I made a Hat out of STICKS! (Basket-weaving with wild plants)

[@Sikizu]

Also I should add that you made a true summer hat--don't feel bad for the wrong time to harvest and short time you had to soak/prepare/cure the willow, things like this happened in the past all the time! If someone needed a new sun hat immediately during summer and they didn't have extra ready-to-weave reeds/willow/straw lying around, they'd do exactly what you did, probably with the same time constraints! Over time they would weave extra willow/bark/grass/whatever they could into the weave of the hat as it dried to help maintain its shading properties (so the wildflowers were on point too!). They usually wouldn't last long but they were almost more sentimental to the maker/wearer and were sometimes used as decoration after their working lifespan. You did an accidental historical reenactment!

[@noisyfeet7778]

So now that you do basketry, and considering your bug situation...the obvious next step is a medieval beekeeper outfit, right?

[@zyllofmitain]

A skep to give bees a happy home!

[@kalka1l]

@@zyllofmitainSeconding a skep project! I want to make one so much.

[@Namiyasi]

😮that's such a good idea

[@Selanium]

Yes!

[@rik4754]

I just watched @gesithasgewissa video on medieval basket weaving a bee hive. Maybe that would of interest to you as well ❤

[@HimynameisAverie]

Adding the bandana and then adding the black veil was such a "slowly morphing into the village witch" progression and I love it 🙌✨️

[@TheDesertMarmot]

As soon as I saw the veil I though a hat made of darker wood (maybe stained?), with autumn leaves around the brim, and a black dress. Such an awesome Halloween look.

[@xingcat]

Basket weaving can be super simple or incredibly complex, and your first attempt at a "hat-like object" turned out so well.

[@MorganDonner]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@commasplyce]

I love when cats "help"!

[@MorganDonner]

She's an expert helper 😂

[@DawnShipley1977]

I have helper cats as well.

[@roxy5759]

Okay but the addition of the bug net at the end was such a ✨vibe✨ It made me think of a widow using the stems of her husband's funeral flowers to weave a new hat...and she has like a bunch of woven hats 😂

[@mrsgingernoisette]

I loved this idea in unhealthy amounts lol❤

[@jcortese3300]

That sounds like a clue that Miss Marple would recognize in a murder mystery. If only Agatha Christie had thought of it!

[@roxy5759]

​@@jcortese3300 That's a hell of an honor to receive on a comment 😊

[@kirar2180]

Adding the flowers made me think about Anne of Green Gables putting flowers in her hat on the way to church

[@QuivaRPG]

I can say, as a semi-professional basket maker for the past 30 years and posessor of my own willow withes (willow "sticks", usually used in fabrication) grove, you did a FANTASTIC job!

[@MorganDonner]

Ahhh, I knew they had to have a proper name, but all I could think of was sticks 😂

[@m.maclellan7147]

The cat is willing to run the sticks through his teeth ! 😅

[@MorganDonner]

She was VERY entertained by the process!

[@mariahhusted3274]

“Bottom first. Top towards me… SPREAD!!!”

[@MorganDonner]

Rinse and repeat! :D

[@jalapenojalapeno5590]

"None of this is ideal, but it's fun!" What an awesome attitude! I need that when I'm crafting!

[@damogranheart5521]

A lovely skill to learn! My grandmother was a snow bird during the winters. They usually went to Alabama. There she learned how to make trivets and baskets with lids using some extraordinarily loooong pine needles. I'm so glad that she passed them down to me! I bet you could make a hat from them. I just looked up the name . It's called Southern Longleaf Pine. The needles grow between 8 to 18 inches long. Pinus palustris.

[@pheart2381]

There is a video on youtube showing the whole process. In the uk I have never seen needles long enough.

[@damogranheart5521]

@@pheart2381 Thank you! I will look that up! What part of the UK? I'm from Minnesota in the USA. My ancestors came from England and Scotland.

[@kiragarvie]

oooh good idea, those grow in NC where I live too

[@pheart2381]

@@damogranheart5521 I was born in Bletchley but now reside in North Yorkshire.

[@hollyrose9336]

The Alabama Folklife association does free classes for long leaf pine basketmaking

[@SirFrederick]

send this project to Rachel Maksey. She would love it to add to her bog/forest witch dream.

[@hannahcollins1816]

Literally squealed out loud (thankfully, to my empty house): "IT'S NEW MORGAN DONNEEEEEER" 😂❤

[@s.brumalis4203]

I did that..... my whole family was home. Even the guinee pigs looked wierd at me😂.

[@dragonqueenarts]

Instead of just bending them and breaking the spokes when you change directions, I’d try to twist them as you bend them. The twist will keep them from breaking and will make them curve sharper.

[@scarlettoslapas2084]

I love how madam cat helped with the willow stripping

[@Namaikhan]

Now that you've learned to weave baskets and hat-like objects, perhaps a hedge fence is in the future?

[@howcanikeepfromsinging]

I was hoping for matching hat-like objects for them whole family 😆

[@Hythyr]

“Ideal”… using what you have, has always been, and will always be, a useful skill!! I love this project! 🥰

[@samanthacomfort3162]

Did you keep the scraps of willow? Allowed to steep in water, it makes an excellent rooting stimulator for all your plant propagation experiments. MORE PLANTS FROM YOUR PLANTS!

[@pearlygirl88]

Morgan is just out here living her best life and it just makes me so happy. I’m living vicariously through you Morgan!

[@polinaignatenkova3634]

Suddenly the nets and veils in from ye olde times make so much sense. Bugs. I can't imagine the annoyance of being very aware you can't itch the bug bite but knowing it's right on your neck. Or even your hand! (I absolutely can imagine, I am mosquito bait)

[@m.maclellan7147]

Hint, date someone that the mosquitos love more! Lol 😁

[@dawnmoriarty9347]

Modesty has practical advantages sometimes

[@rijgddurfncg]

Being able to see the improvement from the first attempt to the second is so cool! And the flowers on it are so lovely. I hope your cottage is doing well, those videos were so inspirational for some of my home decorating.

[@Loxalair]

Maybe try sewing the bug veil to the edge of the hat, and gathering it in around your neck, so the bugs can't land on the veil and still reach your face

[@emilyrln]

It would also provide a roomier experience inside, like being under am umbrella instead of smooshed up against the material. (My sensory issues would hate having that mesh right up against my face!)

[@eileensavoy1516]

I love the idea of incorporating a net with the hat so you have a one-step bug and sun defeating combo!

[@sturmykins]

We need a tutorial on how you prepped your hair to wear your straw hats and willow hats!

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

Yeah, I feel like mine would become irretrievably snarled in the hat...

[@ShinySarah44]

The hat is so cute! Even when placed flat for practicality! Also, I do love using the "wrong" materials for practice projects because it allows me to go into it with curiosity of methods rather than stressing about perfection. When I was making my first wool skirt I actually bought two colours of the same wool, one in the colour I wanted to wear, and one in a colour I'd be ok to wear but not scared to make with. And it made it so much easier to do the first make. I could play with finishings and iron settings and whatever else and accept that if it looked a bit iffy, I didn't mind. In the end, it turned out fine and I wear both all the time, but there were definite improvements in the second one thanks to the first (particularly with ironing and waistband construction).

[@mylena3086]

Honestly the version of the hat with the spikes standing out would be great for keeping people at a distance in public Or maybe as a statement piece for some haute couture cat walk

[@mylena3086]

if there was a way to bind the edges to keep them from unraveling I also adore the little leafy bit still being on the hat And the shape is turning out beautifully

[@mylena3086]

Oh my goodness the ombre effect is gorgeous Gives it a lot of dimension

[@mylena3086]

Honestly I want to make myself a practise hat now too 😁 Thank you so much for this amazing experimental art experience

[@mylena3086]

Come on, the bug net too? To me this is 1000 times better than most trendy fashion bits I've seen in a long time I'm gonna consider you a crafty and creative fashion icon from now on (I did before but now even more so) Many Blessjngs and have lots of fun in the garden

[@plushieangela]

*whispers* colored washi tape on the ends of the cross parts when you get to the brim so its harder to confuse them when tired. I found that helped with my coil weaving

[@DipityS]

Much chaos and things going everywhere - with pointy sharp ends on the sticks - and I imagine sore hands from wrestling them into place - and suddenly - actual useful item! It's amazing to watch something being made this way and I very much enjoyed the process and thought the outcome was wonderful and especially looked good with the bug-net!

[@kalka1l]

5:10 Well if you have anything that needs rooting that’s a mass of auxin hormone stuffed bark you just peeled off.

[@jennylawson1980]

Basket weaving has been around for thousands of years, and pieces have survived. Every culture every generation has its unique patterns ❤ What you have done Morgan is show that a skill can become adaptable and used to make beautiful hats. Great job, and wonderful idea. You are amazing. Lol and I love the dance with an octupus statement...😂

[@KatrinaTapio]

This right here is quality entertainment. Love how your adorable gremlin was helping you out when you were removing the bark.

[@mrsgingernoisette]

Madame Myriad in KZbin is truly reminding me of you❤ crafts, imagination, pure magic, oh I love that I'm in the same era with you guys

[@nancyd3303]

Your approach to projects always makes me smile, even when you think its a 'fail'. Please keep doing these fun projects and finding the joy in each one!

[@Eloraurora]

This is reigniting my periodic urge to figure out how to extract fiber from our backyard yucca.

[@emilyrln]

I goggled "extract fiber from yucca" and the first result looks reasonable (not including the info in case you want to find out through trying things; I wasn't sure from your comment).

[@Eloraurora]

@@emilyrln Thank you! I'm just super distractible, so I end up piling up hundreds of 'cool future hobby things,' and losing track of most of them.

[@emilyrln]

@@Eloraurora You're welcome! I'm the same way, lol XD I have my mainstay hobbies, then a bunch of fringe ones I don't do as often, and THEN all the things I want to try but haven't taken the opportunity to yet! I should make a list somewhere I'll see it (like my fridge) and add things I want to make an effort to try out… going to go do this now XD

[@ShadowclawFC]

Yucca is what I use for cordage and it's so good! I'm still learning what the optimal process is for, well, processing it, but I've found it's fairly forgiving and even the coarse, less-processed bits from my first go at it worked perfectly for what I used the eventual cordage for.

[@chrisbellmore2485]

I never had any interest in basket weaving before, but now I desperately want to try it!

[@emilyrln]

You could make a trivet or hot pad! Like the start of the hat, but you end when it's the size of your pot or dish. Depending on the weight, flatness shouldn't be too big of an issue, but you'd probably want to use relatively thin weaving materials. Or start with a project you're excited about!

[@chrisbellmore2485]

@@emilyrln​​⁠Idk how I didn’t see this before but thank you so much for the suggestions! That does sound like a good place to start, I’ll look into it :)

[@emilyrln]

@@chrisbellmore2485 You're very welcome! :D

[@ultimateskillchain]

The casual addressing us whilst balancing the reeds on your head 🤣🤣🤣

[@SirFrederick]

you can use the cordage water to make a headache tea.

[@LunaHall_]

This woman can make anything look cute!!!!! Also I’m loving your hair ❤️❤️❤️

[@Loki-and-Thor]

We had our week of summer early this year in May. Since then I have only been out once without a jacket! Scottish weather 🤷‍♀️

[@LauriesPlace999]

Morgan would thrive on Gilligans Island 😂😂😂😂

[@frankiemillcarek6976]

Sally Pointer has great further content on hedge bothering, processing fibers, making cordage, and other fun historical practices!

[@margarethall1625]

I'm impressed! Love the hat! While I love the offer from the online thrift store I won't use it since I actually work at a thrift store. Today we had an antique sewing machine come through that I recognized from Abby's video on the history of sewing machines. We also get tons of baskets through too.

[@sarahmwalsh]

I can't help thinking of "Sunday in the Park with George." You finished the hat and it's beautiful!! There is nothing you won't try, and that is just so inspiring!

[@CorvidCastle]

look, she made a hat! where there never was a hat!

[@aimeemorgado8715]

I loved this video so much. I learned I could make a basket hat- and am now inspired to try to make a lantern( using solar LEDs ) for the solstice!

[@antikathy]

I have literally been wandering around our property with baskets on the brain, lol. This was very helpful, I feel like I got some thoughts out of my head. I am glad you chanted your weaving directions aloud. It really helped my brain follow along. I was most confused by the cordage. I wish you had done a visual about adding a secondary strand into your cordage twisting because basically, my brain just spun around confusedly when you said just add it and twist and twist and twist. And you were able to let it go after a certain point. Why didn't it just all untwist? And how do you finish it off? I think I need to watch that again, lol. Very simple, much confused 😂

[@MorganDonner]

I am so sorry about that, I did film a close-up of that bit but then couldn't find it when editing, so it's not as clear as I would like it to be. Forgedfibres on IG has a fantastically clear demonstration that shows the adding in really well: instagram.com/reel/CpSW-I1oGhP/?igsh=cjcyanZycGp6aTF2 As for securing the ends, an overhand knot works well for me to keep it from going undone. If you set it down while you are still only partially done, it may untwist a smidge, but usually not enough to be an issue, just twist it right back next time you pick it up!

[@antikathy]

Awesome! Thanks! I will check that out for sure!! I'm sorry if I made you feel bad, the video was excellent and I am inspired to start harvesting materials and playing around with practice materials as well!! Thanks again 💜

[@antikathy]

Nope, I have seen that video before and it confuses me too. It is definitely a me problem. I am ambidextrous, so i think that's why my brain struggles. It's like the twisting directions become slippery in my head and I can't keep them straight. I have even tried to twist my hair like that before and I can never get it right. But I dearly appreciate the suggestion and response. Stay awesome

[@jasminv8653]

Sally Pointer on youtube has AMAZING videos on foraged cordage, netting and sprang weaving. She mostly focuses on nettle, but the technique is the same for any fibre, and she is THOROUGH! ❤

[@melrosemaps2937]

We're on a wavelength! Summer hats! I didn't weave mine, but I turned a damaged old cowboy style hat and turned it into a fun more vintage historical flat circle hat. So fun!

[@mimir.569]

Lovely ! Please don't change, you are so creative.

[@kanadra]

Looove this. It turned out so cute! But can we please get a bandana updo tutorial? Your hat looks so good over that bandana and as a haver of long hair I can never wear hats unless my hair is down or in simple braids, and as much as I love the Anne of Green Gables look on myself, I would equally love to have other options. 💜

[@mplwy]

I bet a metal nutcracker would work for debarking the willow. 😊

[@daalelli]

I bet you're right!

[@mandycollins8795]

I love it! Even if it isn't ideal, if you ever retire it, it would make fantastic door decor!

[@sarahhornung3721]

The nonchalant delivery of "have you ever tried to dance with an octopus" caught me entirely off guard 😆

[@biggestmirandafan5739]

I love how conversational your videos are. I really feels like you’re talking to me even though I’m sure it requires many takes to get that perfect casual flow.

[@doobat708]

The bug net look is like almost merry widow or something! Amazing! I'd hazard a guess and say the lighter hats could be made the same way, except with stalks of reeds, grass, or flax. Round here, we coppice willows just after first growth, usually early April, which gives them a funny bowl in the crown of the tree. Those twigs, I think, might be even better than these new tree shoots.

[@tinuvianna]

Why don't I have 35 free minutes RIGHT NOW for Morgan Donner and *hat weaving*??!?!

[@TheDistur]

It's fun how you approach new projects. Thanks for the video!

[@tarawurster6272]

Much like how Morgan can make another hat two times better, my day is now two times better having enjoyed yet another crafting video provided by our dear Morgan. Thank you for another wondrous dopamine side quest.

[@sschul5886]

Note to self: save sticks.

[@emilyrln]

You can weave with long pine needles, too!! The trick is to find that delicate balance between stockpiling and hoarding. I'm still working on it 😂

[@KristinaHoneyHavenFarm]

I especially love the addition of the flowers to your hat. This has been an exceptionally buggy summer here, too. Lots of mosquito bites and way more ticks than usual.

[@jaspergoesrawrr]

Very cuuuute! Instead of cutting the ends of the spokes, i would have suggested bending them back and weaving them in to keep the shape.

[@Roguechan]

I think the reason willow is not used as much for sunhats is because it's less lightweight and has bigger gaps in between than other materials such as straw, once finished. It's really better suited for baskets, but you made a *beautiful* hat out of it nevertheless, I agree with the other commenters :) ❤ As someone who also does basketry as a hobby: please try out dried cattails. They are superb to work with. They have a bit of 'squish' and are very resilient (you can sew with them!) and soft and easy to work with. The channel Foraged Fibres might highly be of use and fun to you, she's what I reference most of the time. Iris leaves, bindweed, and dandelion stems are my other new preferred weaving materials. I just planted tons of crocosmia in my garden in the hopes of growing my own weavers hahaha ❤ So much fun! You'll start seeing craft materials everywhere once you get started! I wish you tons of enjoyment! :)

[@SharmClucas]

This is interesting. It's awesome that you actually did it. My parents have a gigantic grass plant that constantly needs trimming. I keep wondering if those would make a good hat, but I've never gotten around to trying it. I should really take this as inspiration and just do it.

[@kaytiej8311]

I learned how to make a full woven willow wreath many years ago. The principles are so addictive even sitting in grass is a possible wreath making location!

[@bitonatorbitty2180]

Please please could you do a tutuorial on your hair with your hoops attatched, it’s so cute! I love it! The willow hat was fantastical, I’ve only made one basket once and it was mind boggling. I can’t believe how easily you put that together! Well done! 🙌

[@TheMagnoliaWitch]

I am living for the clips of your cat "attacking" the willow. 😂😂😂😂

[@marijeb278]

The weaving is great, but I especially was in awe with your great hairdo's in this clip!

[@pamarnold9378]

For those who are not lucky enough to have accidentaly pollarded willow available, the Urban Aborigonal youtube channel has some instructions on how to make a hat out of cattails, which are much easier to find. You can probably get away with harvesting some cattails from a nearby ditch. Although they do need to be dry before you soak them and work with them.

[@DUNG30NDUCK]

something about the gold rings in your hair seem like such a natural extension from the ornamental belt buckles of yours, especially with the ribbons in there. I don't quite know how to describe why but I see it and think "oh, cool, that makes sense"

[@michellecornum5856]

Cute. I used to weave wreaths with the red willows that grow around here. Never thought of weaving a hat.

[@nickiecarlson1837]

“A cord of three strands is not easily broken.” Gotta love that timeless Biblical wisdom!

[@omaeve]

I think the bark is what they used to make an extremely bitter aspirin. The native Americans taught them that although they probably had Willows and England by that time.

[@LadyMorganLavon]

Would a pair of metal nutcrackers work to strip the bark??

[@MorganDonner]

Ohhh, yes I think that would totally work!

[@legendarymudkip2096]

When i first started crochet, i practiced and practiced just getting the stitches down; when i got the hang of it, i unraveled the whole thing! Your first attempt of the hat crown reminded me of that. I've now been crochetting for a few years (albiet slowly learning new things) and while i'm more confident, i still frog the start of a project a time or two until i get it just right

[@ShadowclawFC]

My absolute favourite hat is a woven palm leaf hat I bought at a local farmer's market; there are lots of similar ones to be seen online so I'm not sure the hat itself was local but it's very nice anyway. It's shaped to look sorta like a mix between a cowboy hat and a sun hat, which is pretty fitting given I live in The South™😂 I've been having a lot of fun with my own weaving projects, though I use a different style called coiling. My chosen materials are areka leaves sewn with cordage made from yucca fibres, both plants which are found right in my backyard (and my lanai, in the case of a couple yuccas)! I make the cordage myself, and even made my own needle from a lemon tree thorn to sew it with 😄

[@littledragongirl10]

New morgan donn- Me: *clicks asap to watch outside in the summer sun*

[@DAYBROK3]

could also use the willow bark to treat headaches its the active ingredient in asprin (asa)

[@heutenachtistmeintag3328]

You never fail to surprise. What will she try next? We don't know, maybe making paper? Bobbin lace? Spinning? She's a mystery, so who knows? I just know that I'm so here for it!

[@jeansando6849]

This makes me think of Ma Ingalls weaving straw hats in one of the Little House books.

[@karlahovde]

I feel like version 2 of this hat would benefit from a collaboration with Sally Pointer! I'd love to see what the two of you came up with together.

[@SLorraineE]

This is so cool! I'm home sick currently and am now thinking about things I have in my craft room that I could weave with

[@Chibihugs]

Yay for making cute, useful hats out of nature! Thank you for the joyful blend of useful skill and whimsy!

[@freerangeeggs6442]

I love the quiet, slow paced vibes of your video. its really calming

[@cassandras8266]

omg your cat helping with the willow sticks while you take the bark off 😭so cute

[@kristenpeters4434]

I just planted 2 kinds of willow for baskets. Yay!

[@mylena3086]

I mean I dont like advertising that much but introducing thread up while threading up willow bark is pretty neat I gotta admit 😄

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

This is so cute! Such a great insight into the tricks of willow weaving. Shout out to your neighbor, letting you forage before they removed the weaving materials. And, as always, such a wonderfully done video 😀👍👑🌟 I admire your skills and cheerful presentation

[@wyw876]

If ever a second hat weaving video gets produced - I believe the common solution to "spokes" that splay too far apart is to counter-spiral them in the direction opposite of the weavers. I've seen this demonstrated across several videos on weaving hats using palm fronds.

[@traceycreations-zz1zj]

Wonderful! Experience does help when you let it. I like the experiment with the willow. I have to admit I have never considered it. Most hats I have are straw or felt. I have stripped up palm fronds for weaving (After making Palm Sunday crosses). It is an enjoyable experience to try something new!❤

[@gustavmielke777]

This is so cute! Also,wearing your necklace as a headband was super cute too ❤

[@kiuakakirstine8257]

Hi Morgan, thanks for making me focus on the simple things in life. I'm filled to the brim (no pun intended) with stress of everyday tasks, sickness and unfortunately also a lot of loss (this past year has been "Four Funerals and A Wedding") etc. It' always a joy to watch your videos and they serve another purpose, than entertainment to a lot of people. AMSR Galore! ❤ PS. The peonies are gorgeous 😊

[@cynthiabohli-nelson1824]

So cute!! I love the addition of the wildflowers too. The only natural materials that I've worked with are cane for a seat, & a small basket made from pine needles. Fun projects. 😊

[@hannahstewart5337]

Having a ton of overconfidence after taking one class in a new skill is very relatable!

[@Jess38044]

It's winter where am I and nothing has made me yearn for the sun more than this!! This turned out super good and cute. Well done :D

[@uhsaywhatnow]

Omg the finished product is adorable! Did you show it to your neighbor so they could see what the willow you collected turned into? It would be so rad to be neighbors with someone as creative as you and Mr. Donner. 💜

[@user-yc4fz7vv6u]

I imagine it is easier to strip the bark from the willow if a cat isn't dancing on your shoulder,.

[@Abygalekocan]

I love the snow white outfit but it really reminded me of minions

[@makeda6530]

That’s what it reminded me of!

[@MorganDonner]

AHHH, NOW I CAN'T UNSEE IT 😂😂😂

[@krose6451]

I think the bug viel makes for a very cool look. Makes me want some net decorations on top to match though. Maybe a band to weave the flowers through?

[@PNWGardener]

As with everything you make: SO STINKIN' CUTE! Would love to see another hat style made. I wonder if the process is much different using straw?

[@christianfrandsen1082]

The internet’s favourite art teacher

[@omaeve]

I read somewhere that the summer Willowbark comes off and the winter Willowbark stays on and then if you want to keep things fresh put the willow in a bucket with some water in it the whole time you’re working so that they don’t get hard and brittle