The Celtic back creel is a critically endangered Scottish and Irish basket traditionally woven upside down in the ground (or in a wooden template on a table if you prefer). They were used for carrying heavy loads such as fish, peat, potatoes, wood or vegetables, either on people’s backs or strapped to ponies. I see the creel as both a historically and culturally important basket, but also as a very relevant one for contemporary life. If you gather wood for fires, forage or grow your own food, or just need a big backpack to shove adventuring gear into, these are practical, strong, lightweight, spacious, comfortable baskets. They also make very good storage baskets for logs etc if you don’t want or need a backpack.

All participants on this 2-day workshop will weave a creel to take home. Weaving these large baskets is invigorating; they feel at once simple and rustic yet also sophisticated in their design. Back creels feature a couple of weaves that are unique variations on pairing and French Randing (including the ‘Irish/celtic twist’ and diagonally woven gaps in the weave). So, participants need to be able to do pairing and French Randing without thinking too hard in order to take this class. If you are put off by the prospect of using relatively stout materials (6-7ft) then please email me to discuss, as I may be able to provide materials for you to weave a smaller version, or I can help weave the stout parts.

All tools and materials are provided.

Max. 8 participants
£150 per person