I have been making baskets of one form or another for at least 15 years. I taught both my daughters the fundamentals when they were in grade school and they are now adults. One is also a guild member. I don't make baskets to sell (although I do sometimes sell a basket). Mostly I make baskets for myself. I enjoy the whole process, from gathering to weaving. It is therapeutic and almost spiritual for me to be involved in the complete process. Because it is my interest and not my employment I have no preferred style. I will twine as often as I will coil a basket. One of the great things about being involved in the basketry guild is the opportunity to study with other basket makers. So many of them teach and share their knowledge. We host a retreat each fall that provides classes from nationally known basket makers/artists and I try to take something different each time to broaden my experiences. I think I am still in the learning phase of basket making.
I use both natural materials, like bark, pine needles and sedge as well as purchased reed. The guild also provides gatherings each year at the appropriate seasons. I take advantage of them and have learned from the veteran basket makers how and when to harvest different materials.