FIBER SCULPTURE AND COIL BASKET
Start by creating some sketches to use as inspiration for your sculpture. Remember: You can use an
example to get you started (but must alter the design), sculpture should be interesting from all sides!
Draw one example of each
BOWL:
VASE:
OBJECT/ABSTRACT:
Check out the yarn we have (or bring some in from home). Once you have chosen your colors,
choose your favorite sketch & color it, accurately. Add some more embellishments!
General Directions:
1. Begin at the center of the bottom by forming the coil. To do this, taper
one end of the clothesline with scissors -add some making tap to bring
to a point. Thread tapestry needle with about 6 feet of yarn and then
double the yarn... use the double strand of yarn to cover the core depending on thickness of yarn. A heavy yarn will look best with single
strand.
Place about 1 inch of the yarn next to the end of the core and then
wrap the two tightly together with some of the remaining yarn as
shown in Illustration A (top diagram). As you can see, you wrap,
moving the cut end of the clothesline.
2. Pinch the covered core to bend and hold in place. Using needle, work
Figure 8's over and under the core, toward the tapered end, until it is
covered with yarn as shown in Illustration B. (second diagram).
3. Coil yarn-covered end around to start the circular shape. If necessary,
repeat another Figure 8 to hold first coil in place, then work three winds
around core, followed by a Figure 8 to attach to previous coil. See
Illustration C (third diagram). Continue shaping around in a circle making a figure eight to secure to lower level every 3 to 4 stitches. A
"Lazy Squaw" (apologies - but this is what the stitch is called) may be
used that simply wraps to the lower level without forming the figure 8.
Once the desired size base has been made - start to shape outward
and up.
This is the basic pattern that you will continue on the rest of the basket:
Three winds to cover the clothesline core, a Figure 8 to connect two
rows, three winds, a Figure 8, etc.. Place slightly to the outside to shape
outward -- then place slightly to the inside to bring shape back in.
4. When you need to add on more yarn or change to a new color, here's
what you do: when 2"- 3" (5 - 7.6 cm) remain, cut the needle off and
lay the yarn ends along the clothesline core; thread another needle
and then place the ends of the new yarn next to the ends of the old
yarn and secure in place by winding the new yarn over them until
covered. See Illustration D (bottom diagram)
5. To end a basket, taper the core about 1 inch from the end. Securely
attach the last row end to the previous row with Figure 8's and then
wrap the yarn around the last row end and the previous row as if they
were both one. Thread yarn back through the Figure 8's and cut off.