This week I have had such fun weaving. Having never done weaving before I was inspired by a lovely new friend who belongs to a weaving studio in Prince Edward Island. Now she does exquiste loom weaving but it got me to thinking. I wanted to try simple weaving.
I found an old wire storage basket in my garage and the idea was born. I needed a new wood box next to the fire place which would be strong and hardy but look good too.
Weaving with rope.
Here is the old basket which is big enough to store wood. The rope which I purchased from the local hardware shop in 10mt shanks. I bought 5. Having never done this before I needed to see how to join in a new piece so I had a close look at a rush basket to see how they joined the lengths. Easy!
THE PATIENCE OF JOB
Now I am not going to tell you that pulling the lengths through is quick and easy because you will need the Patience of Job. However, I did find it therapeutic, quiet and very satisfying. All the attributes of great crafting.
STEP 1 STARTING
Start by weave along the front. I looped the rope tightly around the first upright then made sure I made the first weave overlap the end to hold it tight. Now push down each row firmly.
STEP 2 JOINING
To join in a new rope poke the ends down between two loops and against the upright. Hold the rope in place and then when you come round again you can check to ensure it is held in tightly. You could put some hot glue on the end and the start of the rope if you wished, bit it really isn’t necessary.
Continue making sure each row is really tight. You can go back and pull the rope tighter if you think it is a bit slack and make sure to push each row down as hard as you can.
HAVE FUN WITH IT – PUT IN A PATTERN ROW
Step 3
In the third last round I changed the weave to create a little pattern by going around each upright.
FINISHING
To cover the top rung simply wind over and over the top rung as tightly as possible. I managed to wrap
the rope over 5 times for each opening. A bit tight, but I think it looks good.
I didn’t put rope over the base but placed folded up newspapers in it. This wat chips and bark don’t get stuck in the base, the wood shaving don’t go through onto the floor and I can clean it out easily.
MY ROPE WOOD BOX
