Crafts & Creations



Recycled Jean Easter Basket


 I was looking for Easter baskets that I could make out of recycled, everyday materials and came across this pattern using felted sweaters.  The instructions are easy to follow and they are gorgeous! 
Since I couldn't find any pure wool sweaters, I used the next best thing - jeans.  You can use so many things to embelish the baskets like buttons, ribbons, flowers, and feathers.

                                                                  
 I started by cutting out a circle for the bottom using a medium sized bowl (any size can be used keeping in mind you will loose about an inch in seams) and I used the bum of the jeans with the pocket for added support.
 Next, I cut a 2" strip long enough to go around the diameter of the bottom.  (it's a good idea to cut 2 strips at this point so the top of the basket is the same size)  Then I sewed on the ribbon, sewed it together to make the round base and then to the bottom piece.  Remember to pin it together first!


Once the bottom was finished, I cut 12 one inch strips 4 inches long and pinned them on the basket evenly before sewing together.
Then I used the hems of the jean legs to make the handles and attached them to the second top piece that I cut out earlier.  I used the top of the waistband of the jeans for this (I also sewed ribbon on this piece).


 



 Once the top is sewn to the strips, you are ready to weave the basket.
 I cut 2 - 1 inch strips for mine and used a tupperware container to hold the shape as I pinned.  After that, I sewed them all in place.  But because the pattern called for felted wool and not jeans, the basket was quite floppy. 
I lined the inside with a thin piece of cardboard to hold it up.  After it's filled with grass and eggs, it holds shape just fine.



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 Easter Rag Basket

Easter Rag Basket

Materials:

-10 metres cotton cording (rope would also work)

-hot glue gun

-fabric of your choice - cut into 1.5 inch strips





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