Josephine Knot

The Josephine Knot is a design that dates back for thousands of years.  The unique twist can be found in numerous  artistic forms.
Sandy Bulgrin  taught a workshop using the knot as the beginning of a rib hen basket at the Bedford Basketweavers Guild annual convention last weekend.

A Josephine Knot is formed with ten pieces of round reed to begin the basket. The pieces are separated on both ends to form the ribs of the hen basket.  After a few rows of weaving the ribs are shaped and tucked into place to form the rounded basket shape.   The basket ribs are adjusted with each additional row of weavers until the desired shape is formed.  The weaving continues from both sides until it meets in the middle and the basket is complete
I used a combination of  cream, turquoise, green and tan round reed, flat reed and seagrass to add a "beachy" color scheme.

Weaving with Annetta

 What better way to spend a rainy Saturday than weaving with friends?

Central PA Basket Weaver's Guild hosted a one day workshop lead by Annetta Kraayeveld.  Her website, www.prairiewoodbasketry.com includes her patterns, kits and blog, The Basketry Teacher.  If you ever have a chance to take a class with Annetta you won't regret it.

Everyone had a great time while learning some new techniques.  The basket is woven with a cream and dark brown 2/2 herringbone twill base.  The cats head ears are formed  and sides woven up with a 3/3 twill accenting the  dyed and natural spokes.  Three T-Twining rows are the focal point around the middle of the basket.