A Tisket, A Tasket; A Cute Easter Basket

Despite this being the first day of spring, here on the east coast of Canada we are enjoying another snow storm, and watching up to 25 cm of the fluffy, white stuff fall outside the windows.  Schools and businesses are closed, making this a perfect time to stay inside to create.
I seem to make a lot of baskets, mostly because I really enjoy filling them with fun and interesting items. You can see a previous one here. Sometimes you just need a small one, to let someone know you are thinking of them;  it's even more special if you can use some favourite fabrics from your stash. I chose a pink dot, but a pretty floral would be awesome. These little baskets are great for shut-ins who could use a little pick-me-up.  Other than a couple of hand-stitches to hold the ends together, this is a total no-sew project that takes little time to complete.
Opening that Pandora's box of Mirror Ball Dot fabrics last week unearthed some pretty Fairy Frost pieces I had forgotten about, including a pastel yellow which looks like sunshine;  it made a perfect lining for this basket.  I had fun working out the design, with a mandate to keep it as quick and inexpensive as possible.  Please read through all the directions before starting to make sure you are clear on what's required.

A Tisket, A Tasket, A Cute Easter Basket

Materials Required:

2, 9-1/4" squares fabric in coordinating colours for basket (i.e., one pink, one yellow)

2, 9-1/4" squares of  heavy weight fusible interfacing*
1, 9-1/4" square of fusible web for basket*

2, 1-1/4" x 11-1/4" pieces of coordinating colours for handle (i.e., one pink, one yellow)

2, 1-1/4" x 11-1/4" heavy weight fusible interfacing*
1-1/4" x 11-1/4" fusible web for handle
2 pretty buttons
Disappearing marker
Strong thread
*Pellon Craft Fuse heavy weight fusible interfacing and Pellon Wonder Under used in sample project.

Fuse interfacing to back of each of the 9-1/4" fabrics following manufacturer's instructions. 

Apply fusible web to the back of one of the fabrics;  remove paper backing and fuse the interfaced lining on top, wrong sides together.  This fuses the pieces together to create a double sided fabric.   

 Trim to 9" square.

Divide fabric into thirds both vertically and horizontally by drawing lines 3" apart with a disappearing marker. You will have a grid of 3" squares marked on your fabric.

Fold bottom third to centre along marked line and press to crease. Repeat for top section of fabric.  You can see I am using lots of steam to make a crisp line.

Turn fabric a quarter turn and repeat the pressing so that the fabric is now pressed in a 3 x 3 grid.

With scissors, cut along two outer lines on the top and bottom ends only to the centre mark as shown.  Note that you are NOT cutting in from both sides, you are only cutting on the top and bottom ends to the centre. (4 little snips, not 8).

Fold up, and bring sides together, angling a bit at the top edges.  Pin in place.

To make your handle, fuse interfacing to back of both handle and lining sections.  Fuse handle and lining together with the fusible web in between. Trim handle to 1" x 11".  Mark 1" from each end of handle.

Remove pin from basket and slip handle between basket sides and inner square, as far as the 1" marked line.  Re-pin.

Using sturdy thread and handstitches, make an X to secure ends.

I used pink Lily quilting thread which had belonged to my grandmother.  45 cents well spent, Gram :)

Sew decorative button on top to cover stitching. (Thank you for these cute buttons, Mary). That's all there is to it!

Fill it with some fun little goodies and brighten someone's day. The new stamps from Canada Post which feature spring flowers are perfect.

If you make some baskets, we'd love to see them. Kindly email pictures here.

Happy Spring!