This gathering basket is a traditional rib style basket made from cultivated willow grown on my farm in Ohio County, Kentucky. The basket was started on a dried oval rim of willow. There is Siberian Iris cordage woven through one side of the basket. The Inkle woven strap is a Baltic style pick up pattern woven with wool and 8/2 cotton. It is braided at each end, knotted and attached to the sides of the basket with a leather thong. It is a joy to pair the willow weaving with Inkle weaving.
Vicki Hast
Every 1 2024 / May 7, 2024
Willow gather with Inkle strap
H: 9" | W: 10" | D: 6"
Photo by artist
Vicki Hast
Owensboro, KY
As a long time basket maker, over the last 10 years my main pursuit has been willow basketry and white oak basketry. Having planted my own sustainable willow bed on the farm in Ohio County, Kentucky, and having white oak timber available, I am able to connect with these basketmaking materials on a deeply intimate level. Along with harvesting the cultivated willow and white oak for use in my baskets, I forage for bittersweet vine on the nearby walking trail, comb the Kentucky Lake shoreline for driftwood, cut Siberian iris from my friend’s garden for making cordage, and harvest red bud branches for basket forms. I have recently incorporated inkle woven straps into my basketry. My love of basketry and Inkle weaving harken back to the long summer days of my youth sitting in the city park shelter making potholders on a loom or knotting lanyards with plastic cord. I find great joy in creating finished pieces that reflect my craftsmanship, patience, and unique personal style.