THE OLD KENNELS

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Friday 28th January 2005

Irish Potato Skib

Tutor; Mary Melling website

The skib was one of the most common potato baskets in Ireland and was used for straining then serving potatoes straight from the pot. Many forms of bases were to be found and this grid style was fairly usual, especially among country basketmakers. The centre looks a little like a portcullis. Skibs came in various sizes up to 24" diameter but the one we will make is a smaller version (approximately 12" diameter).
This basket uses just pairing and waling weaves and is completed with a simple border.

REQUIREMENTS LIST

Sharp secateurs
Small very sharp knife (or craft knife)
Ruler
Bodkin (if you have one)

All of the above will be available for loan if you do not have any particular item, so please don’t buy anything specially.