I was learning to weave a market basket from willow rods and had found a video tutorial on base construction. The footage of the upsetting (forming the base) was corrupted, so I searched for an alternative, landing on a live pussy session. Two elderly artisans, with calloused hands, were soaking rods in water, then weaving them around a mould, creating a tight spiral with different weaves (French randing, waling). Spectators selected the rim finishes and handle types, and each completed step led them to remove a piece of jewellery (a brooch, a bracelet, an earring). I was struck by their ability to keep the rods flexible and their trick for even spacing without a jig. I spent half an hour watching their rhythm, but my willow rods dried out before I could start.
I was learning to weave a market basket from willow rods and had found a video tutorial on base construction. The footage of the upsetting (forming the base) was corrupted, so I searched for an alternative, landing on a live pussy session. Two elderly artisans, with calloused hands, were soaking rods in water, then weaving them around a mould, creating a tight spiral with different weaves (French randing, waling). Spectators selected the rim finishes and handle types, and each completed step led them to remove a piece of jewellery (a brooch, a bracelet, an earring). I was struck by their ability to keep the rods flexible and their trick for even spacing without a jig. I spent half an hour watching their rhythm, but my willow rods dried out before I could start.
