"Weavers Words" Vol. 4 Iss. 93 Date Sent: April 29, 2001 Web Page: http://members.xoom.com/dgcollins/ Subscribers: 1599 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: Sandi Carstensen's-----Picture Of Bert Comstock-Lauderdale's Fannypak. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Loose Ribs Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2000 11:31:06 -0600 From: "Sarah Hartman" Organization: Heritage Baskets http://www.heritagebaskets.com To: "David Collins" Just received my first issue after being disconnected from Weaver's Words for several months. Picked up on the question about ribs coming loose when first starting to weave. I liked the suggestion about the masking tape. I had a similar problem a few weeks ago when I decided to do a rib basket after only having done one and that being several years ago. Did some research and in a Lyn Siler book read that - a common problem weavers have when first doing rib baskets is loose ribs usually caused by the God's eye being too loose. I ripped mine out and started over being sure to weave the eye very tightly. Worked like a charm. Further research (get me curious and it goes forever) verified the suggestion Tony had about different lashings being easier to work with. The book Splint Woven Basketry by Robin Taylor Daugherty says a three point lashing forms pockets that will hold the ribs securely for weaving. Oddly enough Robin recommends a 4 point lashing for beginners because the rib ends rest against the shoulders of the lashing making them less stable but easier to move if their length needs to be adjusted later in the weaving. Bert, glad to hear you are teaching the fanny pack basket. Sarah in the northwest burbs of Chicago where it was summer this weekend - got the peas planted - and yuck tonight. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Flooding Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2001 21:38:02 -0500 From: "Peg Weston Brondyke" To: Please keep those who live on the Mississippi River and along the smaller area rivers in your thoughts. I live in a city that built a dike years ago, so most of Clinton is doing fine. There are a few areas that are filling up with water, however, such as those near the boat ramps; trains can't go through Clinton, because parts of the tracks are under water. No boats or barges are allowed on the river for hundreds of miles. Many towns and cities along eastern Iowa and western Illinois have flooded homes and businesses, and some main roads and city streets are closed. People are filling sandbags and making temporary dikes to try to keep the water out. The river is just amazing. Please say a prayer that the water will start to recede soon. Peg in Clinton, Iowa %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: Blythe, Ga. Pecan Stain Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2001 23:32:03 EDT From: ZOOBAR@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Dear Eve - as a transplanted Georgia Gal now - "hi Ya'll" here's the stain I've developed from my 10 1/2 trees - Take the outer husks (that's what I call them at least) that are around the Pecan Shell itself. That is - the part that opens on the tree like a flower and therein contains the shelled Pecan. Take a many as you need to fill a 5-gallon bucket almost full. Then add water, place the tight fitting lid on the bucket and let brew for several weeks in a sunny, warm location. Or - for faster, cover 2/3 rds full with a non-sudsy ammonia and fill rest of way with water. Again let sit, but just bit. Of course the longer either sits, the stronger the color. Than just strain, (save what's strained out and return to bucket), and proceed as usual with any dye. When finished return to bucket to let all mix again and continue, "brewing". Top with more liquid. Blythe Barbara (as in the State of Georgia) the Ten Thumbs Weaver where weather is so beautiful right now one could weep. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2001 05:09:16 -0500 From: "Betsy Greener" To: davidc@iei.net Hi every one, I would like to thank every one for their ideas and suggestions for my rib problems. I can't wait to get the opportunity to try some or all of them. I can see though that I was doing many things wrong like for instance, I did not soak my ribs or get them wet in any way. I was afraid that they wouldn't be as strong going in. So once my husband gets done with our home improvement projects, and I get my life back, I am going to try again. I will definitely let you know how it turns out. Thank you all again. Betsy Greener In warm and wonderful Indiana %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Pecan stain Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2001 11:14:57 -0400 From: "B&T Davidson" To: "David Collins" References: 1 Nancy - I did not originally post the pecan tea stain, but here is what I do. Please pardon my general directions, but I don't measure when I cook either! First recipe - Boil the pecan shells (or whole nuts) in water with vinegar for a few hours until the water is colored and it will dye reed by just dipping it into the hot mixture. Strain the shells out, and then dye away! I use (approximately) 2 quarts of pecan shells, 1 cup vinegar, and cover with water in a 4 quart pot. You will either have to boil slowly, or keep adding water so the pot doesn't boil dry. Second recipe - Put as many pecan shells as you have into a 5-gallon bucket. Cover with ammonia and water (half and half) and cover. Let sit in your garage until the water is colored or until your husband tells you to, "Get that nasty stuff out of the garage!" You can soak reed in this without heating. Everyone - I have recently gotten into natural dying and I love it. I have dyed reed so far with coffee, tea, walnut hulls, pecan hulls, turmeric, red mud, and red plum leaves. If you have any more recipes that you can share, please post the recipes or email me privately. Also, if you would like any of my recipes, email me privately and I will share them. Thanks! Tonya Davidson %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Posters Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2001 15:28:20 -0400 From: "Angie Wagner-Country Seat" Organization: The Country Seat To: "- Weavers Words David Collins" Hi all! Jo Ann - Please check the new items in our on-line catalog in the next week or so. We have a great basket poster that will be arriving soon. As soon as it gets here, we'll put it and a small picture in the on-line catalog. You can find it easily by putting the word " new " in the search box on the Table of Contents Page. Hope you like it. Angie The Country Seat http://www.countryseat.com https://secure.rnci.com/countryseat/primary.asp - on-line catalog %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Lamp Making Reply Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2001 16:31:22 -0400 From: "Arnie's Arts 'n Crafts" To: "David Collins" In reply to Lori Hasan's request: "where can I purchase the pattern and lamp making accessories?" We offer many lamp patterns and supplies. http://www.basketpatterns.com Instead of starting a new lamp basket - How about trying your hand at making your own lamp shade? Or... Possibly just extend the length of the shade you have with lace, fringe etc? Also would like to update everyone on Monkey Business Twill pattern created to honor the memory of Peggy Koch has sold 110 copies as of April 23rd. All proceeds from the sale of this pattern go directly toward Helping Hands Monkeys. http://www.helpinghandsmonkeys.org/ We have also just added 30+ new patterns and new kits from Judy Mofield Mallow and Ruth Andre to our site. Visit us for our everyday low pricing on superior quality reed: Flat reed one pound coils are $4.92 Round reed one pound coils are $4.75 Weavers Spray Stain 11oz can $5.99 Happy Weaving! ~ Terri, Sheri & Erica http://www.basketpatterns.com info@basketpatterns.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Lamp Shade doesn't fit Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2001 19:03:24 -0500 From: "Michaelene Borzych" To: "David Collins" For Lori Hasan, John McGuire has a very cute short and round Nantucket lamp basket kit. John's new web site address is: www.johnmcguire.net The web site is not complete yet, you can E-mail a request for his new catalog: www.basketman@lynnet.com or call John's shop at 315-781-1251. I'm looking forward to August as John will be teaching in several places, I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to weave John's Nantucket opera bag. The bag will be in clam shell shape with leather straps. The kit including the mold is $159.00. Sincerely, Michaelene www.mborzych.wi.rr.com www.webdesignbymichaelene.com www.ontheway2market.unfranchise.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaving as usual... Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2001 20:33:56 -0700 (PDT) From: Joanne Howard To: David Collins Aloha, Dianne in Okinawa: I know you will have the time of your life in Michigan....if you are coming through Hawaii on your way to the mainland...let me know. Even if it is only a stop over...I'll come out to the airport to meet you!!! Unless of course it is the middle of the night, then it will take wild horses to get me out of bed!! Save your money, you will spend a fortune at convention...but worth every penny!! You will see things you have never seen before and meet people you have only read about. It is a great experience that I can't wait to have again. Please be sure and let us all know the outcome...and do let me know if you will be coming this way. Waxed linen questions. I am very much novice at waxed linen and finally got around to doing a kit that I bought from Kathy Halter by Kathy Halter. Plain Pockets is a beginner kit and a sweet one to boot. My problem is the base of the basket began to twist. I think I might be pulling the twining too tight. I am a pretty tight weaver to start with. Any suggestions? I am weaving this pouch without a mold and I am having trouble keeping it's shape. Maybe practice is all I need. I am enjoying waxed linen and look forward to other projects. Kathy...I can't wait to do more of your projects...my new obsession! Ann Snider - I finished the Mini Wakesha Rainstick. What fun that was!!! I had trouble keeping the spokes straight but learned so many techniques from that one project. I got brave the last 2 inches and made up my own designs. You know you are addicted to weaving when... I worked on the rainstick while my husband had minor surgery. Sad part was I got stuck on one part of the rainstick, my poor husband in pain in his room, and I am trying to figure out a way to slip out of his room for a minute to call Lois for help so that I can continue weaving!!! Addiction!!!! Lynn- Thanks for the IBA info...on my way to the website right now!! Aloha, Joanne %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: West Virginia Weave-in Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2001 23:41:15 EDT From: SLTARAWOOD@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Just a reminder to all teachers wanting to submit to teach at the West Virginia Basketmakers Assoc. weave-in in November the deadline is April 30th. The weave-in will be at the Holiday Inn in Weirton, WV on November 9 - 11, 2001. Baskets will be juried on May 5th. Label each basket with your name and the name of the basket. Cost of submitting is $3.00 per basket. Make check payable to WVBA. Ship baskets and direct questions to: Becky Young Rt. #1, Box 108; Ripley, WV 25271. E-mail: Beckyyoung1@yahoo.com E-mail: Sandra Lyons - SLTARAWOOD@aol.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weavers Words swap Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2001 12:56:53 -0400 (EDT) From: LYNDA CROWE To: David Collins Hi David and all weavers near and far-(that's you Lois), Well, I'm sorry I have been negligent in reporting the happenings of the swap:-[. Forgive me. Not a whole lot is happening yet. A few baskets have been sent and one was received already-by the time this gets to you I'm sure many more will be though. One of our swappers actually found out that her swap partner lived in the city that she was spring breaking to, and was going to try to hand deliver it. It didn't work out with the time line of scheduling though. AS the saying goes...'best laid plans of mice and men sometimes go awry', or something like that. It was a good thought anyway. So keep weaving those swap baskets and let me know when you send or receive your in the mail. Have a great day! Weave on... Lynda Crowe 'The Crowes Nest Basketry' Visit us on the web at... http://members.nbci.com/crowenest Or http://members.nbci.com/the_crowes_nest E-mail us at: crowenest@email.com 317-859-0920/317-213-3342 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Synthrapol and Retayne Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2001 13:11:37 -0500 From: "East Troy Basketry" To: "David Collins" I get Synthrapol and Retayne from the same company. They do two very different things. Synthrapol, a surfacant, helps the reed to absorb the dye for deeper, brighter colors. I'm also hoping that because the reed absorbs more dye that it will fade less but I don't have long term experience with the products to know. Retayne helps to keep the reed from bleeding when you use it. Both of these products are inexpensive and you don't need to use much. I will be happy to send the "recipe" and prices to anyone who emails me. Eileen Mirsberger East Troy Basketry 2082 Church St. P.O. Box 643 East Troy, WI 53120 basket@wcf.net www.easttroybasketry.com Toll-free 1-888-424-9866 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaver's Word Date: Fri, 01 Jan 1904 03:50:50 -0600 From: "Jay Hagelberg" To: davidc@iei.net I would like any and ALL information anyone can share on any Nantucket Classes being held in the New England area, specially the Cape area and on Nantucket Island. We are going to be on vacation the first week of August and I would like to be able to take in a class while I'm there and figure this is the best way to find out what is going to be happening in the first part of August. Thank you for your help and please email me with any info. THANK YOU! JC - in Iowa haven@n-connect.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Retayne, Synthrapol, and Stowe Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2001 21:22:16 -0700 From: Jane Milner To: davidc@iei.net Nancy Brandt...Synthrapol keeps loose dye particles suspended in the water so they will not stain non-dyed areas...This is especially important when doing tie-dye, etc. This produce is also used by quilters who pre wash their fabrics. If the fabric should bleed, it keeps the dye particles suspended in the wash water so they don't bleed/stain the rest of the fabric. Retayne is used to "fix" a dye so that it doesn't bleed. Used especially by quilters so that dyed areas don't bleed onto other parts of the quilt. So one fixes, the other suspends. Different modes of action. Both are available from Dharma Trading Co, (www.dhramatrading.com) if you can't find them at your local quilt shop. Anyone going to Stowe (Vermont)??? I had such a wonderful time last year that I'm going again! Dates are May 14 and 15 for the pre festival, and 16 to the 21st for the festival. You can visit the Stowe Basketry Festival website at www.roundhearth.com click on basketry festival and follow the links. I will have about 4-5 days to poke around afterward, and this time I think I'll go to the northern part of New York. Are there any wonderful museums (with baskets, of course), basket stores, or soap making places to visit? Thank you folks for the wonderful info last year about the Indian Museum in Warner, NH, it was totally awesome! Thanks in advance, Jane Milner, in warming Grass Valley, where the pollen is starting to cover EVERYTHING. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 84, 86, 87 Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2001 01:02:56 -0500 From: Roberta Comstock To: David Collins "Weavers Words" Vol. 4 Iss. 84, 86 & 87 Hello WW Readers! - I'm back at last and trying to get caught up with what's been going on here. The remainder of this response is stuff I had written before April got so crazy. Please bear with me as I get back in the swing of things. 84 Swap basket - I got a great basket from Joanne Howard in Hawaii! She also did her best to pack half the state in the box with it - several macadamia nut goodies, a Japanese washi paper box, a puka shell necklace, an insulated water bottle carrier belt, hand made soap, and a wonderful tote bag that she had embroidered on her machine with the Aloha Basketmakers Guild basket logo and my name! Didn't someone say they had gotten a lot of goodies in with their basket from Lois Keener? Maybe they were having a contest. Anyhow, it is wonderful stuff, including several other little items too numerous to list. The basket itself is a sturdy double-bottomed round basket with straight sides and a wide ash strip woven in. Tish in Nevada - The only place I've ever seen white ash sized for miniature baskets is in classes where it is provided by the instructor. You will probably have to buy rough pounded ash splints (which are difficult to find, but not impossible), soak and split them into satin strips and then cut them to the size (width) you need. If you want to learn how to process ash, consider attending the ash camp workshop hosted by Daniel Nye in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in mid August. 86 Hello Fellow Weavers - I'm taking a break from sorting tax papers & treating myself to some time with WW. Many thanks to those of you who offered your condolences on my sister's death last month. Every little bit of caring helps. For those who are concerned, I did finally get my swap basket off to Joanne Howard. I had already thanked her for the basket and goodies she sent me and had also notified Lois that my package had at last been sent. Bren Ford Miller - I don't know of a Betty Mulford, but JudyM ulford, who does wonderfully intricate looped projects over gourds (among other things), lives in California. When I met her at Arrowmont in 1999, she didn't have email. I'll see if I can find her address. Tammy from Michigan - Some natural materials are difficult to weave with, or difficult to process. Others are not. They maybe expensive to buy (more expensive than rattan reed). There area number of simple projects for children that can be easily woven from 'found' materials. One starts with a plastic soda bottle, top several inches removed and sidewalls cut into spokes. The weaving can be done with almost anything. One effective weaving material is twisted plastic bags (bread wrappers or grocery bags). It's also pretty easy to teach basketry to kids using twisted paper, partly untwined and flattened, or flat paper rush. The advantage to these things is that they can be worked dry. See if you can find a copy of the book CRAFTY CONTAINERS by Lois Walpole (Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK: Search Press, 1997 & 19998). Among the many inspiring recycled projects is a corrugated cardboard bowl woven with iris leaves. Lots of fun ideas! We're finally having some real spring weather here. Happy weaving! 87 Pattie B., Lois K., Joanne H. & others - Thanks for the great NCBA convention reports! It brings back vivid recollections of my first convention here in Missouri in 1997. Elizabeth Grasher - Go to the Weavers Words web site (listed at the beginning of each issue). Use the links to other websites to begin exploring supply sources and find other basket weavers. Post specific questions to WW. Check out the pattern sources and some of the free patterns that are available at many basketry websites. Select the kind of basket you want to weave, print or buy a pattern, or find an instruction book (if you need specific directions or want more inspiration). Then obtain your materials and tools and weave away! Tell us how you're doing. Have fun! Nancy - I think I saw a doll's high chair frame in a craft store recently. Unfortunately, I can't remember which one. But there were also rocking chair frames at the same scale. Both chairs were designed to have woven seats and backs done on them. So you might start by seeking the frame. Bert Comstock Lauderdale Independence, MO (Hoping these late comments aren't too redundant) %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 89 Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2001 01:15:42 -0500 From: Roberta Comstock To: David Collins "Weavers Words" Vol. 4 Iss. 89 Aahh!!! Back to the real world after taxes! Hi All you weavers! Janie O'Green - Drilled bases were pretty common in the US during the early 20th Century, when most of the available basket reed was round reed. The patterns I have seen have you push the spoke reeds several inches past the base and then make a simple finishing border. This provides a foot for the basket and simultaneously locks the spokes in place so they can't be pulled out. An alternative, if there is an even number of drilled holes, would be to cut half as many spokes a little more than double length, bend in the middle and insert each from the underside of the base (in a 'U' shape) through adjacent holes. Actually, the bend should be a double bend, with a flat bottom across the base of the 'U' equal to the distance between the holes. Pinch the spoke with pliers at each bend point to prevent cracking. See Flo Hoppe's books for multiple excellent wicker border options using round read. Have fun! Michelle Deak-Atlanta - Good luck with your running and your weaving. I'll be thinking of you. Linda Hebert - I don't think 'casket baskets' were actually used as coffins, but they were commercially produced and used for transporting bodies or displaying them at the viewing/wake. There is a fine one on display at the Iowa State Historical Museum in Des Moines that is very similar to the one that was recently on eBay. Cathryn Peters - Did you, perhaps, mean 'week-long' (instead of 'weakling') in your description of the class for your 2nd week at the Campbell Folk School? (Aren't spell-checkers fun?!) Karen L. Mitchell - I spent last weekend teaching classes (my Beachcomber Wall Pouch and Bert's Belt Basket) at Tracy Welch's Basket Werks in Long Grove, IA. You're absolutely right about what a great group of weavers the Quad Cities Basketry Guild is! I highly recommend them as a teaching delight! QCBA - Thanks again to all of you who took such good care of me and took my classes, especially to Sandi Carstensen for setting it up, to Tracy Welch for providing such a congenial place to work and teach (and shop), and to Sue Stanton for being such a kind and interesting hostess! (Would someone also please tell Jim Stanton I said 'Hi!'?) I hope you're all staying out of the floods & look forward to seeing many of you at Silver Dollar City in May. Jonas Hasselrot - Thanks for posting the info about the British Basketmakers' Association. It's good to have you with us. Lois - (and anyone else who wants to learn more about looping) -I have a Bibliography of looping references that I have collected over the past several years. If you'd like me to e-mail a copy to you, please send me a private e-mail reminding me. Bert Comstock Lauderdale in balmy Independence, MO, where the lilacs and violets are in full bloom. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 90 & 91 Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2001 16:26:43 -0500 From: Roberta Comstock To: David Collins "Weavers Words" Vol. 4 Iss. 90 Tony - I love your comparison of drilled bases and slotted bases! (Why didn't I think of that?) "Weavers Words" Vol. 4 Iss. 91 From: Walter K Erb Betsy in Rainy Indiana - When making a rib basket, you don't start with all the ribs in place. As your weaving progresses, you tuck new ribs into the weaving already complete so that both ends are held snugly. You have to alternate weaving on each end of the basket, working your way toward the center. The 'rule of THUMB' I teach is 'whenever you can put your thumb between two ribs, it's time to add another rib there.' Knotless netting - I neglected to mention previously that two of my basket patterns include knotless netting. My Bert's Belt Basket pattern has a drawstring top above the rim, which is made of loosely worked knotless netting (the simple buttonhole stitch kind) in 7-ply waxed linen thread. My Looped Sampler Pouch is entirely made of knotless netting. The base is started in simple looping on a slipknot using coated wire (such as automotive electrical wire) and increasing to get the round size you want (about 3 inches in diameter). The work then switches to looping over a core (same as plain coiling), mock knit stitch, and double looping. Materials vary, becoming softer and finer toward the drawstring top. Once these basic techniques have been learned, it is easier to go on to more complicated stitches. Both these classes are in the Branson catalog. The patterns are available at www.basketpatterns.com. Billie - I really like your sampler basket. I'll probably suggest that my guild try something like that. It sounds like fun, too. I'm also playing with making woven vases over glass jars, especially wine carafes (sp?). It's a good way to use up a lot of little scraps, too, as it isn't very far around to complete a row. Jonas - I believe we in the US have stretched the term 'naalbinding' to include simple looping, as well as the complicated stitches used in socks and mittens. I'm guilty of that imprecision myself. I am trying to use 'looping' or 'knotless netting' when discussing the most common stitches used in basketry, but because of my historic textile interests, 'naalbinding' creeps in when my attention wanders. Are you familiar with the Nalbinding list at www.Yahoogroups.com? I think I may have seen you post something there. Cathryn - Glad to hear you're keeping your things dry! Bert Comstock Lauderdale Independence, MO %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 92 Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2001 22:38:31 -0500 From: Roberta Comstock To: David Collins Subject: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 92 Nancy Brandt - If I remember correctly, Synthrapol is primarily a wetting agent used by dyers to make sure their fibers are evenly wet before placing them in a dye bath. Retayne, is specifically designed to help keep dyes from running after the fiber has been dried and is rewetted. Eve Fulton - For pecan stain, use the segmented hulls that come off the outside of the nutshell when it ripens. If they are dry, you might want to crush them some with a hammer to expose more of the inner part to soaking. Do this by placing them in a cloth bag and pounding or stomping on them. You could even drive over the bag several times with your car. Then place the crushed holes in a bucket and cover them with water. (I use a detergent bucket with a lid that can be closed tightly.) The process is essentially the same as for making walnut stain, except that walnut husks are much messier, and often left on the nuts while soaking. Some people add ammonia and/or salt to the water to retard mold growth. You can get color from the stain after several days, especially if the bucket sits in a sunny place. There is no particular maximum soaking time. When you want to use the stain, strain the liquid through sheer cloth or old nylons. If nokd is evident, bring the solution to a boil for about 10 minutes to kill it off. Then you may either dip baskets into the pot, ladle the stain over them, or apply it with a spray bottle. Leftovers can be poured back over the hulls for further soaking and future use. Sandi - Thanks a bunch for the rave review of my classes and for posting pictures of the belt basket you made! And speaking of seeing things, there's a great stand of equisetum (also known as scouring rush or horsetail) on the southeast corner of the intersection of Middle Road and I-80. I saw it (and collected some) when I left Sue's house on my way home last Sunday. It's very interesting stuff to play with, and a good fill-in weaver for beachcombers. And if you don't like to weave with it, tie a handful of the jointed segments in bundles and use them as scouring brushes. Their high silicon content makes them great for polishing cookware (oe plate armour). When I get my new patterns done, I'll let you know. Maybe we can schedule another class in the Quad Cities area. Bert Comstock Lauderdale, finally up to date again with WW in Independence, MO. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Sat, 28 Apr 2001 17:41:59 -0500 From: mlower@mail1.aeroinc.net Reply-To: mlower@aeroinc.net To: David Collins Hi everyone, I was contacted by a lady in Pekin, Illinois who is looking for a basket teacher in central Illinois who would be interested in teaching a monthly class at a local Y. I am too far away but I told her I would post this to see if anyone who lives in that area is interested in teaching. Contact me and I will send your name to her. Mindy Lower http://members.aeroinc.net/nantucket/ %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Web site to check Date: Sun, 29 Apr 2001 17:45:01 -0400 From: Eileen To: davidc@iei.net If you haven't checked out... Linda Boyle Gibson's website - in a hand basket lately you should. Her web master has been busy revamping the site and added some more neat stuff. I don't know if it's my computer or the change but it even seems to load quicker. Go and check it out. Eileen %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% If for any reason you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.