CPBWG Spring Fever Retreat

The Central Pennsylvania Basket Weavers Guild Spring Fever Retreat was held this past weekend at the Gitt Memorial Library in Hanover, PA.  The Gitt Library was built in the late 1920's as a family summer getaway.  The two story house with wrap around patios and an enclosed porch  is set on beautiful landscaped grounds.  The flowering trees and spring flowers were in full bloom.   You couldn't  ask for a better location to spend a weekend weaving with friends.

 Basket maker Sue Dirsa from Alburtis PA was the featured guest instructor for the weekend.  She lead classes Friday night, Saturday and Sunday.  Sue can be contacted at Weave2me@aol.com

Below are tow of the items I wove during the weekend.

Starting on a wooden 15" by 15" frame I wrapped brown flat reed  around the front and back to fill the open space.  Using blue reed and following a twill pattern the front was woven in a  Cherokee star design.  The back side followed a standard 3-3 twill.




Front side

Back side 3-3 twill

7" high and 9" round

This round basket was woven with flat reed, flat oval, round reed and seagrass.   It is woven in a three rod wale pattern using three different weavers to create the row upon row spiral pattern up the sides of the basket.  A band of round reed tops the basket.  A leather strap is  added before the rim is attached.



Palm Sunday Weaving

Palm fronds are widely available for Palm Sunday.

I used some leftover palms to try to weave some classic palm designs.  The palms are green when newly cut.  As they dry out they become lighter in color.

The cross design is the most simple shape to weave.





Weaving the palm fronds into flowers allows for creative designs and bouquets of various shapes and sizes. 

 

Spring Baskets

Market basket with wooden cutout flowers.

   Spring is here!  

These baskets capture the spirit of growth and renewal that comes with the season.

Pastel colors are used in this market basket

                                                                                                                                                                              


 Purple twill low tray

These and other baskets I have made can be purchased at Off Track Art in Westminster.