Threads 68: Adventures in Madeira

Here I am in Madeira, a Portuguese island 500 km offshore in the Atlantic ocean, visiting a basket factory/shop in a village up in the hills. I knew that Madeira had a very flourishing basketry industry to attract tourists, and I was very thrilled to get a taxi and find this shop.

Here I found baskets, baskets, and baskets! A large shed was absolutely full of baskets of every size and shake. Several of them were large market baskets, huge heavy round baskets with big strong handles, some square baskets, which I think were for shipping, and other lighter round baskets, which they told me were for picking grapes for the winery.

Many of the baskets were for household use, a lot of lamp shades, and shades for wall lights with wireframes. Many different sizes of table mats and fruit bowls. Covered baskets for picnics, and for carrying bottles of wine in sections, little baskets with handles for holding a glass. And many big glass bottles covered with basketry.

There were a lot of huge, willow chairs with cushions, small stools and tables.

Then the amusing and surprise tourist attraction baskets. A little working windmill, a cup and saucer and the guitar. See photo!

Almost everything was made of buff Willow, Some split for the finer work, but very little white or brown willow.

I was sorry not to speak to or see a Willow basket maker, but I certainly saw a lot of their work.

Seeing the bright blue sky, and the beautiful sunshine is a great tonic after a Canadian winter! Most people in the hotel are European, and I think a few English. I am here with my sister, and having a wonderful time.