Reed grows in wet places. To harvest properly you must find dense patches and small bundles from the outside. Clean up some of the dead debris if you want to thank the plant. Dry it out for a couple days in the sun then mellow the reeds in a wet towel overnight to make them flexible. I will be making cordage for general use and also to possibly make into a coil basket. It sure is tiring to twist over and over though.
It makes a beautiful strong and flexible rope. You can double or quadruple wrap it to thicken and strengthen it or split the reeds for a thread.
Greek people have traditionally used Reed for baskets and cordage. It feels good to do something that my ancestors would recognize- unlike driving a car or watching YouTube.
I want to see a basket from it.
Beautiful photos and words. Often your grandmother and I, using reeds, weeds or even bush branches, would weave a quick piece to tie up a bag or hay before loading it on Poula Donkey, although they were not as elegant as the ones you make.
You’ll have to show me which plants when I come to Greece next