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I made my first pine needle basket in the 1980's, but it was 2002 before I found the time to devote to my long-simmering interest. Since then, I have been learning from basketry experts, participating in activities of the Columbia Basin Basketry Guild, growing a basketry garden, gathering materials in the garden, woods and at the beach, and making baskets and other woven vessels at every opportunity. In 2006, I participated, for the first time, in the Portland Handweavers Guild Show and Sale.

I see weaving potential almost everywhere and find it difficult to limit myself in materials or technique. Materials in my baskets vary from pine needles, kelp, and ellgrass, to oil cloth remnants and duct tape. Using these widely different materials, employing different weaving methods, and combining non-traditional materials with traditional techniques allows me to explore the relationships between natural fibers and man-made objects, symmetrical and irregular shapes, and structured and random patterns.

Katie Allan
ktallan@msn.com