Yellowknife (Feb 15/06) - Weaving has endured generations and still holds appeal, according to Rhonda Buckland.

"It has a strong place in history. It was considered a very important job for colonies," she said.

"But I'm lucky I get to do it as a hobby, not make everything for my household," Buckland said, laughing.

"Being able to make your own creations and wear them - it's great," Buckland said during the On the Fringe fibre demonstration on Sunday.

Fabric weavers, knitters, basket weavers and spinners from the Yellowknife Guild of Arts and Crafts gathered for a public demonstration of their handiwork, much to the delight of participants who were given the opportunity to try their skills.

Buckland said while weaving is not the most popular craft, there is certainly satisfaction in seeing a creation appear from the ever-moving loom.

"You can weave with anything from cotton to fishing line."

As for basketmaker Cathie Harper, she too said that a variety of materials make for interesting pieces.

"I've used cloth, paper, speaker wire, fur, willow," she said.

"If it's flexible, it can be woven," she said, holding up a small basket made from a Froot Loops cereal box.

"But don't ever let anyone tell you that basketmaking is easy. It's not," Harper said.

Interestingly, Harper said no one has yet to find a machine that can make a basket.

"Every basket that you will find in a store has been made by hand."

As for long-time knitter Cynthia Levy, she said although she has enjoyed the craft since she was 10, it waxes and wanes in popularity, yet endures over the years.

"I think some of the celebrities taking up the craft are making it more popular," Levy said of stars such as Russell Crowe and Julia Roberts, who enjoy the pastime.

"It made the materials more available and younger people more interested in knitting," said Levy.