The Country Seat, Inc.

Weave your own tool basket.

2012-02-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

Here are 2 great tool baskets to store and sort your tools at home:
Divided Flatware Carrier:
http://catalog.countryseat.com/dividedflatwarebasketpattern-mcelroy.aspx

Worker's Companion:
http://catalog.countryseat.com/workerscompanionpatternthe-bymcelroy.aspx

Keep in mind that when traveling with tools it is ALWAYS a good idea to keep them enclosed in something. If you are ever in an accident, the last thing you want are knives and scissors flying through the air!

Traveling Tool Storage

2012-01-19T11:59:00.000-08:00

I wanted something that would hold all my tool (including lots of extra tools for students). I love the tackle boxes from hardware stores. I have 2 larger ones, one for all my beads and one for waxed linen. They are cheaper at a hardware store then at a crafts store and the same thing just in more "manly" colors. :o)

The craft stores sell them in pinks and purples while mine are blue/gray and maroon/gray (which I like better anyway).

How much reed is needed?

2012-01-17T12:40:00.000-08:00

Not sure how much reed you will need for a project? Check out our FAQ's Page:

http://www.countryseat.com/faq.htm#howreed

Stumpy's Tree

2012-01-13T09:11:00.000-08:00

Last 2 copies of 500 Baskets Book

2012-01-12T07:36:00.000-08:00

http://catalog.countryseat.com/500baskets-acelebrationofthebasketmakersart.aspx-
only 2 copies left!
500 Baskets is out of print and sellers on Amazon have this book listed for over $100. It's a facinating and inspiring gallery of work.
Don't miss your chance to own a copy. (No patterns, just finished work.)

SOFTCOVER (all in color)

Embracing a breathtaking range of new techniques, styles, and materials, beautiful basketry offers more options than ever before. And these 500 exquisite artisan pieces will open eyes to the varied and wonderful possibilities. These baskets, made by top creators from around the world - including Ed Rossbach, Michaels Davis, Lillian Elliot, Gyongy Laky, Patti Lechman, and Mary Giles - as well as the best emerging newcomers, range from exquisitely functional to purely decorative, from classical to ultramodern. In addition to traditional twill, rattan, and reed, the artists have incorporated more unusual objects, such as plastic, paper, thread, and metal wire - even seeds, fish scales, and newspaper. Basketmakers, collectors, students, and anyone who loves beautiful items will delight in these masterworks.

This is a gallery photo book, for inspiration and enjoyment only - there are NO weaving instructions or explanations.

420 pages.

The joy and trials of being Stumpy...

2012-01-10T09:05:00.000-08:00

How I spent my Tuesday morning...
Another page in the saga that is Stumpy's life:
Raise your hand if you've ever played Marco Polo with your cat only to finally look up and find him 25 feet or so up a tree with a trunk who's branches don't even start until at least 15 feet off the ground. Was the big, bad cat running scared or was he chasing the new stray that's on the ground laughing behind a bush? Either way his hips aren't the best and he's stuck in a V of branches (a V on it's side and he's sitting facing into the V, not sure how to get around safely) and probably has been there most of the night. So you call your brother for backup and get the ladder. You keep talking to him to stay put, you're on the way, climb the ladder to the first set of branches and climb the tree from there, coax him onto your arm so you can swing him down onto your chest. Now what? Zip him into your coat (he must be grateful because he'd never put up with that in normal circumstances) and think that both of you had better loose a few pounds if you are ever going to try this again.
Now at least he's secure and you can use one arm to climb down the tree. Your grateful that your brother is there to move the ladder higher into the tree because you have a ladder phobia and you didn't put it up high enough into the tree when you climbed up (rather climb a tree any day than a ladder).
So now you are both back safely on the ground and wishing you had thought to get your camera to document the resuce of your big, bad cat and trying not to laugh at him while he can hear you.

Great Cats

2012-01-06T13:20:00.000-08:00

http://roadrunnerthecat.com/ -
Roadrunner the Cat

What an awesome cat!
She might give Stumpy a run for his money...

2011-12-19T12:29:00.001-08:00

Want to let your friends and family know exactly what weaving materials and tools you'd like? Set up a Wish List in our online catalog. If they are not sure how to access it, they can call us and we can look it up for them. Make sure to give it a unique name (not "my wish list" :o) so we can find it.
http://catalog.countryseat.com/

Quick Tips

2011-12-09T11:11:00.001-08:00

Sand handles and bases before spraying the basket with Weaver's Stain. After the basket is completely dry, rub the handles and base with a crumpled up paper bag. The wood will be satiny smooth.

New Sign

2011-08-18T12:57:00.000-07:00

After losing another of our nice wood signs (that Bill makes) to theft. We have a new sign out at Rt 143 and Hawk Mt Road. Welded by a local metal smith and painted by our local sign painter, I think this one will stick around for a while.

Kitchen Sink Gazpacho

2011-07-22T11:29:00.000-07:00

It's time to put those gathering baskets to use and harvest tomatoes. What should you do with all the tomatoes, including those green ones that fall off while harvesting the ripe ones? Try Kitchen Sink Gazpacho.

I've always made Gazpacho from a great recipe in an herb book. The proportions might vary but the ingredients were the same. Last night it was late and we had not planned anything for dinner. With the heat in PA right now no one wants to stand outside and grill or turn on the oven. It's time to check the back of the fridge. Ah, there's the red pepper that I bought almost a month ago and haven't used. It's a little wrinkled but not moldy and smells good.

Out comes the food processor. In goes the red pepper and an onion. Chop well until everything is finely chopped.

I harvested all the tomatoes that were ripe. Right now there are three different shapes ready. I put it that way because I only know what two of the tomatoes are for sure. The plants I have this year came from some saved seeds, some that sprouted on their own and some from a local place that sells fruits, veggies and plants but they're not always labeled. It's a grab bag tomato garden this year and it's fun watching the tomatoes grow and guessing what they might turn out to be. I know that I have Sweet Millions and a yellow midsized tomato (that one is marked but I'll have to crawl under it to see what it is) and I think I have some Romas, Yellow Pear and a beefsteaky looking big red tomato. So I ended up with a handful of cherry tomatoes, a medium size yellow, two large reds and a couple green tomatoes. All the tomatoes went into the processor but only pulsed until mostly chopped.

The herb garden is sparse but growing well so I cut a handful of chives and a couple sprigs of a lemon smelling basil. Not great to eat straight from the garden (I normally eat a leaf or two of basil straight from the plant) but a wonderful addition to dishes. I cut them all up and threw them into the processor. Added some extra virgin olive oil, two heaping tablespoons of vanilla yogurt and squeezed a lime into the mix. I chopped this part of the mixture very fine.

Mix everything together and serve.

Yummy! It was even better cold for lunch today.

Throw in whatever veggies you find in the fridge. I totally forgot I have a zuchini, I should've added that too!

Tip for using Glued handles

2011-06-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

Do you like the rustic look of a glued or stapled "D handle but worry about the bent corners cracking or breaking?
Try this tip:
Lay out your base with a stake laying under the handle. Weave the base as usual around the handle and its shadow stake. When you turn up the stakes and weave the first row, hold the shadow stake tight against the outside of the handle and weave around them as one. Weave the entire basket this way. Cut the shadow stake off at the top of the basket so that the top of it is hidden by the rim.
This will help to support the "D" handle and spread any pressure from the weight of the items in the basket.

Try fancy cane patterns.

2011-06-09T06:32:00.000-07:00

To go a step farther in hand cane and weave fancy patterns, try "Ideas for the Experienced Caner #1 and #2.

Experienced Caner #1
http://catalog.countryseat.com/ideasfortheexperiencedcaner1-bypeterka.aspx
Step-by-step guide with photos for advanced weaving designs. Included are curved & barrel backs and the star & lace patterns.

28 pages

Experienced Caner #2
http://catalog.countryseat.com/ideasfortheexperiencedcaner2-bypeterka.aspx

Step-by-step guide with photos for advanced weaving designs. Included are 2 variations of the spider web pattern, daisy chain, daisy & button and double daisy designs.

22 pages

Summer Hours

2011-06-06T11:42:00.001-07:00

Summer Monday Hours now in effect: OPEN Noon to 7:00 PM
(June 1st - September 30th)
OPEN Tuesday - Friday: 9 - 5

OPEN Saturday: 9 - 1

Handle Measurements

2011-05-25T13:18:00.000-07:00

Confused about how handles are measured? Check out our FAQ's page -
http://www.countryseat.com/faq.htm#how - for more info and pictures.

Open Weave

2011-05-23T11:29:00.001-07:00

Open Weave this Friday, May 27th from 12-3 - for more details see - http://www.countryseat.com/basketclasses.htm#open

New Pattern

2011-05-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

Anne Bowers' Day 1 pattern Mayan Sun now available for purchase - http://catalog.countryseat.com/mayansunwallbasketpattern-bowers.aspx

See class pictures and much more on our Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/thecountryseat

What to do with Wire Handles & Hangers

2011-05-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

Wire Handles & Hangers

Q: How are the wire hangers used?

A: Wires are most commonly used as hangers for wall baskets but can also be used just for decoration. Place the horizontal bar of the wire on top of the last row of weaving. Hold in place with a 1/2" rubber tipped clamp. Tuck down the stakes over the wire and into the weaving as usual and apply the rim. Make sure the the horizontal bar is hidden in the rim and the lasher goes completely around it. The wire will be held securely in place after lashing the rim.

The bean pot and jelly wires are usually attached over the center spokes of the basket with wire eyelets (separate loops of wire). Only the horizontal bars of the eyelets are lashed into the rim. The eyelets enable the handle to swing.

A few types of jelly and bean pot wires do not have a pre-bent loop. These handles with the straight ends can be attached in several ways:

1) Using a pair of pliers, bend the bottom into a loop and attach to mini eyelets or large eyelets purchased separately and attach as above.

2) Complete the basket and lash the rim. Now bend the bottom of the wire under and back around the rim. The end can be twisted back around the wire above the rim.

3) Using a pair of pliers, bend the bottom of the wire 90 degrees. Tuck your stakes over the bend and lash the rim as usual.

#2 & #3 will result in a stationary handle.

May Book Sale

2011-05-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

‎500 Baskets Book on sale this month - great Mother's Day gift!

500 Baskets Book

New Gourd & Fiber Book

2011-04-14T11:46:00.000-07:00

Gourd & Fiber book - $19.95
http://catalog.countryseat.com/GourdsandFiber-bysummitandwidess.aspx
SOFTCOVER -

Jim Widess and Ginger Summit

Two of the world's leading experts combine gourd decorating and fiber arts for a fresh, up-to-date take on a centuries-old craft. Ginger Summit and Jim Widess will inspire gourd aficionados with a wide range of techniques, from coiling and plaiting to stitching and lacing, knotting and looping, random weave and more.

Thirty fabulous projects use pine needles, silk cord, leather, and beads.

144 pages

Chase Weave

2010-12-16T06:25:00.001-08:00

Q: The pattern calls for the "weave and chase" method. Could someone explain this to me in simple terms?
A: Chase weave is weaving with two pieces so that one "chases" the other. This allows you to do a continuous weave without having to split a spoke. The weavers are traditionally the same size.

Taper each piece for about 6 inches. Start weaving with one piece on one of the long sides of the base. Stop when you get to the opposite side. Now start weaving with the other piece until you catch up with piece #1. You'll soon find what works best for you - weaving until you catch up to the other piece, keeping the pieces close together and weaving over a couple of spokes with each piece, or keeping the ends on opposite sides of the basket.

When you run out, it's ended the same way as a start/stop weaving. Overlap the ends of the old weaver and new weaver for 4 spokes, hiding both ends behind a spoke.

When you reach the top of the basket, taper each end again for about 6 inches and stop them about where you started. Now weave a rim row and use this to tuck your stakes over.

Weaving on Gourds Book

2010-11-08T10:39:00.000-08:00

NEW BOOK - It's HERE! Weaving on Gourds by Marianne Barnes $19.99
Combine basket weaving & gourd art. 200 color images & step- by-step directions, five projects are presented for both the beginner & advanced weaver: Twine & Triple Twine Gourd, Twill Woven Gourd, a Gourd Basket with Four Rod Wale. Chapters cover preparing the gourd, weaving techniques, strengthening the rim & adding embellishments to your finished gourd. Six contributing artists provide tips & a gallery of completed works offers inspiration for creating your own designs. 112 pages Soft Cover
- Includes the Random Gourd Rim pattern by Angie Wagner

Winter Hours

2010-09-29T06:53:00.001-07:00

The heat hasn't left Kempton yet but our winter hours begin with the 1st of October.
Monday noon - 5pm
Tues - Fri 9 - 5
Sat 9 - 1

How does changing the handle size affect the stakes?

2010-09-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

Q: How do I know how long the stakes should be if the pattern calls for one size "D" handle but I want to use a different size?

A: Keep this rule in mind: the length of your stake is determined by adding the width of the base plus 2 times the height desired plus an extra 6" (for tucking the stakes).

If you are using a larger handle than in the pattern, make sure you add extra stakes both horizontally and vertically (otherwise your stakes will be too far apart and you will be left with a weak base and basket).

Special Reed Sale:

2010-09-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ Help us CELEBRATE! ~

Special Reed Sale:

In honor of our 35th anniversary (1975 - 2010) we are offering a 20% discount on 35 pounds of mixed sizes of reed. The reed must be of ONE type (ex: 35 coils, any size of flat reed, or flat oval reed, or round reed). Please note: This price for MIXED coils will NOT show up in your shopping cart but will be applied at invoicing and reflected on your shipping confirmation email.

The mixed 35 pound discount will last until December 30th. (If you are ordering 35 pounds of the SAME size, this is the usual discount and the discount WILL show in the online catalog.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What is Machine Cane?

2010-08-13T14:04:00.000-07:00

Prewoven cane is known by quite a few names: press cane, loom cane, mat cane, sheet cane, machine cane, cane mesh, cane webbing, etc.

It got the name machine cane because it is woven on a loom, a "machine" vs. being woven by hand onto the chair seat. A huge misconception is that prewoven cane is "made by a machine", this is not true at all.

Rolls of prewoven came are 50ft. long so several pieces of cane are attached into one lone piece with overlapping and glued ends to reach that length needed for a full roll. These long strands are rolled onto bobbins and form the warp.

Workers will weave shorter cane strands horizontally for the weft.

Some imperfections will appear in the weaving due to the natural imperfections of cane as well as the piecing process. To repair these weak spots: Cut pieces of cane from the edge of the mat. Soak both the mat and the short pieces of cane. Using a tweezers and/or flat tipped awl, lift the pieces of cane on the mat and slide the repair piece into place, overlapping as much as possible to add strength. Use white glue to secure the new pieces of cane.

No loom can weave a diagonal strand so the diagonals are woven into place one at a time after the horizontal and vertical grid is removed from the loom.

Amount of Shaker tape yardage needed for seats.

2010-08-03T06:42:00.000-07:00

Figuring the approximate amount of Shaker tape yardage needed for seats:

Width x Depth= ? Inches

(Measure at widest points.)

For 5/8" tape: ? Inches ÷ 5.3

For 1" tape: ? Inches ÷ 9
Answer = number of yards needed

(Avg. 15" x 18" seat = 52 yds. of 5/8" or 30 yds. of 1")
Two color seat: Answer ÷ 2 = yardage of each color needed
Remember, this is only an approximating tool. It is best to order more that needed because chairs and dye lots can vary.

Click here to order Shaker tape and a Shaker tape color chart with actual samples of tape.

Tip of the Week - quick kid's project

2010-07-30T06:48:00.000-07:00

Weave around a Styrofoam cup.

Round reed can be inserted across the cup near the bottom. A base can be twined for a couple inches or start weaving up the sides right away, using the shape of the cup as a mold. After the weaving is finished and secured, break away the Styrofoam. Voila', a finished basket.
You can rewet the basket and push the bottom up so it sits flat.

Country Seat Courier

2010-07-08T12:21:00.000-07:00

To read the pdf version of our monthly newsletter - The Country Seat Courier - visit our Newsletter Page - http://www.countryseat.com/newsletter.htm . 6 months of newsletters are posted in case you missed one.

Tip of the Week - Chase Weave

2010-06-22T08:42:00.001-07:00

Q: The pattern calls for the "weave and chase" method. Could someone explain this to me in simple terms?

A: Chase weave is weaving with two pieces so that one "chases" the other. This allows you to do a continuous weave without having to split a spoke. The weavers are traditionally the same size.

Taper each piece for about 6 inches. Start weaving with one piece on one of the long sides of the base. Stop when you get to the opposite side. Now start weaving with the other piece until you catch up with piece #1. You'll soon find what works best for you - weaving until you catch up to the other piece, keeping the pieces close together and weaving over a couple of spokes with each piece, or keeping the ends on opposite sides of the basket.

When you run out, it's ended the same way as a start/stop weaving. Overlap the ends of the old weaver and new weaver for 4 spokes, hiding both ends behind a spoke.

When you reach the top of the basket, taper each end again for about 6 inches and stop them about where you started. Now weave a rim row and use this to tuck your stakes over.

Organizing Tool

2010-06-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

Bob-EEZ Bobbins - Made from soft, flexible plastic, they are stackable, and have a patented locking feature which prevents threads, etc. from unraveling. Use multiple bobbins to secure loose ends as you work.

Large size great for round reed.

LARGE - 3 -1/2” diam.

How Much Reed is Needed to Weave a Basket

2010-05-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

Q: I want to weave a basket, but the pattern doesn't tell me how much reed I will need. How do I know?

A: Our print catalog and on-line catalog list the approximate number of feet per one pound coil for each size of reed. For example: 1/2" flat reed has approximately 185 feet per one pound coil.

The way to approximate how much you need for a particular basket is to take the number of stakes times the length and divide by 12 to get the number of feet needed. For example: 5 stakes at 20" and 7 stakes at 18" = approximately 19 feet. Now divide 185 by 19 = 9 baskets.

For each size of reed on the sides of the basket, take the number of rows of weaving, times the diameter of the basket (add 4 inches to the diameter for the overlap) divided by 12 to get the number of feet needed. If you do not know the diameter of the basket, take the base measurement and add together. For example: the base measures 10" x 12", so take 10" + 10" + 12" + 12" = 44" + 4" overlap = 48" approximate diameter.

Measuring Pre-woven Cane

2010-05-06T06:57:00.001-07:00

Q: How do I know what kind and how much cane mesh do I need?

A: Pre-woven Cane comes in several styles and sizes. If the cane is a pattern with small octagon openings: measure the distance from the left side of 1 vertical strand to the right side of the next corresponding vertical strand - it should measure 3/8" (superfine open), 1/2" (fine open) or 5/8" (medium open).
Fine Box has small square openings and Close Woven has no spaces between the strands of cane.

You need to add 2 inches to each direction. Ex: if the opening of the wood measures 12" x 12" you should order a piece of cane that is 14" x 14".
New cane will not match the color of the old pieces still on the chairs, so you have to either redo all at the same time, or stain the new ones to match the old. If staining, use multiple thin coats until you like the color. Stain the top and bottom of the cane.

Tip of the Week - Mellowing Materials

2010-04-22T07:59:00.000-07:00

Mellow a Material
Q: I want to work with cattails, the directions say to "mellow the cattails". What does this mean?

A: Mellowing is a way to make a material flexible without saturating it with water.

Lay cattails out on a plastic sheet and sprinkle them with water (or very quickly dip them into water), wrap the plastic around them and let them sit until they feel flexible. Cattails become waterlogged very easily and they will swell. This produces a loose product after they dry. Mellowing adds just enough water to become flexible.

Other materials can also benefit from mellowing.

The twisted natural grass rush should be dipped in warm/hot water and wrapped in a damp towel until the moisture seeps into the center and becomes flexible.

Try this with dyed reed to help keep the color from running.

Many natural materials like grasses and pine needles also benefit from mellowing.

Tip of the Week - Weaving Table

2010-04-09T07:02:00.000-07:00

Our weaving table is wonderful for starting spoked bottom and double spoked bottom baskets. The table is 14" square with a 1" square grid marking. The grid also has 1" apart circles for measuring the rows of twining.
The spokes are laid out in a pin wheel fashion and a T-pin is inserted into the center and through the hole in the weaving table to hold them all in place. Then you can begin twining and be sure that all the spokes are spaced evenly. The table is mounted on a ball-bearing base so it spins as you work.
The surface of the table is treated with a waterproof finish.
The weaving table can also be used for laying out square or rectangle bases, no measuring, just use the 1" grid markings.
The table also works great for slotted bases. You can turn the the weaving table, instead of turning the base,while weaving the first couple of rows, without knocking any of the stakes out of the groove.

Click here to purchase a Weaving Table.

When working on a spoked bottom basket. If it is hard to get the T-pin through the reed spokes, turn the table over and tap the T-pin through the reed with a small hammer. Once the tip of the T-pin is through the reed, you can place the pin into the center hole of the weaving table. This way you will not put extra holes into the weaving surface.

Summer is coming

2010-03-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

While spring has just sprung in our area, it's not too early to think about summer and what to do with the kids on those lazy summer days.

Weaving a construction paper basket:

Cut strips of construction or water color paper 1/2" wide by at least 14" long.

Using 2 colors will give the checkerboard effect seen in the photo.

Lay out a base of 12 spokes by 12 spokes, weaving over 1 / under 1. The horizontal spokes are all the same color, the verticle spokes are all the 2nd color.

Now you have a woven base with 4 sides, each side will have one color of spokes extending away from the base.

Gather all the spokes from one side. Bend them upwards and fan them so they are wider at the base and all the ends come together. Staple or glue and clamp the ends.

Repeat this on the other three sides.

Take 4 more strips of paper (2 groups of 2) and attach to opposite corners to make a handle that crosses in the center.

Form a bow with paper strips and attach to center of handles.

Let you imagination go to work. There are many ways this little basket can be altered and embellished.

Tip of the Week ~ Mitered Corners

2010-03-19T07:13:00.000-07:00

Mitered Corners
Q: The last direction in making the base says "Using 1/4 flat, miter the base." We're not sure what "miter" means.

A: To "mitre or miter" a base is basically the same idea as twining the base. When you twine you use round reed, when you mitre you use flat reed.. It is merely a way of locking the spokes into place before turning up the sides and it also adds another 1/2" to the width and length measurements..

Simply weave over/under the spokes, when you get to a corner, you will "mitre" the reed, simply fold it over itself so the opposite side is up. Continue weaving over/under. Make the fold or right angle at each corner. You must select a "nice" piece of reed as two sides of the basket will have the right side out, two sides will have the wrong side out. However, since it is on the base, it is not that important.

This is also called a "locking row".

2010-03-12T12:14:00.000-08:00

Just released - Vladimir Yarish's first DVD. Lesson 1 is the small Square-to-Round basket, the foundation basket. Get your copy at the introductory price of $9.95. DVD Lesson 1 Square-to-round birch bark basket

Tip of the Week - What is Chicken Track?

2010-03-12T12:12:00.000-08:00

Chicken Track
Q: A pattern I want to try calls for chicken track around a base where filler reed was placed, what is the chicken track.?

A: "Chicken Track" is merely one of several terms for the design that is created when filler spokes are split down the middle and tucked under a stake to each side rather than being turned back upon themselves (this forms a "V" shape). The term was most likely first applied by someone who knows the design chickens make in the mud. It is also referred to as: chicken feet, crow's feet & henscratch.

Tip of the Week - Tucking Stakes

2010-03-04T14:15:00.000-08:00

Tucking stakes is my least favorite part of weaving a flat reed basket (I think that's why my favorite style of weaving is round reed, the rims are so much fun!).
In case you feel the same way. here are some tips and tools to make it go faster.
Cutting the inside stakes flush with the last row of weaving (the rim row).
If the stakes are dry, rewet all stakes with a wet (but not dripping) sponge. You want to rewet the stakes but not drip or spray water all over your basket, especially if you have wooden handles or bases.
Use the Plato Shear to cut off the stakes. If the stake is wide, cut 1/2 way through the stake, bend the cut part back and cut the rest of the way through.

Tucking the stakes into the inside rows of weaving:

Bend a stake down to the inside of your basket. I hold the basket so I am reaching across the basket and looking directly at the spot where it will be tucked. Eyeball or mark where it needs to be cut off (a general rule is to tuck a stake behind 2-3 rows of weaving). I then let the stake stand up and cut all the other stakes to the same height (double check afterwards by bending them down). Cut off the tip of each corner with the Basket Shear. This will allow the stake to slide down easier as well as hide it from view on the outside.

Now the stakes are ready to be tucked. Using the Weaverite tool letter B or D (B is shown in pictures), slide the tool behind the first row of weaving, using the tool to make space between the upright stake and the row of weaving and push the stake down into the space. Move the tool to behind the 2nd row of weaving and push the stake the rest of the way down. I give a final push on the top of the stake to make sure it is as far down as it will go.

After all the stakes have been tucked, remember to check the outside of the basket to make sure the stakes are all inline and not out to one side or the other. If they are out of line, push then into place with the tip of the Weaverite tool letter B.

If any of the tops of your tucked stakes look like this:

trim them with the Plato Shear.

If you treat tucking stakes like an assembly line and use the right tools, it will go a little faster.

happy weaving

How to Make Baskets 1-10 book series

2010-02-17T12:16:00.000-08:00

We are proud to announce that we are the owners and distributors of the

How to Make Baskets 1-10 series of instruction books written by well-known author Lyn Siler.

All ten books are in print and available for immediate purchase.

The entire series is being revised as reprinting becomes necessary and the cover price is eliminated on all revised books (suggested retail price: $4.00). We hope that you will like the new, easier-to-read type style, clarified directions, and consistency throughout the series.

As of now, books 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, and 10 have been revised.

This softcover series covers classic as well as innovative designs. Each book contains instructions for three baskets (as well as additional sizing variations for some of the baskets).

To receive discounted pricing, the minimum order is six copies of one book.

Titles may be assorted to reach each level of quantity discounts.

6-12 copies $2.40 each

13-50 copies $2.10 each

51-100 copies $1.65 each

101-200 copies $1.55 each

201+ copies $1.48 each

Terms: Net – 15

FOB Kempton, PA

Shipped via UPS

For any questions, please contact us at weaving@countryseat.com.

2010-02-02T12:51:00.000-08:00

New Micro clips - 10 per pack $3.95 each.
1-1/8" long x 1/4" opening
Perfect for working on miniatures, pounded ash and birch bark.
Micro Clamps in Online Catalog

Lashing with Cane

2010-01-16T07:27:00.000-08:00

Tip of the Week ~
Lashing with Cane

When lashing with natural or bleached cane (or weaving a cane seat) look for the tiny nodules along the length. These nodules are where the thorns were removed (cane is the bark of the rattan plant, reed comes from the core of the plant). The cane should ALWAYS be pulled though with the high side of the nodules coming first. If it is pulled in the other direction, the nodules can catch and may rip or shred the cane.

On Facebook too!

2010-01-12T13:09:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year

2010-01-07T11:57:00.000-08:00

So far so good as we enter the new year but it sure is cold in a lot of places. Good weaving weather. This Tip of the Week will cover one of my favorite tools.

Tip of the Week ~

One of my favorite tools is our Basket Shear.
The Original (Gardencut Bonsai) Basket Shear has solid red soft flex handles with incredibly sharp and strong, carbon-steel blades. Made in Japan. 2" blades, 8" overall length.

These shears will cut the thickest reed, harvest naturals or trim the thinnest hairs. Great for general household use ~ Bonsai, cutting flowers, trimming shrubs, small branches, etc. (only good for ribbon and soft materials when they are new). Stays sharp and lasts for years. Don't be fooled by cheaply made shears.

These shears make work easy. When they begin to dull, I sharpen them on a sharpening stone. A professional sharpening will make them like new.

I have cut down small trees with these shears. It takes several cuts, but for me they work much better than pruning shears. I keep a pair in the house, in the car, in the shop, etc. Love them!

Keeping Spokes in Place while Weaving Slotted Bases

2009-12-28T12:08:00.000-08:00

Tip of the Week ~
Take a look at the slotted base before you soak your spokes. If the slot is very narrow, put you spokes into the slot while they are dry. If you soak them, they may not fit.
Take a wet sponge (almost dripping) and run the sponge over the good side of the reed (less snagging on the good side) up to the edge of the base.
Weave as usual.

If the slot is wide, go ahead and soak your spokes. Take them out of the water and wrap them in a towel to remove excess water.
If you are using a Weaving Table or Lazy Susan table (see previous post) you can just insert the spokes and begin weaving. I find that the Weaving Table is all I need to have control over the spokes.
BUT, if they still slide around too much for you, then try these ideas.
1) Place a tiny piece of twist tie over the end of the spoke and insert the spoke all the way into the base. Make sure that the twist tie is short enough so that it does not show. (Thanks to Venie Hinson for sharing this trick - see http://www.countryseat.com/basketclasses.htm#hinson - for Venie's spring class dates)
2) Put all your spokes in place and wrap a thin piece of string or a small size of round reed around the base and pull tight so that it slides into the slot, wedging the spokes in place.
3) Cut your spokes a little longer than the pattern calls for and bend the end over, crimping (squeezing) it together with a pair of pliers (bentnose pliers). Insert this crimped end into the slot.

If your spokes are still moving around A LOT after the first 3-5 rows are woven, they may be too far apart (you have too few spokes). You should have about 1/4" space between spokes when starting to weave. The first rows of a slotted base should be woven with a small size (3mm flat oval, 11/64" or 3/16" flat or flat ovals or twine with #2 round reed, etc.). After 3-6 rows of a smaller size, you can begin to use a larger size or work up to it with several rows of 1/4" or 7mm and then a wider size.

Remember - tension is what holds everything together when working with slotted bases. The first several rows must be woven tight up against the base and be very snug. No loose or sloppy weaving or your basket may not hold together correctly.

Slotted bases are a lot of fun once you become comfortable working with them. Try some of our patterns or kits - low shopper kit, beginner twill basket, color-blocked cabinboy basket pattern, mini shopping basket pattern, there are many, many more - try searching our online catalog with "slotted base" and then narrow the search by clicking on the Books, Patterns & Magazines link in the results.

Happy Holidays & Happy New Year

2009-12-28T11:39:00.000-08:00

Whatever holidays you celebrate this year - we hope they are fun and filled with good friends and family! And plenty of time to weave :o)

Pine Needle Basketry Book available in softcover

2009-12-23T10:36:00.000-08:00

NOW IN STOCK and ready to ship - Judy Mallow's book: Pine Needle Basketry - From Forest Floor to Finished Project, now in softcover - Pine Needle Basketry - Softcover. Not yet available in stores - get it here first!

Weaving with Slotted Bases

2009-12-17T12:46:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays!
We're almost in the home stretch. Hope everyone has all their gifts woven. I'm working on the last one but also trying to keep up with the Shopper basket sales at Wanamakers General Store.

Tip of the Week -
Here is a tip for working with slotted wooden bases ( http://catalog.countryseat.com/slottedbasesanddividers.aspx ).
Put your base on a Weaving Table ( http://catalog.countryseat.com/woodenweavingtable.aspx ) or other revolving (Lazy Susan) board. When you begin weaving you can rotate the Weaving Table instead of rotating the base itself. This will help to keep your spokes from dragging on your worktable and pulling themselves out of position.
You can also use the grids (drawn on the surface of the Weaving Table) to line up and space the spokes.

More next week on keeping the spokes under control while weaving the first several rows on a slotted wooden base!

2009-12-10T07:28:00.000-08:00

Well, time to make this blog a reality. We are now working with DSL and life is sweet. The page needed to post the blog took ages to load with dial up so I had given up. We're caught up with the times (at least for the moment :o) so it's back to posting for real now.

Tip of the Week
What to do with "bad" reed.
What makes a bad piece of reed? This answer will vary from person to person.

Some times reed is just plain bad. It might be cut unevenly, hairy, thick and thin in the same piece, just awful. Do you throw it away? NO. Save it for the last row of weaving (the rim row) that goes under the rim. This row is only used for support, it never shows, so it does not matter what this piece of reed looks like.

Keep in mind that reed is cut using very simple machines. To learn more about basket reed and how it is processed, please visit our Basketry Reed Page at: http://www.countryseat.com/basketryreed.htm#reed .

While one person is unhappy because their last coil of reed was all too thin/thick for their needs, the next person has been searching for that kind of reed.

Many times a coil of reed will contain some pieces that are stiff/thick and some that are flexible/thin. This is great, you have a variety of pieces to choose from for your project.

Save those thin/flexible pieces for things like: lashing, starting and ending a basket, weaving small baskets, special projects like twill or cat's head baskets, plaited ornaments, etc.

Save the stiffer/thicker pieces for rims (There is no reason why you can't use flat reed for rims, it looks great. Works best on smaller baskets. Wrap the flat reed at least twice around the basket for the outside rim to give extra strength.). Weaving in the middle of the basket where the spokes/staves are farthest apart or weaving from the middle to the top of a basket that flares outward as it increases in height (like a wastebasket) is a great place to use stiffer reeds. Save the stiffer pieces for stakes/staves.

Never let your weaver distort or bend your spokes/staves (unless you want a certain look or are creating an art piece, these could be exceptions). If you cannot pack your rows tightly against each other, your weaver may be too stiff and/or your spokes/staves too thin. Take out that reed and find thinner pieces.

You should feel each piece before you pull it out of the coil and put it in the water. If it feels very stiff and you need something flexible, put it aside. It will only become flexible to a point after soaking. It will not magically become a super flexible piece of reed if you leave it in the water for an hour. That's way too long. 5- 10 minutes is more than plenty for any flat reed. The longer you leave reed in the water the worse the quality becomes.

Do you need lots of thick/stiff or thin/flexible pieces of reed for a particular project? Let us know when you place the order. We can't guarantee 100% that all the pieces will be what you want, but we will look at each coil as we pull your order. Sometimes it obvious. Example: if you are weaving backpacks with 3/8" flat oval weavers. This is a very important time to check the thickness of your weaver. Too stiff and your backpack will become distorted. Tell us you are ordering weaving or rim flat oval and we will pick thinner or thicker reeds for you.

happy weaving & happy holidays
Angie

Valentine's Day Snow

2007-02-15T09:51:00.000-08:00

Well, so much for New Year's resolutions.

I hope everyone else is doing better than I am with their resolutions. I guess anytime is a good time to start something new so here I go again.

We hope everyone had a sweet Valentine's Day and that you were home safe and warm with your sweetie. Valentine's Day brought us the first real snow of this winter and it was a doozy of a storm. November, December and half of January were very warm and pleasant this year. Then the cold hit and it was COLD. With wind chills in the teens, we were hoping for an early spring. The groundhog did not see his shadow so everyone was hopeful until yesterday. The snow started Tuesday night and with the temperature so low it was a fine, powdery snow. Pretty pleasant. Late Valentine's Day morning the freezing rain really began and it rained hard for a while. That's all it takes to turn all the snow to slush. The rain turned back to snow for a couple more hours. Now we are left with a heavy, icy mat. Areas that are plowed have turned to ice. As soon as the slush that was underneath hit the 8 degree temperature it froze. Many of the highways have been shut down since yesterday and people stuck in their cars overnight. The National Guard came this morning to bring food and water to the people stuck on I-78 overnight. We heard they had a good football game going in the middle of the highway. We're thankful that we can walk to work and we were home and warm last night.

Our driveway and parking lot are being "plowed" by a front end loader as I type this but we've canceled tomorrow's Open Weave due to the icy road conditions. We hope that you will join us for the March 23rd Open Weave. Bring your friends and have fun weaving in our classroom! We're happy to help you work on new techniques or get you past the section that has you stumped.

Don't forget the February specials - all Easy Country Basket kits and Wire shapes with Hearts (includes cupid and love bird wires!).

I'll call it a day and save our other news to post in the next couple of days.
Happy Weaving!

2007-01-09T11:21:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year
We hope that everyone had a safe and happy holiday season. We also hope that anyone who received your basket or weaving gift was appreciative and understood its value.

Now that the craziness is over we are back to work and getting ready for the year ahead. Watch for exciting new products, patterns and "Ready to Weave"™ kits. The 2007 class schedule is posted as well as Maggie Silva's Nantucket basket choices for her April classes. Maggie teaches everything Nantucket from traditional to contemporary, beginner to advanced. There are many new choices this year. Maggie will also be bringing several copies of her 2007 Nantucket calendar. You don't want to miss this striking Nantucket calendar. Big, beautiful, full color Nantuckets, one for each month. Our copy is hanging in the shop. Don't miss out!

One of my New Year's resolutions is to post more in our Blog! So keep checking back and post your comments or drop us an e-mail.
Happy Weaving!

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-11-24T07:05:00.000-08:00

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. We had a yummy turkey and all the trimmings. We ate so much yesterday that everyone was moving a little slowly this morning.
The shop is open today and Saturday, so stop on by so you can get started weaving those holiday baskets.
We have several new kits that would make great holiday presents, or try one yourself. The Doorknob kits are part of a new line of "ready to weave" kits. No prep time needed. The spokes are pre-cut and the kit includes dyed reed for the accent rows. Choose from Navy blue or maroon.
Happy Weaving!

Last three classes of 2006.

2006-11-14T13:26:00.000-08:00

This is it, the last three classes of 2006 and your last chance of the year to learn how to make some great ornaments and baskets perfect for gift giving.

The melon basket is a classic and something everyone should learn how to weave.

The 4 ornaments Swedish Star, Reindeer, Puffy Heart and Winter Snowflake) make good gifts and look great on the top of a wrapped package.

The Mini Square Bean Pot Basket is easy to fill with small extras and makes a great hostess gift. The unusual lashing technique and cute mini bean pot handle make it unique.

Visit www.countryseat.com for the dates and registration forms.

We are currently working on our 2007 class schedule.
Let us know what types of baskets you'd like to make!