base of curling basket
In order to give this basket the strength required to carry approx.
40lbs the slath sticks also form the stakes and the border!
My attempt to make the basket in the late 1990’ies was not entirely
successful partly due to my lack of skill in tackling such a beast,
but also because it is a difficult basket to make. This makes me
conclude that these baskets were made by professional basketmakers.
Some baskets have a 5 x 5 slath with the first weaver laid in as an
extra slath stick forming 21 spokes, whilst others have a 6 x 6 ie
making 24 spokes in the slath and 24 stakes in the sides of the
basket!!!
Cut the 12 slath stick 40″ long (sic) from 5′ long rods. Working
underfoot tie the knot with the back facing you (do not split the
sticks). Start the pairing with butts, work the first round over each
group of 6, then 2 rounds over 3’s, then 3 rounds of opening up the
left stick in each group – ie over 1, over 2, over 1, over 2
etc…then work over single sticks till approx. 8.5 “.
curling basket with handles on side
Kink or curve – depending on design – the the slath sticks into stakes
and continue with 2 sets of 3’s in a 3 rod wale till 3″ tall. Border
down in a rod border: behind 1, in front of 2, behind 1. If the
basket is the shallow design the 2 baskets are identical. Twist 2 rods
to make 2 hinges on one side and make twisted handle(s) either on the
Curling Basket showing stick on inside of lid securing handle
top or on the side. If the basket is designed to hold the curling
stone handle as well add randing to one of the baskets to accommodate
it.
Handle of curling basket with strap over top
The closing mechanism was always leather straps.
By Lise Bech
