About Carol Antrim Expertise I can answer most questions about basketry techniques, and how to or where to find instructions/instructors. Also most questions about the materials used in basketry, either preparation and/or sources. I cannot answer questions regarding value or appraisal of baskets. Nor can I address questions about locating cheap wholesale baskets for gift basket businesses, or how to fill such baskets or conduct such businesses.
Experience I have been weaving baskets since 1986. Studied with Native American basket makers from several Woodland tribes as well as with teachers from coast to coast and Canada,Japan and Russia. Have taught basketry in Indiana, Ohio, New York, Montana, Michigan and Tennessee. Had acceptances in shows and won awards in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, including purchase awards to the permanent collection at Minnetrista Cultural Center. Twice had baskets at the Indiana Governor's residence in the Indiana Arts and Artist Program, and was in 'Innovation--Baskets and Beyond' an invitational at The Firehouse Gallery in Damariscotta, Maine in 1999. My work can be viewed at http://cantrimbaskets.com/
Organizations Member of the Virtual Basketmakers Guild http://home.sprynet.com/~cpantrim/
and the Indiana Basketmakers Association http://www.indianabasketmakers.com/
Expert: Carol Antrim Date: 4/28/2001 Subject: Rib Baskets
Question I have been doing Basketweaving for two years. My question is, How do you determine how many ribs to use? Is there a formula? Or do you just guess? Thank you for your time.
Answer Hi Elizabeth,
My rule of thumb for Rib Baskets is "No more than a thumb width apart." My object is to have the ribs no further apart than the width of my thumb at the widest point of the basket. But this may vary up to 2 thumbs on big baskets where I have used big materials. Experiment until you find measurements you are comfortable with, some basketmakers say 3/4" to 1 1/2 " are acceptable. The closer the ribs are together the firmer the basket will be, the father apart, the looser it will be. None of it is "guess work" but most of it is "by sight." For instance, I don't measure the ribs but rather stick one end of the rib material in place, curve it so it follows the basket outline and cut it at the other end where it is to be placed. I am constantly checking the outline of the basket as I weave, making sure the shape is a smooth line, some ribs may have to be eased in a little farther, some out a bit. . Most of the rib patterns written with specific measurements were first woven "by sight" and then the individual components were measured. RIB BASKETRY by Jane Turner Finley has lots of good patterns and instructions that may help you further.
