This chapter deals with the construction of the basket usually called a
workbasket, but it may be taken as typical of all circular baskets
without handles. Figure I, A and B, shows a view looking into the
basket. Notice that a portion of the weaving about the center of the
bottom is done with the pairing weave, until the spokes are separated
sufficiently to allow triple weaving. The bottom is then completed with
the triple weaving making it much finer in appearance. B shows the
effect of using one colored weaver and two natural ones.
[Illustration]
When the bottom is woven, cut four times as many stakes as spokes,
one-half colored and one-half natural. These stakes should be about six
inches longer than twice the finished height of the basket. Insert one
colored and one natural, as a pair, each side of each spoke in the
bottom, as shown in Figure II, A, being careful to keep the colored ones
either to the right or left of the natural ones. After turning up these
stakes weave three rows of triple weaving, and finish this weaving by
pulling the weavers through, as shown in Figure II, B. These three
weavers which form the lower band of weaving may be of natural or
colored weavers. This of course depends entirely upon the ideas one has
concerning the appearance of the finished basket.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
Allow the stakes to flare a little more than is desired in the finished
basket, as the turning over of the stakes draws the top in slightly. If
an open space is wanted between the bands of triple weaving, weave one
or two rows of flat weavers before weaving the second row of triple
weavers, as shown in Figure III, A. This may be cut out after the basket
is completed if one desires to insert a ribbon. Figure III, B, shows a
basket just before the stakes are turned and with the space between the
two rows of triple weaving filled up with single weaving. Figure IV, A
and B, shows the method of turning over the stakes. The ends are
inserted through the outer loops of the triple weave three and one-half
spaces to the right or left of where the stake itself comes through the
upper row of triple weaving. By turning to the right or left the colored
weaver may be brought outside, regardless of how it may be inserted in
the bottom. When the colored bands are used it is well to have the outer
stake of the colored, as at B. The tucking in of the stakes is now
continued until all completed when the basket is turned bottom side up
and the loops all made to touch a flat surface. Great care must be taken
in doing this, as the finished appearance of the basket may be greatly
marred by lack of attention to this particular point.
[Illustration]
At this point decide whether the bottom rows of weaving are to be
colored or natural; if colored, cut away the natural weavers at the
bottom of the basket, as shown at Figure V, A. Next insert three weavers
and weave one row of triple weaving in order that the remaining stakes
may be brought to an upright position, as shown at Figure V, B. The
bottom of the basket is now ready to close in. Take one upright stake,
pass it in front of two, and to the inside and let it lay along the
inside edge of the bottom; take each successive stake and do the same
thing, as shown at Figure V, B. Figure VI, A, shows the appearance of
the ends of these stakes as they lay along the inside edge of the
bottom. This view also shows the space which may be used for the
insertion of ribbon, after cutting out the filling of flat weavers.
Figure VI, B, shows the appearance of the basket when completed with the
single weaving as a filler between the two rows of triple weaving.
[Illustration]
The basket illustrated in Figure VI, chapter 4, was made by this
process; it was eight inches in diameter at the bottom and had a twenty
spoke center.
The basket illustrated in Figure I, B, of this chapter has a sixteen
spoke center and a bottom five and one-half inches in diameter. The
height of the loops in baskets of this kind is something that each
worker must settle for himself. The tendency at first will be to get
them too high. The combinations of color and proportion which may be
worked out in baskets of this description are innumerable. I know of no
construction which requires more artistic taste and a finer sense of
correct proportion.