Priscilla Juniors’ Basketry Book
Both publications about basketry, a useful occupation for children in kindergarten and also for adults who might want to make their kitchen and laundry containers themselves rather than buying them off Amazon. We hear a lot about plastic getting in everywhere these days, so there’s no guarantee that your materials will be entirely plastic-free, but it’ll be as close as you can get to all-natural.
Of course, basket making is easier to pick up as hobby when you have the materials at hand, such as reed or grass growing nearby. Here in the lowlands the willows need to be pruned every year or so, and there’s lots of suitable bendy twigs around. Other materials might be used as well, even vines or pine needles, or even paper strips. These two publications will get you started on the basic techniques no matter your age.
N-LP004 Fitzgerald, Sallie G. – Priscilla Juniors’ Basketry Book
Softcover stapled, 32 pages not including covers. Dated 1914. Lessons from Kindergarten to sixth grade, starting with raffia braiding and ending with reed work. Baskets, doll parasol, card tray, doll hammock, small bags, pin wheel, napkin ring, needlebook and many other small and sometimes useful items. The raffia loom and sewing card for beginners are also illustrated.
From the collection of Luann Pfost, scanned by Seya Wijnsma-Spek, edited by Sytske Wijnsma.
C-JA001 Priscilla’s Special Service Sheet – No. 30
Rattan or reed woven basket instructions. Single sheet, printed on both sides. Explanations and illustrations of six fundamental weaves and how to make a simple border, commercial border, and flat plaited border.
Scans donated and edited by Judith Adele.