If you have ever been curious about basket weaving and wanted to find out more, then now is the time. Enrolments have recently opened for ‘Form to Freedom. Weaving for fibre sculpture with Harriet Goodall’ by Fibre Arts Take Two. Divided into 12 modules and 107 bite sized lessons, this engaging and rewarding course covers a lifetime of learning about basketry by Australian artist Harriet Goodall.

Harriet explains everything you need to know from start to finish. So many elements are covered including how to forage for materials and which materials to look for. You learn how to dry and soak your materials to be able to weave with them (without them going moldy). There are step-by-step videos on making your own cordage, how to create knotless netting and weave with wire. There are useful tips such as constructing a vessel with an open weave appearance that also has strength. What I found particularly helpful were the pdfs of materials. While foraging is explored in the course (including foraging for natural dyes in the dyeing plant fibres module) there is also a list of suppliers for those who prefer to have their fibres ready to weave with.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Australian New South Wales countryside and Harriet’s studio, this course is a relaxing and informative journey you can dip in and out of whenever you are ready. Harriet points out numerous pitfalls to help you avoid them and lifetime access gives you plenty of time to practice. I’m in awe of Harriet’s amazing tension and have discovered finding the sweet spot between not too loose or not too tight comes with time.

While you can learn at your own pace there will be tutor interaction between 22nd July – 13th September where questions can be answered. This course works on many levels. If you’re a practicing artist looking to incorporate woven sculpture into your practice this will help you achieve it. It teaches basketry to beginners and for those who have previous knowledge it shares many tips and techniques. Whatever your reason for choosing this course, Harriet’s generosity of knowledge, skill and artistry make it one to look out for.