Simple Gift Basket 2005
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Filled with your favorite holiday cookies or candy, the Simple Gift Basket makes a special gift for family and friends. It's the perfect thank you for a child's teacher or your favorite hostess.
Simple, yet elegant, the Simple Gift Basket is easy to make and features a unique handle made with #4 round reed and waxed linen.
Materials needed:
1/4" Flat Reed - 48 feet Add to Cart 3/8" Flat Oval - 4 feet Add to Cart#4 Round Reed - 5 feet Add to CartMedium Cane- 5 feet Add to CartNatural Waxed Linen - 1 yard Add to CartCable Ties - 10 each Add to Cart (1 package of 100)
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Cut 9 pieces 13 inches long and 7 pieces 14 inches long from the ¼ inch flat reed.
With a pencil mark the 13 inch pieces and the 14 inch pieces 5 inches from each end on the rough side of the reed.
Using the pencil marks as guides, weave a 4 inch by 3 inch base. There should be 5 inches sticking out on all four sides of the base. The stakes should be equidistant apart and the rough side of the stakes should be facing up.
Soak base and upset the base by folding each stake at a right angle at the base.
Begin weaving by placing your 1/4" flat reed (weaver) on the outside of a stake. Choose a stake that passes under the edge of the base.
The good side of the weaver should be facing to the outside of the basket.
Continue weaving with the weaver on the outside of every other stake. Use clothespins to hold the weaver in place.
Finish this row by weaving over the beginning of the weaver and continue to weave for 3 more stakes. Cut the weaver so it will hide behind a stake. (The two ends will overlap each other for a total distance of 4 stakes).
Start the second row on the other side of the basket and finish it as described above.
Cut the end so it hides behind the fourth stake.
Continue to weave 13 independent (start and stop) rows with the ¼ inch flat reed.
Soak the ends of the stakes that extend above the weavers in warm water for a few minutes.
Identify the stakes that are outside the weaver on the top row.
Fold these stakes to the inside of your basket and mark stakes at the bottom of the third row from the top.
Cut the stake at the pencil mark and tuck behind the third row from the top.
Tuck every other stake to the inside of the basket.
Cut the remaining stakes even with the top of the basket.
Measure the top of your basket and add 2 1/2 inches to that measurement. Cut a piece of 3/8 inch flat oval to this length for the outside rim.
Cut another piece of 3/8" flat oval 1 1/2" shorter than the outside rim. This will be your inside rim.
Soak the rims and clothespins to the basket. The bottom of the rims should be even with the bottom of the top row.
Mark the overlap of both rims. Mark the flat side of one end and the rounded side of the other end for both overlaps.
Carve the overlap of the rims so they will form a smooth even overlapping joint. Carve the flat side of one end and the rounded side of the other end of both rims. The overlap should be about the same thickness as the rim itself.
Clothespin the rims to the top of your basket. The overlaps should be on opposite sides and the bottom of the rims should be even with the bottom of the top row.
Cut 2 18 inch long pieces from the #4 round reed. These will be your rim fillers and handles. Soak the pieces for about 5 minutes and carve the ends with a 2 inch overlap. Bend the piece into a circle.
Place the overlap of one rim filler/handle between the rims on a long side of the basket and use cable ties to hold in place.
Repeat this on the other side of the basket.
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