July
Knotless-Netted Baskets, from Top to Bottom
with Kathryn Rousso
Zoom Workshop Wednesday, July 21, 2021, 10am – 12:30pm PDT
Fee: $55 ($40 for TAC members: check your email for discount promo code) Deadline to register: TBD
Learn how to make a small basket using the technique of looping or knotless-netting. This project starts at the top and works downwards, with several decorative options for the rim. Simple and figure-eight varieties will be taught.
As TAC’ s second knotless netting workshop, this will serve as an introduction to the technique for new students, and will build on the previous workshop for returning students (simple-looping to figure-eight looping). This new workshop introduces a new way to make a basket by starting at the top, rather than the bottom. Different rim decorative ideas will be taught, including braiding.
Knotless netting or looping, a method used to make net bags, is one of the earliest textile techniques used around the world. Two regions known for net bags are the Pacific (Australia, Papua New Guinea and Irian Jaya) and Latin America (Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador and Paraguay). Bolsa, morral, chácara, shigra and bilum are some of their local names.
There will be a follow-up session, for questions and project sharing, on Saturday, 7/24 from 9am-10am.
Skill level: Beginner to Advanced
Materials and Supplies: Scissors, a large eye, blunt tip needles, stiff cordage (such as waxed linen, wire, waxed cotton — really anything except yarn). Also something to make a ring, such as reed, wire, or even a pre-made hoop, no more than 5” across.
Please note: This workshop is open to all. There is a discounted workshop price for members of the Textile Arts Council.
Kathryn Rousso learned how to make net bags as a Fulbright scholar affiliated with the Museo Ixchel del Traje Indigena in Guatemala. She expanded her research in Honduras, El Salvador, Panama and Colombia. Extensive textile explorations in Indonesia also added to her knowledge. She creates her contemporary baskets using these techniques.
Examples of larger knotless-netted baskets:
Photos courtesy of Kathryn Rousso.