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Form Follows Function

Writer's picture: Sue MuldoonSue Muldoon

"A tale of designing backward...."


I am incredibly lucky to work with a lot of "idea" people. Very often one of my new weavings is inspired from conversations with makers and crafters. I was invited to teach a group at Alchemy Fiber Mill to solve a storage and transportation problem: Carrying an espinner (electronic spinner) and all of it's components like spools, wool, battery and spinner. Walking across large parking lots with all your supplies and accessories in hand to a festival could create a lot of neck and shoulder strain. Carrying it hands-free in a custom backpack would be optimal.


In a 6 hour brain-storming session, we determined what was needed and I began to execute a solution. One thing that stumped me was...how to put in a shelf? This would keep the wool and spools in the bottom and the espinner safely on top.


Challenge accepted. It may have been a 3 am "aha" moment (also known as when you get "the faxes from the Universe") when it dawned on me that my triple-twining bead embellishment I use as a decorative function on the outside, could easily work on the inside of the rectangular backpack with large beads, to create a shelf.


The shelf itself is covered in yoga mat so items don't slip about. Two finger holes drilled in the middle made for easy access. The next question was working height. How tall should it be? What is an ergonomically good height to take the espinner out and use it as a portable work-station? My friends came to the rescue with what works for them.


Behold the result of form and function, in a lightweight (and might I add, attractive?) piece of basket-weaving that is culmination of ideas and friendship.

Thank you Claudia, Malinda and Deanna!


 



 

My next experiment in design was what to do differently with an oak base with two routered slots. Typically used as a base for a double-walled basket with one rim, I thought I could do something different. Since I hang out with so many fiber people, I thought of a unique knitting basket. Wool in the middle, knitting needles on the outside, and a space big enough for patterns or magazines on the outside. I call the space a "moat"...mostly because I watch way too many medieval movies.

I added spacers to keep the knitting needles from falling over.


A twining technique on the bottom enlarged the base to make the outer basket.

When I posted it on social media, it was dubbed "The Ultimate Knitting Basket" My followers phrase, not mine. So, thus it shall be named.


It may be a class sometime, but an advanced class. Keep an eye out for classes for either of these unique weavings.


A few other followers gave suggestions to use it for food , with shorter walls and a Lazy Susan bottom. We'll see!


What would you use it for?




 

Classes and Shows!


There are lots of opportunities to take a class. attend a show, or join a guild meeting.

Here is what's coming up for fall 2024 and spring 2025. These will be updated as things are added at my Schedule at a Glance page.

If you have an inquiry for teaching, please email me at suemuldoon@suemuldoonimages.com


November 2 & 3, 2024

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November 9, 2024

Backpack class

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November 16, 2024

Backpack Class

Colchester, CT

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November 23, 2024

Backpack Class

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November 30. 2024

Herringbone stool

Online

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December 14, 2024

Chair caning stool class

Online

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Feb 22, 2025

Elbow Basket

Online

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March 1 & 2, 2025

Foraging Basket

Online

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March 15

Wool Drying Basket

Online

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March 22 & 23, 2025

Backpack Class

Waterford, VA

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March 29, 2025

Shaker Cat Head Basket (tba)

North Bennet Street School

Boston, MA

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March 30

Wall Baskets (tba)

North Bennet Street School

Boston, MA

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April 12. 13

Backpacks (tba)

North Bennet Street School

Boston, MA

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April 26, 27 & 29

Northeast Basketmakers Guild

Enfield, CT

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June 1-7

Back Pack and Beyond

Brasstown. NC


If you've read this far....thank you! I hope to see you at an event or class soon.


Sue


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