Willow to Weave Book
This book brings together what I have learned from more than thirty-five years of teaching traditional crafts and basketry, alongside the knowledge and experience of Musgrove Willows.
It follows willow from growing and harvesting through to sorting, soaking, preparation and basketry, with a focus not just on what to do, but on the why and the how behind it. I wanted to create a book that helps you understand willow as a material, how it behaves and how to get the best from it.
Alongside detailed information on willow varieties, growing, harvesting, and preparation, there is a substantial chapter on tools (aided and abetted by Dave Budd Handmade Tools), practical guidance on working with willow throughout the seasons, and hundreds of photographs showing the processes, materials, and techniques in detail.
Whether you are completely new to willow or have been working with it for years, this is intended to be a book you can use, refer back to and keep beside you in the workshop.
More than simply a basketmaking book, it is a practical guide to understanding willow itself.
Forewords by Mary Butcher MBE & The Musgrove Family