Glycerin treating pine needles for pine needle baskets

[@meghanworkman6449]

Wow, those are some BIG pine needles! We live in the forest, but the pine trees around here don't produce needles that long. That's okay though...I love being able to just walk around my yard and neighborhood and pick up all I could ever want for free. Your kitchen is lovely, by the way!

[@lindascreativecoiling8041]

Thanks! You can use almost any kind of pine needle. Happy Coiling!

[@susanp.collins7834]

Here in South Africa we have an indigenous tea that we call Rooibos. I'm wanting to make one of these little pots and I'm considering soaking the pine needles in Rooibos tea. It's called Rooibos which is Afrikaans for 'red bush' because when the Bush dies, which it does after about 4 years, the leaves turn a fiery flaming red. Too beautiful.

[@lindascreativecoiling8041]

Give it a try. Many people use natural dyes and get great results.

[@southerngrits920]

I took classes at the county park in pine straw for years in the 80s. I have not seen this process beforee. We washed our needles and that was it.

[@lindascreativecoiling8041]

And that is fine. I just find that the glycerin makes the needles more flexible and easier to work with.

[@ellenblack5376]

I did to batches back to back and worked great. Thank you

[@natgirya]

Спасибо Вам большое, Линда!

[@lisasnead1505]

Thank you Linda, you're the first video I've seen that did it in the kitchen👍🏽. Great tutorial, I'm ready to tackle mine now with confidence. I enjoy your videos and learned a lot about stitches... again thanks so much☺

[@alicecowan3499]

This is a great idea. Have not seen it before 😊

[@carriemartz8952]

Thanks for sharing video

[@nobispo]

Wonderful tutorial Linda. Tanks very much!

[@7MoonSonoma]

Thanks ❤

[@buddycollier5056]

I wish I knew what dye you used

[@lindascreativecoiling8041]

I usually use powdered Rit dye.

[@debbiesdbest]

You are inspiring ❤️

[@ReenieShaw]

I’m new to all this and have never done my own needles…..do I wash them first before the glycerin and baking of them? Thanks Linda!

[@lindascreativecoiling8041]

If they have some mildew or just look dirty then soak them in hot water and rinse completely. Sometimes I spray them first with Lysol all-purpose cleaner, let them sit a few minutes then soak and rinse.

[@jean614]

Can you help me with the steps? Should I wash the needles first? and when should I cap them- before or after the glyceran? I fnd it easier to cap them when they are wet and don't want to repeat steps. thank you. love your videos!

[@lindascreativecoiling8041]

I have a video on capping needles. I do the glycerin before because I like to treat a lot at once. I store them with the caps on. I’ll cap some (maybe 100) when I need them.

[@laurencebettens698]

Thank you for this video, is it 200 fahrenheit degrees or celsius? Thanks for your help

[@lindascreativecoiling8041]

250 Fahrenheit. Sometimes I bump it up to 275 and shorten the time a little.

[@lisahelmick5100]

WOW, what a process--takes some time and patience! I know basket size matters, but about how many baskets can you get out of one of those glycerin-treated batches?

[@lindascreativecoiling8041]

From a pound of needles I can probably do 3-4 baskets. It does take time that’s why I do a few batches at once. Then I don’t have to think about it soon for a while!

[@vickidyas3843]

Two questions - what kind of dye do you use and for how long and can you just pour the used glycerin water down the drain?

[@lindascreativecoiling8041]

I just pour the glycerin down the sink. It’s a natural substance. I don’t dye very often ( I tend to make a mess!) When I do, I just use Rit dye. The darker colors are easiest.

[@MothraSue]

Thank you for the video! How strongly does this smell when it bakes? I have parrots and always worry about fumes.

[@lindascreativecoiling8041]

I don’t mind the smell and it dissipates quickly after they finish.

[@robertspeckin8852]

Sorry, I’m new to this. Why glycerin? For longevity or just flexibility ? Thanks 9:13

[@lindascreativecoiling8041]

The glycerin makes the needles more flexible and easier to work with. Many plain needles are brittle. Also, I get fewer splinters in my hands with the glycerin treated needles.

[@KathieKarancz]

thank you so much! I dont have many long needled pine trees around me. is there an age limit for the needles. i picked mine off the ground and they are pretty dirty and brown. are they usable

[@lindascreativecoiling8041]

Soak them in hot water with a little Murphy’s Oil soap. That should help clean them. Let them dry completely. Sort out and discard any that have moldy spots. The glycerin softens them if they are brittle. Good luck with your coiling.

[@artist4007]

After you have treated the needles with glycerin and let them dry, do you re-soak prior to weaving or does the glycerin make them flexible enough for weaving without another soak?

[@lindascreativecoiling8041]

I just soak the ends that have the caps so I can remove them easily. Look at the video Capping pine needles to use in coiling a pine needle basket.

[@maryrobers815]

How do you store the glycerine needles? In a bag or box?

[@lindascreativecoiling8041]

I wrap them tightly in a kitchen towel. It keeps them straight. I put the rolls on a shelf with the heads sticking out just a little. When I want to clean some I just pull them out. I have a video on capping needles😊

[@gmakoch3260]

Are these pine needles washed before you do this treatment?

[@lindascreativecoiling8041]

I wash them if they have mildew spots. It helps them absorb the glycerin if you soak them in hot water before you start.