Date and time: Saturday, November 9, 2024. 9am-12pm PDT

Location: Online via Zoom. Registrants will receive a Zoom link via email.

Cost: $25 ($15 Guild fee plus $10 for electronic handout). Note: Registration is open to CBBG members only; if you are not a Guild member but would like to become one, click here.

Skill level: Familiarity with full-turn twining and experience with at least one Sally bag will make this class meaningful. Those without experience may attend but may have difficulty following the discussion.

Instructor: Barbara Kommer

Please have on hand: Flat ruler and calculator.

Description: This is an online, 3-hour workshop for those who are familiar with full-turn twining and, preferably, have made at least one Sally bag. Class will be presentation and discussion; we will not weave.

Creating a Sally bag begins with your design and materials. But then what?

How does design drive warp and row count, and overall size? How long should I make my warps? Which start/base works best with my materials?

In this short concept class, you will learn how to design and size a bag using your preferred materials.

We will explore the benefits of using a spreadsheet program as your design “graph paper.”

We also will discuss the Native American origins of these bags, which were used for root gathering.

There should be time for troubleshooting, as well, so bring your projects and questions.

PLEASE NOTE: (1) There will be a pre-class, on-your-own assignment of about 45 minutes that the instructor will send to registrants. (2) We will NOT be weaving in this class; we only will be examining processes for design and planning.

The last day to register for this class is October 30, 2024. You may cancel your registration and be refunded by October 30, 2024. To cancel your registration, email ColumbiaBasinBasketryGuild@gmail.com. Cancellations after October 30 are non-refundable.

If you have any questions about this class, you may email ColumbiaBasinBasketryGuild@gmail.com

To register for this class, click “add to cart” below.

About Your Instructor: Barbara Kommer says, “I came to weaving through my interest in and appreciation for Native American basketry. Sally bags were woven by the Columbia Plateau people as root gathering bags. Makers created designs on these cylindrical, soft-sided baskets by using two different colored weavers, which they gave a “full turn” as they twined. I use this same technique, with my own designs, to create contemporary vessels. And, like the Native basket makers, I weave free hand without a mold or form. Most of my bags are made of Pendleton wool yarn weavers and hemp twine spokes.”