Even though it was not quite autumnal–no matter that the calendar said it was so–I set off to the Union County Heritage Museum in nearby New Albany for my first class of the season. It was a full class–twelve students–with local folks and also some from places a little further down the road…Tupelo, Blue Mountain, and Oxford. Some had taken basket-weaving before from other teachers and others were trying it for the very first time. Some were visual learners while others preferred step-by-step instruction.
What I love about teaching is seeing the delight in the eyes of the students when the weaving process suddenly clicks for them. Weaving may come naturally to some; but for the most part it is like anything else. Practice is needed before it can become a relaxing experience. I never like to rush the class and, thankfully, the museum staff were very flexible with their time. Basket weaving–like any art form–cannot be rushed and most of the weavers went home from the 4 hour class happy and with a unique kudzu basket of their own design.
