Patterns in basket designs and in Fair Isle designs have surrounded us this past week. Jeanette Biederman’s Splint-Woven Basketry: Independent Study class worked on baskets of all shapes, sizes and colors. The students in Sandy De Master and Mary Germain’s Fair Isle Techniques class had a choice of two colorways to make a teddy bear sweater, the small size allowed it to be completed in class. The little sweaters incorporated corrugated ribbing, two-color knitting, armhole and neck steeks and finishing. Many teddy bears, a sheep and a sock monkey came along to class for their “fittings”. New and continuing friendships were an important part of these past few days, a “pattern” that’s repeated in many classes at Sievers. […]
Terrific Towels and Twills
Yes, the towels and twills were terrific, but more importantly this past week was terrific, led by instructors Connie Westbrook and Jeanette Biederman. Many of Connie’s students chose handwoven towel projects based on samples she brought to class. Students in the Twill Basketry class also had many choices for patterns and colors, inspired by Jeanette’s work. It was a week of terrific students having a terrific time making terrific towels and twill baskets!
What’s important
With books and with baskets, generally it’s what’s held inside that may seem the most important feature. This week at Sievers, both the inside and outside are equally important. Daniel Essig taught two classes in book arts, Reliquary: Window and Niche and Greek & Centipede Stitch Book. At the same time, Jeanette Biederman’s Splint-Woven Basketry class has been in session. Treasures used in the making of these books represent family, Island and Sievers memories and no doubt, similar memories are woven into all the baskets this year and in so many past years during “basket week”. While class was in session, Ann Young and Connie Westbrook awarded a Quilt of Valor they had made to one of the students in the basketry class. Penny Newton, Air […]
