Mary Elizabeth Skillings
Bittersweet Basketry
& Needlework
Weaver, Teacher, Designer
Knitting, crocheting, sewing
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PATTERNS
All patterns include pattern, a photograph of the finished basket, terminology sheet with illustrations & a plastic sleeve.
Wholesale pricing, 20% off for for 6 or more patterns of one design or
6 or more patterns mixed titles.
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Patterns are usually shipped priority mail.
I use flat rate envelopes and boxes when appropriate but will use the least expensive method if appropriate.
Once I have your items packaged for shipping I will e-mail a total charge
Payment by money order or check
made out to Mary E Skillings
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For orders totaling $20.00 or more, I will accept credit payment
Include your phone contact information with the order and I will return your call and obtain credit. I will process your charge with shipping added and will email total and date shipped.
Weaving Levels:
These apply to the ease or difficulty of my patterns as litsed below.
Father Christmas Ornament Mini Sleigh
Pattern $3.00 Pattern $3.75
6" tall, woven off a ball head 2 x 3 x 4 approx.
Faux fur, poly fill hair, pine head mini sleigh with runners an
wreath. Item held, bear or gift box and bells
Intermediate revised 2020
Advanced
Gift card ornament Mini Santa's Boot
Pattern $3.00 Pattern $4.00
3 x 3 will fit gift card 5" x 3" x 5"
Wire handle, red, blue or Wood base sole, dyed reed
XMass, Snowman will vary faux fur, and jingle bells like
Intermediate the bigger boot. Lacer is leather cord. Intermediate
More New patterns
TWIST AND TWINE
Wall basket built on a one half racetrack oval. Basket has flat back, rounded front. Triple weave and double twisted paper accent the body of the basket. Handle optional if hanging desired 10" X 6" X 7" tall
Pattern $3.00
Intermediate
TEN KNOTS
This is as double wall cat head basket. Inner wall is woven with same color for weavers and stakes. Outer stakes are added to the base and outer sides begin with a two two twill. 3 rod wale separates this from dyed over under weaving. Rim is double lashed and 10 Knots are evenly tied around upper outer side
apprx, 6" x 8" & diameter'
Pattern #3.00
Intermediate-Advanced
HARVEST BUSHEL
This generous basket starts with an 8" wood slotted base. Alternating smoked and natural reed with contrasting overlays create a plaid design with matching weavers. 3 rod wale accents complete. A rim overlay and unique stake overlay give the double lashed rim added interest
10Tall 10" top Diameter
Pattern $3.00
All Level
I'
Twillebee
This cute little basket starts with a slotted 6" base. All natural stakes are secured and sides started with 3 rod wale. Overlays inserter provide windows of color in the over 2 under 1 twill. The top is finished in 3 rod wale and instead of a traditional rim, stakes are folded over and tucked around a round reed filler that has been beaded with coordinating beads. Shaping to maintain space for the beads is the challenge.
Pattern is $3.00
beginner-intermediate
Santa's Boot (Beginner-Intermediate)
This 3-1/2" x 7-1/2" x 8" "boot" has a slotted racetrack oval base for the sole. Woven in dyed reed it has a reed shoelace and jingle bell trim. Multiple photo illustrations
$4.00
Seasonal Wall basket (All Levels)
A 7" x 10" x1" wide pouch style basket woven simply with dyed and natural reed in several sizes. A Leather loop handle, Pottery disc and dyed reed bow complete this versatile basket.
$3.00
Little Rainbow Shaker ( Beginner-intermediate)
A 3" X 5" X 5" shaker style basket with a gentle cats head base.
A continuous twill with an over 2 adjustment spirals up the sides. Great use of scrap reed. Finished with a 3" open notched ash handle.
$3.00
REVISED
Field Basket with Pottery Handles (All Levels)
A split spoked double bottom basket with pottery/stoneware handles woven onto the rim. Round reed triple twine and color accents the sides of the basket that can be gently flared. 12" base diameter x 15" tall.
$3.00
Kitten Head Oblong with Pottery/Stoneware handles
(All Levels)
Versatile rectangular basket with Kitten head feet, lots of color to coordinate with the handle. Handles are woven onto the rim
8-10" x 3-4" x 4 High.
$3.00
Here’s what we’ve been working on
Title
Apple Wall Baskets
(beginner)
An apple shaped basket made like a plaited heart basket. Two sizes. 8" and 4". Each has a stem and leaf embellishment
2.50
Title
Bean Pot Trio
(Intermediate)
Three bean pot patterns, one a traditional pot, one woven with a wood base,and box handle, One with bi colored spokes side reed handles and a lid
3.00
Title
Betsy Ross
(Beg - Inter)
This flat basket is only 1 stake in depth x 13 stakes wide. Alternating dyed stakes and weaver create the stripes and a 3" painted and stenciled piece of ash has the stars. The back rim is lashed to the Dowel flag pole creating this pouch basket
3.00
Title
A basket for waiting
(intermediate)
This rectangular basket is just the right size to carry a book, water bottle, pen and paper, even some cross stitch or knotting for those times we find ourselves waiting. stepped sides, dded round and flat reed accents. The outer rim is a 4 rod wale. flat top ash handle completes.
3.00
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Apple Annie (beginner)
Two 6" x 6" baskets, one square one
round, 2 handle options. Red and Green
dyed accents and a mini Apple Buckle
woven on the side.
DISCONTINUED- Available while supply lasts $1.50
___
Here’s what we’ve been working on
Carole's Scrap Plaid Tote (intermediate)
A rectangular slotted base holds natural and multicolored stakes. Sides are woven natural and matching dyed weavers. 2 Pegged swing handles with ears. Great use of dyed scrap reed. $3.50
Cats Head Bowls
(Shallow Trio)
(Intermediate)
These nesting 6",8" and 10" bowls have Cats Head shaker shaping with shallow sides accented with a chain of dyed reed. Oak Hoop rims are lashed in the Matchstick manner
$3.00
Colorplay
(advanced)
A market style basket woven in a continuous unbroken hounds tooth twill. Round top notched handle completes. Twill experience helpful
$3.50
Christmas Willy
(beginner)
This square to round basket starts with a Medium Williamsburg handle. Sides have holiday dyed accents, sloped sides, a round reed braided rim and wrapped handle
$3.00
Here’s what we’ve been working on
Christmas Ornaments
(Intermediate)
3 patterns, include a mini stocking and 2 Christmas tree door ornament sized baskets. Embellished with greens, bows, curls and holiday buttons
$3.50
Confetti Bread
(intermediate)
5” x 8” cats head style with double/split multicolored stakes, optional handles
$3.00
Cookie Keeper
(intermediate)
8” round spoked basket, lid
with pottery
handle, accent weavers and ash
$3.00
Circular Files
(Adv Beginner)
These 2 not so circular Waste Baskets start
with slotted wooden bases, 1 square and 1 oval, dyed stakes &weaver accents create a nice visual effect with a wide row that can be stenciled
$3.50
Here’s what we’ve been working on
Contemporary Chair Side (Intermediate)
A rectangular slotted base with attached ball feet support dyed stakes and weavers. Economy swing handles are attached with
beaded knobs and brass bolts $3.50
Nativity Crèche
(intermediate)
Stable, manger, 3 figures all woven with
reed and some craft paper
$3.50
Deep sided Oval
(beginner)
5 X 8 oval base with slit,
accent colors,
optional iron side handles.
$3.00
Design A Basket 101
(beginner)
This tutorial pattern discusses designing a round, 6" diameter basket and the effects of color placement with spokes and/or weavers, handle options and instructions for the three baskets pictured are included. Included is a sheet of graphed patterns for colored stakes and weavers and the resulting patterns
$5.00
Here’s what we’ve been working on
Design A Basket 102
(beginner)
This tutorial pattern discusses designing a square basket and effects of color placement with spokes and/or weavers, added corner staked and shaping. Pattern instructions for 3 baskets included. Included is a sheet of graphed pattern color placement options and the patterns they create.
$5.00
3 Favorites in Miniature
(inter)
Mini Hearth, Johnny Apple Seed, and field
with mini pottery handle.
$3.00
Farmers Market Basket
(adv beginner)
Large market basket using 10 x 14 swing D’s, dyed accent weavers & overlay
DISCONTINUED Available while supply lasts $1.50
Field Basket,
(adv beginner)
10-12” Round split spoke base, dyed accents
Rim runs through pottery handles
$3.00
Here’s what we’ve been working on
Entertainment
(beginner)
Basket has a long rectangular slotted base. It has alternating natural and dyed stakes with a band of dyed Cherokee cross accent weaving. A 5" spindle handle completes
$3.00
Fife and Drum Wall (intermediate)
Flat wall basket. 10 x 14 D handle, dyed weavers, diagonal slewing, stars and drumsticks $2.50
Forever Plaid
(all levels)
There are 3 styles, round square and market. There are 3 different plaids giving you endless possibilities. Great for dye batch ends
$3.50
Gingham Bucket
(adv-beg)
10” square base with diagonal dyed fillers. Dyed stakes and multiple sized weavers, corner to corner handle
$3.00
Here’s what we’ve been working on
Great Island Floor Basket
(inter)
11” square to 10” round basket, filled base. Oval hoop woven in to form lug handles, dyed weavers.
$3.00
Garden Trug
(beginner)
This smaller low Market basket has gently raised sides and a spindle handle, is simply woven and convenient to carry your garden glove and tools.
$3.00
Grayden Casseroles
( beginner)
These 2 baskets start with a slotted base that can be stenciled or painted. Low sides with or without color are finished with hand wrought iron handles. an elegant way to carry or serve a casserole
DISCONTINUED-Available while supply lasts $1.50
His and Hers Waste Baskets (beginner)
These two split spoke double bottom baskets have a wide Maple band to paint or stencil and the dyed reed accents in the sides coordinate with your chosen design. These are handsome additions to any room.
$3.00
Here’s what we’ve been working on
Heathers Harvest Basket
(adv beginner)
Low sided, 8” x 10” market basket rim handle, dyed accents,wide row 12 x 16 base. $2.50
Heather's Hamper (intermediate)
This large basket starts with a round slotted base. A plastic laundry hamper is used as a mold and is left in the finished basket. Round woven lid is accented with a pottery handle
$3.00
Isabel's Storage Basket (intermediate)
This generous storage basket starts with a rectangular slotted base. Sides use several sizes of reed and a cinched waist is woven using dyed reeds. Bushel handles are applied
on the outside.
$3.00
Johnny Apple Seed
(beginner)
A round swing and a bushel style basket. Both start with slotted bases 6" or 8". They have green and red dyed accents and a painted slotted apple woven onto the sides
$3.00
Here’s what we’ve been working on
Katahdin Tote
(Intermediate)
This large generous tote has gentle cats head shaping. A tall body is accented with a wide band of color and it is finished with a handsome hand carved round top tote handle.
$3.00
Lost Lake Gathering Basket (advanced beginner)
This 10" x 14" low sided Market Basket has a filled base, dyed side accents and a wrapped spoked handle. (reed and filler handle) This is a really
sturdy basket.
$3.00
Miss Vivian
(intermediate)
This fancy garden basket has Victorian flair with a double braided round reed rim. Sides are gently sloped for an open flat basket built on a market basket rim.
$3.00
Mini Ovals (3)
(advanced beginner)
3 little oval 2-1/2" x 3" slotted bases, one has a painted reed handle, on has mini wire side handles,
$3.00
Here’s what we’ve been working on
Mini Madness
(intermediate)
6 different miniature baskets, Moses, Prairie Rose, Hounds Tooth twill, Mini Shaker, Fife and Drum, and a square Cherokee Cross. All are 3" or less.
$4.00
Matt's Laundry Basket (intermediate)
A true Double bottom square to round basket with dyed weaving and overlay. Shaker Tape handle straps. Big enough for your college students to live out of
Discontinued-Available while supply lasts $1.50
Nana's Hat Boxes
( beginner)
These 2 round spoked baskets are woven in natural reed in basic techniques. The lids start as bases sized to fit the basket. They come to life with the ribbon and floral accents creating olde fashioned
storage baskets
$3.00
Megan's Doll Bed
(intermediate)
This Doll cradle is woven in traditional plaited manner with extended end & side stakes along with a 10" x 12" D handle creating the hood. A Beaded round reed rim filler & a lashed open handle hand hold for carrying. Instructions & cutting
pattern for optional
wooden rockers
included.
$3.50
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Click this text to start editing. This simple title and text block is great for welcome or explanatory text. When writing, try to keep things down to a few lines at a time. Break up your content into different blocks to keep your page interesting.
Mini Pottery Wall Baskets (beginner)
These two 4" baskets are quickly woven with mini pottery accents woven onto the from of the basket. They have dyed reed and sea grass addnets and choice of hanging loop'
$3.00
Oval Options III
This patterns contains instructions for 6 different pattern options. 3 sizes of Oval slotted bases and 3 handle options for you to mix
and match.
$4.00
Penobscot Market Baskets (Beginner)
This basket has cats head shaping and dyed chain weaver accents. 2 rim lashing and handle type options included
$3.00
Penobscot Purse
(beginner)
This small purse size tote is woven in the New England Penobscot tote manner, on a smaller scale. The base is filled and the handle straps are folded and sewn as an option. Dyed accents compliment the straps $3.00
Here’s what we’ve been working on
Pumpkin Patch
(beginner-intermediate)
3 plaited baskets, 1 rectangular tall, 2 squat round in 2 sizes woven with base adjustments to give them a pumpkin attitude.
Dyed orange & accented with raffia and reed vines.
$3.00
Prairie Rose
(beginner)
This is an 8" diameter, round spoked basket. Base twining rounds up from the base to help shape the sides. Sides are completed with start-stop weaving. A double lashed rim holds an 8" notched handle. Dyed reed vines and rose "knots" embellish the sides of this Prairie style basket.
$3.00
Paintbox Shakers
(intermediate)
Two shaker style baskets, one round, one market style; with multicolored stakes. Sides are woven in a continuous 2/2 twill. 6" round and square open notched handles
complete. Round measures
6" dia. x 4"
tall - Market measures 6"x11"x3.5" tall.
$3.00
The Ants Picnic
(advanced Intermediate)
A generous, deep, lidded picnic/storage basket. Has oval wooden lid (cutting pattern included),filled base and sides accented with dyed weavers and 2" ash or maple for accent band. Woven on a 10" x 20" D handle.
Measures 10"x 16"x10" tall. $3.50
Here’s what we’ve been working on
Tara's Cambridge Tote (intermediate)
This is a generous deep tote. Woven off an 8"x10" oval base it has finished dimensions of 10"x12"x13". Three rod wale accents the top and bottom of the sides while a wide band of patterned dyed weavers fills the body of the basket. Two 24" leather handles or 1.5
yards of shaker tape for
handles complete.
$3.00
Sweet Charity
(Advanced Beginner-Intermediate)
2 sizes of baskets included. Small is woven on a 4" round slotted base & uses a 3" spindle handle, along with 9mm silver or gold jingle bells. Medium is woven on a 6" round slotted base with a 5" spindle handle & is embellished with reed
flowers & curly vines.
Discontinued-Available while supply lasts $1.50
Victorian Shopper (Intermediate)
This 8" round spoked basket is woven in a 2/2 twill. The sides then flare with chase weaving. An 8" handle completes this elegant basket. An easy twill, and challenging shaping with the chase weave.
$3.00
Victorian Christmas Sleigh (Intermediate)
A Christmas sleigh basket made in a Victorian Style. Made completely with reed, Dyed accents, Jingle Bell looped dyed reed forms the double braided rim. Looped reed
runners complete
$3.50
Here’s what we’ve been working on
Mini Vicctorian Sleigh
(intermediate)
A Mini 2" x 3-1/2" Christmas sleigh basket made in a Victorian Style. Made completely with reed, Dyed accents, Jingle Bell looped dyed reed forms the double braided rim. Looped reed runners complete
$3.50
Medicine Bottle Baskets (intermediate)
Three different styles using Medicine bottles for molds/inserts. Different materials, wood bases, cork stoppers and embellishments. $3.50
The Stoneflower Basket (intermediate)
Wrapped 7" Williamsburg handle with graduated sides. Weaving and floral accents. An elegant generous basket. Measures 15"x7"x10" at handle. $3.00
Trick or Treat
(all levels)
A square to round basket emerges inside a Williamsburg handle. Measures 7"x7"x7" to rim. Dyed reed accents and wide row to stencil or paint.
$2.50
Tote for Rose and Lydia
A generous gentle cats head base gives rise to a sloped sided basket accented with dyed reed,3 rod wale and a modified Gretchen rim. Has D ring attached leather handles
$3.00
William and Moses
(Advanced beginner - intermediate)
3 complete patterns. Trio of Moses baskets made with Williamsburg handles. Three options for weaving and lashing. Measuring 3"x5",
5"x7", and 7"x13".
$3.50
Small Woven Angel
(intermediate)
Table or Tree top angel. Ash or maple curls accent the hemline and bodice Paper bow or wired ribbon wings. Instructions included for the the mini flower basket she carries.3-4"diam x 8-9"height.
$3.00
Here’s what we’ve been working on
Shaker Bean Pot
(all levels)
Small pot bellied bean pot basket with cats head feet. Continuous spiraling veriegated reed. Measures 3"x3" x 5" to rim. Has a 4" bean pot handle. $3.00
You've Got Mail
(intermediate)
Three different rim options for this sloped-front basket, all include round reed. Front of basket is accented with dyed reed randing (good instructions). Rim is accented with pony beads on the rim filler and there are handle
options as well.
$3.00