I have been a basket weaver since 1991 when I enrolled in a basket weaving
class at a local school. I have always enjoyed working with my hands-
knitting, crocheting, cross stitching, Persian rug making, needlepoint and
sewing. My mother was a crafter making quilts, knitting, sewing, and fly
tying. She passed the enthusiasm for creating things to her daughters. A
basket weaving class provided me with the perfect opportunity to combine my
love of working with my hands with my love of baskets. After the first
night of class, I was hooked. I have been weaving ever since. In 2002, I
started my own very small basket business, Baskets by Dot. I still continue
to teach special education students full time in Maine’s capital city.

I weave a variety of types of baskets from patterns and from my
own designs. The designs are more traditional with a Native American
influence evident in some. They are made to be decorative as well as useful.
I also make custom baskets. If you can describe it, I can build it.
I began adding wooden bases and covers to some of my baskets
after learning basic woodworking techniques in my local high school. As a
special education teacher, I assisted a student with disabilities in a
woodworking class. I felt right at home and learned more than the student.
I was able to apply the things I learned in this class with my need for
bases and covers. Now, I cut all of my bases and covers from pine from a
small Maine saw mill. Although I do not make my own handles, I do hand
weave each basket, stain it, and dye any of the colored reed that is woven
into it.

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