The Basketweaver's Creed

To the best of my knowledge, this creed was originally published in the Basket Reeder about 15 years ago. I do not know who the original author is to give them credit.

Enjoy and Happy Weaving,

Nancy

Creed for Beginning Basketweavers
Thou shalt never weave with dry reed, lest thy reed break; nor soggy reed, lest it turn hairy.
Thou shalt not overlap weavers on corners; too much corner thickness a clumsy basket makes.
Thous shalt identify the smooth and rough sides of each piece of reed and place the rough surface inside the basket.
Thou shalt inspect thy kit and be sure they weavers and thy stakes are correctly identified.
Thou shalt remember that the position of the spokes determines the shape of the basket; spokes, like infants, take constant care and attention.
Thou shalt read thy pattern completely before beginning.
Thou shalt obtain and use sharp pointed tools for cutting; sewing scissors are for cutting fabric.
Thou shalt not become easily discouraged; keep practicing.
Thou shalt pack down before turning down.
Thou shalt cut thy longest lengths of reed first, lest thou come up short.
Thou shalt cut one entire length of reed before starting another; this preventeth waste.
Thou shalt always buy patterns with colored pictures, or if without color photos, then from their creator or a shop that guarantee-eth the authenticity of the pattern, lest thou purchase bootleg patters, which are stolen property.
Thou shalt not store neither thy reed nor they baskets in plastic bags, except for brief periods, lest such become mildewed. Likewise, leave them not outdoors at night, lest the dew fall on them and mildew bloom.
Whenever possible, thou shalt mark thy tools with thine own name, lest they become lost.
Thou shalt always remember an experienced weaver is just a phone call or e-mail message away. Ask for help.