Southwestern Ontario Basketry Guild

Southwestern Ontario Basketry Guilds members got together for the last workshop of 2022. We made woven and wrapped ornaments to celebrate the upcoming holiday season. The annual potluck lunch was a great time to share and relax. The annual general meeting followed. The Guild had a great year of workshops and fellowship and 2023 promises to be even better. See you in March of next year!

Southwestern Basketry Guild member Martha Sands discussed with students how to harvest, process and dry different grasses, leaves, plants and barks for weaving. And then, students wove a small basket with the natural materials. Everyone took home a lovely, hand-woven basket. It was a fun day!            

Guild members Catherine Devine and Lorna Garton taught the lovely Double Triple Basket, a pattern originally designed by Flo Hoppe (and found in her book Contemporary Wicker Basketry ). Everyone had a great time and learned some new skills and techniques.   

Guild member Martina Obersat taught the fundamentals of rib basketry using square hoops. The first half of the day was busy and challenging but the rest of the day was more relaxing. Most students completed their baskets at the workshop. Square rib basket workshop            

The Southwestern Ontario Basketry Guild is proud to present the first three basketry workshops scheduled for 2022. For more information, e-mail SWOBG.TREASURER@gmail.com or message us through our Facebook page. Hope you can join us!

Guild member Louise MacDougall taught her beautiful basket with waxed linen lashing.The sturdy cathead basket was available in vibrant green and red weavers with dark blue spokes. Most students completed the basket at the Saturday workshop and now have a lovely addition to any room.            

The Southwestern Ontario Basketry Guild welcomed two new members today--Linda and Ina. We hope you enjoyed the workshop. Guild member Nancy Hager taught a somewhat challenging diagonal twill willow bark and sweet grass basket. She shared with us how she harvests, dries and stores willow bark for weaving. Because of Nancy’s encouraging and patient teaching skills, everyone was successful and went home with a sweet little basket. Thank you Nancy!

Nice to be back after a long winter! Long-time guild member Louise MacDougall taught students to weave her Basket with Cherokee Wheels. This sturdy, flat reed basket is beautiful with its Cherokee wheels decoration.         

  The Southwestern Ontario Basketry Guild is proud to present the first three basketry workshops scheduled for 2022. For more information, e-mail SWOBG.TREASURER@gmail.com or message us through our Facebook page. Hope you can join us!

Updated September, October and November workshop information The Southwestern Ontario Basketry Guild is proud to present the basketry workshop schedule for 2022. We meet every third Saturday of the year (with some exceptions) at the Chatham Cultural Centre. If you are interested in attending, please e-mail ( SWOBG.TREASURER@gmail.com ) or message us through Facebook. All workshops require pre-registration. The year promises to be filled with new teachers, materials, processes and techniques. The blog will be updated as teachers, descriptions and photos become available.  The Guild is looking forward to hosting nine months of workshops in 2022, however, changes to the programme may occur due to COVID restrictions. Check this page for the most up-to-date information.  Saturday, January 15, 2022 No workshop this month. Saturday, February 19, 2022 No workshop this month. Saturday, March 19, 2022 Louise MacDougall - Basket with Cherokee Wheels - All skill le...