Every other month, a group gathers at the Evansville home of Narda Jones to learn the ancient craft of basket weaving. The members of the group come from different backgrounds. One is a fast-food restaurant manager, another a business owner. The group also includes several retired teachers.

They have in common the desire to learn and preserve one of the only crafts that cannot be reproduced by a machine. Even the small, inexpensive baskets that line the shelves of discount stores are made by hand. And if you examine several closely, you'll see that although they appear to be alike, there are subtle differences in each one.

Jones began weaving baskets about 21/2 years ago at the urging of her sister-in-law.

"We had family picnics at Kentucky Lake, and she and I were the only women there," she said. "While the men went fishing, we wove."

Jones started the Evansville Basket Weavers Guild to bring together other people who wanted to learn the craft. The group has a two-day workshop with an instructor every other month.

"Occasionally, we also get together for an open weave to finish projects," she said.

The group works from written patterns and kits that include the necessary materials to make a basket. The materials include reed, cane, willow, sea grass, pine needles, leather and waxed threads.

"Someday I would like to weave a basket from day lily leaves," said Jones. "I grow a lot of day lilies. The leaves are large and fibrous, and I think they would make a beautiful basket."

What attracts people to basket weaving?

"I think it's being able to create something that's unique so quickly," Jones answered. "People also enjoy working with the different types of materials and socializing with others in our group."

Jones said a basket can take from four to 20 hours to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the design. The smaller the basket, the more intricate and difficult it is to create. As each basket is completed, its creator signs, dates and numbers it.

"Our baskets aren't always perfect, but each one has personality," Jones said.

Don Whitsell joined the guild about a year ago.

"I was looking for something new to try my hand at," said the retired tool-and-die maker. "I've enjoyed learning a new skill. I also enjoy the socializing.

"Even though the group works on the same basket pattern at our meetings, each basket turns out a little different.

"It takes a while to acquire the skill and to learn to keep the weaving tight. The hardest part is keeping the shape symmetrical as you weave it up. That's challenging.

Whitsell estimates that he's made 15 baskets so far. Most of them are on display at his home.

"I did give one to my daughter for her new kitchen," he said. "She uses it to hold cookies. It's one of my most colorful baskets. It has greens, reds and oranges in it."

Patty Feather, who is Jones' sister-in-law, is the guild's instructor. She also instructs basket-weaving guilds in Paducah, Owensboro and Mayfield, Ky.

Feather took up weaving six years ago after attending a program at Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky. She also designs and writes patterns.

"I think people are attracted to weaving because it's a great hobby and provides a wonderful creative outlet," she said.

"It's not hard to learn. If you're a 'crafty' person, you can probably pick up a book and learn the basics. There are also Web sites that have information about guilds and workshops around the country.

"Personally, I think it's easier to learn in a group. Plus there are the social aspects of it. You're not just learning a craft. You're also making new friends."

If you are interested in learning more about the guild, contact Jones by phone at 422-7503 or by e-mail at narda@jonesplace.com. The group[']s next weaving event will be March 14 and 15.

"The guild is always open to new members," said Jones. "The more the merrier."