Bittersweet Needle and Thread

Bittersweet Needle and Thread

Saturday, February 6, 2016

WILLOW BASKETS


I made this large basket in 2002.  It's 2 ft wide and 3 ft tall.  The handle is grapevine and the frame is willow.  The reed was dyed with walnut hulls.  


I scraped bark off the willow tree and wove it in to give it character.  The bark almost looks like leather!  This is the basket that I store my lap quilts in.  When I get cold while watching TV, I can reach for one to keep me warm.

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POTATO BASKET

I love this basket.  The frame is made entirely of willow with handles on the side.  



 It is woven with reed and scraped willow bark.  I use it in the bathroom to hold my bath towels.  This basket is 2 ft x 2ft and is large enough a small child could fit in it!

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WALL BASKET

This cute 9 1/2" by 10" basket is hanging in the master bathroom to hold wash clothes.  


It's frame is made of willow and woven with dyed reed.  I tied 3 small stones with holes in them on the front, but have lost one.  

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I have really slacked off this winter with sewing.  Work has been busy and a bit stressful but staring to slow down a bit now.  I tell everyone I'm in my pre-retirement period and getting ready to downgrade to a less busy job, something that I don't have 10 balls juggling in the air.  I'm looking for a simple cubical that has my name on it for a few short years or something with the local schools, that I can have the summers off.  Will start looking this summer.  I will miss my senior patients, but its time to move on.  

I have a vintage quilt on the frame and am working of a vintage Sunbonnet Sue I started in the 1970's.   So hopefully, I will have some sewing to show you soon.

Thanks for visiting,
Cinder

11 comments:

  1. I really admire your work! It's amazing to me how you can take these materials and make such grand baskets. Also it's wonderful how you use them in your home.

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    1. Thanks. I'm very functional! I like using everything I have and put it to work.

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  2. I love your beautiful baskets Cinders. Mine with the "kickstand" has a special place in the cabin. I know you are working toward slowing the pace down, you will get there!

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    1. Thanks. I just don't handle "busy" like I use to. A slower pace is ok with me.

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  3. Well, there's one thing for sure - you aren't afraid of taking on BIG projects! I love your BIG willow baskets. We must be kindred spirits! And, I am sure your senior patients will miss you, too. Hopefully, you find the perfect job so you can have summers off, and, perhaps, even have time to make another willow basket.

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    1. One of my first beginner baskets was very large. It never dawned on me to create small! My friend and basket teacher makes very small baskets and I liked the large. It worked out well. And yes, I would like to make a basket. I even have deer antlers and would love to start there. The fun is in the planning.

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  4. Your baskets are amazing! You are so very talented with all the different projects you do (and finish) and holding a full time job down too. I hope you can find the new job you are looking for. Look forward to seeing some of your newest quilt work.

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    1. Thank you so much. I look forward to working and doing something different. I do dream of being retired. Just think of all the things I can sew and work on! Ahhh...

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  5. Baskets are wonderful! Good luck on finding a less stress filled job and look forward to seeing your quilt!

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    1. thanks, I've always like baskets. You can do so much with them. Also boxes. If I could I'd have 100 different boxes around the house, using them all. I'm a bit nervous about the "new" way of job hunting, all on the computer. No face to face. Weird.

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  6. You are so creative! Those baskets are beautiful! I hope you find the job of your dreams! best wishes!

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