Celebrating 75 years, the Village of Yesteryear is an exhibit that demonstrates traditional handicraft and heritage skills. Held every year at the N.C. State Fair, the village has featured more than 100 artists and crafters creating, displaying and selling time-honored handmade crafts. “A Maker’s Dozen” is a series that tells the stories of these artisans and educates about their heritage crafts.
“It’s an endless process of what you can create,” said Janet Daughtry, an artisan of the Village of Yesteryear at the N.C. State Fair. Daughtry is a Johnston County native, residing in Selma for the last 35 years.
For more than 20 years, she has been weaving and selling Appalachian-style baskets to fairgoers with her husband, Scott. “People are delighted to see a local vendor,” she said. Before she was a full-time basket weaver, she was a kindergarten teacher for 31 years.
Daughtry began her journey into basketry in 1980 while in her twenties. “Back then, cross-stitch and basket weaving classes were very popular,” she shared. “I chose basket weaving, and I have been dedicated to the craft ever since. I originally learned the technique through a home-demonstration class organized by a local agriculture department.”
“What I like most about basket weaving is the texture and the creativity,” said Daughtry. “There is an endless process of what you can create. Doing something with the same process, but in a different way over and over again. And then, each time, you get to ask, ‘how can I change this and make it better?’ And basket weaving is very hands on, which I appreciate. I like to work with my hands.”
A popular question Daughtry is asked about her product is how long it takes. “Well, it mostly varies. Sometimes, it’s three to four hours for one basket. Other times, it’s 30 to 40 hours. Most of the time, it depends on size, design and materials.”
Daughtry baskets are made of rattan, which is a versatile, easy to use and reliable plant. It is native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa. Rattan is often used to make parts of chairs and furniture.
“My process, like that of any craftsman, begins with an idea,” said Daughtry. “Once inspired, I determine the desired pattern and calculate the precise number of stakes required. Next, I prepare the materials, dyeing them if the design calls for color. I begin by weaving the base; once complete, I bend the sides upward and weave the rest of the basket to its finish.”
Daughtry’s only annual show is at the Village of Yesteryear at the N.C. State Fair. “It takes me all year to get ready for it. Although, sometimes, I do demonstrations at certain events. I also take orders.”
“My favorite part of the Fair is the Village, of course,” said Daughtry. “I do like to usually get honey there as well. I like looking at the large vegetables and have even won some ribbons on peppers I have entered into the fair. And who could forget the classic delicious fair food – funnel cakes.”
Daughtry’s dedication to basket making extends well beyond the N.C. State Fair. She has engaged in extensive disaster relief and mission work globally, using her craft as a source of relief for those in need. Her efforts have reached communities in Sri Lanka, Armenia, South Africa, Hungary, Hawaii, Honduras, and throughout the United States. “I love forming those relationships,” Daughtry said. “Everywhere I have been, I can practice my craft without speaking the language. There’s something beautiful about that.”
Daughtry is excited to be a part of the N.C. State Fair for 2026. “The basket makers of yesteryear left us a treasure of basketmaking skills and traditions,” said Daughtry. “We, who love this craft, strive to achieve these standards and pass this knowledge to future generations.”
