Coiled Fabric Baskets

When I saw artist Janet Abrams, coiled fabric baskets

 in her Spirit Women series, 

I was charmed by the structures of the baskets

 and intrigued by the technique.  

Coiled fabric baskets have always interested me,

 but not as art.  

Yet Abrams takes the folksy, 

down-to-earth, sensible coiled basket

 and creates a kind of mythological sculpture.
(You have to read her explanation for this series.)

This one is not even fabric

(the fabric ones are very colorful),

but I like her choice of using 

dry cleaning bags and video tape

for this black and white piece.

-------------

Hmmm,

I have cord,

and lots of fabric...

I decided to try one

using mostly eco-dyed

raw silk, silk chiffon, 

eco-dyed muslin,

one piece of batik,

and 3 different 

homespuns.

I thoroughly enjoyed the process,

but in retrospect,

I wish I'd use more colorful 

fabric scraps.

It's time-consuming--

 as you have to wrap the cord

before you even begin coiling the basket,

but wrapping the cord is perfect

for excusing time in front of the television

(or in my case, 

DramaFever and Netflix on the computer).

Next time, I'll go for 
a more colorful version.
Playing with the shape is fun,
and I'll definitely do more of that.