Expert: Carol Antrim - 10/3/2004

Question
I bought a large amount of reed a few years ago. I have not used it for several years, but  I made a basket and it looks fine, but it was difficut to work with, as the reed, even after soaking, was very brittle.  Is there something that I can soak the reed in that will make it easier to work with after all these years?  Thanks,  Shirley

Answer
Hi Shirley,
 
Sorry I didn't answer sooner, I just got home about an hour ago from The Basket Gathering in Ohio...great weekend, great classes, and I'm pooped!  Can't wait til next year.

I've never found anything that worked to restore the flexibility of the reed, have tried glycerin, dish detergent and also fabric softener at different times with no success although others have sworn by one or another of those things.  I'm wondering if wood treatments for something like bows would work, though I'm not really sure that's a consideration for bows even.  I know the basket material suppliers have nothing they recommend so whoever comes up with the magic formula stands a chance of making a tidy sum.

I have thrown old brittle reed away because even if I could carefully weave a basket with it, I would be concerned with it breaking under use anyway...but since you have completed a basket all ready, I suggest treating it with some fine wood working oil and hope it will protect your basket as it does your fine furniture...keep in mind reed is a form of wood product so it should benefit from wood treatments.

Happy weaving,
Carol