Basket Weaving Weeds in NY

[minnikin1]

I want to weave some kind of reed or grass onto a wire dog kennel so I can
use it as a sofa table.
Does anyone know what would be a nice plant to choose for this?
I want the effect to be neat and tidy, so I don't want fiber that fray or fuzz up.

Ideas?

[mtman]

not a weed but you could try willow the young branches bend nicely

[james dilley]

Do you have Johnson grass in your area?? How about Guinea grass?Both grow long strands . And runners,.. Rye will work too. As thats whats used to make skeps..

[mamagoose]

Cattails? I made a basket out of them once.

[RoseGarden]

I was going to suggest cattails, too. Small grape vines would be nice too.

[Cloverbud]

Are you going to be using this for the dog as well? If so, be sure that whatever you decide on is not toxic to the dog, in case he decides to chew on it.

[uncle Will in In.]

Pampas grass that people grow ornamentaly would work well if you can locate any. There are several varietys, which need to be cut off before spring growth.
A piece of burlap would create a rustic look.

[minnikin1]

Thanks for all the ideas!
But now I have a few more questions.
What do cattails look like when woven? Are they fat? I'd like something that
works up fast.
Willow is plentiful but may be a little hard on my hands - arthritis.

For the grasses, do you tie them in bundles and then weave?

BTW, yes we want the kennel to serve dual purpose. We're trying to make that a rule for everything we have in the house - no more useless 'decor stuff', and everything functional must function in more than one way...
It's been a fun challenge to try and keep things aesthetically pleasing in the meantime.

[cindyc]

Have an uncle that weaves wisteria vine. Don't know if that grows near you, tho-. You have to pick it young so that it is pliable.

Cindyc.