I have had this project on my list for months. I think the first time I saw them pop-up was on the SouleMama blog and I was SO impressed. I mean seriously. Hers look amazing. Of course I tried to just do it myself and didn't follow any tutorials (which has provided me with mixed results in the past) but this tutorial from Gemma Patford looks great.
For my first basket, I used about 200 feet of synthetic rope (purchased at Lowe's in 1/4 inch) and multiple colors of thread.
I LOVE the look of the colored thread but didn't like how my basket started to turn in (see how the top is narrower than the bottom and the whole thing is sort of lumpy?). I'm not exactly sure how to sort out this issue aside from just being more conscious of shape as I am working it. I also could have stopped lower and just made more of a rounded bottom catch-all sort of basket which would have been smart.
For my second basket, I ordered cotton rope from Amazon in what I thought for sure was 1/4 inch. NOPE. It was 1/8 inch.
I figured since I had it, I might as well try to work with it and I sort of love the results. It's tiny, so a bit harder to work with when the coil is small but it gets easier as you go. It was fun to experiment with for sure. I think I'll make a taller one as a plant holder.
Again, I think the fun part here is the multi-colored thread.
I'm just using my normal sewing machine. It's this one from Target and I got it as a bridal shower gift over 5 years ago. It's a total workhorse and doesn't have many bells and whistles so it's a great beginner machine (at least it's been for me.)
These are addicting and shockingly easy for something that looks so cool. I have a feeling these two are the first of many.
enJOY it 
Leave a comment