Threads 29: Collecting materials for basketry

Gathering basketry materials is rather like picking strawberries. If you don’t do it when they are ripe, you have missed the boat for a whole year. So here is a reminder of what to collect during the year.

Spring

It is important to collect first year willow shoots, well before the new leaves come out.

In some countries this can happen in late fall , or early winter,. In Canada, sometimes deep snow prevents this, and we have to wait for early spring.

May-June

This is the time when the sap is rising under the bark of useful trees, such as cedar, willow, basswood and birch. It is also a good time for digging up roots , as at this time they are easier to strip. Shallow roots are essential, and some are much better than others. Spruce is excellent. I have also used cedar and birch roots.

June-July

This is the ‘haying’ month, and good for collecting grasses, particularly sweet grass.

Some grasses can be used for the core for coiling, such as canary reed grass and some sedges. Others, such as sweet grass can be braided, or made into cordage.

Winter wheat or rye

Both of these are planted in the fall, and grow long strong stalks. They must be cut down before they are harvested by the farmer using their machinery.

Today, many farmers grow short stemmed wheat which is no good for coiling, but can be used for making corn dollies.

July -September

This is the time to collect cattails and rushes. The best time is when they are full grown but have not started to die back at the tips. These have many uses, from carpets and mats to hats, baskets and toys. See a YouTube video on how to collect rushes and cattails

Day Lilly leaves

When dried, they change colour, from orange to tan to brown. I have seen them used for wrapping a small coiled basket, or making attractive cordage

Wild grapevine

This is best as soon as the leaves have dropped, and anytime until spring.

Anytime

Pine Needles can be collected at any time. One of the best times is after a highwind and they come tumbling down and are easy to gather. I am particularly thinking of tall ponderosa pines.