Grace & Favor – A Life Worth Living

Monday, April 11, 2011

I'm a Basket Case

I love baskets.  I don't have a collection of any value but I seem to pick up baskets here and there and just drop them wherever they seem to be most comfortable in our home.  I also enjoy basket weaving although its probably been five years or so since I've pulled out the supplies for a basket.

Today I'm focusing on two basket companies.  I'm sure you are all familiar with one and one you may not be.  Most everyone has heard of Longaberger baskets click here.  Maybe you've been to a home party or been lucky enough to pick up one of their baskets at a yard sale somewhere. I visited their factory in Ohio a few years ago on the way back from the east, even without a GPS you can't miss the GIANT basket out in front.  It was interesting to watch the baskets being made and I was so looking forward to a "seconds" shop but alas when I visited there were no seconds.

The second  company that I'm always on the look out for their baskets is Peterboro baskets, click here which is located in Peterborough New Hampshire.  Maybe you've seen Walter Hood on QVC making Peterboro baskets in the past?  Bless his heart Walter made baskets for fifty years and has been a real great representative of this company.  QVC used to have a big Peterboro basket show on the 4th. of July.  Since I normally don't leave the house on the 4th. it was always a welcome diversion for me.

I first came in contact with Peterboro many years ago when I was looking for a company that would do some custom work for me for a sales meeting I was holding at a ski resort.  I wanted a nice basket with a lid and I wanted our company logo included on the lid. The finished baskets held a pair of LL Bean socks, a great mug from Crate and Barrel with hot chocolate packets, and several other ski related items. Peterboro came through for me and we've been friends since that day.  I've been to the factory many times and love to go in "the back" where all the seconds are...I'm always in basket heaven and love the fact that they pack and ship anything I can't drag on the plane with me.

With all the focus on America made products its nice to know that both of these companies with long histories are still Made in America. They are both very similar in design and quality and yet when I come across a Peterboro basket in a thrift shop or an on-line auction they are much less expensive than a Longaberger basket.  So if you love baskets keep an eye out for a Peterboro basket, same quality but usually far less expensive for pre-owned pieces.





Sidebar:  I had planned to post pictures of many of my baskets which are Longaberger and Peterboro but unfortunately my memory card for my new camera has lost it's mind and I have nothing at this time.  I've attached a couple of pictures from each website which certainly doesn't do either basket justice.

16 comments:

Donnie said...

I don't own any baskets mainly because no where to put them but I agree with you that we need to buy American any time we can. Sounds like Peterboro is a wonderful company.

On Crooked Creek said...

Miss Char,
Oh, I too, love baskets. Do you remember when Countyr Decor was every basket imaginable??? I'll never forget "the look" and "screwed-up eyeballs" I got from "Mr. Ed" when I told him my vision of baskets hanging from the entire kitchen ceiling. Well,...it didn't happen...but I really thought it would be a smashing look! Thank you for this informative and interesting post on basket makers and their wares!
Fondly,
Pat

Rettabug said...

I'd never heard of Peterboro baskets until now. I'll be sure to look closely the next time I'm diving into a pile. I'm off to check out their site right now. Thanks for the link!

Beverly@southernhomesweethome said...

I have a few but nothing nice like yours. One of the thrift stores I go to has two bins full of them.. I will be on the look out.

southerninspiration said...

I might have heard of Petersboro because of you.....I have a few favorite baskets, but not a lot.
They sure are helpful in organizing though!

Suzanne

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

I just looked at the Peterborough website and they certainly have everything! There is even a picture of a huge basket holding all the employees! I have a beautiful handmade basket from another NH company--Longshore Crafts in Pittsburg NH. I do love handmade baskets. Thank you for this interesting post! Linda

Cathy said...

I love baskets too. I have 2 small Longaberger baskets. One I ordered at a party and the other I bought at a yard sale for $1. I'm familiar with Peterboro, but I don't own any.

Unknown said...

I have a basket love affair as well, but mine are more of the World Market/Pier One variety. Certainly not as nice as yours.

Entertaining Women said...

I went to a Longaberger Basket home show in Virginia Beach long ago, and I couldn't believe how expensive they are! Beautiful and high dollar! I've always loved the Nantucket Baskets, especially with the scrimshaw work on them. I live a summer on Nantucket during my college years...such a magical spot. Thank you for sharing the information on the baskets. Cherry Kay

Entertaining Women said...

I went to a Longaberger Basket home show in Virginia Beach long ago, and I couldn't believe how expensive they are! Beautiful and high dollar! I've always loved the Nantucket Baskets, especially with the scrimshaw work on them. I lived a summer on Nantucket during my college years...such a magical spot. Thank you for sharing the information on the baskets. Cherry Kay

Debbie said...

I've never heard of the Peterboro ones. Now, I'm interested. I love a beautifully made and sturdy basket.

Pat said...

Hello,

I have been browsing your blog, and so love your tablescapes. You have so many nice white dishes! I also like your outdoor shots. I have an old bicycle like yours, sitting in the garage until I can decide how to display it.

Pat

Rettabug said...

Hi Char,

Thanks for your sweet words about my mug mats.
I edited my post to include a great tutorial on how to make them by Donna at Brynwood Needleworks. She has a flickr group of photos that will walk you through it. They're not hard at all. Just a mini-quilt!!

Marlis said...

I love baskets, just no place to keep them. I have a few longabergers but never heard of Peterboro.. Learn something new every day. Thanks so much for sharing with us!

Designs on 47th Street said...

Char, I had drifted away from baskets for a while and now I love them again. I have quite a few LB ones but have never heard of Peterboro!

My rabbit bowl came from an estate sale, so I don't know how to help you get one. The markings on the back read Bridgewater Nursery Rhymes Made in England. Good luck finding one!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for recommending these. I just ordered a laundry basket.

Joy
Nashville