Happy New Year!

Living in a Winter Wonderland is supposed to bring snow. After celebrating a picture perfect Christmas with freshly fallen snow, we now have melted snow and cold! Where is all the snow? I look forward as much as my Art students to anticipating a 'snow day' with no school to spend time at home relaxing and of course, weaving.

I have selected a theme of "Totes" for this issue of Just Patterns. Webster's Dictionary describes a tote (noun) as: 1. to carry, as on one's back or in one's arms. 2. to carry on one's person. 3. to transport or to convey. 4. something that is toted. All five baskets in this issue "carry out" these tasks.

My "Magazine Tote Basket" was designed after listening to students say they needed a functional, sturdy basket where the bottom would not fall out while picking up their heavy load of magazines. Starting out with a slotted wood base and stilted feet, this basket is complete with two oak notched bushel handles and a reed wrap.

I was flattered when Maurine Joy designed a "Mini Magazine Tote Basket." This pint size version depicts everything that my large tote does and is even woven the same way.

Vicki Worrell's "Diamond Tote" has two Ash swing handles that open to the sides for ease of putting your contents in and out. The overlay of natural reed on the dyed reed appears to be double woven.

Katherine Srnith's "Vicki Lynn Casserole Tote Basket" also features double swing handles. This low basket is perfect for carrying your favorite casserole to a potluck. Accent the Ash band with paint, add a wooden tie on; or weave a ribbon over the band to compliment the cloth laid inside.

Sheila King's "Purse Tote of Many Designs" is a play on color. Various dyed weavers and spokes create this fun, colorful tote. Shaker tape used for the shoulder strap handle accents this comfortable on the go' tote.

Enjoy weaving these totes as I wait for more snow to fall. I hope your winter is a good one! Spring is right around the comer!