We recently made a slideshow of Katherine weaving a willow log basket. She was commissioned to make four of these for the historic artisans of Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, MA. They are using them as general work baskets so Katherine added a ‘foot’ onto the baskets for better wear. Steve added a little music so it might be enjoyable even if you’re not a basket geek.
Category Archives: baskets
The Mistress bicycle basket panniers
Katherine made this pair of bicycle panniers last November. They were a custom order for Ben Ferencz at Freeman Transport, who hand build bikes in Missoula, Montana. Ben wanted a pair of willow baskets for a tandem bike.
Ben sent us a Freeman rack so that Katherine could figure out attachment using willow and leather straps.
They also wanted these to be picnic baskets, so Katherine added a removable cutting board on the inside of one lid. The lids are held on by a leather strap and buckle on each end.
Here’s what the basket panniers looked like on an old bike we have with the Freeman rack tied on. They looked great even on this old beater, but it was going to be a pleasure to see them on a hand built tandem.
We knew the baskets were going to be mounted on a special tandem that Freeman was building, but we didn’t know who the actual customer was. Ben had briefly mentioned the name Mistress. We had no idea that Mistress was a “creative agency” in Venice, CA. It was kind of amusing to come across this video and see Katherine’s baskets riding around the streets of LA.
The next short video shows the tandem bicycle being made. There are some good shots of the baskets again near the end. The tandem bike is apparently now for sale as The Mistress.
2010 Basket gallery
sock basket
“I found your website some time ago and have heretofore exercised extreme restraint by not buying one of your baskets. But I’ve decided that life would be happier with one of the baskets. I am looking for a basket to hold a zillion pairs of silly socks which keep me entertained throughout the year. I’m wondering whether one of your oval laundry baskets with inset handles could be made with a separate lid.”, Alice e-mailed to Katherine.
“Yes, I was thinking of a removable lid rather than a hinged one. I certainly don’t mind having a level top and having straight-ish sides are fine as well.”
“Even though I have promised myself that I will not buy any more socks (perhaps I’m a bit like Imelda Marcos – except with socks instead of shoes), would it be possible to make the height closer to your bassinette (12”) rather than my pile of socks (10”)?”
“Finally – the socks are going to be in a single location. And I’m going to have a wonderful basket!”
“I have your sock basket done, attached are a couple photos. I think it looks really great! Katherine”