Friday 19 December 2014

Learning an Old Country Craft









I have completed my second basket, this time a nice big sturdy shopper.  Very wonky, I still don't seem to be able to weave straight but I love it.  It was not until I started making my baskets that  I realised the difference between the cheap ones that you can buy in the shops and those made by basketmakers who do not skimp on materials.  Even though it isn't the best looking, my basket feels really strong and should last me for years and years.  I will be signing up for a new course next year, just not sure how I will fit it in as I would love to do a spinning course as well.   Bring on retirement!







Many people would have made their living from basket making in the past (of course some still do).  It must have been hard work doing it all day every day.  It is hard on your hands and in winter cutting and soaking the materials would have taken its toll.  For me it is a lovely hobby.

It's a bit hectic here but in a lovely way as I've been catching up with friends to exchange cards, little gifts and share a meal.    All this socialising leaves little time to actually get things done but the list is gradually getting ticked off.  Wreaths still to be made to take to the cemetery and a cake to decorate.  I haven't decorated a Xmas cake for more years than I can remember so should be interesting!  Xmas decs are still in the box and the Xmas tree is still out in the garden.  Oh well it will all get done I'm not getting stressed about it.  As long as we all having something to eat, something to open and time together it will be fine.

I hope your preparations are going well and not too stressful.


Chickpea xx

22 comments:

  1. Your basket is lovely, well done.
    Not much to do here for Christmas, have given the cake a miss this year, have decided against any decorations as we have two six month old kittens. Just diner to cook on the day and friends to feed on Boxing day, so a real quiet one.

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  2. Your basket is indeed lovely.
    Maybe you could do the spinning in fall/winter and baskets in spring/summer ?
    My decorations are so late getting up this year. I like them up early so I can just sit back and enjoy the Holiday.

    cheers, parsnip

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  3. Your basket is a one off, and a creation to be proud of. You will love retirement, but there are still not enough hours in the day/days in the week to fit everything in. The thing is that it does not matter, there is always next week/month/year not even touched yet. Happy crafting.

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  4. great basket, we've got a cake to decorate too, the boys love doing it, an activity for next week.

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  5. Having taken early retirment at 55 its fantastic, not enough hours to do everything but its great fun trying no two days the same. I love your basket wonky is good it shows it has been hand crafted and manufactured a unique one off, brilliant :-)

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  6. Your basket looks great. Cake decorating is on the list for this afternoon. Have fun. X

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  7. lovely basket, don't worry about the Christmas prep, there are days and days to go yet. (well that's what I keep telling myself......)

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  8. Clever stuff! Well done. Now you know what to do for presents for everyone next year

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  9. Wow! Your basket is stunning, it doesn't matter one jot that its a bit wonky, you should be very proud to have it on your arm. It will last many years. Well Done x

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  10. I love it. I wouldn't worry about it being wonky it's got character x

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  11. What a super shopping basket. You should make them and sell them. Many thanks for following my blog. I look forward to reading your blog.

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  12. Stunning!! My order request stands ;)

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  13. I love your basket!!! I cannot see any wonky at all though! Happy Christmas! xx

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  14. Thank you everyone for your lovely comments :)

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  15. Fabulous basket, you are a clever ole stick.

    Jean
    x

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  16. I love your basket! You did a terrific job on it. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

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  17. oh that's lovely! Well done!

    It's such a busy time of year, so much to do! I wasn't going to bother with a tree or anything this year, but on the spur of the moment we went out and foraged one and got it decorated, all within an hour! We don't have the usual sort of tree, for the last few years we've had a "stickmas" tree, just a decorated fallen branch!

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  18. Your basket came out beautifully, well done. I'm basically ready for the holiday. There's still some wrapping to do but I'll tackle it this weekend. Don't worry, you will get everything done.

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  19. Your basket looks wonderful. Loads still not done here but no point stressing. Christmas will come and go whether I'm ready or not.

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  20. How soon before you make your first wattle-and-daub house?

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  21. Wow, the basket is gorgeous. It doesn't look wonky at all. Have a lovely Xmas. xx

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I love reading your comments and will try to reply to all you lovely people xx Spam will be deleted so don't even bother!