THE BIRTH OF A HANDMADE EASTER BASKET

I have hundreds of patterns for making all kinds of baskets. I usually weave a basket for holidays and fill them with something special. I enjoy giving my friends and family something I made from the heart and the hands. Oh My, what pattern should we use for Allie's Easter basket?

I think this pattern would be perfect for 3 year old Allie. Lets get busy, shall we?

For this pattern we need reed that is 3/8" and 1/4" wide, as well as some round. Now it has to be cut into the proper lengths.

We cut our reed into the lengths that we need according to the pattern directions.

I need some green reed and don't have any, so we need to dye some. You can either use a basket dye or Rite dye works just as well.

The dye is mixed with table salt and added to boiling water. I then turn the stove off and put the reed in. See? it's taking the color already.

Isn't this a lovely shade of green? Looks like spring and Easter to me. I love the way it turned out.

The pretty bottom. The design you see on the left and right side is called "chicken feet" and is achieved when you weave a solid bottom. The fillers have to have the ends tucked and this is the method I decided to use on this basket.

We are starting with three rows of green, remember I had to dye some reed? This is why.

We begin to build up the sides now.....you have to be patient.

A little look at the inside. I gave this a solid bottom so it will hold all the candies and goodies I will put inside.

We are getting there, but still have to prepare for the rim.

The spokes now have to be cut and tucked. The outside spokes get trimmed and tucked inside, the inside spokes get cut to the rim.

The top spokes are then cut and tucked inside for strength.

The swing handle is added.

Now we add the rim to the basket. I put seagrass in between the inside rim and the outside. Then we lash it with more reed. Clothepins help me hold the rim in place.

I love the swing handle. This could be considered done, but wait, I want to add some flowers. It is for a little girl and it is Easter, so what could be better to bring in the spring?!

The side view.

This flower is on the front. I decided to do both flowers in a hot pink and only place them on the front and back.

I added this flower to the back.

This will be Allie's Easter basket for 2009. I sure hope she likes it. Of course, now I will go fill it with Easter grass and all kinds of goodies. Yumm!!