Expert: Renee Aun - 11/10/2008

Question
As very much an amateur, I am trying to help some girls who want to learn about basketry and complete some requirement to receive a patch.  We are stumped on two of the terms:

Weaver singeing - Does that mean burning off the extra little fibers that are sticking out after the basket is finished?

Crushing - no clue really - what does crushing mean in basket making?

Thank you so much for your help!

Answer
Hi Lisa,

The only crushing I'm familiar with is what happens to fruit if carried in a basket that has been made too deep. That's why a lot of fruit baskets are wide and shallow. I've also heard of willow baskets that used to be made with false bottoms so fruit could be carried in two layers without crushing.

There is a term CRAM; which can be used as a noun - a sharpened stake turned down at right angles. sometimes used in finishing a willow border. Or as a verb: to insert a sharpened stake that is turned down at right angle and tap down with an iron.

Singeing is burning off the "hairs" of the cane after the basket is complete.

I hope that helps.

Warm Regards,
Renee Aun
http://www.chumleyandstellas.com