Asymmetric Basket

​Asymmetric Basket

​Friday

​9am – 6pm

​1 hr break for lunch at 1pm

​Join Mandy McKee for a full day of weaving as you create an asymmetrical basket inspired by Polish basketmaker Stanislav Dzuibak.

​You will begin by pairing a 4 × 4 round base, then slyping, inserting, and pricking up stakes. The side weave of this basket will begin with a three rod wale, followed by an English rand to build up the sides while shaping the basket to your preferred form. Another three rod wale will secure the body before moving on to the top weave.

​The top weave will be a step trac randed border using the stakes to create a slope on either side of the basket, forming a place for a wooden handle. To complete your basket, you will wrap the handle and bind it with the remaining stakes. Handles will be fit to suit your basket before drilling and wrapping.

​Wooden handles will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own special piece of wood (recommended diameter approximately 1½″ minimum and at least 12″ long, leaving room for trimming).

​You will be crafting your unique functional basket with locally harvested willow. Please be mindful that although this basket is suitable for beginners it does take a significant amount of hand and finger strength to maintain tension and encourage the willow to bend when needed.

​Tools:

​If you have the following tools you are welcome to bring them: sharp knife, sharp pruners, awl, wrapping iron. Some tools for sharing will be provided. Please bring an old towel for wrapping your work to prevent drying out during breaks. Bring a stool or something else that you love to sit on.

​​This workshop is part of Baskets in the Garden.

​General Admission to Baskets in the Garden is free.

​If you’d like to stay overnight, camping is available on-site. A camping pass ($55) is purchased separately using the following link: https://luma.com/bh23zxht