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NEDERLAND — The group of women inside The Cottage Quilting + Embroidery went through an array of emotions from laughter and light conversation mixed with a bit of frustration as they took on the craft of basket weaving.

For some, such as Donna Porter, it was her first time making a basket, while others such as Becky Bridges had been at it for several years.

Bridges got into the hobby after seeing baskets friends had made years ago. Then she met instructor Emma Hughes at an event at the Golden Triangle Quilt Guild and thought it would be fun.

Cindy Thomas, owner of Cottage Quilting, hosted and took part in the basket weaving class Wednesday that was taught by Hughes.

She said those interested in taking the class can go to the website online and register and pay. The fee goes toward a kit and the instruction.

There is an advantage in that the student does not have to buy the equipment, such as scissors and other tools.

“You just come and end up with a finished basket,” Thomas said.

Wednesday’s basket style is called a Cabin Boy Basket, Thomas said.

The basket weaving classes are offered on the first Wednesday of the month, and Hughes also teaches a nighttime class at St. Paul Episcopal Church in Orange.

To learn more about the Orange class, reach out to Hughes at emhughes13@yahoo.com. Classes meet on the second Thursday of the month in Orange at 5 p.m.

The church can be reached at 409-883-2969 or stpauls@stpaulsorangetx.com.

Hughes, of Sulfur, Louisiana, has been teaching basket weaving for 35 years.

“It is the best therapy in the world,” Hughes said of basket weaving. “You’re involved with it, and in a short amount of time, you have a basket and it’s complete. When you leave here, it’s done. You don’t have to go and do anything else.”

Thomas said she loves basket weaving. Unlike a quilt, this can be done in a day and she can look back and say she formed that and it’s usable.

Classes

Thomas offered the classes a few times when she was at her previous location in Port Neches and continued the classes on a monthly basis in the Nederland location after moving in July.

The shop also offers classes on embroidering and floral arrangements and even rents sewing machines for the day, Thomas said.

For more information on classes, log onto thecottagequilting.com or call 409-344-9055.

Baskets

Hughes is part of Texas Basket Weavers Association and is planning taking part in the upcoming conference in Houston on Jan. 18.

To learn more log onto texasbasketweavers.com.

Golden Triangle Quilt Guild can be reached at gtqg.org.

— Written by Mary Meaux