Basket Weaving: Beginning and Beyond
Benedictines have a long tradition of having artisans in the monastery. This is because of how a craftsperson lives out the Benedictine motto of ‘ora et labora,’ prayer and work. Rather than thinking of prayer and work as being separate tasks that occur throughout the day, art’s contemplative nature provides an opportunity to engage with both simultaneously. Basket weaving classes, therefore, are a way in which participants can encounter this monastic tradition while also being able to bring it into their contemporary lives.
Participants in this set of basket weaving classes will learn the fundamentals of weaving a twined-style basket. Initial projects will be smaller in scale so that they can be used as references for later projects. After the first project is completed, class time will also be spent discussing topics such as color theory, pattern generation, and proportions. Although it is not required, it is highly encouraged for participants to work on their projects outside of class time. All skill levels are welcome to take the class.
After completing the first set of classes, participants have the option to register again to learn more intermediate and advanced techniques. The information covered will be more directed by an individual’s project ideas. Some of the topics discussed may include expanding and contracting shapes, adding either a foot or handle to a vessel, different types of weaves, different types of patterns, and weaving patterns with more than two colors.
Cost:
$80 Instruction
$65 Materials
Total: $145
Materials: (These will be provided by the teacher.)
First-time participants will receive the following:
-1 lb. of Ruby Italian Twine
-3 oz. ball of variegated cotton yarn, Gauge: 4, medium worsted
-Shears
-Set of Tapestry Needles, size 16, large eye, blunt point
-18 in. ruler
-Tote bag
Participants who have completed at least one full set of classes will instead receive their choice of either:
-5 lb. of Ruby Italian Twine
OR
-Reference books:
Complete Book of Basketry Techniques, by Sally Goymer and Sue Wright
A Dictionary of Color Combinations Vol. 1, by Sanzo Wada
Symmetry: The Ordering Principle, by David Wade
Proportions: In Art & Architecture, by Michael Schneider
Dates for Classes:
June Monday Mornings
June 2, 9, 16, 23
9am-11am
June Monday Afternoons
June 2, 9, 16, 23
1:30pm-3:30pm
June Friday Mornings
June 6, 13, 20, 27
9am-11am
September Monday Mornings
September 8, 15, 22, 29
9am-11am
September Monday Afternoons
September 8, 15, 22, 29
1:30pm-3:30pm
October Monday Mornings
October 6, 13, 20, 27
9am-11am
October Monday Afternoons
October 6, 13, 20, 27
1:30pm-3:30pm
Class Drop Policy:
If a participant has missed one class, they will be asked whether they want to attend a make-up class.
If a participant has missed two class periods, they will be contacted via phone and email asking whether they want to drop the class or move their registration to a different set of class meetings.
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