Several years ago, I made this large, rectangular table topper out of a bunch of Christmas fabrics I had collected. It measures about 22 x 17. Very simple patchwork squares, quilted with a diagonal grid.
Here's a peek at the back - of course, I love these little penguins, and the peppermint binding!
I used it on my dining room table, and even have napkins that match it. But because I keep finding more fun Christmas fabric lines and sewing more things, the last couple of years I haven't used it as much.
So, my question to myself was, could I turn this into a fabric basket? I've seen lots of tutorials for fabric baskets recently, and I knew I basically needed a quilted panel with an outer fabric, batting, and a lining. I just needed to cut this into a size that I thought would work.
I cut a 5 1/4 x 17 inch piece off of each side of the table topper, leaving me with about a 12 x 17 piece that was still bound on each short end. I folded it in half, and stitched up each cut side. (The above picture shows the center piece after I sewed the side seams up.)
Although I didn't take a picture of the next step, it's the same thing you do to make a flat bottom in many basket or pouch tutorials. I cut a 2.5 inch square out of each corner of the flat-sewn piece, matched up the sides and the bottom, and sewed them back together.
And as simple as that, I had a little basket! It's 6 inches tall, and the bottom is about 6 x 6 inches square. A useful size! :)
And the inside -
Although I hadn't figured out at that point what to do with the raw edges left on the inside of the basket, I did stitch around the top edge (through the original binding) which holds those inside edges down. If I were to do this again, I could zigzag those raw edges as a first step before sewing the side seams of the basket.
I'm not sure yet what I will do with this basket, but it was definitely fun to see if I could make it!
Sharing at Quilting is More Fun than Housework for Oh Scrap!
Way to go, Girl! I've yet to try a basket ... or a bag ... or a pouch ... Hmm, guess I need to set some goals for 2018.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I've though of cutting up some quilty stuff I've made that will never make it to the done stage and then using them in a quilt. You're inspiring.
ReplyDeletegreat idea to use up something sitting aside for awhile - if the raw edges really bother you you could applique a binding over them - but only if it really bothers you!
ReplyDeleteCute idea and love the fabric on the outside.
ReplyDeleteHow creative!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to use up scraps and it is adorable!
ReplyDeleteYou are so very clever to reuse what you already had made!!!
ReplyDeleteHigh five for you - that's wonderful to repurpose something this way. I know you'll find a use for it soon. It's a natural collection point for any number of things, i.e., a boatload of colorful candy canes!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea Diann. I have recycled runners into quilted bags but these little baskets are a great idea too. You are so creative!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with Oh Scrap!
Last night I started trying to make some baskets from Joy's new post. Thanks for the hint to zigzag the seams before stitching. It's my first try at baskets and I'm nervous about it all.
ReplyDeleteThat turned out really cute! I love that penguin fabric! You’ve got me seeing penguins everywhere, LOL!
ReplyDeleteGenius! Gives me ideas too. I love making those baskets. I made 20 last year for my daughter to give to her staff at work. They were thrilled. But, I never thought of using some table toppers or placemats I'm not using! Enjoy your day! mary
ReplyDeleteGreat way to use up a favourite item.Wonderful recycling.
ReplyDelete