9
May 2017
Sarah Edwards Hammond Brings Experience, History
to Sweetgrass Basket Making at the Sandcastle
Even if you haven’t personally participated, many of you are
probably aware of the sweetgrass basket making classes at the
Sandcastle. These classes have been offered for years and have
become incredibly popular among members. Recent classes
in February were so well received that additional classes were
scheduled for June 16 and 17 at the Sandcastle (visit kica.us/
events for more info). You may not know as much, however,
about the class’s instructor, Sarah Edwards Hammond, who
comes from a long line of basket makers in the Lowcountry.
Sarah is Mount Pleasant born and bred. Her paternal
grandmother was the first of five generations of basket makers
in her family, and Sarah learned the art of weaving from her
mother-in-law. By the time she was seven years old, she was
happy to tag along with her mother and the other women
in their circle as they gathered along the highway to weave,
exchange stories and market their baskets. She says she was
never required to learn the art, but it came naturally as a way of
life. The young girls always assisted in carrying materials to the
side of the road and setting up the displays.
Sarah’s mother was from the Snowden area of Mount Pleasant
but her father came from the Seven Mile area and that is where
the family ultimately settled. Both of her daughters know how
to make baskets, her daughter Valerie often accompanying
Sarah when she teachers some of her numerous classes. Two of
her granddaughters also know how to weave and she is teaching
her grandchildren.
Although Sarah still finds time to create her trademark original
baskets, creations that are both unique and representative of
this ancient art, most of her days are spent doing what she loves
most - teaching others how to weave. A soft-spoken woman,
with a gentle manner and easy-going approach, she nevertheless
conducts her classes with the skill of a master. She thoroughly
enjoys watching her students of all ages w ho come in looking
a little nervous about a new experience, but eventually relax,
weave and enjoy the camaraderie of working on a project in the
company of others.
In addition to her adult classes, Sarah teaches third graders in
public schools all over South Carolina. She loves to watch the
young people who start by learning to make a trivet out of
sweetgrass. She says they all want to begin going up the sides
right away, but she encourages them to take on the simple
project and do it right first. Sarah also teaches at the Juvenile
Justice Department in Columbia and recalls a young man who
came into class with quite a negative attitude the first time,
complaining he did not want to make anything. After a few
words with one of the supervisors he settled down to the task
and ended up proudly producing his first creation. As they
weave the students talk among themselves, sometimes singing
and debating about who will receive their baskets as gifts.
Making a sweetgrass basket is an opportunity to learn on so
many levels. Regardless of age, students become part of an art
with its roots deep in history. They can chat with friends and
neighbors around the table in a communal environment. Best
of all, they can leave with a small treasure in their hands that
will last forever.
If you are interested in checking out one of Sarah’s classes at
the Sandcastle, sign up early as spaces fill up quick. The next
classes are taking place June 16-17 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
All materials are supplied and all levels are welcome. Cost for
a class is $50 for members and $60 for non-members. Contact
the Sandcastle at [email protected] or 843-768-3875 by
Wednesday, June 14 to register.
Article contributed by Digest Member Volunteer Shauneen Hutchinson