We travelled south to Abington on Saturday so that I could attend an afternoon class with Lise Bech and the Upperward basketmakers group. While we were working hard in the Community Hall Alan climbed Arbury Hill, a fantastic hill-fort above the village.  I had a great afternoon learning about Dicky Meadows, butts, bodkins and Japanese Knots. Lise taught us how to make a ‘banana-shaped’ basket, designed and shared by Mary Butcher as a good introduction to willow weaving. I think mine looks more like a fish than a banana but I’m very proud of it. 

Note: ‘Dicky Meadows’ is a variety of the willow species Salix purpurea. Very popular with basketmakers. No idea how it got its name.

http://www.bechbaskets.net/