It was a tremendously busy day with work, blueberry festival, visiting a friend in the hospital and crafting.  To be honest, I found it to be a completely rewarding day.  I hope I remember it for a long time to come.

Now, because I was so busy, I didn't get my fabric basket finished before quitting time. But I did get to what I plan on being my final row.  As it turned out, in order to get to today's Blueberry Festival asap, I skipped the visit to the fabric store.  I made do with what I had at home and I think it came out rather nice.

Today there is a blueberry festival going on in my town.  I love festivals.  I love community.  I love that summertime gives me a sense of community.  I'd sure love to make a basket using a blueberry print fabric.  Guess I'll swing by the craft store after work for a looksy.  I'll post whatever I come up with later today or tomorrow.  

Basket #2

After work today I headed straight for my craft room.  I was busy working on this basket when my husband showed up with a little dinner for the two of us.

Fabric Basket with Twisted Straps

Here are pictures of my first fabric basket after I trimmed some of the excess thread off of it.  I also turned the straps so that they are little loops.  I'm thinking of sewing them down in this position and adding a handle.  We'll see if I find anything I might think will work.  

My first fabric basket is completed.  Since it was my practice run I made it pretty small. That being said it has great personality.

At my church the children collect an offering using small bags that I made years ago for a Christmas program.  The bags are supposed to be used to hang an offering (offering envelope) from the Christmas tree.  But, these bags became dual purpose some time ago and I have considered replacing them many times over the years.

It was some time in June when I stumbled upon this fabric basket idea.  The baskets are a great idea because children don't have very good finger/hand dexterity; it's hard for them to manage the baggie and they aren't able to open it up for people to throw their coins into.  Additionally, some of the older members also have difficulty opening the bag to toss their offerings into.  The baskets should eliminate these issues.  That being said, it may open up new issues, like the kids tripping and coins flying everywhere.  I guess we'll try it anyway. :)

I hope to make a few baskets tonight.

Fabric Baskets

I've been away for a while, sorry.  It's amazing how busy the year can be.  But, I am going to spend some time crafting tonight.  I've been learning a little about fabric baskets and would like to give it a try.  I love trying new craft ideas just for a change of pace.  I've already purchased the supplies I didn't have and watched several different youtube videos so that I could learn different techniques.
I look forward to sharing with you all very soon.  Just give me an hour or two.