I collected pine needles from several different types of pine in my area all from the ground. I used linen thread and put bees wax on it - it made a huge difference. My gauge was a wooden bead.
I only needed the thimble when I was stabbing the needles that are wrapped in thread in the begining but do a lot of hand sewing.
My bottom stayed flat and the slight triangular shape I started with was easy to fix so my basket is surprisingly round.
I did use some greenish needles and am leaving my basket in the sun and wind for a few days.
I selected a chunk of my latigo leather for strength. I prepared the leather by rounding the corners so I could cut a continous spiral. I used my old fashioned calipers set to a quarter inch to scribe on the leather. I selected an old scalpel to free hand cut on the scribe line.
I measured the leather on my graded mat - 1 length is 34" I created 7.5 passes so:
7.5 x 34" = 255"
255" / 12" = 21.25'
I also took pics of the leather coiled showing some imperfections in thickness but overall consistant.
Ways I could improve:
Maintain a sharp cutting instrument.
Cut the leather into a better shaped circle.
Dug my dakota pit! I realky like this thing and will be leaving it open for a bit.(covered to prevent trips and falls)
I saw a bunch of fellow permies cooking toast - it made me giggle so i got in on it too.
I am wearing black and red gloves so when my arm pokes thru the air vent it's hard to see.
