Monday, November 3, 2014

Crochet Baskets


Now that the gardens have been put to bed
for the winter, I have been spending 
more time indoors and my latest 
passion is crocheted baskets! 


These little baskets were so fun to make
and very quick, too. 



Each basket only took about 4 hours. 
(you can see my stitch marker poking through in the upper right)

I am a slow crocheter, too. 


They are so sweet and have many uses - 


holding jewelry, 
office supplies, 
business cards,
candy,
well, anything you can imagine! 


I found the patterns in 'So Pretty Crochet'
by Amy Palanjian


This book is a collaboration of various 
needle women - each contributing
a different project. 


The crocheted baskets were contributed by
Rae Ritchie

There are projects for necklaces, neck warmers, 
covered stones, headbands, slippers, mittens, caps,
pouches, cuffs, pillows, ornaments, coasters and buntings. 

All very easy. 

(I received no compensation for mentioning
this book - I simply love it)


I used Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton
as it is soft and washable. 


Single crochet with double crochet
 spaces were easy to do. 

Using a relatively small hook size kept the stitches tight. 


I have already gifted these to my sweet 
daughter-in-law, Erica for 
her recent birthday. 

The book suggests using various yarns and hooks
to add a personal touch to your baskets. 

I am already working on one using strips
of vintage calico which I will share when 
I am done. 

There are endless variations!


The sweet card in my photos was sent to me
by a dear blogger friend from Scotland, 
Sadly, Christine has just lost her Father
and is in need of thoughts and prayers. 


All the little flowers and vase on the card
 are cut from hand-made paper.



It matches the bouquet of flowers from my daughter! 


I thought they looked so pretty together! 


A vintage doily carries the theme. 


My silver and turquoise bracelet 
is from my sweet 'Blue Eyes'
when we lived in Tucson, Arizona
as newlyweds. 

It is next to my 'lucky marble'
that I found digging in the garden. 


I so enjoyed crocheting these charming 
little baskets. 

I hope this inspires you to make some, too! 


xoxo 

'Friendship improves happiness, 
and abates misery,
by doubling our joy,
and dividing our grief.'

Joseph Addison

Linking with: Ivy and Elephants: What's it Wednesday

Ivy and Elephants

39 comments:

  1. They turned out so pretty. I made some awhile back but need to get my crochet things out now that the days are getting so short. I have some wire wrapped earrings like yours, too. AND I love silver and turquoise...what a gorgeous bracelet! Sweet hugs, Diane

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  2. Those are so pretty! Thanks for the tip on that book. It looks like fun, with great projects that maybe I could manage...maybe. Love those baskets!

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  3. Very pretty! I thought at first the bead necklace was ribbon woven through the holes of the basket. I'm just itching to get to some knitting these days (now that garden chores are through), but I have a kitchen to paint first. Wendy x

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  4. You have wonderful decorating skills, those crocheted baskets are adorable, the flowers in the pretty vase, the doily, and I also love your pretty curtains. The card is lovely, but so sorry to hear about Christine's loss.

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  5. Karen, Those little basket are just so cute. My grandmother made something similar only they were flatter and they had a piece of felt inside and a flat crocheted "top" with a small "hat" in the center of it. Anyway- I know that is a horrible description..but it was a needle holder for sewing needles and the "hat" was crocheted and you slipped a thimble up in it to hold its shape. There was a small ribbon tied around the base of the "hat". I had not thought of those in years until I saw yours here.

    They are darling and could be used for so many things. I am sorry about Christine's Dad and will say a prayer for her. Have a great night- xo Diana

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  6. They are precious and just so pretty. Your daughter in law is one blessed girl to have you for a mother in law….Love your bracelet..

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  7. Your little crocheted baskets turned out so pretty, Karen. I'll bet Erica loved her thoughtful gift from you. I look forward to seeing some of your calico added to the baskets.

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  8. Yikes, Third time trying to comment. Testing...testing...

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  9. ok, that now worked. Will try again. As I was saying, am in the last third of a very large crocheted blanket for my brother. After that, think I will try Tunisian crochet for a blanket HS graduation gift for great niece. After that, will try nice, four hour basket! LOL! Now will try to publish this comment....Here goes, Hold on to your hat, Josephine....

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  10. These are fantastic!!!! I have yet to venture beyond my scarves but I need to learn to make something else and these would make such sweet gifts as you said!!! Love your vignette Karen! And that card from your friend is beautiful....sending her some thoughts and prayers as well. Happy Monday to you friend and such wonderful making here!!! Nicole xoxo

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  11. Hi Karen,
    those crochet baskets are beautiful! I am sure, your daughter in Law , Erika, loves them too!
    Wishing you a wonderful week,
    sending Love and hugs and Blessings,
    Claudia

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  12. Love love your baskets. They are so cute. You know with a little tweeking they would make pretty hats:) Hug B

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  13. Those baskets are so pretty. My daughter-in-law has just learned to crochet and she might enjoy trying her hand at those. I'll let her know about the book. Maybe a Christmas gift? Thanks:)

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  14. You have inspired me, Karen...now if only I knew how to crochet :) Your baskets are wonderful and I love how usable they are.

    Also, your pretty Mason jar of flowers on the doily is so, so, so pretty! In fact, your post was overflowing with loveliness.

    Happy Tuesday to you! Hugs!

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  15. I love your sweet baskets- I haven't heard of kitchen yarn..is it a heavier weight? Very pretty colors too.

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    1. Hi Terri, Thanks for stopping by! To answer your question, it isn't heavier weight, just made of organic cotton that is washable. It is very soft. xo Karen

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  16. Wonderful crochet project! The little baskets have so many uses. That Lion's Brand Kitchen Cotton yarn is just what I am looking for to make wash cloths! When I started crocheting again I decided to work on a baby blanket to get some practice, and I made the initial chain too long, which means it's going to be a little big, and I'm still working on it! :-) I bought a pattern and yarn to make our daughter boot toppers for a Christmas present, and like I said, want to make some wash cloths for the homeless veterans we are making and collecting stuff for at church, and some for gifts. I just got my sewing machine back from it's yearly cleaning/adjusting/oiling and after I made my nephew a fleece blanket and one for the child of the church member who has SMA, I now have blankets and lap throws to make the vets and also babies at the Tohono O'Odham Nation Children's Home. I've been sewing like crazy! :-) I am so busy with all that, I hope I can keep it going. Of course, after Christmas, the need for blankets will lessen, and I'll switch to other projects, like baby diaper shirts and bibs and that sort of thing. We have our once a month meeting about all this at church tonight. I actually got it started (with approval of the pastor) so they put me in charge. :-) I'm glad we are doing this, though...it's so satisfying. I don't work, and I don't do a lot else, so this is good for me to be a part of. Loved your doily and the vase and the poretty bracelet too. Hope all is well for you!

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  17. Lovely, small baskets. Always nice to create something !!!

    HUgs
    JetteMajken

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  18. Hola amiga querida !! Yo estoy tejiendo a crochet y es un arte muy relaja te ,, linda sus cestas ... Que tengas un óptimo día
    Besos

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  19. Your baskets are so cute! I think they look perfect to hold jewelry, especially you beautiful turquoise bracelet.

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  20. They are very pretty.
    Merle..........

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  21. So pretty and I wish I could do this creating! Lovely!
    Have a happy week and take care,
    Titti

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  22. Your baskets are beautiful aren't they! I am sure that they will be much loved as a gift. xx

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  23. Dearest Karen,
    Lovely baskets and equally lovely as a gift!
    Our garden is not quite put to bed yet. Pieter is working so hard in the woodgarden, first time since his open heart surgery. He is cutting all the underbrush and clearing a lot of shrubs that have become too invasive. It opens up nicely and is rewarding, despite the hard work. Especially from all the entangled briar weeds that grew inside.
    Got behind blog visiting as I had used up all my broadband; got my new 'month' today so I'm glad I can visit again!
    What a labor of love that card...
    Hugs to you and stay cozy!
    Mariette

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  24. These are charming, Karen! You make me want to start crocheting again!

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  25. Your crochet baskets are lovely, especially in white. Can they be crocheted using raffia ? This looks like a very nice project to do while sipping a cup of tea by the fireplace and enjoying an old movie. ( wish I could read books while I do handwork )

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    1. Hi Kathy - Thank you for your sweet visit! To answer your question....I am sure these could be done in raffia! Maybe with a looser stitch (bigger hook) because the raffia would be stiffer. I do think you would have a lovely time in front of the fire and watching an old movie. I love old Doris Day, Katherine Hepburn and Liz Taylor movies! xo Karen

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  26. Hi Karen, I love your crocheted baskets you made. I have always wanted to make one for our bathroom but never got around to it. Now you have inspired me to make one!

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  27. A grandeza dos amigos são como as flores raras: sua magnitude fica para sempre.(Cristina Beloni)
    Fiquei impressionada com a delicadeza dos seus crochês...lindos!!!!
    Um lindo e abençoado dia!!!
    Beijos Marie.

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  28. Hi Karen, Gorgeous crochet baskets...they are adorable..I can Knit but can't crochet I really must learn as these are so beautiful...Hugs May x x

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  29. Beautiful; and I can't wait to see what you do with the vintage calico. I like projects that only take a few hours. I haven't crocheted since I was a girl; would love to pick it up again. The card your friend made is lovely, too. Have fun crafting Karen.

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  30. Karen,
    The crocheted baskets are darling. I didn't know you knew how to crochet. My sister crochets, knits, and sews. I have always thought it was such a talent when one could do this. These would be great Christmas gifts for friends and family. I am lovin' that turquoise bracelet too.

    ~Sheri

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  31. Hi Karen,

    I just adore your crocheted baskets! I can think of so many uses for them. If I knew how to crochet I think I would have one in every color ... LOL!

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  32. So sweet those little baskets here! They would make lovely presents too, for christmas is approaching fast now. And November is the perfect month for crocheting - the only kind of needlework i ever liked ;) Cheers to a happy and cozy weekend!

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  33. Your baskets look really sweet Karen! Wishing you a lovely day!

    Madelief x

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  34. Dear Karen,

    The little crocheted baskets are really lovely and perfect for holding your jewellery and bits and pieces.
    Many thanks for the kind note you left me, I appreciate this very much.
    Happy weekend
    hugs
    Carolyn

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  35. Hi Karen!! These look lovely as always :) I wish you a wonderful weekend!!!

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  36. WOW ..... congratulations,the baskets are adorable., I have to make some of these now.
    Have a nice weekend!!

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Thank you for stopping by! Your comments are important to me and are very much appreciated. xx Karen

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