Monday, June 30, 2008

Basket Remodel

I have a weakness for orphan baskets... Baskets that have had hard days and been tossed aside... I found this one at our Goodwill... and my boys thought I was crazy... The pictures don't show how dirty it is, but the plastic cover on the gingham is filthy... They were also concerned that I hadn't "noticed" the missing lid...

I noticed the missing lid and the cat chewed handle... but it was only $1.99 and I couldn't pass it by... I could see how useful it could be with a little remodel.
(Cat Chewing)

(Half a lock... clearing pointing to the fact that it was missing a lid)
The first thing I did was remove the old cover and then the half a lock... Look at how they held the little lock on... brads that look like rivets. (Isn't that clever.)
I cut apart the cover to form a pattern. That way I could make a new lining...
I already had this white fabric... so I decided I would use it to line the basket... I have a hard time chosing a print when I know something is going to serve a useful purpose. I am always worried that I will grow tired of a print over time...

I sewed up the four side seems and tried it on the basket... Even though I used the original as a pattern the new cover seemed a bit small. At first I was going to make a ruffle... and so I cut strips of fabric to gather... I changed my mind about a ruffle and decided I would just make a turned edging instead.
(Oh my, my ironing board is icky and needs a new cover... it is amazing what you see when you take a photo of something you look at everyday.)
After I removed the gathering, I realized the fabric I chose really had the tendency to fray... But with a completely finished edge it won't matter, no matter how much use the basket gets.

Ta Da... it is finished and ready to start a new life... Don't pass by that ugly basket... it could turn into a wonderful addition to your storage...

5 comments:

henny said...

You're very creative, Shelly.

Little Bits Of Everything said...

How thrifty and cute. I would have used it for a book basket as well. :)
I am in the market to buy my first sewing machine. Any recomendations?

mimi said...

thanks for visiting my blog! what a great find, your new basket looks terrific!

Grandmother Wren said...

This is a lovely blog you have here! Thank you for visiting me at Grandmother Wren's - it is a delight coming here to visit you. Great job on the basket and the capri pants - super idea!

Unknown said...

I have a TON of baskets that need repair and restyling! Thanks for the great idea!