Oval Willow Arm Basket

Katherine is a full-time willow basketmaker, working on her farm in Skagit Valley. Her basketmaking inspiration begins with the willow that she and her husband grow on their small farm. Weaving with materials grown on site allows her to explore the qualities of numerous varieties and work with natural colors. She started weaving baskets about 30 years ago when their farm grew fresh market produce sold in the Seattle area. Initially, basketry was a wintertime activity and a way to make display containers for their farmer’s market booth. After taking a few basketry classes, she discovered willow and they began growing her weaving materials. Willow for basketmaking is cut to the ground each winter and allowed to dry before re-soaking to weave. Depending on the variety, the willows grow 3-10 feet each year, providing numerous withies from each stool (or plant). The willow bed will continue to produce for many years in good conditions. Other willows are allowed to grow for several years, and are peeled in the spring when the sap has risen to provide willow bark for Katherine’s bark baskets.
Katherine decided to pursue basketry full time 20 years ago. Most of her baskets are made using traditional European willow basketry techniques. She has studied with master basketmakers and attended conferences and basketry fairs in England and Europe.