This set of Carrie Stevens streamer patterns contains four flies, tied by Don Bastian to exacting original detail, specifically selected for this Collectors Edition.
This is the first of many Carrie Stevens sets to be offered by Don Bastian. Each set offered will have a particular theme.
The patterns included in this set are:
Gray Ghost
Colonel Bates
Blue Devil
Pink Lady
These particular patterns were chosen because:
- The Gray Ghost is the most famous New England style streamer ever created. It literally launched Carrie's career as a fly tier. The Gray Ghost has been the top-selling traditional streamer pattern in the world for over 50 years.
- The Colonel Bates was named after Joseph D. Bates, author of several books including Streamer Fly Tying and Fishing, which has been printed in three different editions.
- The Blue Devil was one of the patterns listed in Bate's book, and was among about 2 dozen of Mrs. Stevens patterns known in existence for many years, until the publication of the Carrie Stevens book by Graydon and Leslie Hilyard in 2000 revealed that she had actually created over 100 different streamer patterns.
- Finally the Pink Lady is included in this collectors set because it was the last pattern, the very last fly of her career, tied by her in the 1950's on the day that she sold her business to H. Wendell Folkins, of New Hampshire for $300.00.
Hooks:
Hooks used are the Gaelic Supreme Brand, Mike Martinek / Carrie Stevens Rangeley Style Streamer Hooks that are hand-made in England. They are designed after streamer hooks that Carrie had special-ordered from Allcock's in the 1930's.
Included in each set:
- Each selection includes a letter of provenance to authenticate the flies, typewritten in ink on fine granite 24 lb. 25% cotton paper; and is dated and signed in #2 pencil by Don Bastian.
- Each fly is securely mounted for display purposes onto a traditional streamer card, using a technique with fine copper wire through the hook eye and over the bend, similar to the method Carrie herself used to affix her flies to her custom-made labeling cards.
- Each card is hand-lettered with the pattern name and lists the hook size.
- The four cards and streamers are mounted together on card stock, which is then mounted onto a raised display panel in a white, smooth enamel finish gift box. The box measures approximately 3-1/2" x 9".
This collection can be preserved and enjoyed for years in the box as it is presented.