By: Jeannelou Truitt

Quick, get puckered before that tree gets away.  The time
to gather pine needles is when a tree is cut down.  However, the
needles need to be at least 8" long.  Yes, you can use 'dropped
needles' but it is an unreasonale hassle.  If you gather the needles
green from a down tree, 95 out of 100 will be useable.  If you use
raked needles, 95 out of 100 will be unusable.  By the time the needle
is dropped it is already 'worn out', the drop damages it, people etc.
walking on it damages it, and raking damages it. Much better to take
nice new needles from a down tree, by the handfull,then none of the
above apply.  Have a number of strngs[yarn, rubberbands, etc.] about 12
or 15 in. long, ready. Tske hold of a handfull of neeedles of the
correct length [even long needle pines have some too short] break away
bypulling toward the trunk.  Place in left hand. Repeat until you have
as much as your left hand can grasp, then tie off and repeat.  These
bundles now need to be dryed [or your basket will come all loose as
they shrink]. Dry in the sun until the green goers away.  Dry in the
sun if tan needles are ok, or in the shade if reddish is wanted.
Another process makes the chocolate brown.  Remember,in pineneedle
basketry, you can see the needles.  For those without access to long
needle pine, straw can also be used.