Basket Frames

By Carol C. Porter

I've often said that if I were stranded on an island...before too long I'd figure out a way to weave sea grass into a basket.  As a creative person I will figure some way to keep my hands busy!

I've done traditional basket weaving before and it requires a lot of supplies and patience.  I'm always looking for easier ways to create something I love to make.

Clover presents a new product that will give any entry-level weaver an opportunity to produce beautiful woven baskets.  The product is called Basket Frames and is made of a heavy cardboard paper.  The frames come in small size oval, square, and round and large size oval, rectangle, and round. 

Watch the video of Basket Frame in action.

These will form the base shape for the baskets and all you need to do is weave the material of your choice...and here is where the creativity begins.

Materials can range from thin variegated to bulky to novelty yarns, raffia, soft ribbon, and fabric strips. Themes can be set by colors and design and many different embellishments can be added such as buttons, beads, and feathers.

Watch the basket frame workshop at CHA show.

These baskets make great gifts and are an especially nice way to present a gift...think Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Baby Showers, Kitchen Showers, just about every occasion possible!

French Knitter "Bead Jewelry Maker"

Available: March 2012

Soon to be released from Clover will be our version of the French Knitter.  This small round knitting loom has been around for centuries.  Other names are the  Spool or Peg knitter, knitting Nancy or Nobby.   It is very similar to our Wonder Knitter and works in the same way as it produces I-cord.

Click here to see the slides of finished jewelries.

The French Knitter is a fantastic way to make bead jewelry.  It has 3 interchangeable heads: 4-peg, 5-peg and 6-peg.   The more pegs used the denser the cord.  Beads dropped between the pegs as you knit become incorporated into the cord and instantly you have the start of earrings, a necklace or bracelet.  Complete instructions for use are in the package.

Watch the video of French Knitter in action.

We've been experimenting with monofilament cord, wire, 2-ply lame cording, embroidery floss, and fine to sport weight yarn as we make up our jewelry models and a variety of sizes and types of beads....and the results are beautiful and the ideas are endless!

Our project sheet will get you started, but you will soon have the process down and we can't wait to see your creations!

Fran's Tip:  String Beads on Clover's long Embroidery Tool Threader (it's a very fine wire), thread the fine cord through the tip of the wire then slide beads onto the cord.