Clo Cass and Barb Krause built Weaver's Touch by turning crafts into commerce

After their children’s marriage, two women’s lives were woven together in more ways than one.

Clo Cass, of La Monte, and Barb Krause, of Knob Noster, were novice basket weavers before opening a shop and teaching facility in rural La Monte in 2000. Cass had made a couple of baskets on her own and Krause was taking classes in Knob Noster to learn the skill. When Krause’s son married Cass’ daughter, the two learned they had more in common than just family ties.

Krause gave Cass’ daughter a hand-woven wine basket as a college graduation gift.

“That’s kind of how we found out that we both did the basket weaving, and it just went from there,” Krause said.

The two are partners in their store, Weaver’s Touch, located on Highway FF.

“This is a gift and basket shop,” Cass said.

The shop started out a place to make baskets in a small shed outside Cass’ home. When her husband wanted to build a three-car garage, Cass convinced him to add an extra room for the two to make and sell their baskets.

“We had lots and lots of supplies, but not much room,” Cass said.

The two teach basket weaving classes for two to three months each year and carry all of the supplies needed for people to start their own hobby.

Krause said there are some essentials for making a basket, such as good scissors, packing tools, fillers and reed.

“No matter what size reed you have, a home the pattern will always call for a different size,” Krause said.

They also host a “weave-in” once a year and usually attended one craft show.

“It’s just a fun day where everybody comes to weave a basket,” Cass said.

Every basket starts with a pattern, then specific size reeds are cut and the spokes are used to build the base of the basket. Once the basket is woven, the rim will be made and the basket can be stained.

“Practically all baskets are stained. If they aren’t, they kind of lose their color,” Cass said.

Cass is a retired teacher and Krause sells insurance in Knob Noster. The two said that 10 years ago, they never thought they would be making and selling baskets and teaching the craft, but they make a great team.

“We’re good partners because Barb likes the practical baskets and I like the fancy baskets,” Cass said.