The Knitting Basket is an excellent beginner willow basket for those who would like to experience the techniques of traditional willow basketry. The basket is made of unpeeled willow with a small round base in pairing weave. Stakes are then graded out and inserted in the base, followed by bottom waling to secure the stakes to the base. Two sets of French randing compose the siding of the flared basket. A top waling weave is followed by a border and a wrapped handle. You do not need to be a knitter to make this basket and the basket is strong and functional for other purposes! It measures 12 inches in diameter and is 12 inches tall to the top of the handle.
All willow materials are provided and prepared for a fee of $78 which will be collected at the workshop.
Students are asked to bring the following supplies if you have them
Also please bring a lunch.
Bonnie Gale has been a traditional willow basketmaker for the last 43 years. Born In England and trained with European willow basketmakers, she has taught for guilds, conventions and all ages. Her work has been in numerous exhibitions and she is the recipient of major awards, including a New York Foundation for the Arts Artist Fellowship. She has been on television, including the Martha Stewart Show. In 2004, she started building living willow structures (over 50 to date) and recently, she weaves beautiful willow caskets for the green burial movement. She is the founder of the Hembrow School, offering an annual 9-month apprenticeship program starting at the end of March. Her web sites include www.bonniegale.com and www.livingwillow.info.
