Southwestern Ontario Basketry Guild

January 21:   AGM Twill Banded Market Basket Instructor:  Nancy Hager February 18:  Finish Market Basket Handle Begin Judy K Wilson Waxed Linen Kits Your choice of kit.  Sample is "Beginnings Basket". March 17:  Judy K Wilson Waxed Linen Kits Resource Person:  Loretta Roberts Your choice of kit.  Sample is "Del Rio". April 21: 8th Anniversary Meeting Ribbed Hearth Basket by Lyn Siler Instructor:  Linda Dobinson May 19:  Adirondack Backpack Instructor:  Wanda Haydt June 16:  Bean Pot Instructor:  Julie Simpson July 21:  Footed Quatrefoil Provender Instructor:  Karen Kotecki August 18:   Looped Rim Bowl by Ann Rolf Instructor:  Linda Dobinson September 15:  Decorative Overlay Wastebasket Instructor:  Dolores von Rosen October 20:   Beginner Willow Instructors:  Frances Thorn & Lene Rasmu...

The photograph speaks for itself.  Instructor Linda successfully led her students through the steps to creation of these stunning sewing baskets and the proud smiles of the students are a testament to her skill. Today was devoted to construction of the ornate lids.  The atmosphere in studio 2 was calm but rich with the pleasure of gathering together to share the enjoyment of basketmaking.  Translation:  we had a great time! Julie writes:  Weaving a lid for a basket - Success! I've finally done it and with some practice I think that I may attempt a basket with a lid again.  This was the second guild meeting devoted to an Algonquin Sewing Basket and most people in the class were smiling by the end of the workshop.  We were done, our lids fit and the baskets looked great.  Very few people were taking home unfinished baskets that would be waiting to be completed - just another item on the To Be Finished List.  Weaving this basket presented new...

Taught by Wanda Haydt of WH Baskets, this little sweetie has an oval wooden base and an easy curved upsett.  The challenge came near the end with the round reed swirls.

The guild is a member of Ontario Handweavers and Spinners and our part in their 2011 conference, "Going Back to Woodstock" was to provide baskets as banquet table centrepieces.  Our 2010 program was structured to help members learn the skills they would need to create rib baskets which would fit the "back to nature" theme.  Our baskets all looked beautiful and were gratefully received.  Here are a few photos.