Fabric Coiled Baskets

You all know I love to make things. But Ive been getting bored. Summer dress' and PJ's CAN be overdone. So I've been trying to branch myself out and make new things.  So here is something 'new'.

The BATMAN bag. I know I know, for you 'experienced' sewers youre probably thinking "EASY! I could do that with my eyes closed AND my hands behind my back!". But thats not the point. The point was to make something new. And this isnt PJ's OR a summer dress. Therefore its completely Awesome! Though I will emphasize that stitching around that batman logo was NOT the easiest. ( I hate tiny rounded curves....*glare*) And the Belt...yes another rediculously easy one but ive never actually MADE one. So I did. And now I can say "I can do that".

So after those I set off to find another 'something' to make. Im still itching for something new. --

Ive seen these before. Im pretty sure we had something like this in our house growing up. They may have been hot mats or something but I remember them. My memory was jogged when I saw these fantastic baskets while browsing on http://www.etsy.com/

So I made some. Now let me tell you why I love these so much....they are stupid easy but they look rediculously hard for someone whos never touched a needle and thread before. They are a FANTASTIC way to use up those scraps you just cant bring yourself to throw out, and they look cool. Also incredibly mulitfunctional AND cheap to make!!! So take a look!....The red one is the first one I made.

These could be used for plant pot holders, junk baskets (keys, pens....etc), and gift baskets!!!. I plan on doing a lot with this method. Hot plates, Place mats, coasters, beach bags!, even teethers!!!. Just simply make them into a different shape and you got something completely different that looks amazing! For those of you that would like to try and make one you can find a great tutorial here.

The way they show it is to wrap the fabric around the cording WHILE sewing it. What I find easier AND more time efficient is to wrap the cording and THEN sew it together. You can always add more if the basket isnt as big as you wanted it when you get to the end.

If you have anything else you think I should try let me know! (in the comments). Im always looking for new ideas for crafty things. So go ahead, Challenge me. Or just simply comment and tell me how awesome I am. haha.