Southwestern Ontario Basketry Guild

This month’s workshop was the last of a wonderfully productive 2012 season.    Wanda Haydt prepared all the kits and taught the class. We did a beautiful, large tote basket that was quick and easy as well as attractive.    Most of us finished our project before leaving which is always rewarding. We had two new basket makers, and they did a really good job on their first basket. Hopefully they enjoyed themselves and will continue to create baskets with us.     We also had a potluck lunch with fabulous and tasty dishes to celebrate the end of our year.    The food was complimented by a fruit punch which could be supplemented with a dash of Lychee fruit liqueur, courtesy of Andrea, our hospitality hostess.    A nice ending to a great year.   Looking forward to 2013.  From Catherine.

Sunday, we worked outdoors - what a bonus! Some of the students from the Sunday class.

January 19: AGM Woven Stool Seat Design with Flat Reed Self-directed - Wanda Haydt February 16: Rain Stick - Natural Materials Frances Thorn, Loretta Roberts March 16: Complete Rain Stick Frances Thorn, Loretta Roberts April 20: 10th Anniversary Celebration Wool Drying Basket    Instructor - Wanda Haydt May 18: Double Wall Market Basket Instructor - Linda Dobinson June 15: Complete Double Wall Market Instructor - Linda Dobinson July 20: Gourd Class Instructor - Catherine Devine August 17: Open Weave Your Choice of Project September 21:  Swedish Paper Stars Instructor - Nancy Hager October 19: Coloured Willow Tray Instructor - Frances Thorn November 16:  Victorian Sleigh Instructor - Janet LaMonte Potluck Meal at Noon

On Saturday, 15th we had a creative and fun day with Dolores Von Rosen.  Using a mold we made waste paper baskets incorporating a selection of weaving patterns.  Many possibilities were combined to make wildly different baskets that were all beautiful. Not all of us finished but we all learned and enjoyed the process. Thank you Dolores for a great workshop.  From Janet.

Minnesotan Bit by Basket Bug Karen Kotecki (a legal aid lawyer, pro weaver, fun person) and Debbie Mroczenski (in corporate customer service and accounts, pro weaver, fun person) arrived at my place in Windsor from Wisconsin Friday in time for supper.  My sister Jan, was here from Minnesota and it was party time. We all clicked. They were surprised that Jan had never made a basket and was going to make this intermediate quatrefoil just like she was one of us pros.  Like, who let her sign up, anyway???  Well, I knew she would do fine and promised I would help. On Saturday bright and early, Karen and Deb, her sidekick, were eager to start the Footed Quatrefoil Provender basket workshop in Chatham.  Good demonstrating, good walking around checking/helping assured a beautiful basket for each.  Yes, it was tricky in places, but the demos, the pattern and graphics were very helpful and clear.  Jan was doing fine and got little help from me until the next d...

Finished baskets brought to the April meeting.  Well done!  Watch for another photo in May.

Hello members!  Here are some beautiful sample baskets to help you in choosing your colours.  Call for registration has been sent out to you - take advantage of this opportunity to learn from this inspiring instructor. Some views of the beautiful cathead base.