Why “knot” use cattail leaves to make a handy tote bag? These abundant and easy-to-harvest materials are very flexible, making them a great material for knotted basketry. In this four-day class, students will construct a tote bag of natural materials including cattail leaves, willow bark, iris leaves and sweetgrass. The course will begin with instruction and practice in making the pinwheel, wheat and biscuit knots. After gaining familiarity with the structure of these knots, students will design a bag or basket tote that meets their needs, and then get to work constructing a lightweight, sturdy tote. Materials will be provided.

You will need the following tools for this class:

• scissors
• clothes clips
• tape measure/ruler
• large trash bag
• large towel
• notebook

Feel free to bring your favorite tools and whatever materials you might feel appropriate for this course.