Nantucket Lightship Basket (Sankaty)

Since I have known Josh's grandparents I have know of the Nantucket Lightship Baskets. I knew his grandmother made them, but I did not quite understand or appreciate them right away. As the years went on I learned more and more about them until I finally asked Josh's grandmother to teach me how to make one. She let me know that she would be tough on me "not to be mean but to make sure I follow instructions and do it correctly". No problem. I picked out the ivory for the inside center of the basket called scrimshaw. I chose Sankaty Head Lighthouse (housed on Nantucket Island) because it is where Josh proposed to me in 2004. It was such an honor to learn. I enjoyed every step of it and even though 'grammie' was tough, she taught me well. I did get praise too! I am proud of everything I did. I researched the history of the basket and now have a new appreciation for them and understand why it was so important to learn to do everything correctly. The Nantucket Lightship Basket is unique to the island and its traditions must be kept and preserved as time goes on.