Plant Twisters - News of an Exciting Fibre Basketry Development from Anna Corbett

Plant Twisters – a fibre basketry network for Northumberland (and beyond!)
In September, a group of fibre-loving basket-y people came together to talk about the possibility of
forming a network. We chose the name Plant Twisters, and the aim is to share skills, encourage each
other and have some fun! We want to keep things very informal, and all are welcome to join in. We
also want to share the jobs of organising and admin so no one has to take on a big load.
We have set up a WhatsApp group to exchange news and information.
Ideas so far about what might happen in the network include:
• swap materials
• share skills and techniques
• buy materials/tools/equipment together
• Meet up for plant walks to identify and harvest (and maybe have a picnic, too!)• invite visiting teachers who specialise in fibre plants
• organise trips for a specific course/workshop/exhibition
• collaborate on joint projects
We agreed that meeting 3 to 4 times a year would be good and that gatherings could take place in
different parts of the region according to where people live. If smaller groups of people want to
meet up more regularly around the region, that is also possible.
The first gathering will be on Sunday, 19 January 2025, at Bolton Village Hall, NE66 2EE, between
10 am and 3 pm. Bring your own lunch. As it’s January, we will postpone if the weather is really bad.
There will be a charge of £5, to cover costs of room hire and tea /coffee. Bring cash on the day.
At this session, we will discuss future events for the year ahead as well as:
• “Show and Tell” - bring a piece of basketry to talk about. The basket could be something
old, unusual of known or unknown origin.
• Bring a project of your own to work on.
• Bring excess materials, fresh or dried, that you would like to swap/give away.
If you would like to find out more about being involved have questions or suggestions, and come
to the first session in January, please contact Anna Corbett by email, stringmakeranna@gmail.com