"Weavers Words" Vol. 5 Iss. 10 Date Sent: July 08, 2001 Web Page: http://members.nbci.com/dgcollins/ 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.nbci.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.nbci.com/dgcollins/) and entering your search criteria into the search box. 2.) If you are new to Weaver's Words, 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. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% BACK ISSUES OF WEAVER'S WORDS CAN BE FOUND AT: http://members.nbci.com/dgcollins/2468.html OR http://groups.yahoo.com/group/weaverswords %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% PICTURE('S) ADDED TO WEB PAGE SINCE THE LAST ISSUE: NONE %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaver's Word Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2001 11:06 AM From: Dave & Jan To: davidc@iei.net I thought retirement was supposed to be relaxing... NOT! We left Fla the end of April, spent a few wks in Indiana where I attended the IBA convention (had a great time with super instructors) then on to PA to visit family and friends. Returned to Fla the middle of June with 2 grandchildren (10 & 12). I wish they's share some of their energy with me. My 12 yr old grand-daughter wove her 1st basket...Amy DeSmet's Salt and Pepper basket and she did a marvelous job. She also wove a waxed linen pouch. Lois K., speaking of Amy, she's a friend of mine from Indiana and I phoned her and gave her your e-mail address. She never received your letter or check and said she'd get in touch with you. She has some very nice patterns that she's designed so I hope you can get her catalog. David, thank you for the copy of the Basketry Travel Companion... I'll keep it in the motor home for when we travel. Tony, I also enjoyed your photos with Martha Weatherbee. She's a very talented lady. Well, I MUST get some much needed housework done so I can get busy weaving... My husband just gathered a bunch of split leaf philodendron sheathes that need to be washed, Jan from hot and sunny Florida %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Shaping Rims Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2001 8:16 AM From: Anette Meier To: Hi Sarah, The scrapers you are referring to, I believe it was just the flat edge scraper drilled out with a half round shape. If you can find someone that can make a cut like that you are in... but, in the meantime... any wood working supply shop should carry metal cabinet scrapers. They may come in a set with a straight piece and a curved piece. You can place your handle or rim blank in a shaving pony, or on a block (close to the with of the material) and clamp is to a table. Clamp it so that the most of the material hangs of the end of the table. Use the straight scraper to knock off the top corners (chamfer), then you can use the curved one to get you to the half round shape. Sand to your final shape. These scrapers are also great to clean up stock handles and rims, and to smooth out the underneath edge of handles, so they don't feel so "chunky" when you pick up a basket. I use these and a chip carving knife to accentuate the "knob" on Nantucket handles, too. If you want oak or cherry rims... a router table and a half round bit, or quarter round bit will cut the edge nicely on a long board. Then cut the rounded edge off on a table saw... steam bend to your mold. Just buy a board that the grain is running as true as possible. And... Sometimes they break... steam about an hour per inch of wood, and you can over steam also... just practice. Happy woodworking! Anette All Hand Made Baskets 36 Chateau Drive Manorville, N.Y. 11949 http://www.ahmbaskets.com meier@ahmbaskets.com 631-325-8658 Evenings 631-344-6057 Daytime %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Tennessee Convention Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2001 8:11 AM From: B Holt To: David Collins To all interested in the TN Convention: Final stats for the 2001 Tennessee Basketry Convention, at the Ramada Inn, Kingsport, TN, July 19-21: There are 90 participants, 15 teachers and 11 vendors from several states. Forty-seven participants are from TN. For those who have not registered: you may attend on Saturday, July 21, 8 am - 2 pm, as a visitor, for a $5 charge. This charge will allow you to shop with vendors and observe classes. A naturals basketry stop-by discussion will be held 10 am - 1 pm. The 2 active guilds in East Tennessee, in Blountville and Greeneville, will have tables with information about their activities, and applications to join. You do not have to be a member of a guild to attend the convention. To be added to the mailing list for next year's convention, email Pam Parman at pmparman45@hotmail.com. You are already on the list if you received a brochure for the 2001 convention. The 2002 site has not been determined. We are "leaning toward" Gatlinburg/Sevierville or Kingsport, again. If you are interested in teaching or vending for next year's convention, contact Dianne Craver at dianneC7@aol.com. If you plan to attend the convention this year you may wish to schedule your travel so that you can attend the Southern Highland Craft Fair at the Asheville, NC, Convention Center, July 19-22. Asheville is a beautiful 2 hour drive southeast of Kingsport. For more info about the fair, go to www.southernhighlandguild.org/fairs.html. You may also wish to schedule some time at Kingsport's FunFest, July 13-21. Concerts are dirt cheap due to corporate sponsorship ($3 or $4), and include The Fifth Dimension, John Kay and Steppenwolfe, Keith Urban, and Trace Adkins. The basketry convention concludes at 4 pm on Saturday. FunFest's last concert that night will include The Fifth Dimension, The Impressions (or Martha and the Vandellas depending on if you read the newspaper insert or the web site) and a fireworks spectacular. There are many, many other events at FunFest. For more information, go to www.funfest.net. We scheduled the convention during FunFest so that basket weavers and their families could enjoy many activities during the day or evenings. Barbara Holt, Chairperson Tennessee Basketry Convention %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaver's Words Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2001 7:33 AM From: Joy Moody To: davidc@iei.net Hi everyone, hope you are all enjoying the Summer. For the most part, Maine has had glorious weather. Lois, I sympathize with your physical pain. My forearm & elbow have not recovered from my adventure with splitting ash & I just can't do the pounding! For neck & shoulders, I've experimented with several arrangements to discover which minimizes those problems. Try sitting & standing at tables of various heights. I found what works best for me is to stand, and weave at my Lobo Easel, which is folded flat to make the work surface. It is about 6" below my waist. Standing can be difficult for some folks, but I also have a high & comfortable Director's Chair that provides reprieves. It you are bending or stooping too far down, or reaching too far upward, the neck & shoulders can set up a perpetual pain cycle. Dianne: I find Hannah's Marriage Basket to be most challenging to my concentration. In general, even with complete silence in the studio (I usually weave to music), I have to re-weave each row several times! Checking & re-checking the pattern on every rows leads to success. I use a combination of pattern instructions written for every row AND visual checking of the chart. I am a visual person, but conceptualizing such an intricate twill is difficult either way. Don't give up! Does anyone know what happened to Kat Montiny who moved from Okinawa back here to Maine? I expected her last year when she returned, but she had to cancel & then I never heard if she got settled or what! Haven't seen her on this list in a long time. Bert, is there another group like this on Yahoo? If so, do I need to join Yahoo in order to access it or participate? Well, this is not basket related, but I am happy to announce that my husband & I have started the adoption process for a 12-year-old girl. We are thrilled. I would love to hear from anyone who has adopted an older child, as I am not sure at this point how long we should expect it to take. I assume it will be much shorter than adopting an infant, but perhaps not. I know I am ahead of myself, but my office is already being dis-assembled to become a bedroom, & my studio will now be studio/office combined. Over the years, I have cared for the physical & emotional needs of everyone else's children. Now I finally get to be the official Mommy! Joy Moody Sign of the Crow http://www.signofthecrow.com/basketgalleryintro.html In Hampden, Maine where the weather is fine. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: weavers words-shoulder pain Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2001 5:47 AM From: Janet Hechmer To: davidc@iei.net Hello all, I am writing in reference to Lois's letter. I too had terrible shoulder and arm pain. Mine started when I began to split white oak and helped my Dad build my studio. I continued to work through the pain until after a year it got so bad that I couldn't do much. I have always done a lot of physical work around the house, so it was really hard. I was starting to wonder if I would ever be able to do the things I wanted to do again. The pain got so bad that it was constant, with a throbbing pain in my arm. I also had other joint pain and tingling all through my body I guess from pinched nerves. I finally decided to go to a chiropractor. She said she could help me if I came back at least once a week for a while. I went 5 times. I didn't get any relief. Since she was an hour and a half away I just felt like I couldn't keep going. This is when things began to turn around for me. I told a friend of mine about what I was going through. She had taught Yoga for 25 years. She wanted to get out of teaching Yoga because she was now training in Feldenkrais. She offered to give me private lessons at her house in Feldenkrais training. After three lessons I started feeling better. It was small improvements, but I was definitely getting some relief. After 3 months I was pain free and able to what ever I wanted to do. One of the first things I did was build a rock wall around a flower garden. I couldn't believe I didn't have any pain. Feldenkrais is a method to retrain your body to move in ways that take less effort and cause less pain, even in repetitive movement. They teach Awareness through movement. Your body learns to use your big muscles in your pelvis and torso to do work and keep the muscles in your arms and shoulders relaxed. It is hard to explain all that it does, but it is wonderful. The lessons each take an hour. Most of the practice is done laying on your back or side or stomach. The movements are very small. Anyone can do them no matter what kind of shape you are in. It is similar to Yoga in some ways. It is very relaxing. I have been doing it for six months now. An extra benefit is since you are working for an hour each time, your muscles in your legs, arms, and stomach will get toned up also. I do a lesson three or four times a week. Check out the Feldenkrais websites for more information. I am really amazed at what it has done for me. It is quite expensive for private lessons, but if you find group lessons I think it is affordable. I got really lucky, Yvonne has worked with me as part of her training. A lot of dancers and musicians use this method. I would recommend Feldenkrais to anyone. I know I will continue to do it forever. Unlike going to a chiropractor, this is a method you can do yourself to keep your spine in alignment and nerves in good shape. Janet Hechmer Sneedville, TN %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: loom basket Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2001 5:28 AM From: Ruth Emberg To: weavers words, David Good Morning - I am looking for directions on how to make a loom basket. It is a double basket that is attached to a loom to hold shuttles and bobbins. It is sort of like a double wall basket - flat back with large basket below and smaller one attached on the back. My student wants to make it for the local historical society loom, and I am not sure just what she needs. Thanks for any help you can provide. Ruth Emberg %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Wild bird feathers Sent: Wednesday, July 04, 2001 11:15 PM From: jswartho To: davidc@iei.net I believe it is illegal to use songbird feathers for any decorative reason. If I was going to use feathers on a basket, I would make sure that I bought them at a store. It is illegal to even pick up an eagle feather. For sure I would not sell a basket with feathers without checking the law. A local conservation agent would be able to tell you what feathers you can use. Jennie %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: [weaverswords] "Weavers Words" V. 5 I. 09 Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2001 08:37:18 EDT From: Wickrwoman@aol.com To: weaverswords-owner@yahoogroups.com I too, am in the process of changing my newsletter service from ListBot (who is now charging $149 annually), to Yahoo! Groups. Hopefully, I will be able to transfer my list of 291 in a group, so that my subscribers don't have to resubscribe themselves! I will inform you all if this doesn't work out. If you are not already on my list, and care to get a free, monthly ezine with hints, tips and suggestions on antique wicker furniture, seat weaving and basketry, use my clickable hyperlink in my signature file below, or email WickerWomansWeavings-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Thanks everyone, let me know if you have any problems, please! The Wicker Woman/Cathryn Peters Visit: http://www.wickerwoman.com/ FREE monthly ezine: http://wickerwoman.com/newsletter.html http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=16796&Auth=false %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: [weaverswords] "Weavers Words" V. 5 I. 09 Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2001 08:22:44 EDT From: Wickrwoman@aol.com To: weaverswords-owner@yahoogroups.com Diane Walbeck, Regarding the length of reed for round reed borders, on page 62 of Modern Basketry Techniques, by Barbara Maynard, there is a chart that lists the inches apart of the spokes, in regard to the length of the reed and for the particular type of braid you are doing. For example, if your spacing is 1 1/2" apart and you are doing a three-rod wale pattern, length is 11". If you are doing the flat, plaited border, (which is the one I use most often on my doll/baby cradles), and your spacing is 1 1/2", length is 13". Follow on trac borders of smaller spacing, take shorter lengths. What is it that you are working on? Email me privately, I can maybe help you out some more. The Wicker Woman/Cathryn Peters Visit: http://www.wickerwoman.com/ FREE monthly ezine: http://wickerwoman.com/newsletter.html http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=16796&Auth=false %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: [weaverswords] "Weavers Words" V. 5 I. 09 Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2001 08:10:39 EDT From: Wickrwoman@aol.com To: weaverswords-owner@yahoogroups.com, keenerfam@worldnet.att.net Lois, Besides being a basketmaker, I have been in the wicker repair and seatweaving business for 25 years now, doing some sort of weaving almost every day. I have neck pain, carpal tunnel symptoms and some shoulder pain too. About 10 years ago, I fainted into the bathroom, hitting my cheek on the edge of the sink, and knocked myself out. I didn't go to the hospital, doctor, or chiropractor, thinking it was just a fluke and not to worry. Well several years later I had severe migraines every day that went on for weeks. Finally went to the chiropractor where he took X-rays and after looking at my neck, asked me where and when was I in a car wreck to have gotten this whiplash? I have never been in a car wreck, so the only other logical accident was my fainting spell. The X-rays showed my neck bones were literally in a "Z" formation instead of the nice, gentle curve it's supposed to have! After many trips to the chiropractor over a period of about 3-5 years, I maintain a healthy spine, neck, shoulders and hands, by going in monthly for a "maintenance" adjustment. What I am saying in all this, is that you might want to find a good chiropractor and see if there's anything he can do to help you out. It's been the only way I can still get around. I still have cyclical migraines, but nothing like the daily ones I was getting. And if I've done a lot of concentrated, fast weaving in a day, I suffer. So, I just make more trips to the chiro and try not to push myself so hard. Take care, hope things work out for you. The basketry world is blessed to have you in it, would be a shame if you had to drop out, when there might be another alternative! The Wicker Woman/Cathryn Peters Visit: http://www.wickerwoman.com/ FREE monthly ezine: http://wickerwoman.com/newsletter.html http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=16796&Auth=false %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: [weaverswords] "Weavers Words" V. 5 I. 09 Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2001 07:57:21 EDT From: Wickrwoman@aol.com To: weaverswords-owner@yahoogroups.com Leigh Ingram, Regarding the use of feathers on your gourds, go to your local grocery stores, and discount stores to see if you can find some feather dusters! Most feather dusters are made from Asian cock feathers in many different colors, from orange, gold, brown and black, and can be quite striking on the gourds. I have been using them for over 10 years now, on my deer antler baskets. All the feathers are strung together on a string that is then wrapped around the wooden handle and glued on at the base. You can separate the string from the wrapping and then take the feathers off and use them individually, or use them on the string in a grouping. You might also use some feather dusters that are made of ostrich feather, but most of them are a gray to black color. Hope this helps, I know they are not wild birds, but are cheap and usually accessible! The Wicker Woman/Cathryn Peters Visit: http://www.wickerwoman.com/ FREE monthly ezine: http://wickerwoman.com/newsletter.html http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=16796&Auth=false %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Shawano guild Weavers Words" Vol. 5 Iss. 09 Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2001 06:46:00 EDT From: FosterBA@aol.com To: ka9zre@yahoo.com Mary Ellen, Yes there is a guild that meets in Shawano, WI. It is called the Wolf River Basketry guild. Our meetings are held on the 4th Monday of the month. We met at St. James Lutheran School on Andrews St. except for the summer months. If you let me know where you live I'll have some info sent to you. We hold 2 workshops a year also besides our meeting weavings. One must become a member to attend our fall workshop, which is now in the process of offering just that on September 29-30, 2001. Barb Foster (fosterba@aol.com presently VP of the guild. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: "Weavers Words" Vol. 5 Iss. 06 Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2001 11:56 PM From: Roberta Comstock To: "Weavers Words" Vol. 5 Iss. 06 Veronica - Thanks for sharing your first teaching experience with us. It's brave of you to jump right in with both feet like that! Glad it worked out so well. Eileen Mirsberger - Congratulations on a successful first year in East Troy! The guesthouse sounds like a wonderful thing - good luck with that, too. Rowena - I am one of the attendees who went to the 3rd Annual Silver Dollar City (SDC) Basketry Seminar and Workshop in Branson, Missouri (MO). The event was held at a large hotel in town (Radisson), rather than on-site at SDC. This was a Good thing, as there was less hauling required to get in and out, and not as much distracting traffic, as there would have been at SDC. Decent meals were available in the hotel at reasonable prices. The road traffic in Branson was not really a problem since most of us did little running around town during the seminar. For any traveling companions who were not taking classes, vending or teaching, the location was central and convenient to many amenities. Good eateries of all sorts were near by for those who wanted to have some of their meals outside the hotel (including yours truly). I had excellent classes with Anne Coleman, Alice Dudenhoeffer, and Bonnie Gale! Learned several new tricks and had a great time. I think the SDC staff is working hard to make next year's seminar even better. Tony - Hope your Weatherbee classes were a good time. You've probably already reported, but I haven't read it yet. Vicky Williams - Don't under estimate the dexterity of 12-year-old Boy Scouts! I don't think making a mat would really satisfy the seat weaving requirement for the basketry merit badge. Perhaps the boys can find chairs or stools at thrift stores or garage sales that would not cost much. Or maybe one of them has a parent who does wooodworking and would help out by making simple foot stool frames for them to weave on. Even stick furniture lashed together with twine would be preferable to a flat mat or cushion cover type of weaving. The non-seat approach does not deal with the structural nature of a woven seat that is integrated into the stool or chair. Twisted paper rush or seagrass would be reasonably priced for the weaving. Another option would be to go for small sizes (but Not miniatures), such as doll furniture. The unfinished frames are often available at craft supply stores. Lynda Crowe - Sorry to hear of the loss of your dog. Been there. I'll be thinking of you. Suzi Rodgers - Glad to hear you're still with us. Be patient with yourself as you ease back into weaving. I'll be rooting for you. Rena Vickery - I will be teaching a bead-footed round reed bowl with bead handles at the Woven Circle guild meeting the afternoon of August 5th. We meet at the Raytown Historical Society Museum in the eastern part of the Kansas City metro area. E-mail me privately for details, or just to get together if you pass through the KC area earlier or later than that. Marie Pedersen - Welcome to Weavers Words! I don't know about using weeping willow for living fences, but I do know that although you can weave baskets from it, it is not the best willow for baskets. The problem is that the slender branches become very brittle when they are dry and they will shatter easily. This is not a good thing for making a durable basket. If you have other kinds of willow, they may be much better for basketry. Many kinds of willow will grow in the same conditions as those favored by weeping willow. Check the basketry book store at the WW web site and see if there are any books on willow weaving there. If you don't find any there, e-mail me privately and I will send you a list of good books about willow basketry. Pam D. - If you don't find your tie-ons easily, try checking the artificial fruits and vegetables at Hobby Lobby or any other craft store. Some of them may be a good size to use on your baskets. Bert Lauderdale Independence, MO %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: "Weavers Words" Vol. 5 Iss. 07 Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2001 11:54 PM From: Roberta Comstock To: "Weavers Words" Vol. 5 Iss. 07 Billie - Hi! Thanks for explaining about Meredith's posts - I was wondering where that guild might be. Sounds like you have a great thing going. Faye - It's wonderful to discover a new material like your rocky mountain maple. It will also add a special regional flavor to your baskets. Another thing for me to look for on a future trip to the Rockies! Gloria - I'll be eagerly awaiting your report on basket hunting in France. Have fun! Joy Moody - I think I could have pounded longer if the logs had been on higher braces. It was the bending over close to the ground that did me in when I pounded ash at Daniel Nye's workshop last August. Tony - I liked your suggestions for Suzi. I, personally, would stay away from one-inch flat reed for stakes, though. The few times I've used it, it always tries to fight me. The way I subdue it is to tack it onto a form block similar to the way Betty Curry starts her oak baskets. Bert Lauderdale Independence MO %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: scraper Date: Fri, 6 Jul 2001 13:12:13 -0400 Organization: The Country Seat Reply-to: "Angie Wagner-Country Seat" From: "Angie Wagner-Country Seat" To: "Weavers Words David Collins" Hi all, Sarah in Chicago - I don't know if we carry what you want or not, but you can view the Stanley Shurform Shaver in our on-line catalog. It is red and the blade can be detached. We only carry one type of replacement blade. It is traditionally used for scarfing rims. Angie The Country Seat http://www.countryseat.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% From: "Marlys Sowers" To: Subject: For Mary Beebe Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2001 23:37:33 -0500 Mary, There are a wonderful group of weavers in the Shawnano area. They will be having a fall workshop Sept. 29th and 30th. Contact Barb Johnson ,johnson@gglbbs.com for information about joining. Also in the Milwaukee area, there is a guild called the Lake Country Basket Guild. You can contact Dianne Gleixner, dgleixe@srong-funds.com. They have a nice convention in May. These are two that I am familiar with. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Scrapers Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2001 8:20 PM From: Tony Stubblefield To: David Collins/Weavers Words Sarah - about red handled scrapers - Those are actually paint scrapers manufactured by Allway, USA. Martha Wetherbee's basket shop used to custom grind the blades themselves to make shapers for rims and handles. As far as I know that particular scraper is no longer being produced so that is why the switch was made to the black handled model. I don't think Martha, now that she has left the shop, is making the shaper blades anymore, but she does use the black handled ones with a straight blade for thinning the tips of weavers. The last time I was out at Nate's Nantucket (formerly Martha Wetherbee's) they had completely switched over to the new style and I think had the custom shaped blades for the new style, but I don't know what is going on with the shop these days. You are probably going to have trouble finding anything for the> old red handled scraper, but you might try Royal Wood http://www.royalwoodltd.com/ as they used to carry a large selection of Martha's tools and materials. You could also give Nate a call (good luck) and see if they have any left http://www.basketshop.com/ Or if you want to get preshaped rim stock you can try Gratiot Lake http://www.gratiotlakebasketry.com/ they sell Bob Coker's brown ash and he has various sizes of rim stock available. I have bought some in the past and it was quite nice. I just soaked, formed the rims around the top of my mold and taped them down until they dried. I believe they are cut from growth rims so they bend much more easily than stock cut across the grain. Take care and happy weaving, Tony Stubblefield St. Louis, MO http://www.JASkets.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Thanks!! Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2001 9:17 PM From: Ingram To: David Collins Just a note of thanks to those of you who responded so quickly and helpfully about sources for feathers. What great ideas! I've already found some, thanks to you all. Happy weaving! Leigh Ingram %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Feathers Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2001 10:18 PM From: Joyce fisher To: I am sorry I don't have the names or address of the two women from Montana who have made a business of "feathers". W met them at the gourd festival in Folsom, CA. They did a booming business during the Festival. Perhaps you can put out an appeal for how to get in touch with them in Weavers Words as people from all over come to this Festival and surely some of them know how to get in touch with these two retired teachers who have found an interesting business to occupy their "leisure" time. Joyce Fisher %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: [weaverswords] "Weavers Words" V. 5 I. 09 Date: Wed, 27 Jun 2001 04:37:49 -0500 From: Marsha Ackerman To: weaverswords-owner@yahoogroups.com At the IBA convention this year I purchased several "Mug Bosses". I have been looking for them at hardware stores since I came home as I have several more friends who want them. No luck so far. Would anyone know if IBA still has some to sell? Or does anyone know of another source? Thanks! Marsha in the U.P. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Southern Indiana basket guild Sent: Saturday, July 07, 2001 9:14 AM From: To: Terri Baskett recently posted requesting information regarding a basket guild in Southern Indiana that meets bi-monthly. I've tried the email address twice and both messages have been returned as "failed". If you'd like the information, please contact me. Kathy %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Neck & Shoulder Pain Sent: Saturday, July 07, 2001 7:57 AM From: Barbara Byrne To: David C (Weavers Words); keenerfam@worldnet.att.net Lois, I don't have neck or shoulder pain, but I do have some severe hip problems. I read about a book called "Pain Free" by Pete Egoscue. It was mentioned by someone on WW who was having carpal tunnel symptoms and she said how much relief she got from using the exercises in the book. I bought the book and started doing the exercises for the hip and got some relief almost immediately. I am also in PT, but I'm still doing the Egoscue exercises with good results. There is a chapter on shoulder pain and another on neck pain in this book also. You might want to check it out. There is also a website www.egoscue.com and there are some exercises out on the site as well. Good luck with easing the pain. Best regards, Barb Byrne in Vienna, MO %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Gasconade Nature Retreat Sent: Saturday, July 07, 2001 8:05 AM From: Barbara Byrne To: David C (Weavers Words) Hi all, I thought I'd best let you all know that Gasconade Nature Retreat is currently up for sale. There are many reasons for this, but the most compelling is that I am having some hip problems that have made the maintenance of the facility very difficult for me. All of the fall workshops have been cancelled (I'm sorry to report) and we hope that the sale of the property will go smoothly. But as with any unique piece of property, it may take us a while. Please pass the word along if you know of anyone who might be interested. :-)) I'd also like to thank all of you who have supported us and our basket retreats for the past 2 years. It was a rewarding experience for me and certainly great to meet so many wonderful weavers! I'm giving up hosting basket retreats, but not giving up weaving. So I'll still be participating in this wonderful forum. Thanks again to all of you! Best regards, Barb in Vienna, MO Barb & Mike Byrne Come see what a RELAXING GETAWAY can be!! Gasconade Nature Retreat & Getaway www.nature-retreat.com barb@nature-retreat.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: porcupine quills Sent: Sunday, July 08, 2001 1:45 AM From: Elaine Bidstrup To: David Collins Weavers Words Hi All! I just came back from a week in Colorado and then four days fishing at Lake Taneycomo (near Branson, MO - the site of the Silver Dollar City weaving event, which I didn't attend) and was glad to be greeted by WW. Everyone seems to be having a great weaving summer - now I need to get going. Sometime ago there was a series of posting about gathering and using porcupine quills in baskets. I read it as one of those 'oh, isn't that interesting' items, as we have no access to either porcupines or their quills here in MO. However, on vacation . . . We were driving toward Leadville, CO on a rainy, early evening and I spied a dead 'porky' by the side of the road. My husband, dear that he is, turned around and drove back to the closest town and on a Sun. evening found a convenience story that had 1) plastic bags, 2) pliers, and 3) leather gloves. We drove back up the mountain (which he doesn't like to do) in the rain and I harvested a bag full of quills (without sticking myself). Two other cars of tourists stopped to see what I was up to and I gave some quills to a little boy for show and tell in his FL school. I was half expecting someone to tell me I couldn't do it or that the airlines would x-ray my bag and not let me take my 'contraband' aboard, but no problems! Now that I have a successfully gotten my booty back to St. Louis, I'm not sure exactly how to use them. I know they're used for decoration and I saw some 'medallions' using quills (both dyed and natural) in the book from the Indiana convention. Any hints? Are they 'sewn' on? with waxed linen or sinew? Do I make holes in them? Is the dying process any different than dying reed? Does anyone know of any books or patterns using these? Thanks, Elaine in St. Louis where it's supposed to be 105 tomorrow PS we made it to Leadville later in the week. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% That's All For Now Folks. To Post A Message Use: davidc@iei.net or ka9zre@yahoo.com To Subscribe Use: weaverswords-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To Unsubscribe Use: weaverswords-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com