account. I welcome any comments. Sincerely, Vicky Williams %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 88 Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2001 12:57:33 -0400 From: gorbics To: David Collins CC: sandya@tir.com, glbasketry@worldne.ATT.NET References: 1 To: Cwblackwood@cs.com. From: gorbics Subject: Re: learning basketry My advice to you now, is to learn how to read the patterns. For beginners, I like Basket Beginnings by Grace Kabel. I have very few tools: soft grip basket shears, reed measuring gauge, awl, Straight tip weaving tool, needle nose pliers and a small sharp diagonal cutter. (Check the workbench of someone near and dear to you for the last two items.) I order almost all my supplies through the mail. The materials are better than I have found in a hobby store. Three places to ask for a catalog are: Atkinson's sandya@tir.com (Their seagrass is of great quality and is a good price and they will dye it many colors for you upon request.) NorEsta www.noresta.com Gratiot Lake Basketry Email: glbasketry@worldne.ATT.NET I have been very well served by these three and they have good quality merchandise. They are good at answering questions. The other place I buy supplies is on the vendor's day at the Association of Michigan Basketmakers Convention. Any of the basket conventions would be fun for you to go to. They usually have a visitor's day. They are exciting to attend and you learn a lot. Now I specialize in antler baskets but I did a lot of the others on the way to this point. Good luck. Nan Gorbics Nan Gorbics nangorbics@oceana.net Homepage: http://www.homepage.oceana.net/~gorbics/ With links to the antler basket pictures %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 88 Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2001 13:38:45 -0500 (CDT) From: catslapbaskets@webtv.net (Russell / K.L. Mitchell) To: davidc@iei.net (David Collins) Hey David thanks for making this forum possible. I also want to thank all the folks I met on my way to the NCBA Convention. The gals in the Iowa Guild are always fun and The classes I taught at Tracy Welch's shop, Basketwerks, in Long Grove, IA and Linda Boyle Gibson's shop, In A Hand Basket, in Bloomington, IN were great and I want to thank everyone for putting me up and putting up with me! The students were great and all seemed to have a fine time, I know I did! The trip from Bloomington IN, to Raleigh, NC was exciting weather wise, it rained and snowed and then it rained and snowed again! Linda Boyle Gibson was behind the wheel and we sailed on thru without mishap. Although we have decided that as the years go by the amount of rain and snow will increase every time we tell that story! I really enjoyed the convention, the volunteers did a great job. It was my first time teaching at a big event and aside from losing a couple of things (which were later found by my wonderful roomie Linda) everything went really well. I did walk off with a scissors belonging to a student but only because it looked like one of mine! (That and I am a tool freak and feel ALL tools should be mine!!) Fortunately Rene' forgave me, when the scissors were returned. Several of my students only had 2 classes for the whole convention but everyone seemed really happy to have time to shop and visit the pattern and exhibit room, shop, weave in the open weave area and shop some more . It was a really friendly nice bunch of people having a great time. I thanked Jodi Shebester in person on Saturday but just want to say thanks again for having a great event, I believe it was the largest turn out they have ever had, it is great to see events like this grow in popularity. I hope to return to NC in the future.... Snow or not!! It sure was a great trip, I had a fabulous roomie, Linda Boyle Gibson. We had fun "next door neighbors" Faye Clause, Yvonne Guenther and Jane Hanson, it is hard to stop for sleep when there are so many great people to talk and weave with and so much fun happening. I highly recommend going to a convention, any convention, but NCBA's is high up on the list! Have a great day and Happy Weaving!! Karen L. Mitchell in gloomy windy Mpls, where spring is on the way and the snow is melting. http://community.webtv.net/catslapbaskets/doc %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Went Public! Date: Thu, 05 Apr 2001 14:02:15 -0500 From: Debbie Czerwionka To: fzimmer@med.umich.edu, David Collins Barbara France Today when I opened my e-mail I noticed the latest copy of Weaver's Words and am not entirely sure you realized your comments were public record at this point. It seemed you meant them to be private from the severity of your comments and naming people's names - however, it was published in the newsletter. Perhaps you meant to reply to just one person and the WW site was in your list - sorry if this is so and you did not mean to do it. Usually WW is a very positive and supportive newsletter - I find the comments made about people's children, husbands, financial situation and personality differences rather abusive and inconsiderate. Seeing from your return address you seem to be at UM medical school - I hope this was an error and not meant for public viewing or I am sure some innocent people who have otherwise busy and troublesome lives would be hurt and offended by your comments. If you are at the medical school teaching/working/studying - you definitely need to check your bedside manner - and all manners. These people took some hard earned time out of their schedules to attend a conference - we are glad you have the vast experience to be able to attend MANY of these as your ego so aptly pointed out - but these ladies were trying to have a good time and if it was at your expense perhaps you should understand that maybe you were overbearing at some point and someone had to understand your mannerisms, quirks or shortcomings. Children, husbands liking their wives is not an ego - it's a friendship and a marriage - sorry you haven't experience this; financial situations; handicaps; insulting a boring bunch; someone's voice mail which you should have ignored once it started and it wasn't for you and MENTIONING PEOPLE BY NAME is inexcusable and I am sorry you felt so put out - just think what you've done for Pam and Cindy. I am sorry for you, anyone this mean and hateful must truly be hurting or missing something. I usually only submit a one or two liner to WW and I apologize to all the readers who had to endure this letter - but WW has not been a hurtful or insulting forum and I do not like to see people abused. To my fellow weaver's my apologies, perhaps I should have let it go by, but this time I couldn't. Lois, Pam and Cindy, whoever you are, I would love to hear about your families and your experiences at the convention - I could not afford to go - but I could afford my opinion. Debbie Czerwionka Chicago - where the politicians earned the name for the "Windy" City by their verbose habits and I have evidently mimicked them - again, I apologize. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basketmakers in Rye, England Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2001 22:51:27 +0200 From: "Jonas Hasselrot" To: "David Collins" Jennie and anyone else interested in British contacts, Consider joining the British Basketmakers' Association (they have members from all over the world, about 25 from the USA). I am a member since 1988 and like it very much, not the least for their fine quarterly Newsletter. They are found at http://www.bright.net/~basketc/uk.html Spring is on the way in Sweden, soon time to collect spruce roots for baskets (while sap is rising). For Swedish basketry see http://w1.855.telia.com/~u85512368/ Jonas %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 88 Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2001 22:37:24 -0400 From: "Donna Longenecker" To: "David Collins" References: 1 Hi - Haven't posted in a while as I've gotten behind on reading and I hope everyone has gotten their answers. Lois & Joanne - sounds like you had a wonderful time. I'll never forget my first convention, can't believe it was actually 25 years ago in Rome, NY. Every convention has it's POSITIVES, so many so, that the negatives aren't even worth mentioning. Donna bordlong@fast.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 88 Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2001 10:00:36 EDT From: BsktByBarb@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net I was sorry to see that there was so much space devoted to one person's boring experience at NC Convention. (And I am not speaking about Lois and her friend) I think we all need to remember that the Conventions are geared for EVERYONE. New members as well as old. And I don't think we are forced to stay with people we don't know. I have been going to Conventions for the last 10 years and I have enjoyed every single one. I also have Chaired the Basket Seminar in Kentucky for 4 years and it is a lot of hard work for ALL the Volunteers. I am sure that we did not always please everyone, but we tried to make it nice for ALL. For those that feel that they would like it to be better, then Volunteer your time and work on the Convention. These people can ALWAYS use extra Help. Enough said. Barbara Wykoff, Back in Indiana (waiting for the next Convention and counting the days!) %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 88 Date: Fri, 6 Apr 2001 08:09:25 -0500 From: Lynn A Montgomery To: davidc@iei.net David, Just a few quick comments. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be a part of Weavers Words. It's a wonderful resource!! Also, thank you for NOT editing any of the posting. From the Weavers Words V 4 I.88 issue, I now know which individual NEVER to have dinner with or room with at a convention! I trust that individual is not from the Midwest...frankly, I am having a hard time imagining someone that rude, nasty & egotistical could be a part of the basket weaving community. I sure hope a little sunshine comes her way...she desperately needs it. I would also like to say to all the people that are new to Weavers Word or new to basket weaving.... 99.9 % of basket weavers are friendly, delightful, polite and sharing individuals. Please don't think the posting from the other day represents the attitude of the rest of us. Thanks David. I'm usually a lurker, but had to vent on this one. I've never been so shocked and appalled by another posting before. Enjoying the warmer weather here, but who knows, we might just have a little more snow...anything goes in Wisconsin. :) Lynn Montgomery Sun Prairie, WI %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Poor Barbara Date: Fri, 6 Apr 2001 09:35:50 EDT From: AuntPattie@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Dear Barbara, I never ever write in when there is a big controversy going on (and I'm guessing that your last post is going to stir up quite a few comments) but this time I felt that I had to say something. The only problem was what tone to take in my response. Should I be catty? -- "After 16 conventions, why do you still have to room with people you don't know?" or "What's your problem, don't you have children or someone who likes to spend time with you?" Should I be righteously indignant? -- "How dare you hold your roommates up to such ridicule" or "How dare you question Jodi's honesty?" I think that I will settle for "How sad for you." We all know that this post wasn't meant for public display (I won't even go into what kind of stupid it takes to not know who you're writing to) but it was and now all of your weaving 'friends' know what a small & petty person you are. I guess everyone has their own reasons for going to a convention and I can't even imagine why you went. The people that I spent time with came to learn more about their craft (or passion) and to enjoy the fellowship of others who find the same joy in weaving & creating. As for the 'starved for attention' from Hawaii, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Joanne during the convention. Not only was she a joy but it was wonderful to see convention Old-Timers enjoying her enthusiasm and remembering what it's like to be there for the first time. I can guarantee you that she made the convention more enjoyable for many, myself included. I don't know if you will ever show up at another convention and I don't care. I just hope that I would be smart enough to avoid situations that make me feel as jaded & embittered as you sound. Pattie Bagley - from Marietta, Georgia, joyfully remembering my wonderful experiences at NCBA this year. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 88 Date: Fri, 6 Apr 2001 10:38:01 EDT From: ALROBISON@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net I haven't gotten around yet to posting my first convention experience at NC, yet. I was still savoring it. This was my first one, and I loved it. I wish I had been bright enough to bring all the goodies that the ladies from Hawaii did. I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Lois. Though, Joanne stopped by to show off her cool copper and cedar basket to our teacher, Cass Schorsch. Joanne's exuberance mirrored my own. I thought the convention was heavenly. It was wonderful to see so many people EXCITED about a craft that they love. North Carolina convention's theme was "For the Love of Baskets"; how appropriate. There were 700 people there. So many people, that we had to take turns weaving;. I was fortunate to get 3 classes on 2 of the 4 days of weaving. I know others who only got two classes because of that high turn out. The pattern room was awe-inspiring. No wonder so many have patterns they never get around to weaving! The exhibition baskets were out of this world. Truly, there were pieces you would expect to see in a museum they were so fine. Thank you, all of you who worked so hard to make it an enjoyable experience. On Saturday, our AOL on-line board met for dinner. What fun we had! Some of us had never met before in person. It was like coming home to old friends. I sat across from Judy Olney, who is hilarious. I wanna have that kind of command of the English language! I also had the honor of sitting near Harlan and Jean Waddell. Harlan was our charming raffle ticket volunteer. He and Jean are close friends of my in-laws in Tulsa, and knew my husband as a child. I had never met them. It was neat to hear stories of the man I love as a destructive little boy. A few of the ladies invited others to join us for dinner. All in all, there were 16 of us. If I have one regret about that dinner, it is that I didn't get to talk a little more to some of the people at the opposite end of the table. Too bad the restaurant didn't have the space to seat us in a circle! I left with my first Nantucket, a Pie Carrier. Charlene White was kind enough to help me finish when I lagged behind. Her friend, Margaret, helped me, too. Her husband, Bill even attached my handles the next day for me! Cass Schorsch was a wonderful teacher. Weaving with bark was a great experience. I joked about that free-form basket becoming my new purse, just so I could show it off! I bought some to try at home. Betty Kourkanakis taught me a neat "Patriot Pot". It is lashed with wire and has a Mylar paper over the seagrass that "makes" that basket. She was truly patient helping us get our baskets to behave like good little cat heads. I will definitely go again. It was amazing. Martha %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Commentary Date: Fri, 6 Apr 2001 15:05:05 -0400 From: "Joe Conroy" To: "David Collins" References: 1 Hi David, Well, I suppose that after the last issue of WW people will be careful about checking the addressee of the e-mails they are sending out. I had a difference of opinion once with somebody on WW. We discussed things via private e-mail. I don't think either of us felt awkward about that, but sure wouldn't have wanted to be public about it. Joe Conroy Exeter, RI %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basketweaving Business Date: Fri, 6 Apr 2001 16:57:33 -0500 From: "Lin Stark" To: davidc@iei.net Hi David, I, too am wanting to start my own basket weaving business. Any help other weavers can give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Lin Stark smilietoo@earthlink.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Aloha Date: Fri, 06 Apr 2001 14:17:17 -1000 From: The Keener Clan To: davidc@iei.net Aloha from extremely wet Honolulu, Hope this finds everyone well and those who went to NC fully recovered from the "adventure". I did a project with Irish waxed linen at a class and enjoyed it a great deal (also glad to find a weaving project I can carry in my backpack) and bought some kits to experiment with. However, I*m having a few problems with "knotless netting" and "looping". Does anyone know of a book, booklet, paper with diagrams that will explain those procedures? Thanks! Lois %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% If for any reason you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.