[Nfb-krafters-korner] Basket Weaving

[Eleni Vamvakari]

Thanks so much!  Don't worry about the subject lines.  I'm just behind
on the list, that's all.  I'm glad to finally be getting somewhere.
This is exactly the kind of training that I'm seeking and it's truly a
shame that almost no one provides it today.  These used to be the
so-called blind trades, and here I am, a totally blind person, with no
support from most of the blind/visually-impaired community (most are
annoyed that I'm interested in these things as a career) and no one
who has the necessary skills to teach me.  I'm glad to have finally
found the exceptions.  I'd be interested in learning the differences
between the traditional reed weaving and coiling and to get a start on
something.  Any help you can give me, on or offline, would be
wonderful.  Feel free to e-mail me offlist as well.

With appreciation,
Eleni

On 1/22/11, Susan Roe <dogwoodfarm at verizon.net> wrote:
> Hi Eleni,
>
> Sorry if the subject lines through you off.  It is sometimes difficult to
> remember to change the subject line when you are answering other's post.
> I'll try harder from now on.
>
> Basket weaving of almost any kind is not impossible for the blind to learn.
> Some tecniques are easier than others, of course, but styles and materials
> are endless once you master a few different basic tecniques.
>
> Coil baskets are the easiest for a beginner because you learn how to shape
> the materials you are using with your hands as you slowly build your basket.
> It has been mentioned that in the two basket classes I taught for Krafters
> Korner, that no two baskets were alike.  I can almost garuntee that none of
> them were.  Materials were different to a degree and even everyone's mental
> picture of their basket is different as they shape and turn their basket in
> their hands.
>
> Standard reed baskets and coil baskets are not done the same way; however,
> you can use reeds in coil basketry.
>
> I have never used a kit to do either kind of basket weaving.  I was taught
> in highschool after I lost my sight over 30 years ago.  I was mainstreamed
> in school and never went to a school specifically geared for the blind.  I
> had summer adjustment training, now called transitional training when I was
> 18 and was taught several other crafting methods.
>
> I have another basket weaveing sight that I'll send to you that is in
> Kentucky, I think, and you can take a look at what they have.  I have baught
> my reeds in a local shop, but I can't tell you the gauge because I go by
> feel.
>
> If you have any questions, contact me off line and I'll give you my home
> number.  That goes for anyone else who is interested.  I'll answer whatever
> I can on list, but sometimes it is just easier on the phone.
>
> Susan
> dogwoodfarm at verizon.net
>
>
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