I was out looking for one of those old wicker sewing baskets the other day. The tin I was using to store everything to do with embroidery wasn’t really working for me. For a few dollars, I found this:
A little bigger than I wanted, but okay – not thrilled about the colors, though. Then I remembered that Tiffany of Shabby Scraps had done a post about prettying up old sewing baskets. Using only what I had on hand, I set to work and ended up with this:
I grabbed trims, ribbons, lace, millinery flowers and just glued them onto the basket. For some reason the measuring tape looks crooked in this photo – it really isn’t.
The lace and white flower came from my swap with Meri, everything else is from my meager stash. At least I got rid of the dark brown color of some of the weaving. It certainly looks cheerier. Maybe it will accompany me to San Diego? Sure would look cute in that apartment – and you remember – that place desperately needs all the prettifying it can get.
I worked outside cleaning out the garden beds today, then I came in and worked on the basket – so I stitched a very simple square – #11:
Oh gosh, now that I look closely I see another dog hair – this time courtesy of Riley! Think of it as part of my artistic vision.
Have a great day.
sissie says
Good Morning Claudia,
Now, I am going to have to sit down my coffee and go looking for my sewing basket! See what you did?
You certainly gave it some fufu and prettiness. I just love all the embellishments. You go girl!
Love the stitchery too.
hugs
Sissie
Peach Blossom Hill says
Very pretty! I usually end up carrying my many projects around in big oversized canvas bags.
Jody
Kathleen says
Now the sewing basket has personality, very pretty!
Love the latest square, simple yet bold. It says Spring!
We have had wonderful weather here in Michigan too, sunshine and 50’s today is suppose to be 60’s. Another day in the garden…
Have a great day.
Marsha (Sassy Mini Dolls) says
I like your revamped sewing basket, Claudia! Reminds me of SPRING!! Your squares are coming along nicely!
suzitee says
Hi there Claudia! I found you from the 39squares blog…I have just joined in, and am checking out what everyone is doing ;) I love your squares so far…just beautiful!
::cottage instincts:: says
How cute is that? It has your touch, and so it’s perfect :)
I’m loving all your squares! I look forward to seeing what you’ve come up with each day….also LOVE your new blog design. AGain, very ‘you’, and definitely gives one a feel for the beauty to be found here.
Happy Thursday!
Country Wings in Phoenix says
Oh Claudia Sweetie…
How beautiful is this basket? I adore it. You brought it to life and the colors, the aqua is so YOU and Mockingbird Hill. I just love it. I love the little tape measure around the top and the two colors just make it pop. The little bouquet is the element of surprise. Oh thank you for sharing with me. I am so enjoying your embroidery posts of your squares. Please keep sharing,it is giving me an incentive to give it more of a try again. I am working on a pillow I will share soon.
Have a beautiful Thursday sweetie. Country hugs and much love, Sherry
Bunny Rose Cottage says
Claudia, I LOVE what you did with that basket!! It is absolutely gorgeous!! Every detail you used is just perfect!
And of course, so is your latest square!! LOVE!
Hugs,
Amy
Diva Kreszl says
what a beautiful makeover for your new basket!!!
Frog Hollow Farm Girl says
Sweet greetings Claudia. Love your ideas and those little needlework squares are just darling – what a wonderful day-by-day threaded ‘diary’ of your life. Absolutely great, great, great!! Ciao, Bella!!
Brynwood Needleworks says
Claudia:
I love what you did with your sewing basket. Goodness! I was thinking it might be too small for me. lol
I have an idea for one of your stitching squares…how ’bout a black dog nose? I think it’s funny that you keep mentioning the dog hair, which is equally common around here, so I thought, “Why not go with it and add a nose?”
Have a great day, girlfriend.
xoxo
Donna
Karyn Bernard (French Charming) says
Gorgeous transformation of your sewing basket Claudia, love all of the elements that you incorporated into it and the colors are divine!
Sweet square and I love how it’s all coming together.
Big hugs,
Karyn
Kim says
wow- I LOVE the sewing basket- what a transformation! You did a fab job Claudia- I bet it makes you more excited to stitch those squares tooβ₯
janimal says
OOOH I love what you did with that basket! Your dog hair remark made me laugh. My sampler has black dog hair all over it. I think I may have stitched some in place!
Elyse says
hi claudia!
i just love the exchange of creative ideas in blogland! your basket re-do looks great! way to go!
adore the newest square, too!
i wonder if a ladybug would be fun to embroider? a little chair? gosh, maybe i should make a michaels run today!
xo
elyse
Meri Wiley says
Hi girlfriend,
Wow, you did an amazing transformation on that basket. Thank you for using the gifts I sent you, I’m glad they worked out so beautifully for you. As far as the hair on your square……..I think you better get in on this and add one of your own. Maybe even add one of hubby’s so that it’s truly a family affair…;o)
Hugs,
Meri
Jill says
I loooove how your sewing basket turned out! It’s so beautiful! I’ve been mulling over how to revamp a sewing basket to my style. I never find one with a lid that I like. I love what you did with yours. I really need to find a basket… my ziplock bag doesn’t have much charm. :)
Hugs,
Jill
Heidi Ann says
Oh, I just love your “foofed-up” version of the sewing basket! Fabulous.
Tallulah Belle says
Love the prettied up basket…..it has totally changed its appearance.
Enchanted Rose Studio says
Your sewing basket turned out so charming, Claudia! So pretty! LOL @ dog hair comment!
Cheers!
Tina
the gardeners cottage says
Can’t tell you how much I’m loving these stitches!
~janet
p.s. You are gonna LOVE the broccoli.
My Farmhouse Kitchen says
Hi Claudia..and thanks for stopping by and leaving the kind words…
it means alot to me….
you’re a dear
sending love,
kary
Dogwood says
Oh, I love you number eleven. So sweet. And, that basket is too cute. You did a fabulous job of decorating it. Wow…you creative lady.
Hugs…
The Quintessential Magpie says
Hi, Claudia… I love your sewing basket. You really did a cute job with the decorations on it. And your new stitching is cute as can be!
XO,
Sheila :-)
LemonyRenee' says
LOL! I didn’t even see the dog hair. My eyes adjusted long ago so that I no longer see it . . . I’m much happier this way. ;)
Lovely job on the basket and the embroidery.
Monica@The White Bench says
The basket is TRULY pretty! And your squares are a masterpiece of skill and patience!
Monicax.
Dawn Gahan says
You’ve got me thinking now about a few vintage sewing baskets I’ve got on hand. A very sweet redo thanks to your inspiration!
Joaninha says
Amei seu blog, espero sua visita.
beijos