"Weavers Words" Vol. 6 Iss. 12 MADE IN AMERICA BY A PROUD AMERICAN!!! Date Sent: August 04, 2002 Back Issues: http://www.angelfire.com/art/weaverswords/ David Collins 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Phone: (317) 899-5747 davidc@iei.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% ATTENTION NEW SUBSCRIBERS: 1.) Back issues of Weaver's Words can be found at: http://www.angelfire.com/art/weaverswords/ 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.) You can order a copy of the "Basketry Travel Companion", your guide to basket shops, galleries, exhibits and much more across the United States and world wide, by sending me $15.00 via PayPal (a free service) at: http://www.paypal.com/ (Send Payment To ka9zre@yahoo.com) OR Via money order / check at: David Collins 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% BEFORE POSTING VIRUS WARNINGS TO WEAVER'S WORDS!!! Check The Following Link To Assure The Virus Isn't A Hoax: http://urbanlegends.about.com/ %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% MAKE A DONATION TO WEAVER'S WORDS!!! https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=ka9zre%40yahoo.com&item_name=Weaver%27s+Words+Donations %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% PLEASE SHOP AT WEAVER'S WORDS BOOKSTORE!!! A GREAT source for Books, CD's, VHS's, DVD's, Video Games, Electronics and much more. PLEASE BOOKMARK THIS PAGE: http://www.angelfire.com/art/weaverswords/basket.html %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Hi Everyone, I would like to thank everyone who has purchased something thru Weaver's Words store. I just received my first quarterly commissions check from amazon.com in the amount of $51.00. If you are going to purchase anything thru amazon.com I would appreciate you doing so by placing your order thru the following link: http://www.angelfire.com/art/weaverswords/basket.html I would also like to thank the one person who made a donation to Weaver's Words. If you would like to make a donation to Weaver's Words you can do so by clicking on the following link: https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=ka9zre%40yahoo.com&item_name=Weaver%27s+Words+Donations Thanks Again, David %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: Pine Needles Sent: Thursday, July 25, 2002 10:52 PM From: Linhebert@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net To Tammie from Michigan, There's a superb book that will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about Pine Needles, and lots of things you never thought of (dyeing the needles, how to use them green, etc. etc.). It's Pine Needle Basketry by Judy Mallow, $18.95 40 projects - miniatures, trays, ginger jars, pencil holders, baskets galore- plus a special section on dyeing needles, making lids and handles, special techniques, gathering and storing materials. 112 pages (all in color), 75 color photos. Hardbound. We have it available at our website on the Books and Videos page. Linda Hebert V. I. Reed & Cane http://www.basketweaving.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: New Kit and New Free Pattern!! Date: Fri, 26 Jul 2002 13:58:35 -0400 From: "Baskets Of Joy" To: Undisclosed-Recipient NEW KIT! Scarlett O'Hara Basket This new kit features all the material you need to make the basket, including: Our newly updated Scarlett O'Hara Pattern White ash notched handle Dyed reed accents Top quality reed and seagrass Order yours today at the Special Introductory Price of just $15.95--a $3.00 savings! Click here to order now if you already have a Baskets Of Joy account (be sure to include your name, address and phone number in the email), or visit www.basketsofjoy.com today to SECURELY set up your account. FREE PATTERN UPDATE!! Our Countryside Picnic Basket has been one of our most popular patterns for many years--now it is available FREE at www.basketsofjoy.com. Simply click the link and go to the words "Free Pattern" at the top left corner of our homepage. Scroll down to see the entire pattern, FREE for you to print out using your browser's Print button! PLUS!! While you're there, be sure to order your lid and handle, available exclusively from Baskets Of Joy! OR, you can order now--just click here if you already have a Baskets Of Joy account (be sure to include your name, address and phone number in the email), or visit www.basketsofjoy.com today to SECURELY set up your account. Rather reach us in person? We'd love to hear from you! We are open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (eastern time). Call Toll Free 1-800-377-6097! www.basketsofjoy.com BASKETS OF JOY 81 Old Bath Road Brunswick, ME 04011 customer service 207-725-5899 orders 800-377-6097 fax 207-725-6004 basketsofjoy@basketsofjoy.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Pine Needles Date: Thu, 25 Jul 2002 23:25:02 -0500 From: "Tony Stubblefield" To: "David Collins" Tammy - about pine needle preparation - I am hardly an expert on pine needle basketry, but I will share with you my experiences. As long as your needles are clean (i.e. don't have dirt on them) you don't really need to do anything to prep them for storage. As I gather mine off the ground I arrange them all going the same direction and just rubber band them towards the "tips" and maybe towards the pointy ends if the bundle seems unruly. If you are worried about bugs and such I have heard of placing them in the freezer to kill of any pests. I just keep on mine in a shallow Rubbermaid container. Some people like to coil with their needle dampened, but I only do this at the very start of the basket were the base is small and the coils tight. Once I get going I use all my needles dry. I have tried coiling with all the needles wet, but found that to not be necessary for myself. I like the idea of the basket being very transportable to work on and weaving dry is perfect for that. To dampen or "mellow" the needles you will need to soak them in warm water for a while (I am sure someone can give you an exact time) and then wrap them in a towel. Wrapped this way they will keep damp for quite a while. Now all the coiled baskets I have made have been stitched with tightly plied wool yarn or waxed linen so maybe is you use the more traditional raffia stitching you will need to work with damp needles. Check out the Pine Needle Group http://pineneedlegroup.tripod.com/ for more info and links. Well, I was just looking over my "Links" page and boy is it out of date. I will try to update it right after I send out this note. I don't even attempt to list all the great sites out on the web, there are too many of them and so many other sites already have much more comprehensive lists than I could ever maintain. I am almost done with another waxed linen knotted basket. As soon as I get it completed I promise I will post it on my website. I think I started this one about 5 years ago so it didn't take me quite as long as some of them have. As soon as I get this one done I will have to start another one. Since they take me so long to complete I usually have a backlog of ideas I want to try. I guess that is about it for me. I am planning my next trip to NC for September. So I have something to look forward to. Since I haven't hardly woven this summer I have got to get back in the swing of things. Take Care And Happy Weaving, Tony Stubblefield http://www.JASkets.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: New Bakers Basket Pattern! Date: Fri, 26 Jul 2002 17:11:15 -0400 From: Violinart1@aol.com To: ka9zre@yahoo.com Hi Everyone! Just thought you would like to know that we have added a variation on our Bakery Basket pattern. It now has directions also for a smaller version. It's a beautiful basket, but some have thought it was a smidge too large. We're revamping our website a bit, got a wonderful new web gal. The patterns page is a little different, so check it out and make sure you have our latest free patterns! The variation is on the page with the Bakery Basket. Hope you enjoy! Jessie Buehlmann www.basketclass.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: RE: European Cut Reed Sent: Saturday, July 27, 2002 7:04 AM From: Dianne Walbeck To: Weaver's Words I am sorry that this reply is a little late but we just returned from vacation. I don't remember who asked about the European cut reed but here is my .02. I went to the AMB conference last October and saw some of the FO reed and thought it looked nice and flexible. Well I did not purchase any of it when I was there but I did end up ordering some through the mail. When I received my shipment it was not what I had seen at the conference. It was in worse shape I had ever seen. My husband even asked if I was cleaning out the old reed from my storage areas!! I did even send it back and asked for what I had seen at convention. It took quite a while for them to process my order, long enough for me to forget I had ordered it. When my second order finally came I did find that the 3/16 FO was very nice and pliable with a lot of long pieces but the 1/4 FO I ordered was not good at all. The are where the hanks are bundled has caused the oval part of the reed to separate and it does not wrap very well. It looks nice if you are using it to weave but many times I would have to throw away a good bit because of the oval part separating. I also did order some 1/4 FF, with the understanding that it would look different since they run it through a press to get a uniformed shape. Well that is not what I received!! It is very thick and looks like they took a cheap Hong Kong Grade of FO and shaved the tip portion off to make it look flat. It did not look uniform in size and it was not very pliable. Needless to say I am extremely displeased and I personally would not order the reed again. It was not worth the money or the hassle. Still, I do know of a few people who do like the reed and I was told by the vendor at the conference that many of the instructors at the convention ONLY use the European reed. Still, you may want to order a hank and see for yourself if it is something you might like. Dianne Walbeck Okinawa Japan - Where it is HOT and HUMID!!!! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: Preparing Pine Needles Date: Sat, 27 Jul 2002 14:10:30 -0700 From: "Dee" To: weaverswords-owner@yahoogroups.com, weaverswords@yahoogroups.com >>>>> While on vacation, I was able to collect some pine needles from Nevada and California. I was wondering what I needed to do to prepare them for weaving. <<<<< I pick green pine needles, a few from here, a few from there, and put them in a paper sack, and put the paper sack in a cupboard in the garage for about 6 months. I find that the fragrance holds better this way, the needles dry green, and the needles take on dye better. The pine needles you pick up off the ground have been baked by the sun, and become brittle over time faster than the green. If anyone wants to trade for pine needles, email me. Regards, DeeM StoneyRidgeRags ProtectMotherEa(r)th %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Caribbean Fiberarts Workshop And Tour IV Sent: Saturday, July 27, 2002 5:13 PM From: Rita and Paul Erwin To: David Collins Hello Weaverswords readers! Once again I will be offering a Caribbean workshop and tour, Feb. 8-15, 2003 for those of us wanting to escape the winter weather! What better way to spend a week weaving, mask making and coiling on smoke fired pottery, than basking in the tropical sunshine? We will also take a day trip to the lovely Isla Mujeres, a beautiful tropical isle where ancient Mayan women journeyed by canoe to make offerings to IxChel, great Mayan goddess of all women, Maiden, Mother and Wise Woman. She is the goddess of weavers, artists, of medicine and creativity. Quite a gal! We will visit the remains of her altar, sight see on the island and may stop at a sea turtle hatchery if all wish to. A day trip to Coba', a Mayan ruin deep in the jungle where one can climb the highest pyramid (Nohoch Mul) on the Yucatan peninsula is also included. We will visit my old friends from the Mayan village of Central Vallarta along with their matriarch, Dona Julia and her ever present machete'. They will have samples of their sewing and embroidery for us to look through and purchase. The week will be spent in Puerto Morelos, a quaint seaside fishing village away from the hustle of tourists and highrises. So plan to join us for a week of creativity, relaxation and spiritual awakening on the magical Mexican Caribbean!. For information contact: Rita Ray Erwin P.O. Box 1081 Portola, CA 96122 530-832-5824 E-mail: Rita@psln.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: [weaverswords] "Weavers Words" V. 6 I. 11 Date: Sun, 28 Jul 2002 10:36:42 -0400 From: "drpain" To: weaverswords-owner@yahoogroups.com Hi Everyone, Haven't posted in a while. Hope everyone is doing well. I read the post about the antler laws in Pa and just wanted to post about NJ. I have been making antler baskets for over 20 years. I started just making them for hunters and family friends. Please be very careful New Jersey has some very strong rules on this subject. I have seen people at craft shows be shut down because of antlers, be it baskets, wall hangers, what ever they had made with antlers. I am very careful of what I put in my shop. It is only the white tailed deer antlers that they get upset about. I have a moose antler basket. And a black elk antler basket in my shop right now for sale. There are no moose in NJ so I am able to sell it. I teach a class on making the antler baskets. It is and all day class and I usually like to keep it to only 2 students at a time. I have a box of gifted antlers and I usually gift my students an antler that way they did not buy it from me. I also do some pow wows in the area and I can sell the baskets there. I am native to this area (and sometimes its not what you know but who you know that can keep you out of trouble) Hope everyone is having a great summer. I am looking at all the black berry's in need to pick in my back yard. I made jam. And am now thinking about that basket I could do. (If the state bird doesn't get all my blood) Well keep safe. And don't forget That Life is short eat desert first. "IN PEACE" njweaver2 Mary Carty baskets and dulcimers a match made in heaven. pinelandsfolk.com pineylenape.com (there are pictures of my work at both of these sites.). %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Birch Bark Sent: Sunday, July 28, 2002 8:15 AM From: Dianne Walbeck To: Weaver's Words While I was away on vacation I was able to collect some birch bark from my In-Law's birch trees. I only took a little but I was wondering if there was any special technique for getting it into usable widths. As of now it is coiled up and in about a 2-3" width. I noticed that there were a few layers in each strip I pulled off. I do recall that someone on WW had suggested using an iron or hair dryer to make the birch bark pliable since it is water resistant. Any suggestions will help. Currently I am caught up on the classes I teach at the local arts and craft center and if the ladies I have coming to my house give me a break I will be able to weave something for myself soon. I love being busy, but with the kids out of school, classes, and life in general I think I need another vacation, one that involves me in a small room with nothing but basket supplies and a lot of coffee. Dianne Walbeck Okinawa Japan %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: WVBA Convention Teachers Sent: Thursday, August 01, 2002 11:00 AM From: To: The booklets will go out shortly for the West Virginia Basketmakers Convention. It will take place November 22-24, 2002. You must be a member of the Association to attend the convention. Registration for the Convention is $30.00. The teachers for this year's convention will be Eric Taylor, Lynn Schlichting, Mary Smith-Stokes, Debra Roberson, Karen Zane, Anne Bowers, Sandra Lyons, Vicki Worrel, Susan Brooks, Susan Reed-Fanfoni, Elaine Sinclair, Betty Kourounakis, Diane Craver. Registration will start at noon and classes will start at 1pm on Friday. Saturday will be open to visitors from 8 to 5 for visitor's day. We will have seven vendors this year. Classes will start at 8am and break at noon for lunch. Dinner will be served at 5pm and the door prize drawings will be immediately following dinner. After that we will have our annual business meeting. We have made arrangements to have a lawyer speak to members about copyright laws and how it pertains to pattern writing. Members will be allowed a short question session afterwards. This year's keynote speaker will be Cindy Taylor, Co-author of "Appalachian White Oak Basketmaking." She will give her presentation immediately following the copyright session. We are anticipating a great raffle this year and will draw names for the raffle prizes after Cindy's presentation. Teacher marketplace will take place after that. The Association has decided to pay for lunch on Saturday and Sunday and dinner Saturday night for those registered to attend the convention. If you are interested in attending the convention it will be at the Holiday Inn in Weirton, WV just off Route 22. The phone number for making reservations is 304-723-5522. You need to tell them you are with the WVBA. You may contact Sharon Sutton our membership chairperson for more info on becoming a member at sasutton@charter.net or Delores Stutler for information on attending the convention at jodeweaver@aol.com. Thanks, Sandra Lyons (sltarawood@aol.com) Coordinator %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Hi David Sent: Friday, August 02, 2002 6:02 PM From: Melissa To: davidc@iei.net Been a long time since I've enjoyed Weavers Words, I've been trying to find the home page and stole this address off a past issue. Do you still e-mail them I need to sign up again? I took a vacation after owning a shop for 10 years and I'm coming back. Also I need to find out where to buy the drill bit that cuts circles!! Can you help???? %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaving With Grape Canes Sent: Saturday, August 03, 2002 9:49 AM From: Lon J. Rombough To: Mr. Collins: I am seeking information on weaving with grape canes for a book I am preparing. I was directed to Weavers Words, but I don't see a search function and really don't have the time to go through the entire archives. Can you either direct me to the correct volume, or tell me how to join the list to find the information I need? Thank you very much. Lon Rombough Grapes, writing, consulting, more, plus word on my grape book at http://www.bunchgrapes.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Web Site Sent: Saturday, August 03, 2002 4:00 PM From: Sherian Cody To: davidc@iei.net David, I am a basket weaver and teacher. I have just recently made a web site to sell my patterns. I was told I could email you and ask if you would post my web site on your Weaver's Words page. Please let me know. Thank You, Sherian Cody www.sugarcreekpatterns.com fscody@worldnet.att.net 317-861-9754 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Sent: Saturday, August 03, 2002 5:38 PM From: Jill Choate To: davidc@iei.net Is this Alaska??? August. The dog days of summer. Heat, humidity, moving slow and sweating. Sounds like I must be in misery in Missouri for the melting season. However, this week finds me in my native land to host the Alaska Bush Basketry Retreat. A short reprieve from the rigors of the J. Choate Basketry Road Show of the Lower 48. Alaska in August is usually described in terms of cool, gray, rain with a sprinkling of termination dust (snow) on the mountain, which always arrives to soon. But imagine another Alaska. One with day after day of balmy breezes and 85-degree weather. Dot the horizon with the snow capped Talkeetna mountain range. Included in the line up a severe clear view of Mt. Hunter, Mt. Foraker and of course Denali (Mt. McKinley) in all their formidable glory. Along the highway s spread a carpet of magenta fireweed sprigged with lupine and poppies. And on top of all that make it a year for one of the best salmon runs Alaska has seen it years. The fish report this morning said dig a hole in your back yard and the Chums and Pinks will show up. You should be here!!! Until you do I guess I'll have to get back on the Lower-48 trail and look you up? September finds us in St. Louis, MO at St. Louis Basketry Supply on September 14-15 and then on our way back to Alaska we have a stop in Iowa and will be teaching on September 21-22 with the Quad Cities Basket Guild. Then we're back to Alaska where we will be looking for that termination dust in order to start out our TWELVE new puppies. Yep, we've hit the jackpot on stinkers this year and are really looking forward to starting them out when we get back home. If you need more information on when and where to run into us check out our website at: www.jchoatebasketry.com. Until we meet on the trail... Jill Choate %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Long Long Market Basket Date: Sun, 4 Aug 2002 10:28:01 -0400 From: "Gretchen Hautzinger" To: ka9zre@yahoo.com I am looking for a pattern for a long market basket I saw. I believe it was shown filled with Raggedy Ann dolls, if I can't find the pattern I would like help in making a very long market basket for a tabletop. Any information I could find on construction on overly long market baskets would be appreciated. I want a very long one for my table and for over my kitchen window on a shelf. I have seen them, but never made one. Also the little cherry basket I was looking for awhile back I found, It is Carla Lemanski's pattern. I have it ordered. Was searching patterns one night at about 2 am, Haley couldn't sleep is 2 and 1/2 and teething, loads of fun, but there it was, the little basket I was looking for. Hope everyone is having a great summer weaving. I am teaching more classes this fall than ever. I am teaching at a local parks and rec. Did this last year and did fine, but this year they have cut their costs dramatically, so I should have a great turnout. Thanks, Gretchen %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaving With Grapes Date: Sun, 04 Aug 2002 07:17:44 -0700 From: "Lon J. Rombough" To: ka9zre@yahoo.com I am gathering information for a book and would like to know if anyone has experience with using grape canes (prunings) to weave. I'd like to know what sorts of things you made and how you did it. Lon J. Rombough Grapes, writing, consulting, more, plus word on my grape book at http://www.bunchgrapes.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: [weaverswords] "Weavers Words" V. 6 I. 07, 08, 09, 10 Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 23:21:21 -0500 From: "Roberta Comstock" To: weaverswords-owner@yahoogroups.com "Weavers Words" Vol. 6 Iss. 07 Bonnie Easterbrooks - Thanks for posting the photos of the spring swap. What a cool array of baskets! Weavers Words V.6, I.8. Alene Miller - Where in SW Missouri do you live? I'm in Independence, MO, but sometimes visit friends in Joplin (Terrie Fry & family). Have we already met? I've been doing some hedge-row baskets with grape vine, bittersweet vine, bush honeysuckle and rose of Sharon. Maybe we could get together sometime to weave and swap some materials. Beth Jones - Thanks for sharing your reed handling tips. "Weavers Words" Vol. 6 Iss. 09 Angie - Thanks for the excellent directions for weaving reed seats. Pam Thompson - You might be able to get some historical information about the Redman Baskets of Peru, Indiana from the Miami County or Indiana State Historical Society. Also see if there's a Peru Chamber of Commerce and/or a local newspaper. They might have archives. There could even be a local historical society. Good luck! Mary Brandenburg - Thank you for explaining the processing for blackberry and other bramble canes. Now I know what all to take along when I have collecting opportunity! I wouldn't have known to boil them before de-thorning. Tony Stubblefield - One more suggestion for UPS shipping: Call your local UPS office and see if they will pick up packages in your neighborhood. You may need to weigh each one ahead of time for accurate pricing. It sure saves me a lot of running around time though. Deb in PA - You might ask among mutual friends to see if the one who gave you the poem was known by other's to be a poet. You could consider including it with a note of who gave it to you and a plea for anyone who has information about the author to contact you. One way to tell if a claimant really did write the original would be to make a couple of word changes in your published version that only the author would recognize as different from what they wrote. Good luck! Marty Tayon - Get yourself a copy of either of Flo Hoppe's Wicker books. They are excellent for round reed work! "Weavers Words" Vol. 6 Iss. 10 Tony - I think some folks who are new to the Internet don't realize that they are violating copyright laws if they "republish" someone else's material without permission by posting it on a public web site. The only way many of them will learn is if they are contacted by the artisan. As they don't seem to be using them to make a profit, they also may not realize that it is still a copyright violation. Your suggestion that you could provide them better images, along with a request that they credit you as both the weaver and/or the photographer might be a good way to approach them. If they are unwilling to give credit where due, you could point out that they are breaking the law and request that they remove your works from their site. I wouldn't expect it to come to that, though. Good luck! Maybe they are WW readers and will contact you first. Cindy in AL - Two of my favorite books for natural basketry are: NATURAL BASKETS edited by Maryanne Gillooly, Storey Communications, Inc., 1992, ISBN 0-88266-793-9 pbk.; and BASKETS FROM NATURE'S BOUNTY by Elizabeth Jensen, 1991, Interweave Press, ISBN 0-934026-69-6. Browse the sites of basketry suppliers who post to WW and look at their book lists. Also go to amazon.com via David Collins' directions at the beginning of this issue of WW. Codrin in Romania - What do you mean by reed wire? Is it a twisted grassy material similar to sea-grass "rope"? I am looking for a source of natural rushes, not twisted. However, I would probably not be buying large quantities. Do you have a website? "Weavers Words" Vol. 6 Iss. 11 Dot - Regarding shaker tape: Cotton, being a natural fiber, is more aesthetically pleasing to me - softer to the touch and to the eye, although synthetic tapes probably wear better and do have brighter & longer lasting colors. I do sometimes use synthetic fiber in my baskets, especially when I find a vast difference in prices. Recently found some black nylon belt tape for ten cents a yard! I'm using it in totes woven of plastic/nylon strapping tape. I still insist on natural fibers for most of my clothes, though. Can't handle synthetics up against my bare skin. I'll buy pre-owned naturals before spending money on new synthetics. PS - I'm off to Lincoln, NE, for most of August to be with my sister-in-law when she gets out of the hospital after yet another surgery. (She was in for 5 months & multiple surgeries from Feb - Jul with pancreatitis.) Hope to see some local basket weavers while I'm up there. Am taking my mother-in-law's new antique chair to recane, & several basket projects. Will try to keep up with my email while out of town. Will get to one more local guild meeting before I go. PPS - The most recent surgery went well for my sister-in-law. So I'm off to Lincoln by August 8th, if not sooner. I expect to be there for about a month. Bert Lauderdale Independence, MO %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% 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