Katherine Lewis is a willow basketmaker in the Skagit Valley of Washington State, USA. She has a small farm where she and her husband Steve Lospalluto grow much of the willow used in her baskets allowing her to choose the quality, color, and texture of her weaving materials. Although willow is a common basketry material throughout the world, she is one of a few who are actively growing and crafting their own willow in the United States.

She has taken courses in willow basketry from accomplished basketmakers from England, Switzerland, France, Scotland, and the US. She traveled to the UK in 2004 and 2006 to study with basketmakers and tour the willow growing areas. In 2006 she also went to the Loire Valley in France to learn more about the willow basketmaking traditions there. While the techniques used are traditional, each piece is unique and not bound to any specific tradition. Katherine's goal is to weave willow baskets that are useful and durable while reflecting the natural beauty of the willows with a simple elegance.

From the harvest of the basketry willow to the finished baskets, the work is all done by hand by Katherine and Steve. The willows are grown in a sustainable manner on our farm. The baskets are carefully handcrafted to last a lifetime. These photos represent a sample of Katherine's work. Click on a thumbnail photo to see a larger image of the willow basket. For more information check out the links to other pages on our website below.

Prices

Each basket is handcrafted by Katherine Lewis and prices will vary somewhat depending on the order.

Generally prices are: round laundry: $110; oval laundry with inset handles: $125; square laundry: $195; oval garden: $110; flower picking: $110; oval shopper: $110; large oval shopper: $125; casserole: $110; round gathering basket: $85; square market: $125; oval panier a jour: $150; square panier a jour: $175;  magazine baskets: $135; log baskets: $150; hamper with lid: $250; picnic basket with lids: $275; bassinette: $275; Scottish rope coil: $200; square, oval, round trays: $75-150; Irish potato baskets: $110; flatware basket: $125; trivets: $50; bread rising baskets: $50; berry pickers: $50; front handle bicycle baskets: $90; square drawers: $125-225.

We accept payment by check, PayPal, or credit card. We will ship baskets with the buyer paying the necessary costs of shipping and packaging (and sales tax if you live in Washington).  Please contact us for an estimate. It usually takes a few days for us to respond with an estimate. We prefer e-mail at baskets@dunbargardens.com. Please remember that a willow basket will take some time to plan and prepare the materials, but the finished product will last a lifetime.

Need it today? If you would like to see photos of willow baskets we have in stock, click here for the web page.

Visit the Dunbar Gardens blog at willowbasketmaker.com for recent news.

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Customer comments

"The basket arrived yesterday safe and sound.  It is really splendid and everyone in the family has been admiring it.  I know we will use it and admire its beauty for years to come."

"Baskets came though in fine shape and are beautiful. We are so happy to be able to give them as gifts. It has been a pleasure working with you."

"Thanks again for such a beautiful, sturdy and useful basket.  It's on display in my kitchen now and I plan to put something in it soon.  Right now I'm just admiring your work and the willow produced by Dunbar Gardens (with Mother Nature's help!)."

"The basket arrived late morning and it is just beautiful. I know it will be loved by my sister in law.  Thank you for the wonderfully prompt service."

"I just received my large garden basket, which was my Mother's Day gift from my husband and the kids, and I just have to tell you how beautiful it is!  I've always wanted a big, beautiful garden basket and this was it!"

For more information on Katherine's willow baskets, willow basketry or for sales see the links below.