NCBA Free Pattern: Hugs of Color
by Kay Harriger (modified by Mary Zeh Kuhr)
All Rights Reserved. Directions, photograph(s) and graphics are copyrighted material and are the sole property of the author. You may make one copy of this pattern for your personal, non-commercial use. You may not teach classes from this pattern or make copies of the material for others. Any other commercial or non-commercial use of this pattern is strictly prohibited.

Ingredients for the Lazy Girl version: 3" X 5" Williamsburg handle 1/4" Flat reed spokes: 5 @ 18" (horizontal) 6@ 14" (vertical) 4 @ 10" (filler spokes) #1 Round reed in color of choice 12 @ 36" (modified Gretchen border) Enough to twine 2 rows at rim Enough to twine 2 -4 rows around base +/- 24 pieces @ 28" #1 Round reed natural 12 @ 36" (modified Gretchen border) 11/64" Flat oval reed natural or dyed a color to coordinate with the round reed +/- 12 pieces @ 28"" Spoke Weight

Base:

• Lay out the five 18" pieces of 1/4" flat horizontally, matching centers. Place the handle over the top of these spokes.
• On top of the handle, lay one 10" filler spoke between each of the horizontal spokes.
• Weave three 14" vertical spokes each side of the handle, about 3/4" apart.
• True the base to approximately 3" X 6-3/4"
• Cut the filler spokes down the center to the edge of the basket, bend them up and over and tuck ends under the second vertical spoke in V-fashion.
• With #1 round dyed or natural, twine 2-3 rows around the base.
• Upsett spokes and prepare to weave the sides.

Sides:

• Each row is start - stop and will consist of three pieces of reed: dyed #1, 11/64" flat oval, and dyed #1. Although the three pieces constitute one row, the 11/64" is started on top of a spoke, while the two dyed pieces are started under that same spoke. You may weave these all together or separately. If you choose to do them separately, make sure you don't mis-weave by going over where you should go under.
• Weave approximately 12 rows in this manner or until you are satisfied with the height of the basket.
• With dyed #1 round reed, twine 2 rows.
• Tuck ALL spokes to the inside of the basket.

Modified Gretchen Border, alternating natural and dyed #1 round reed:

• NOTE: keep these weavers VERY moist at all times
• Hairpin each piece up through the twining to the top of the basket, matching ends, as shown. Remember, on each spoke there will be one dyed and one natural weaver. Continue until all pieces are inserted. NOTE: Don't forget, your handle is considered a spoke.
• For left handed weavers, reverse the following directions. Put a twist tie or other marker on any two weavers of the same color, then pick up a third weaver (this one will be of the opposite color). Holding these three consecutive pieces in your left hand, with your right hand, bring the leftmost weaver behind the next two weavers and down to the right, next to the basket. Now, add the next weaver to the right and you will have three upright weavers again, so take the leftmost weaver and weave it behind the next to and down to the right next to the basket again. Continue in this manner until you reach the two marked weavers at the beginning of the round.
• Give the first marked spoke a little nudge backwards and open a little space for the leftmost of the two leftover weavers to be inserted, but do NOT pull it tight once insertion is complete. Instead, nudge the second marked weaver backwards and open another small space.
• With both of these spokes nudged backwards, you have created something that looks like a McDonald's "M." Instead of inserting the last of the leftover weavers in the right side of the "M," insert it into the MIDDLE of the "M" and then pull both marked weavers snug. This sounds more confusing than it is.
• Continue adding rows to the Gretchen border until you have covered the twined rows and then some. Trim the weavers to about 1" and push them up under the border to dry.