An easy project

For a long time now, I've wanted to be able to line some of my vintage baskets. I had a few tries, which didn't work out well. But I was flicking through one of my favourite craft books (Homemade Gifts Vintage Style by Sarah Moore) over the weekend and I found some easy instructions which didn't require too many needlework skills, so yesterday I had a go.

I picked up the little work basket for 50p at a yard sale over the summer. It is a bit plain as it is, so a floral lining seemed just the thing to liven it up. The first thing I did was to scrunch up some newspaper, and line the basket with it.

This makes the template for the fabric. I cut out a circle, just a couple of centimetres larger than my scrunched newspaper template, to allow for a hem, and whizzed round it on my machine (I say 'whizzed' round it. I fell out with the machine, as usual, and there was a certain amount of teeth gnashing, but I got there). Then I put the hemmed circle into the basket and I used a long needle to stitch the fabric to the wicker. The fabric looked much too big for the basket, but I made little pleats as I went round and it was much easier than I thought it would be. I was trying to cook a roast dinner at the same time, as by now I was desperate to see if it would work.

And yes, it did work! You can see some of my stitches on the wicker, but it's really not too bad, and it makes the little basket look so much nicer.

Sunshine is streaming in today, it's absolutely beautiful, so I made the most of the light.

Full marks to the Sarah Moore vintage book. I find it so easy to use. Many 'making' books go straight over my head, I can't interpret instructions easily, but this one is so very straightforward and sensible. 
I did buy a new book the other day, after seeing it mentioned on Selina Lake's blog:

I thought I might find some things to make for my 50th birthday party, which I hope to hold in a village hall later this  year. I've started collecting ideas and decorations for it, as I'd love to have a vintage theme. There are some pretty little things to make in here. I like this one, made with an embroidery hoop:

But I have to say, Sarah Moore still rules for me. I am going to try lining a rectangular basket next. 
Enjoy the beautiful day if the sun is shining where you are.