The rare, complex, ancient diagonal twill basket is a pattern traditional to the Five Civilized Tribes, Native Americans who were relocated to Oklahoma from the Southeast. Diagonal twill plaiting is created when warp and weft elements pass over and under each other in intervals other than 1/1. By varying the over/under interval, you can create decorative structural patterns such as zigzags and diamonds. Peggy will give you detailed instructions for harvesting, splitting, and peeling river cane, the traditional material from which diagonal twill baskets were woven, but you will also learn how to process and weave indigenous plants of the Southwest, such as cattail, yucca, and palm. Because diagonal twill baskets can be woven in single wall or double twill, beginning students may choose to work in single weave, while more experienced students can produce a doubleweave basket. You will graph designs for the Five Tribes' diagonal twill baskets into a personal reference notebook to take home. Gallery visits will expand your knowledge of baskets and other textiles, with optional museum trips available. Appropriate for students at all levels of skill. Click here for materials list.
"Peggy is an excellent instructor-enthusiastic and knowledgeable and very patient. She has an understanding of individual learning styles."