Adirondack Pack Basket Class with Linda Scherz Allen and NERTM
This December, participants learned how to make their own pack baskets during a free two-day workshop with Linda Scherz Allen of Adirondack Basketry. The workshop was presented by Freshkills Park and New Earth Resiliency Training Module (NERTM).
Pack baskets are woven by hand using techniques that have been passed down through generations. Wilderness guides, hunters and trappers used the Adirondack Pack Basket to carry just about everything they took with them into the woods. NERTM and Freshkills Park presented this workshop to connect participants with pioneer traditions and ways to align with the earth and its cycles.
On the first day of the workshop, students wove a base with pre-cut spokes and then weaved the sides. Linda guided students as they concentrated on shape, creating a belly while learning to continuously weave. The main weaving took place the first day, and the baskets sat and dried overnight.
On the second day, students returned to pack their baskets tight, level the top, weave a false rim, cut and tuck spokes, insert a hardwood handle, and complete the rim and skids. Lastly, they added an adjustable cotton harness for carrying.
Thanks to Linda Scherz Allen of Adirondack Basketry for leading this workshop.
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