Book Review - Rib Baskets

Good Afternoon Friends,
I was asked some questions about my egg basket that I mentioned HERE and if I had a pattern for it.  I'm sorry to say but I have not put a pattern for ribbed baskets here on the blog.  I've only woven about a dozen of them and they just are not my favorite.  Sorry, I know some of you love weaving them and you do such beautiful work.

I have a book that I use called Rib Baskets by Jean Turner Finley.  It is soft cover, 80 pages and published in 1987.  It discusses materials, general directions for all rib baskets, decorative options and the following basket variations:  Melon Basket, 8" Roll Basket, Scottish Yarn Basket, Potato Basket, 8", 10" and 12" Egg Baskets, 7" and 10" Key Baskets, Herb Basket, Hen Basket, Oriole Basket, Market Basket, Rounded Market Basket, Classic Appalachian Basket, Wreath, Shelf and Doll Cradle.

Even though it is an older book it has MANY photos and illustrations that clearly explain how to weave a ribbed basket.  Once you learn the basic steps with regards to the hoops, ears, ribs and weavers then you can step out in your weaving by changing the shape to create the baskets mentioned above.

Many public libraries have some basic basket weaving books that often contain instructions for making ribbed baskets.  Rib Baskets by Jean Turner Finley just happens to be on my bookshelf and if you are looking to purchase one, I think this book is very thorough and complete in explaining ribbed basketry.
Happy Weaving,
Nancy

Who Let The Blogs Out?

Woof, Woof, Woof, Woof......

This is my new read. "Who Let the Blogs Out?" by Biz Stone. This book was published in 2004 and I found it at our library. It goes into more depth about blogging and is not geared to the creative blogger, but just blogging in general. Because it was not directed at the creative blogger I skimmed over some of the book. There were some very interesting chapters though, such as: Geeking Out Starting a Blog and Playing with HTML, Blogging in Business, and Living in the Blogosphere. I'm learning, I'm learning, I'm learning. If you want more in depth knowledge about blogging and a history of blogging, you'd like this book then.

Blessings,

Nancy

Blogging For Bliss by Tara Frey

Have you gotten a chance to curl up on the sofa and read for fun?
This is my new favorite book and I've been devouring it. I love reading blogs. I think what I like so much about reading blogs is that they remind me of reading a magazine and I love reading magazines. Magazines have short articles of interest and that is just what blogs are about, short articles of interest. I really enjoy blogging and I've been trying to get better at it. Have you noticed I've been playing around lately with the look of my blog? I've been looking at blogs and trying to decipher what it is about some that just draw me in. That is what I want for my blog. I want to draw you in. I want to be a better writer. I want to be a better photographer. Goodness, some of the photos on blogs make me feel like I am right there. If it is food I just want to reach into my computer and taste it. If it is fabric I just want to touch it.

Blogging For Bliss by Tara Frey is scrumptious. I'm not kidding. She uses examples from over 50 blogs that are amazing in one form or another. She starts out with the very basics covering starting up a blog and takes you step by step through the process. She covers photography, HTML codes, banners and sidebars, search engine optimization and more and more and more! The 50 plus blogs that she mentions are like an interview with each one. Each blog interview talks about blogging and gives some tips and advice. Tara blogs over at http://www.tarafrey.com/ and you can get her book on Amazon.
Have a wonderful day,
Nancy

Sharing a Book--Between Friends, Craft Projects to Share

I checked out this book at the library, "Between Friends, Craft Projects to Share" by Charlotte Lyons. Let me tell you, it is just lovely. I know this isn't basket weaving related, but many of us weavers have a strong gene for crafting that runs in our blood. This book is more than just craft projects. It is some beautiful reading that speaks of the bond between women as friends and the bond that increases through doing crafts together. It does have projects that are divided into sections: projects that can be done in an hour, half day, all day, weekend long, and longer. The projects in the book are just my taste and style. They are cozy, warm and inviting crafts, not too over-the-top artsy, although I'm sure if that is your style, you could put your own spin on the crafts mentioned in this book. I've just done some searching and have found that Charlotte Lyons has a website HERE. She has a blog HERE. Now, I've just found those sites, so I haven't spent time on her blog and website, but believe me I will be reading it over the summer. By the way, if you go to Amazon.com, you can look through several of the pages in her book.
I know for myself, weaving and scrapbooking are so much more fun when I get together with friends. I have found however that the crocheting I've been doing recently, I quite enjoy going on my back patio all alone and crocheting on the outdoor sofa listening to the birds, enjoying my garden and the breeze through the trees. I've decided that the repetition of crocheting is just what I've needed to relax from the stress of two teenage daughters and a pre-teen son. (Should my children be stressful? Learning to drive, interested in boys. Yikes!)
Do you do crafts or hobbies other that basket weaving? If so, I'd love to hear about them.
Have a wonderful day. I hope the weather is just as pretty in your neck of the woods as it is here in New Mexico this morning. The sky is blue and there is just a slight breeze. I have the windows and patio door wide open. I've watered the rosemary that's out the back door so the smell is simply yummy.
Blessings,
Nancy

Book Review--The Basket Book by Lyn Siler

When I first learned to weave baskets, this is the second book I purchased. It has over thirty basket patterns. The baskets are more traditional in nature, meaning that these are older, more historical style, functional baskets. It is full of beautiful photography as well as illustrations.
For the beginning weaver, there small section of basic weaving techniques in the front of the book but then specific and more advanced techniques are explained thoroughly as you use them with each individual basket.

Here is just a sampling of some of the basket patterns you will find in this book:

• Twill Market Basket
• Flat Bottom Egg Basket
• Ribbed Potato Basket
• Solid Bottom Shaker Basket
• Williamsburg Basket
• Cherokee Comb Basket
• Twined Planter
• Two-Pie Basket
• Wool Drying Basket
• Fishing Creel
• Nantucket Lightship Basket
• Shaker "Cat-Head" Basket

This book is comprehensive and beautiful. It has explicit instructions. If you are a brand new beginner, there are some easier basket patterns just for you. Once you have mastered the basic weaving skills, the instructions on the more advanced baskets patterns in this book will help you be successful in weaving a beautiful basket.

One of my favorite things about this book is that it has such a wide variety of patterns. I hope you gathered that from my list. Each basket is unique from the next.

"The Basket Book" by Lyn Siler is a book that should be on every weaver's bookshelf.
Happy Weaving,
Nancy

A Book Review--Musical Baskets

I received some lovely comments and e-mails regarding my music box basket, seen here. The inspiration for this basket came from these two booklets by Joyce Venti. The first is "Musical Baskets." The second is "Musical Baskets for Special Occasions." They are each 12 pages and both books use the same concept for all their baskets like what I did with mine. They use a 'double base' and are round or oval. Each booklet contains the same general instructions which are sufficient if you've woven a few baskets already. I wouldn't recommend trying a musical basket if you've never woven before. Each booklet contains 7 different patterns but again are much the same style. The main difference is their round diameter or height and some have handles and others do not. They have used some beautiful colors as well as put curls or cross stitching in some of their baskets and have even painted on some of them as an embellishment. All in all, as you can see in the photos, their baskets are very pretty. "Musical Baskets" was published in 1991 and "Musical Baskets for Special Occasions" was published in 1992. I am guessing that they are both out of print but you may be able to find one second hand. Honestly, if you get hold of just one, you will have the basic music box directions and it wouldn't be necessary to have both. You could design your own basket size, and incorporate the directions for the music box as given.

Here is the contact information listed in the books that may help you to get one of your own "Musical Baskets" booklets. Hopefully this information is not obsolete.

The author's contact information is:

Joyce Venti

Baskets, Baskets, Baskets

RR #2 Box 5380

Bangor, ME 04401-9662

The booklets were printed by:

The J.S. McCarthy Co.

Augusta, Maine

A musical basket is a very sweet and special basket. I hope you give one a try. If you do, please leave a comment and a link where I can see your basket!

Baskets of Blessings,

Nancy

PS. Not all musical baskets are the same. There are other music box basket patterns I have run across. Some even have the winding mechanism on the side of the basket so their construction would be quite different.

Technique/Tip Tuesday--Book Review--Splint Woven Basketry

Dear Friends,
When I first started basket weaving, fall 1994, I asked my instructor what book she would recommend for learning more about basket weaving. She recommended without hesitation Splint Woven Basketry by Robin Taylor Daugherty. I immediately went out and got it and for quite a long time it was my basket weaving Bible. Still to this day, I refer to it for tips and advice.
My copy was published in 1986 but it was reprinted in 1999. The review I give you comes from my 1986 copy, but I would have to believe that the 1999 edition is just as valuable if not more so.
Splint Woven Basketry is a perfect book for the novice as well as advanced weaver. The photos and drawings are well done and very descriptive. It is easy to follow along while weaving just through the use of the many photos.
Chapters include: Getting Ready, Ribbed Baskets, Plaited Baskets, Spoked Baskets and Finishing Touches.
The book mainly includes patterns made from reed. There are no coiled or pine needle baskets. Robin includes a very nice variety of approximately 30 patterns and one is even of a doll cradle. Her directions are straightforward and she even has historical notes to explain each style of basket. The difficulty of the patterns range from beginner to advanced.
Though the book is not new, it is timeless and continues to be inspirational to me when designing my baskets. It is certainly the one that first comes to mind when I have students asking about books.
This book is found in many public libraries so if you have trouble getting it at your local bookstore, be sure to check the library for a copy.
It is a softback book and contains 160 pages. ISBN 0-934026-22-x
Happy Weaving,
Nancy