Yesterday, August 26th, 2017, we went to Schotten. The first weaving course for the multi-generational house was on the calendar. The course itself was held in the market hall of the historic town hall from around 1520. A room that made you say “Wow” as soon as you entered it. The building itself, like so many others in Schotten’s old town, simply looks magnificent. Schotten is definitely worth a visit for a stroll and a stroll.
But back to the braiding course. The journey was a bit problematic despite the navigation system. And here the navigation system is clearly to blame. Narrow streets that barely fit a pedestrian are just too narrow for the VW bus. We did two laps of honor around the old town until we stood in front of the old half-timbered house and were able to unload. Ms. Wilhelm from city marketing welcomed us and took care of everything before and during the braiding course.
As I said; After several “wow”s, the tools were distributed, the pastures were unpacked and everything else was prepared for the course. A small buffet with cakes, melons, cookies and drinks was lovingly arranged to the side. And then it was time to wait for the course participants. In the meantime, one gate to the market hall was already open. This meant that anyone who happened to pass by could take a look at the market hall and at least visually observe the weaving course.
And then it was “to the pastures, set, go”. As described countless times here in the weaving course blog, the explanations for the individual work steps followed and little by little the bowls took on their desired or unwanted shape. A short break for lunch was gratefully accepted. Just a few meters walk to the multi-generational house, pea soup and sausages were served. In family style, the pot was placed on the table and everyone could help themselves. But as soon as the plates were empty, some, or at least all, became impatient. After quickly tidying up, everyone went back to the historic town hall.
With more or less help, the bowls were finished being woven. Actually, as with every weaving course, it was repeatedly noted how much work it is to weave a basket and that such work also has or must have its price. My response to this is always that every basket, whether cheap or reasonably expensive, is basically woven by hand. But the cheap hands somewhere in the world make it difficult for a domestic basket maker to live and survive from his basketry. Which is why many also offer cheap purchased goods, some of which were handed over to me for repairs shortly after purchase. A reason for me to forego buying purchased goods. All of my basketry has been made personally by me. Even if the stingy mentality is still anchored in the minds of many.
And so this braiding course gradually came to an end. One basket after another was finished. Nobody wanted to be last. During the course of the day, Ralf had threatened that the last person would be chained with a collar outside the town hall. I doubt whether this statement led to an increase in braiding errors among some people. I know from experience that after a good six hours my concentration gradually begins to fade and I can take more and more action. But true to my promise that no one will go home without a finished basket, I scurry around between the tables and some people are happy when I take the final steps off their hands.
And so the participants said goodbye one by one, confident that they had braided something unique. And that on Sunday there will perhaps be sore muscles here and there. This ended this weaving course in a place steeped in history.
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