I love clothesline rope!!

I ran across a picture on buckalooview's Instagram of a nifty basket made from clothesline rope. This type of basketmaking has been around forever but I always thought that was a lot of work for a basket. I couldn't get it off my mind so I picked up a 100 foot, $3.44 package of clothesline rope from WalMart and became instantly addicted to the possibilities.

There are plenty of tutorials available online. Basically, you start in the middle and keep zig-zagging around until it is the size you need. It tends to start the bowl shape on it's own. I had to concentrate on trying not to pull too tightly as I stitched until I got the flat bottom finished. I controlled the shaping by pulling the cord slightly as I stitched.

When you get to the end, you have to decide how to finish off and tidy up the end of the cord. Just use your imagination!!





I had about 4 yards left after making my first 3 bowls. I couldn't stand to let it go to waste so I made a couple of coasters. I gave them a little steam press so that they are nice and flat.

I'd like to try dyeing my next batch of baskets. I see another trip to WalMart in the near future!

Baby Gift Basket

Baby are such fun to sew for! I have a new great nephew and had lots of fun putting together a gift basket for him. I found the cutest fabrics for a baby gift at Whittle's Fabrics. (I went to the actual store in Chalybeate, Ky., not sure if they are available on the website) The tutorial for the structured fabric basket can be found at Sew4Home, one of my favorite websites for sewing project ideas.

I couldn't find cotton chenille or a good quality terrycloth for the burpcloth/towel. I bought a nice, soft towel and cut a generous size which can be used as a towel or to cover Mom and Dad's shoulder for burping. The appliques are from Planet Applique. I love their appliques, so well digitized and easy to embroider.

Check out the little snap on the bib. I once bought these colored snaps in quantity from Snapsource when my girls were babies for all those little outfits that snapped in the crotch/leg area. I just happened to have a bright yellow that matched perfectly. Snapsource has a handy little tool to make attaching super easy.

I found a tutorial for this flannel-lined changing pad here.  It has a little pocket for diapers, wipes, etc. and fits in the diaper bag for travel.

The changing pad fastens with a button and a ponytail rubber band. Be sure and use a flat button so that it doesn't poke baby!

 

The new mommy knits and sews beautifully and blogs about it here.  Check out all of her adorable baby blankets, sweaters, knitted toys, etc.

Hand Woven Sewing Tote

I love to make baskets. However, I have been off on other paths the past few years such as knitting, spinning, sewing, gardening. There are only so many hours in a day. Recently, a friend told me about a basket making class which was being taught by Beth Hester from GH Productions. I decided it was time to make baskets again. For two nights we met at a local church to make the Soteria basket. It is the perfect size to carry my sewing projects or any other project for that matter.

This is my basket after the first evening of basket weaving.

This is my basket after two nights of basket weaving. I love the finished product! In the past, when I have made baskets, I put them on a shelf to look at and admire. This one, however, I plan to use often. The shaker tape handles are great for carrying the basket but fall out of the way when you need them to.

This is a close-up of the seagrass accents and the button detail on the handles.

I made a little trip to GH Productions today to gather supplies to make more baskets this weekend.  I bought a packing tool which I am pretty excited about. I'll use it to push the weavers down and save my fingertips!