This is an online, 3-session workshop. 

This traditional root harvesting bag was often taken out across the semi-arid desert to be filled with bitterroot during spring harvest. Today we use it for much more. This basket starts with a plaited base secured in place with reverse twining. An emphasis on tension and shaping, hidden splicing, and smooth spoke additions while perfecting the reverse twine will be emphasized throughout the project. As you weave up the sides of your bag the beautiful two-colored pattern emerges. The basket is finished with a twined down rim. Hemp cord and wool yarn are the primary materials for this project. Pre-prepared dogbane fibers are woven in a single row near the rim to honor the traditions and early material these baskets were made from. 

Registration is open to CBBG members only. Last day to register is February 22. You may cancel your registration and be refunded by February 22. Cancellations after February 22 are non-refundable.

Dates and times: Tuesday evenings: March 2, 9, and 16, 6-8 pm Pacific Time. 

Location: Online. Registrants will receive Zoom information.

Number of students: 12

Skill level: All are welcome.

Cost: $77 ($30 Guild fee plus $47 for materials and shipping). 

Please have on hand: Sharp scissors, small weave-rite packing tool, at least four small clips, measuring tape. We recommends participants use their smartphone as a camera on their work, using a DIY camera stand. Full directions are online where you register. For the camera stand you will need:

• A smartphone

• Two tall bottles full (wine, Martinelli bottles, 2 liter pop, etc.)

• Yard stick or other similar flat piece

• Tape to hold the yard stick on top of the bottles

• Rubber bands to hold the phone

A work light helps to get light on your weaving while under the camera.

PDF here

Registration is online at www.basketryguild.org/calendar. The last day to register is Monday, February 22. No refunds after registration closes. 

When this offering is sold out, we will take names for a wait list until February 22. To add your name, email ColumbiaBasinBasketryGuild@gmail.com with the name of the class and your contact information.

About Karen Sherwood
Karen began her basket weaving journey creating purposeful containers useful for wilderness survival. The materials she used were efficiently prepared after gathered from forests or field. Over the last 35 years Karen’s understanding of natural materials along with her refinement of weaving techniques has allowed a greater understanding of the enormous skill possessed by early  basket makers.  She carries a passion for exploring historic basketry techniques and styles and brings this to her work by harvesting and preparing her own materials.

Karen teaches ethnobotany programs with the Washington State Department of Ecology. She leads basketry classes throughout the county and as well as other earth centered programs through Earthwalk Northwest, a wilderness school she and her husband founded.