Karen Wychock, Instructor
Saturday, June 21 & Sunday, June 22
Saturday : 9 AM – 5 PM, Sunday 9 AM – 5 PM
This is a very large basket that will be woven over a wooden mold. It measures 16” x 22” x 13”. It’s perfect for laundry or to showcase your collection of quilts or pillows. I first wove this large storage/laundry basket on an antique basket mold found in New Jersey.
On Saturday, you will measure and cut all of your spokes, lay out the base and then weave the sides. An assortment of reed sizes will be available so you can incorporate pattern and texture into your basket. You can also choose to incorporate color if you choose. Copper brads will be used to attach three sets of oak runners to the base for support. On Sunday, you will pack the basket, turn down the spokes and then add handles and rims. Lashing will tie the rims to the basket.
Karen Wychock
Working over wooden molds, in the method of the Shakers, Karen’s baskets are traditional in shape and materials. She weaves both Shaker reproductions in ash and traditional, utilitarian baskets of reed. Native hardwoods such as ash and oak are used to make the rims and handles, and all of her baskets are lashed using ash. Each basket takes on its own character as it is woven in a quatrefoil, twill or fancy lace pattern to appeal to both eye and touch. Karen was an art teacher for 22 years in the Neshaminy School District, Langhorne, PA, before becoming a middle school principal for 15 years in both the Neshaminy School District and the Central Bucks School District.
She is a member of the Bucks County Craftsmen’s Guild, the Bucks County Hand Weaver’s Guild and the PA Guild of Craftsmen. She sells her work at various shows and galleries throughout the northeast (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Virginia, and Ohio), and has the earned the distinction of Waterford Landmark Artisan for her commitment to the Waterford Fair and the Waterford Foundation. She is also president of the Penn-Jersey Basket Weavers Guild and teaches both children and adults.