Weaving baskets, backpacks, boxes and other projects
19 March 2016Click here to visit an upgraded version of this blog post on my new website at alibrown.nz.
The book I’ve been writing, Weaving Baskets, Backpacks, Boxes and Other Projects, is now ready for sale. This book covers a comprehensive range of basket-making, starting from instructions for a simple woven folded-over basket to complex patterned baskets and backpacks, as well as boxes, platters, trays, vases and pots. Each project has illustrated instructions and colour photos that show step-by-step instructions for weaving, using diagonal weaving. Over 70 different techniques and methods used in basket-making are included.
Most of the samples in the book are woven with New Zealand flax but any natural or manufactured material that can be made into long thin strips can be used, including palm leaves, strapping, bark and paper, like the basket illustrated here which is made with strips of packaging.
The book has instructions for traditional weaving techniques such as the ones used to weave the backpack with the stone toggle illustrated here. As well as instructions for weaving backpacks, several different ways of weaving larger baskets are described in the book, including starting at the base with a plait, starting at the top with a plait and starting in the middle with a cylinder.
More modern weaving ideas are also included in the book. The rounded-shaped basket illustrated here is reminiscent of other traditional styles of baskets, such as those seen in UK, Europe and USA. Instructions for making different types of basket handles, like the twisted one on this basket, are also included. Other projects give instructions for weaving more contemporary items like vases and pots, as well as serving platters and boxes.
The book has new techniques to be learned in each project and so is also suitable for a course book as well as for individual weavers and groups. More illustrations from the book are shown on the web page Book on weaving flax baskets. If you buy the book, do post a comment below if you can see how it might be improved, or post a question if any of the instructions are not entirely clear. Also if you have any photos of baskets you have woven, I’d love to see them.
The book can be purchased directly from me, along with my other books, Weaving Flowers from New Zealand Flax and Weaving a Large Container from New Zealand Flax. I do hope that people find this book useful and even inspiring. Happy basket weaving!
© Alison Marion Brown 2016.
April 3rd, 2016 at 9:04 pm
Would it be possible to purchase your book on weaving flowers and baskets please
I have just started a Wananga Course on Weaving Harakeke at SIT
Our kaiako is Winnie Solomon
Myself and my two whanau members are so enjoying our course and keen to learn so much more please
Would be greatly appreciated
April 7th, 2016 at 7:43 pm
Hello Lily
Yes the books are available to purchase directly from me either through direct credit into my bank account or by using your credit card. Go to the Shop page of this website you can purchase the books there through a Buy Now option or through my bank account. The account number is there for you to Direct Credit the $90 into.
April 14th, 2016 at 2:00 am
Tena koe Ali,
I have received the books ordered, thanks very much. They are fabulous, and a great classroom resource for my students. I commend you on your ‘Basket book’, the pictures are clear with easy to follow instructions. I would most certainly recommend this book for the novice.
nga mihi ki a koe
Jo
April 17th, 2016 at 11:08 pm
What a wonderful book “Weaving baskets, backpacks,boxes and other projects’ is. Thank you Ali for another fabulous book, to add to my collection. Each book has pages of beautiful pictures as well as detailed instructions with finishing touches to complete each item.
Highly recommended for those wanting to delve into something a little more challenging after making flowers.
Congratulations Ali.
April 18th, 2016 at 9:36 am
Thank you Joanne and Ann for the feedback. It’s good to hear that you are pleased with the book.
May 11th, 2016 at 4:23 pm
Was thrilled to see you new book on the local library shelf yesterday! Borrowed it, loved it and have just ordered a copy for myself ( to add to the others ).
May 13th, 2016 at 11:19 am
Thank you so much, wow what a book can’t wait to get started, Christmas is just around the corner, so will be busy until then.
May 23rd, 2016 at 9:09 pm
I have purchased this book and highly recommend it to anyone interested in weaving with flax. There has been a real need for a book that shows traditional weaving techniques and this book covers virtually everything you need to know including lots of contemporary ideas and with lots of colour to ignite your imagination. Thank you Ali for all your dedication to produce this excellent book.
May 24th, 2016 at 6:57 pm
Thanks Kim. It’s good to receive your feedback and to hear that the book will be useful, and hopefully inspiring, for you.
June 3rd, 2016 at 7:20 am
Tena koe Ali,
I have received the books I ordered. Thank you.
Ali, you have once again produced outstanding books with beautiful pictures and easy to follow intructions. They are precious taonga. Congratulations.
Highly Recommended.
Ka nui te mihi ki a koe
Na Roimata
June 8th, 2016 at 5:34 pm
Your beautiful book arrived last week Ali and I have started weaving a box already! The instructions are so clear and the ideas are inspirational.
I can certainly recommend this book for anyone interested in flax weaving.
Thank you so much for producing such a wonderful resource.
June 9th, 2016 at 8:51 pm
Tena koe Roimata and Marian
Thanks for your feedback. It’s good to hear that you find the instructions easy to follow. Happy weaving!
June 10th, 2016 at 1:58 pm
Got my book today. Thanks. Just have to wait until it stops raining to get the flax. Bye
June 11th, 2016 at 10:52 pm
Your weaving books are beautiful, and so well written and thought out. They are the best weaving books that I have seen. Thank you.
June 12th, 2016 at 3:54 pm
Thanks Kathryn. I hope you enjoy them. Happy weaving!
June 13th, 2016 at 8:13 pm
received books today I am enjoying them already. Thanks helpful ideas. beautiful presentation
June 16th, 2016 at 9:14 pm
I have just purchased “Weaving Baskets, Backpacks, Boxes and Other Projects”, “Weaving Flowers” and “Weaving a Large Container from New Zealand Flax”. They are beautiful books with easy to follow instructions. Thank you.
June 27th, 2016 at 6:02 pm
I’ve been using a borrowed copy of this book for a while now. It’s great and I can see that I’ll be referring back to it often so have decided to buy my own copy.
July 18th, 2016 at 6:08 pm
Kiaoraa
The books are beautiful, love the colours you used & well presented. Especially love the ‘Weaving Baskets’.
Nga Mihi
July 21st, 2016 at 9:02 pm
Kia ora Tiwai
August 2nd, 2016 at 11:19 pm
Thank you for my copy of your new book. Really happy and will be trying out some of the ideas.
August 31st, 2016 at 4:55 pm
Thanks so much for my lovely new book (Weaving flowers),although I have been making flowers and netted flax for many years I have now learnt to make the beautiful koru thanks to your easy to follow instructions. I am looking forward to trying all the gorgeous netted flowers.
September 14th, 2016 at 5:17 pm
I’m really happy to have bought your first book ‘Weaving Flowers’and have just made a purchase of all three as a gift for my sister.
I have made quite a few flowers for friends and am always amazed at the gratitude I get from them for taking the time to make these handmade gifts.
Thank you so much for teaching me how to put pleasure back into others peoples lives with something so simple.
September 24th, 2016 at 9:18 pm
I’ve had your book Weaving Flowers for two days and cannot stop weaving. I’m making flowers for a Festival of Flowers in November and find your wonderful book an inspiration. Clear instructions and diagrams make the techniques so much easier to apply. New book any time soon? Save one for me!
September 29th, 2016 at 6:18 pm
In have had your Weaving Flowers book for years and it has been so well used.Decided to pass it on to my daughter. So now I have your updated Flowers plus Weaving Baskets and Weaving Containers– What a great set. Thank you so much for sharing so much information. The instructions are so clear with amazing photographs to accompany them. And then all the photographs for inspiration. Well done!
September 29th, 2016 at 7:15 pm
Thanks Bev. Well done for having a photo of your flax garment on the cover of Creative Fibre magazine!
October 5th, 2016 at 4:03 pm
I had to have all three of your books Ali , Weaving Flowers, Weaving Baskets and Weaving Containers and Boxes and I’m really really pleased. The instructions are clear, easy to follow and all the different ideas are a real inspiration. Thanks so much for all your hard work, I haven’t put the books down since they arrived and can’t wait to get cracking on the projects. Tumeke!
October 11th, 2016 at 6:35 pm
Wonderful book, and I can’t begin to imagine how much work went in to putting it together. Thank you for sharing you skills.
November 24th, 2016 at 12:25 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your skills with us all. I have only just begun to read your book but can see how easy it will be to follow. Once again thank you very much.
November 30th, 2016 at 2:38 pm
I have recently received my book. The photos and instructions are easy to follow. Looking forward to giving it a go
December 5th, 2016 at 10:18 am
Hi Everyone,
I bought the 3rd book (Weaving Large Baskets) and am finding it wonderful. The instructions are really clear and very well supported by the photographs. It also arrived really quickly so I didn’t have to wait long to get stuck into my large weaving projects. Thanks Team!!
January 14th, 2017 at 12:32 am
Thanks Ali! The books are fantastic. I love the clear instructions and photos
January 26th, 2017 at 8:40 pm
Ali, thanks so much for the books. An absolute goldmine of information and lovely photos. The new basket one covers so many styles. Awesome!
January 26th, 2017 at 10:28 pm
Thank you Ali your books are well worth the purchase I look forward to your next published book on weaving. Thank you for your forward thinking without your extensive work on weaving alot of us would miss out.
January 28th, 2017 at 10:16 pm
Very inspired to receive a set of these books for Christmas. I have been eyeing up my teacher’s copies for a while and now I have my own! So many ideas and so much inspiration with clear instructions and excellent photos. Highly recommended. Thank you.
February 1st, 2017 at 2:30 pm
Thank you so much for such wonderful books. I’ve struggled for years to be able to weave things and am very much a self learner. These books are amazing. My children and I have only had them 24 hours but have already made a few things each. I can’t wait to work through some more projects.
February 13th, 2017 at 1:07 pm
I bought all three of Ali’s books and can’t wait to try out the projects shown! I was introduced to Ali’s books when we lived in Hamilton and I learned to weave. We are now back in America, but I’ve found harakeke growing in California where my daughter is in uni (it doesn’t grow here in Colorado), and I now have Ali’s books to inspire me! I loved weaving in New Zealand and now I can do it here, too. Thanks so much for your brilliant books, Ali!
February 13th, 2017 at 1:07 pm
I bought all three of Ali’s books and can’t wait to try out the projects shown! I was introduced to Ali’s books when we lived in Hamilton and I learned to weave. We are now back in America, but I’ve found harakeke growing in California where my daughter is in uni (it doesn’t grow here in Colorado), and I now have Ali’s books to inspire me! I loved weaving in New Zealand and now I can do it here, too. Thanks so much for your brilliant books, Ali!
February 13th, 2017 at 7:44 pm
Kia ora Ali,
I am delighted to receive the 2 weaving books as ordered.
They are excellent!
Good to include the Tikanga as well so that we are aware of the protocols associated with Maori Weaving. All weavers of all abilities will find something to learn from these books.
February 23rd, 2017 at 12:27 pm
Do you have a book on How to weave different styles of flax hats
February 27th, 2017 at 6:28 pm
Hello Meriana, no I don’t have a book on weaving hats as yet but plan to write one. It may be the next book I write.
March 5th, 2017 at 8:44 am
Kia ora Ali,
Thank-you for your book on ‘Weaving Flowers from New Zealand Flax’. Your instructions and illustrations are wonderfully clear. It’s bringing me many hours of enjoyment and creativity!
I look forward to attending one of your weaving workshops in the not-so-distant future.
Best wishes,
Pieta
March 9th, 2017 at 9:38 am
I ordered the Weaving Large Container book while I was on holiday in New Zealand. I am now at home in the Channel Islands, UK and have introduced my neighbours to flax weaving as we have got lots of flax growing here. We had a lovely time and plan to keep practicing and improving. The instructions are so clear and easy to follow.
March 10th, 2017 at 3:52 pm
Hi Ali
I did get the books I ordered but was disappointed with the colour quality. I viewed the same books purchased by women around me and there was a marked difference. don’t want replacement, just letting you know that price must ensure quality
na Lou
March 11th, 2017 at 3:15 pm
Hello Louie, Thanks for your comments. I’m surprised that there was a difference in colour quality, especially in all 3 books, as they are printed on different printers. We stand by our product and are very happy to replace them if you’d like to send them back to us with postage cost to us. I’d be keen to see that books and see the difference myself. kind regards, Ali Brown
March 14th, 2017 at 7:21 am
We have all three books in our school library, such well used resources.
Very popular with staff also.
One dept has bought their own copy, feel sure there will be more orders.
We just love them!
March 15th, 2017 at 4:45 pm
Wow!!!! Received my books and they are so easy to follow with instructions beside each coloured picture. Can’t wait to just get on with weaving something… trouble is I don’t know which project to start first but thank you so much for the weaving baskets,weaving a large container and weaving flowers books. I’m so glad I have them to refer to
April 11th, 2017 at 11:24 pm
My niece gave me a copy of your 1st book & that was it, I was hooked line & sinker. I now have all three books, & have just ordered three more for my sister.
They are awesome, & as a learner weaver, they have helped me a lot.
I look forward to any other books you may produce to add to my collection.
April 23rd, 2017 at 11:13 am
Hi Ali
Just received all three books to me here in Australia.
They are beautiful and the instructions are perfect. Having the photographs using two coloured flax is so helpful in getting it right and understanding what to do. The format of the books, being able to lie them open flat is great. I really appreciate the hours of work you must have put in to write and do all the photographs.
My biggest concern now is that I don’t run out of flax. I have split up a big clump of flax that I had and planted 11 more plants from it.
Many thanks
Maria
May 3rd, 2017 at 6:28 am
Hi Ali,
Thank you for sending out the flowers book to us quickly after the ordering mix up. My wife enjoys you weaving with flowers emensely! I purchased it for my wife Ngawai as an early Mother’s Day present. Unfortunately I had already made the purchase before I saw the three book package. I would have preferred to get her that instead as her wananga is currently making kete.
Kindest regards
Jason
May 22nd, 2017 at 7:17 am
I received the Weaving Baskets book yesterday-thank you! I find the instructions so clear especially with the step by step pictures. I particularly like the variations you’ve suggested for each of the projects and also the instructions on how to finish the weaving with different types of handles, embellishments and other techniques. Very inspiring!
May 24th, 2017 at 2:55 pm
Many thanks Ali. Just delighted with the 3 books which arrived just at the right time as I was learning how to weave a large container. Great to have all three books to refer to for techniques and ideas.
June 3rd, 2017 at 7:31 pm
Mahalo nui Ali! I look forward to receiving my copy of the Flower Weaving book. I saw my kumu’s copy at this year’s Ka Ulu Lauhala O Kona weaving conference and needed my own copy. Thank you for your quick response.
June 19th, 2017 at 10:40 am
Many thanks Ali, my daughter will be thrilled, I brought the book as a birthday present.
She had come across the book at the library and was captivated with it.
Guess the flax bushes will be visited in the near future.
June 22nd, 2017 at 4:34 pm
So excited to receive my book! I keep forgetting how to start Waikawa so this will help infinitely. Some great ideas, too!
Thanks Ali
July 3rd, 2017 at 1:00 pm
Can’t wait for my Big basket book to arrive. Friend gave me heaps of Flax and I came across your site, now I am all excited and want to get started.
Thanks Ali
Regards
Dee (Western Australia).
July 11th, 2017 at 8:43 am
The books are just what I had been looking for to remember some of the techniques I had learnt on courses and subsequently forgot! Really stoked to have them as a reference. They’re fantastic. Thanks Ali.
July 25th, 2017 at 9:28 am
Kia Ora !!
The book is really wonderful, there is a lot of pics and instruction, it makes me easy to weave.I had learnt on courses but forgot.. You are a savior Ali !!
Also smooth shipping. I am satisfied !!
Kanako
August 3rd, 2017 at 11:01 am
Thanks Ali, your book on weaving large containers is just what I hoped. The instructions for laying out the first few pieces are very clear, I have come to grief in the past trying to get it right. Looks so simple, but it’s quite tricky. Looking forward to trying out sme of those interesting tops and other features. Also plan to buy your basket book. Thanks again, Belinda
August 28th, 2017 at 5:50 pm
Kia ora Ali
‘Weaving baskets’ arrived today - I can’t wait to get started - I attended a raranga course through SIT earlier in the year and was struggling to keep everything in my head and to follow my notes! Your book looks great - thank you.
Nga mihi nui
Trish
August 29th, 2017 at 10:02 pm
Thanks Ali for your books that have arrived today and I love them and the instructions are so clear.
December 26th, 2017 at 8:02 pm
Tena Koe Ali, I have had the 3 wonderful books for nearly a month and have made beautiful harakeke taonga for Xmas. From Putiputi to kete to kono, large and small. Without the beautiful set of 3 I would have struggled making nga taonga. Ataahua resources, I am encouraging my friends to buy the set, so they too can make ataahua taonga.
Nga mihi nui ki a koe.
December 30th, 2017 at 10:40 am
Thanks very much Robyn. It’s great to hear that you are finding the books useful. I’d love to see any photos of your weaving you may have if you have a chance to send them to me.
December 30th, 2017 at 11:41 am
Thanks so much for creating these books. I couldn’t be happier practising along with your instructions, which are really clear and easy to follow. All the best to you!
January 13th, 2018 at 1:19 pm
Hi Ali,
Thank you so much for the time you put into this amazing website in terms of content and keeping it current. It has taught me the basics that then got me excited to do more and I recently purchased your book Weaving Baskets, which is fantastic! The explanations are very detailed, the photos extremely helpful, and the selection of projects is excellent! I love how it is spiral bound, so that you can easily have it sitting in front of you with it staying open on the correct page.
One thing that I would be very interested in are natural flax dyeing methods that do not use chemical dyes. Is it possible to dye flax with plant based dyes made from leaves, berries, etc.?
Thanks again!
January 14th, 2018 at 7:36 am
Hi Christine, Thanks for letting me know how useful you are finding the book.I’m glad you’re enjoying using it. I’ve only dipped into natural dyeing in the past but now that I have finished work I intend to do more study in this area. Flax is quite difficult to dye as it has such a high level of wax. Shredded flax and muka are easier to dye as the wax has been penetrated. Let me know if you have any success in this area.
January 22nd, 2018 at 10:27 am
Nga mihi nui ki a koe Ali,
I sooooo love your book Weaving Baskets that I purchased, so many new things to try,the instructions are so easy to follow and such beautiful and colourful pictures,thank you so much for sharing your gift of weaving.
Naku iti
Huhana
January 22nd, 2018 at 1:53 pm
Thanks Huhana, I hope you have fun weaving some projects.
January 25th, 2018 at 10:46 am
Tēnā koe Ali,
3 books arrived safely yesterday morning and I’m feeling so excited! Your books are treasure troves of inspiration because of the beautiful photos and also because the techniques are so clearly explained by virtue of the photos and instructions. As a visual learner, I particularly appreciate the fact that the instructional photos use whenu of 2 different colours.
With grateful, grateful thanks
Kathleen
July 24th, 2018 at 3:13 pm
Yippee! The set of 3 ‘how to’ books have arrived and I’m trying to decide what project to try first. There is a huge gap in the book writing market for handbooks like this. Your books are beautifully presented and helpful. Trying to find this comment space, made me scour your site. Wow! What a lovely, sharing kaupapa you possess and what a hunger you have for expanding your knowledge. Those folks who can work with you in person are very lucky people.
March 5th, 2019 at 9:13 pm
Hi Ali
My book arrived today, thanks. You have such a lot of information, ideas and really clear instructions. I’m so looking forward to learning more about weaving.
Many thanks - Paddy
March 9th, 2019 at 6:04 pm
Thanks Paddy-have fun weaving!
August 1st, 2019 at 1:01 pm
My books (Weaving baskets, backpacks, boxes and other projects & Weaving a Large Container from New Zealand Flax)arrived really quick and are set out so clearly with good step by step notes and pictures. Have shown them to a few people and told them who wrote it and where to find it. Now just waiting to warmer weather so I can cut the Harakeke and get weaving again.
Great books many thanks - Makaera
August 1st, 2019 at 4:57 pm
Thanks Makaera, hope the weather gets warmer soon so you can get weaving again.