I learned how to make baskets with Pine needles at a gathering last summer called Saskatoon in the Methow valley of Washington. Since then I have been sharing the joy of this simple weaving project with many friends and family members. Once you start a basket I find its hard to stop! The creation of them is a pleasant blend of meditation and productiveness, slowing down and staying present.
You first gather the fallen needles from Ponderosa pine trees. Then you set them in a bowl of water overnight or in a bowl of boiling water if your wanting to work with them immediately. You want to keep them wet while working with them to prevent them from breaking and to keep them flexible. I have been Using raffia which I scourced from a craft store. I add the raffia (palm grass ribbon)with the pine needles in the bowl of water. Using a wide eyed sewing needle is also necessary for the project.
Materials: Wide eyed sewing needle, Scissors, large bowl of water, pine needles, raffia yarn.
I will add more photos and video soon for example of process.