What I'm Weaving Wednesday: Coiled Baskets

Wow, that week went by too fast!  I've been busy canning apples, trying to organize photos, and picking the last of the spinach before our first frost(which we did get last night)....whew!  I don't know how I managed to get any weaving done in between all of that, but I did!

For quite some time, I had been wanting to give coiling baskets a try.  Maybe I was too busy, maybe I was just too chicken.  But whatever the reason, I just kept putting it off.  

Then late last school year, my daughter's art class did some coiling.  She brought it home to work on,  and I sat there fascinated, just watching her work.  That's when I finally decided it was time I tried it, too.

I have a confession to make.  

I  have always adored the look of a coiled pine needle basket.  They look so intricate and delicate and just....beautiful!

Strictly speaking, coiling is not weaving, although many people use the term when referring to making coiled baskets, but let me assure you....it is nothing like weaving!  It's more like sewing. 

Lots and lots of stitches, round and round in an endless circle!

But I found it strangely relaxing, and it's the type of basket making I can do when I have a few spare minutes...and frankly, that's all the time I can give it in one sitting....it's tedious and monotonous. 

But sometimes you need that.

So anyway, the first photo is the coiled basket my daughter made for art class.  She used coiling core wrapped in synthetic raffia and yarn with some fabric scraps added in for flare!

Isn't it gorgeous?  I think she did really well, especially for her first attempt at it!

Then there is my first coiled basket.  I decided to use pine needles and waxed linen thread.

Now here's a classic example of how I often approach things. 

Notice how my stitches are sometimes lined up and sometimes they aren't?  You can really tell on the inside of the basket. 

Ugh.  

The reason for that is, I got myself an instructional video and watched some of it, then decided I couldn't wait any longer, and just got to working. 

And for that reason, I missed the part that shows you how to line up your stitches! 

I thought I knew what I was doing, but obviously I didn't.

So I went back and watched the video again, and paid closer attention, and started on my second basket, this time using a stone center.

Much better! 

But as you can see, I haven't finished it yet.

  And that's because I was too anxious to get started on yet another basket, with a beautiful purple Agate stone center!

It reminds me of a giant eye!  

What I like about coiling is that there is no specific pattern to follow...you can easily make them as small or as big as you want.

What I don't like is that it takes days and days to make one basket.  

What I like is that it's relaxing and easy and doesn't make a big mess and the supplies take up very little space in my home.

What I don't like is that I probably can't make enough to give as Christmas Gifts this year.

If you've never tried coiling, I encourage you to do so!  Of course, you can buy one, but boy are they expensive!  I certainly understand why, now that I've tried it!

FYI...I purchased an instructional video and some supplies from Nadine Spier to get me started.

Here's the link:

Nadine's Basket Weaving Supplies