Summertime--the sun and swimming time of the year! School is almost out and my family eagerly awaits busy, but less structured activities. Our favorite family time is boating on Lake Michigan. While the kids swim or fish, my favorite relaxation is weaving while sitting on the back of our boat and throwing my basket overboard to soak.

The theme for this Summer Issue is my tribute to the U.S.A. Of course, if you don't want to be true to the red, white, and blue; please experiment with the dyed reed and come up with your own colorful combinations!

My "USA All The Way" is a round cylinder basket with a wide Ash band to feature stars and apples. A unique hairpin braid holds the laser cut lid with an eagle, flags, and stars surrounding the edge. This is a great storage basket.

My "Americana Trio" is a great use of color blocking to create a flag pattern. Add a bud vase inside each to make an attractive centerpiece or use on your picnic buffer for silverware.

"Old Glory" is my simple project in creating a flat woven flag. Let the children of all ages add paint to this one. Tie onto the side of your picnic basket this summer, I'm sure you will be a hit!

Sandy Klusmann's Americana contribution can be woven as a "Lamp or Utensil Basket". This potbelly basket is a great exercise in shaping with a fun trick for adding round reed and is finished off with a seagrass rim, stars, or heart accents.

The "Four Corners" by Sandra Lyons is a great addition to this year's summer picnics and family reunions. The basket's name represents the four comers of the United States. Sandy says, "It is so simple to make that, I'm sure you will want to weave several for family and friends. Use it to hold napkins, dinnerware, or condiments."

Marilyn Wald's "Colonial Flag" is a super basket with a wooden base and features a unique swing handle. Woven rows of navy create a pattern that is complimented by the Stars and Stripes flag, which is hand painted on the wooden lid.

Each of these red, white, and blue baskets have unique weaving tips in the patterns that you can use when creating these baskets now or later! All of these baskets showcase the freedom we enjoy while living in this great country. Have fun creating these baskets while weaving a touch of Americana!

Happy Summer and Fourth of July!