Basket Questions Archives.

P. Hatinger writes: I am looking for information regarding the use of bamboo for weaving. This bamboo is grown in the southern US. It ranges in diameter from a couple inces to pencil thin. IT grows to quite tall heights. I'm intrested in any info regarding preparation for use or even if the material has any use in basket weaving.
Answer from Ann Ridgeway:There is an article in Basketmaker, Winter 89, one of a series, that may help. This particular issue is Part III: A Lesson in Splitting Bamboo. The article was written by Michelle Berg about a Hmong (Laotian) master basketmaker.

Question from Denise Massimi Every year I receive palm branches from our church on Palm Sunday. There are a few things I can make from these branches, such as crosses and a braided piece of palm. I was looking for info for other braiding methods with palm branches. Do you know of any books or pamphlets or other web sites? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Mary Sue asks: Have you ever heard about staining reed with Easter Egg Dye? Well I was going to try this and if you have any suggestions please let me know.

Debora Tuzzolino - Eastpointe, MI writes: I'd like to know how to find birch that has recently fallen to disease or has been marked for cutting. Last summer I harvested some bark from trees felled to clear an area, and had tremendous success. What I need to know is how to find out where and when trees will be cut in Michigan. Birch bark is wonderful to work with. It feels like leather and doesn't need to be wet. (3/14/97)

Pattern question from Wendy Young: My friend and I are very interested in locating a basket pattern called a quilter's basket. It is rectangular in shape. On the outside it has a woven cone shaped receptacle for your scissors. I believe it also has another compartment at one end for thread. If any one has any idea where I may be able to purchase this pattern, it will be greatly appreciated. (3/13/97)
AnswerFrom Kathi Calvert: The quilter's basket pattern you want is Lisha Kimball's. Her company is The Basketmakers Shop. (See Suppliers, Etc. page for link to her website.) Her baskets are nice and the quilter's basket is the next one I plan to make for a friend.

From Vicki I. Schmidt: I am just getting interested in antler baskets. We have many deer in our area here in north-central Indiana. How does one go about looking and finding the antlers and when is the best time to look? Any help would be appreciated.
Answer: from Cathryn Peters: Your best bet on finding naturally shed antlers is to look around anywhere the deer may jar, jerk or jiggle his head. Check the river beds, around fences and trees and in the deer beds themselves. The best time of year is after deer hunting season in the early winter, but before spring. You might not have any success in finding antlers though, because the small critters eat them for the calcium and mineral content. You would probably be better of contacting local butcher shops, meat processing plants and hunters. Maybe you can do an exchange, an antler basket for some antlers. Another source is Royalwood, Ltd in Ohio. (See Suppliers, Etc. page) or check on Weave Net.

Gail L. Johnson needs advice as follows: I have been asked to make a recycle basket for someone special to me. I have it worked out, I will make it double walled, for extra strength, put fillers on the inside base probably runners on the bottom for extra strength, a wood insert to separate the two sections, which can be nailed into the first wall of the basket so they won't be seen from outside, but am stuck on how to attach a hinged lid to my basket. I know I could put a ledge on and lift the lids off, but would rather have a hinged top if I could. Does anyone have any ideas? Would love to hear from you.
Answer: from Ann Ridgeway: There is an old (85) Shereen LaPlantz publication, Road Map to Hinges, that might have some ideas. It's a one-pager folded like a map. I think I got mine from Royalwood. Also, what about using pieces of leather strap for hinges? That's what is on the Nantucket creel purses and would certainly be sturdy. Just leave a space in the side and top to feed the strap through.

Lily Lau asks: I would like to make my own hoops for egg baskets using round reed. It looks like the reed is just twisted over and over again (sort of like a skinny grapevine wreath). Is that all there is to it? I'm not sure what one does with the ends so they don't stick out or pop out. I've looked in books but haven't found any directions on how to do this. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.
Answer From Joan Jurancich: Use the longest piece of reed you can, make a loop the size of the handle ring, then wind the reed on itself. You may not need to pull the long end through the center more than 3 or 4 times for one round. Make it so that the beginning and ending come together and then hide them in the rim-handle lashing. Have the reed damp enough to be very flexible, then clamp or tie the reed ends tightly to the coil. Let it dry thoroughly before putting the rim and handle together. Lash the overlap portion to make a smooth handhold either with narrow flat reed or a smaller round reed.

From Judy Sotosky: In October 1996 there was a display of Latvian baskets at Fortnum & Mason's Department Store in London. I believe the Latvian guild's name is either "Tine" or "Vasa". I would be interested in help in finding out more about Latvian basketmaking and/or these guilds. Could you share any contacts or information that you may have?
Answer: There is an Online Basketmaker from Latvia. His name is Andris Lapins.

Lori Hopkins wants to know: When making ribbed baskets,egg,melon,etc. I like to add small round reed to them but no matter how long I soak it always seems to crack on the rim. Does anyone have any suggestions.
Answer from Ann Ridgeway:Lori, use needlenose pliers to crimp the round reed at the spot where it will bend over the rim. That should help.

From Ed Mayer I am looking for a source of hickory to use for rims and handles. I am a small user and would like pieces about one inch by one inch by five feet. Any help would be appreciated.

Question from Patricia Jones: I would like to know if anyone out there is receiving Sandy Atkinson's PBS Show on basketweaving...I cannot locate the show anywhere, yet her series 500 is out now and I would like to see if someone would tape it for me. I would provide tapes, postage and a reasonable fee if they required it.
Editor's Note: We will post any information about when Sandy's videos will be shown on what PBS channels around the country.
From Debie C: If anyone out there is getting PBS through PrimeStar and you want to see Sandy Atkinson's PBS Show on basketweaving, please go to http://whyy.org/main.html and you can email a request for them to add it to the line up. I emailed them in early January about Magic School Bus being added and in Feburary it was, so I know that they do listen. Please help us get this done so a beginner like my self can learn. Thanks!

From Char I am looking for reasonably priced animals to go with the Noah's Ark Baskets. I make the large and extra large sizes. Thank you.

Vickie would like to know if anyone has information on miniature basket classes. She is especially interested in Native American or horsehair miniatures.

<--This BasCat is enjoying the cat bed made by it's owner Denise Smallidge, Land 'O Lakes, FL

From Rick: I would like any advice on getting started showing at craft fairs. How does one discover all the fairs in his/her area? Do fairs usually charge an fee for craft booths? All your information would be helpful, including horror stories and successes. Thanks!!
Answer: from Kathi Calvert: Festival Network Online issues a quarterly, very comprehensive listing of craft shows all over the country. Here is their website.
Answer from Cheri Branca: I would suggest that you first find out about the availability of craft shows in your area...You don't want to do a lot of work and then discover there is no place to sell it... Once that is done, then you have to work on making your craft something that is "saleable". High quality and appeal are important. Also the way you display your craft is critical. Try to have a wide variety of ONE type of craft (having ten of an identical item is not good, but having ten of different kinds of crafts isn't good either--- so if we are talking about baskets, say, keep everything baskets, but don't do more than one or two of any particular style, and don't have them all the same color, stain or whatever....)

Almost all craft fairs charge for booth space (that is the way they raise money) but prices can range from $10 into the hundreds of $s.... I run a craft fair for our local PTSA with over 100 vendors and we charge between $37 and $84 depending on the size of the booth.

I would suggest that you attend some craft shows in your area and ask questions of the sponsors and the vendors. Sponsors are always looking for new vendors.... Most vendors do more than one show and might be able to tell you about other shows and also whether there are newsletters that list shows, and you can subscribe to them....Craft Times and ShowFinder are two of them. These two list the fairs according to date and then list the location, the size of the show, the cost of the booths, whether they are juried shows, etc. etc. and how to contact the sponsor for an application. Some shows require photos (as ours does) before they will accept your application. Most shows will not refund your money if you cancel out... Primarily I would suggest that you target shows that have high quality vendors if you feel your craft is top-notch. At these types of shows you get a better opportunity to sell your wares at a decent price.

Debi writes: I live in rural Missouri and was wondering if anyone can tell me what resources are native here that I could use to start weaving?? I have no idea where to start, but I do know I can not find any supplies commercially here. I was hoping that maybe I could use plants, etc.

Pat Lugert asks this: I am looking for the clip on shades that turn a basket into a lamp. Also, I am looking for patterns for baskets that use the large Williamsburg handles. I have the pattern for the Williamsburg wall basket but would like to use the handles on something different.
Answer from Kathi Calvert: I found a good source for the clip on basket lamp adapters.I just left a message on Just Patterns today. They are in a catalog called All Things Considered. Phone is 800-443-1367. If you have a business, ask them for the wholesale catalog. They are $12.95 retail and $6.50 wholesale for 6 or more. Now I am looking for lampshades. Does anyone know of a wholesale source for lampshades? Thanks
Answer from Ronda Brugh: For clip-on adapter that you can add a lampshade to try Mint City Specialties, Bremen, IN (219)546-2438 Adapters $5.95. This is a wholesale company for businesses with no minimum. They also carry beautiful lampshades. Also, try A' Homestead Shoppe Inc., LaPaz, IN (219)784-2307 or for orders only 1-800-765-2474. Adapters $7.95 and wide selection of lampshades. They are strictly for wholesale trade with an initial order of $100.
Answer: Barnes & Noble has a book titled "Lampshades" by Katrin Cargill, published by Random House that has a some really good lampshade patterns and ideas...and Random House has a website too.

Julie writes: I am currently making Indian-style folded birch bark baskets.(Some from Indian patterns, some from my own designs.) I noticed that many of the basketmakers here are using supplies that are purchased (reed, etc.). I am making ALL of my baskets out of "nature's supplies" and would like any information on vines, new plants to use or natural dyes. Does anyone know where birch bark may be purchased? If not, how do I attach a price on my supplies in regards to inventory? Also, is anyone else out there making birch bark baskets of any kind (woven or folded)? I am interested in corresponding with individuals using birch bark, and also in finding a "real" native that would be willing to explain a few things about their methods, plant usage, and techniques. I have searched out the Native American sights, and also the Native Tech sight and found them VERY helpful, but the thirst for knowledge is never-ending! HELP!(2/3/97)

Lu Ann Bauer is inquiring: I'm a self-taught basket weaver and any assistance would be very helpful. I know these baskets will be taught at a retreat in KY but will be unable to attend. I'm looking for the patterns and accessories for the following baskets: Birdhouse Wall Basket, Mini Hamper, Gingerbread Delight, Emily's Purse, and Caleb's Wagon.

H. Smith has a question about bark:I am a complete novice. I have always loved the look of bark baskets and have several. Due to a recent ice storm, we lost many cedar limbs and some cedar trees. It seems a shame to shred or haul it all off. Does anyone know of a way to treat the bark to preserve it? Or does anyone know of any books on that type of basket making? Thanks for your help.

From Kathi Calvert: Does anyone know about books written about historical baskets? I am considering renting space in an antique center and would like to become more knowledgeable about baskets related to history and their uses. I would also need instructions or patterns. I know info about Shaker baskets is available, but there must be others with "a story" to go with them. For instance, I have made "Williamsburg" baskets, but don't have any information about them. Thanks for any help you can give me.
Also from Kathi: Has anyone seen the video "Splint Basketry 1" with Robin Taylor Daugherty? It's listed in Perkins catalog as giving historical background on styles, shapes and materials and how to prepare them. I'm still looking for feedback on historical baskets. If anyone has seen this video, please let us know what you thought about it.

Also from Kathi Calvert: For the person looking for Basket Masters- I have been trying to reach them for a long time and finally someone answered and said they had gone out of business.

Carey Ray writes: I have recently moved here to the Shreveport/Bossier City area of Louisiana and can't find any guilds or classes. I have recently started teaching classes and trying to drum up some interest in basketweaving in Bossier. At any rate, I would be interested in taking some classes myself or sharing ideas in a guild.Is there anybody in the state of Louisiana with similar interests?!?

Tracy Kolczaski is asking: I need help with a a round reed potato basket, similar to a garlic basket only larger by Lorraine Otto. My question is "How do you start and end weavers in this basket to make it look nice and neat?" I haven't done many all round reed baskets and I wanted to adventure out and try something new.
Answer: From Joan Jurancich: "Potato basket" is a name used today for a one-ring ribbed basket. In the British Isles it is traditionally made of willow. In Appalachia, like other ribbed baskets, it is usually made of splints rather than round withies. A very good explanation of the ribbed basket technique for one or more rings can be found in Elizabeth Jensen's "Baskets from Nature's Bounty" (Interweave Press); Dorothy Wright, in "The Complete Book of Baskets and Basketry", describes the more traditional basket types from the British Isles, and includes ribbed baskets (she even has a chapter on North American baskets). If you have instructions for a potato basket using flat reed weavers, simply substitute a suitable-sized round reed. The basic technique is the same regardless of the type of weavers used. Happy weaving from Sacramento CA

From Rosina:Please can someone advise me, because I am a complete novice. I need to know what to apply to raw cane or rattan in order to prevent it from being so brittle. I have recently replaced the original leather binding straps on a 12 year old rattan settee with strands of split rattan which I purchased here in Singapore where I live.(The leather had been varnished and was just cracking and falling away). I am worried though that if I simply varnish these now (which seems to be the commercial way) of finishing, it will also become brittle and then crack and break too. I also have a "peacock chair" which is still in the natural state and know that it will not last much more than 10 to 12 years as it is. I am informed that this craft is dying out in Malaysia, so would very much like to preserve this piece.

<--This is Tippy Toes - Assistant weaver for
Betty Swanson in Apple Valley, MN

Sue Brownawell writes: My kids and I would like to try basket making as a craft for next gift-giving season. We live out in the country and don't want to commute for classes. Is there a good book and kit you would recommend that we can use to teach ourselves?

jajesper asks I am interested in learning more about the Irish potatoe basket. Anyone have a pattern, or information about them? Reply here in case others are interested. Thank you for your help!

Hello. My name is Dena Sandwick and I will be opening a gift basket business very soon at my new home in Minot, ND. I am always searching for UNIQUE, HANDMADE baskets to offer my customers. I would really like to have any catalogs that your talented Basket Family here have available. I am currently staying at my parents home in Minnesota since I do not yet have a house at our new location in ND. (We are an Air Force family being assigned there.) If you have any catalogs, please send them to Dena Sandwick, 7748 Little Mary Cir. SW, Alexandria, MN 56308-6063; Phone (320) 283-592 or contact me by e-mail.

From Kim Loyola of Loyola Design Inc, 2555 E Haven Lane, Salt Lake City, UT 84117: We are interested in purchasing hand-crafted baskets for resale in our small shop in Park City, UT. Our shop features my husband's furniture, European accessories and fine handmade things. We are trying to feature beautiful and unique pieces. If you are interested, please contact us.

Jodi Shebester writes: I am still looking for the double pie basket. It is NOT the one in Lynn Siler's book. This is a more advanced pattern. I will try to describe it again. Take a Large D handle 12 X 16-20 . Stack 2 - 12" X 2" hoops on the 'inside and weave around them ,one on top of the other, allowing space to insert a pie into each. Here' hoping someone knows the author so I may purchase some for my shop.
Answer from Donna: The Country Seat (See Suppliers, Etc. page) sells a "Double Pie Basket" handle to hold 2 - 9" dia. pies. It is 10" dia. x 17" high and recommends that the instructions in How to Make Baskets #4 for the Herb basket be used to weave it. It has a cross bar partially up the handle which forms the base for the second basket. Thus, you are simply weaving 2 rib style shallow herb baskets independently on 1 handle. The D handle comes with 2 - 10" dia. hoops to fit inside. (1/14/98)

From Bonnie L Breivogel: Does anyone have helpful hints on how to flare a basket out so it is wider on the top than on the bottom? I have problems making it come out gradually and evenly. Any help would be appreciated.
Answer: Read Judy Olney's Shaping Tips.

From Lora Khoury: Does anyone out there know where to get the bases for the Napkin and Silverware baskets? I think the pattern author is Barbara Gilbert? I originally bought several from Suzanne Moore of North Carolina Basketworks. One of my guild members wants to order some and when she dials Suzanne's number, it's been disconnected and no forwarding number is left. Surely she's not gone out of business. Can anyone help with a new number or another supplier?
Answer from Andrea Wade: NC Basketworks is alive and doing well - they moved to a new location this summer and that may be the reason the phone number was inoperative. Their "free" number still works. It is 1-800-338-4972. They planned on preparing a new catalog during their "slow" summer season and then spent the time moving instead. Phil says that he must have a thousand requests for a catalog already.
Answer from Kim Renich: New address for NC Basket Works: Suzanne Moore, North Carolina Basket Works, P.O. Box 744,Vass, NC 28394. New phone number: (910) 245-3049

Billie Schwab is asking: I am looking for a good source on using ceramics with basketry. As I will be purchasing equipment needed to expand my shop to include pottery as well, I need as much info as possible. I also need info on making and using pottery bases.

From Nancy Jacobson I am trying to locate a company by the name "Basket Master". They produce maple and oak splints. If someone knows what city they are in or their phone # I would appreciate their passing it onto me. Many thanks.

WebMarji's reluctant BasCat, Kitty Sue -->

From Lisa Wolfer: I recently went to a craft fair and saw a Christmas Sleigh Basket. It had a wooden base with metal rungs. Does anyone know where I could get something like this or similar to it. (And maybe a pattern too!)
Answer from Karen M. Johnson: I saw your question regarding the sleigh bases and happened to see them in two different supplier catalogs! First, Restoration Products, Inc., 3191 W., 975 S., Fairmount, Indiana 46928 (800) 562-5291. They have the wire frame ($13) and wood platform ($5). Second is Atkinson's Country House, 2775 Riniel Road, Lennon, MI 48449 (800) 832-3071. Small sleigh with wood base 9x3 1/4 ($14), Large sleigh with wood base (no dimensions given) ($15.50). Hope this is helpful.
Answer: From Cheri Branca: I've never seen a sleigh base with metal runners, but Royalwood sells two different bases with coordinating patterns for sleighs. I have purchased both of them and they are quite nice (but expensive). One base is drilled for round reed and has large "O" s cut in the sides of the runners (I have not done that one yet). The other base has a solid top and runners--the pattern for this one was VERY basic and I ended up designing my own basket for it.
Answer from Susan Wilcox: The Country Seat in Kempton, PA advertised a iron sleigh base with solid wood top which measures 4" wide x 11" long in their 1995-1996 catalog for $14.85 each. I'm not sure if they still carry them or not but it's worth a try. Their telephone number is 610-756-6124.

From:Laurie Hunt Salladin: I am trying to locate the pattern for a cradle originally published in American Home Crafts magazine, fall/winter 1976! (Designed by Charleen Kinser) Or good, complete instructions for a lovely full-size cradle for a baby.

Marianna Newtonwrites: There are six of us who get together regularly to weave and we have a good instructor. We have collected antlers from the Wyoming mountains etc. and want to make baskets with antler handles, but we can't find a pattern, directions, etc. Can anyone help? I think with some directions or a pattern, we could start this project. Many thanks!

Janetta recently moved to Kingwood (a northern suburb of Houston, TX) and is looking for basketweaving classes and workshops nearby. Can anyone help her hook up with a teacher?
Answer: From Judy Olney - There are several active guilds in the Houston area. There is only one basket supply shop that I know of. It is technically in Conroe, but is actually just off I-45 at The Woodlands exit...very easy to find & not TOO far for you.
Answer: From Kathy Halter - Contact Lynn Gammon, 14627 Wind Hollow Circle, Houston,Tx. 77040. 713-937-0519. She should be able to help you find some basketry friends.

From Anneliese Reilly of Bethlehem, CT: I am looking for books one and two from the basket weaving manual series BASKETS,BASKETS, BASKETS by Ms. Rohkol. I have lost mine and would greatly appreciate any help in finding or borrowing another copy.
Answer: Ella Mae King offers -- Vicki Worrell, owner, Sarah's Baskets, P.O. Box 247, Rocky Point , NC 28457, (910) 602-3308 or Orders only (800) 831-8295; has books 2, 3, and 4. If #l is still in print, perhaps you can obtain it from the publisher, The Basket Barn, PO Drawer 130, Howell, MI 48843.
Answer:Phyllis Scarbrough of Interwoven N.E.W.S. says: You can find these books at the Country Seat in Penn. (610)756-6124. Donna carries all 4 of these books.

Tracy Kolczaski wants to know if there is a list or directory of craft fairs in Illinois and Wisconsin, either on the Internet or be regular mail. She's looking to expand her basket business so she can continue to be a stay-at-home mom for her two boys. Also: Does any know of a supplier from which I can order plastic liners, and round and rectanglar warming bricks for my baskets?
Answer: From Karen Johnson - Plastic liners in assorted sizes are available from Basket Werks 800/353-7333. They are also a great source for handles. Gratiot Lake carries the bread warmers 906/337-5116.

From Cynthia Stuck: The walnut hull stain I made a couple of weeks ago by letting the whole hulls stand in jars looks good but has begun to show some mold. What can I do to eliminate this from my dye and to prevent it from happening next time? (See Staining Tips for answers)
Answer: Excerpts from message from Wenonah Reigel: Fill nylon hose with walnut hulls, put them in my big canner, cover them with water and boil for one hour. After the stain cools, strain it through fabric such as unbleached muslin and add one cup of Vivid Bleach per gallon of stain. (1/29/98)

From Karen Johnson, the Eager Weaver: Does anyone know where I can see what a basket looks like before I order the pattern. It's so hard to imagine the basket from descriptions. I'm a new teacher and my students are always looking for new ideas.
Answer from Lois Keener: Gratiot Lake Basketry will send a picture of a pattern on request. Restoration Productions sells folders for $2.50 each and each folder has 100 pattern pictures included. Both companies tell, with pictures, what handles are needed and if anything special is required. Gratiot Lake also has a newsletter every 3 months with pictures of new patterns.
Answer from Cheri Branca: NorEsta, my favorite supplier, does have a small selection of patterns (about 40 or so) that they have in a small illustrated catalog--the pictures are (badly) xeroxed photos, but you can get a pretty good idea of what the baskets look like. I've purchased several of them and have been VERY pleased with them all.
Answer: Toni Rynike of Deerfield Peddler (see Suppliers, Etc. for listing) has a nice catalog with pictures.
Answer: V.I. Reed & Cane catalog has 28 different Basketry Studio A kits and patterns for beginners and advanced weavers and all have photographs. (See Suppliers, Etc.).

From Renee Johnson : I am doing a school project with my daughter on colonial baskets. Can You help me to find the different shapes of baskets according to their usage? What different materials were used? Did most people buy or make their own baskets. When the early settlers came were they accustomed to making their own baskets. How many baskets did the average family own at one time? How long did the baskets last? How many baskets did a family own in a lifetime? Could you tell the financial status of a woman by observing her baskets at market or whatever? Any help you can provide will be much appreciated. Thank you. Renee Johnson Answer from Joan Jurancich: You might want to get in touch with Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts. They have an excellent living history program depicting about the year 1626 and have recreated the early Pilgrim settlement. Another possible source would be Colonial Williamsburg (18th century, pre-Revolutionary War).
Answer from Joan Jurancich: You might want to get in touch with Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts. They have an excellent living history program depicting about the year 1626 and have recreated the early Pilgrim settlement. Another possible source would be Colonial Williamsburg (18th century, pre-Revolutionary War).

Yvette Newry writes: I am looking for information on how I may outfit two sturdy baskets that I purchased to make them into deluxe picnic baskets. I would like to put board on the inner lid and use leather straps for containment of china and silver etc. but I can't seem to find information on the best way to go about this, perhaps one of your readers can help. Thanks for any suggestions that you may offer in this regard.

Anyone know of any books on how to build wicker furnitures? Tell Barb Booth
Answer: from Donna: Following is information on a very informative book I have seen come in, out, and back into print over the years. I have no clue as to it's current status, put possibly could be located in libraries or "out of print" sources. Rattan Furniture, A Home Craftsman's Guide by Max & Charlotte Alth. Hardcover, 214 pages, c1979, Hawthorn Books, Inc., 260 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016 ISBN: 0-8015-4788-1. Ten projects - coffee table (2 styles); clothes tree; bed bench; etagere; chaise lounge, tea cart, love seat, dining room chairs, night table. (1/14/98)

Lois Keener writes: I bought a basket this afternoon from a local craft supply place. It was made in China and is not of good quality, However, it has a wooden lid approximately 7 1/2 inches long x 6 inches wide. A wire and wood handle (the wire measures about 6" across) is attached to the lid and appears to be threaded on the ends so a screw holds it upright on the lid. The handle is stationary. Does anyone know of a source for wire handles that are threaded on the ends? I*d love to duplicate this basket but I'm not sure how without handles that will be screwed on.

Joy Dowdy is considering offering a beginning basketweaving class through a local adult education program, and would like any and all advice she can get regarding setting up a class, good beginner projects, what to charge, etc.

Leslie Bloxham would like to know how much weavers are charging for Christmas Stocking Baskets.
Answer: Two people suggested $35 - $40.

Vicki Bassett asks: I have a bunch of reed that is very dry from being stored in the garage in the Florida heat. Any suggestions on how to restore some of its flexibility for weaving?
Answer from Judith Olney: If, by dry, you mean it snaps instead of folding or cracking when you bend it before it has been soaked, throw it out! There is nothing that will reconstitute snappy reed. You can soak it and it will be wonderfully supple, but when it dries, it will be just as snappy and fragile as it was before. You don't want to waste your time and effort making a basket out of material that won't hold up.

Barb Foster would like to know where she can get a copy of Donna Meinert's book Donna's Basket Hints, Bits & Tips that was mentioned in Simply Baskets.
Answer: Donna Meinert has advised Barb Foster that she will be publishing a new edition of her hints book in January '97. It will be available from Polar Grove Plantation, 10200 US Hwy 17, Wilmington, NC 28405.

Gloria Cantor would like to hear about classes, particularly in the Northwest or California.

Jill Choate says: I have been searching for regional/national competitions in basketry to enter some of my work. I'd like to see how I rate with the big boys but am at a loss on how to pursue it. Any ideas? I'd be interested in hearing any advice you may be able to give.

Kelly Molitor is looking for basket clip art for the PC. Anyone know of any? Others are interested in the this question too. Please send a copy of your answer to Baskets, Etc. so we can post the answer here for all to see. Thanks. Answer: From Kim Renich: Original Print Master Gold Publishing Suite, or versions 2 or 3, have a few baskets and some other nice icons. Costs $50 from MicroLogic Software (1-800-888-9078) 8 - 5 (PST) M - F.
Also Click Art from T/Maker Company, (800) 9-TMAKER, has a basket with some reed under it. Both of the above companies are in CA so keep in mind the time difference.

Renee Skiba is looking for info on simple baskets to make possibly working with natural gathered materials, classes in the Milwauee area.

Wendy Catlin would like to know where to buy basketmaking supplies in Queensland, Australia.

Joel and Dawn Simpson are looking for a good, safe way to dispose of used commercial dyes.

Ed. note: A local environmental expert says that Rit dyes can be safely disposed of down the drain unless you have a septic tank - because of their high concentration of sodium choloride (table salt), unless very diluted they could have a negative effect on the functional bacteria in the septic tank. Again because of the high salt level, you would not want to empty them on either a compost heap or where you want anything else to grow. She is unfamiliar with other commercial dyes and says it would be advisable to contact the manufacturer if you have any questions. It is worth noting that IF a product contains hazardous ingredients (toxic, mutagenic), U.S. Federal law requires that it be noted on the label "What to do if accidently ingested." If that warning is missing, the item most likely can be put down the drain.

Cheri Branca suggests the following for wheat weaving:
Sunny Acres Wheat, P.O. Box 218, Howard, KS 67349; 1-800-428-9723
Campus Granary, Bethel College Women's Association, North Newton, KS 67117; 1-316-283-3940

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