The basket maker

It was very common to see gipsies selling baskets in Lorraine till the middle of the 1970s, then they didn't come to our doors as often as before. But till about two or three years ago a couple of basket makers still used to come to the village at least twice a year. She was a very good saleswoman, telling you "you absolutely needed a new basket, or a new tray to put your pies". She was very talkative, enjoying a long chat and, in the end, very often managed to sell you something. The quality of their work was really good, but it was quite expensive and nowadays not a lot of people bother about keeping a basket for ages.

The basket maker who came to Dombasle-sur-Meurthe on Sunday reminded us when we were young. He explained he works with wicker, hazel, reed. He was from Normandy if I remember well. There were basket makers in our area, shops in Ogéviller, in Glonville, but we don't hear about them any more. There were advantages to buy a locally made basket. If one day, after putting vegetables in it and carrying it you suddenly were left with the handle in the hand only, or with the bottom of the basket staying on the ground, you just had to go to the maker's and complain. As the basket was supposed to last for ages, it was repaired quickly. The one we buy in big shops just goes straight to the bin if it breaks. Another way of living.

Comments

[Kay Lamb]

Our made in China way of life has robbed us of much!!

[Maryse]

Same here.