Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Transformation Thursday: Burlap Basket Liners

I spent the morning at my sewing table today -- something I haven't done in a loooong time.

We got six of the baskets pictured below a while back. Because there is so little structure, we thought some liners would make them much more usable. Burlap to the rescue once again!

There were several shades to choose from at JoAnn Fabrics. I had a hard time deciding, so I picked two -- one light, one dark. Each basket measures approximately 18 x 24, so I figured I'd need about 5 yards of fabric.

Sewing without a pattern is still a little nerve-racking for me, even though I used to make slipcovers for a living. I just hate to start over; I always want to get things right the first time -- I think that's part of what makes me nervous. One lesson I've learned about the creative life is that you just have to push through fears like these. It seems like a little thing, but I'm amazed at how stuff like that holds me back sometimes.

Behold, the serger -- one of the greatest machines of all time!

It trims and finishes the edges as it stitches the pieces together -- what could be better!?

Here's the finished stack. Now comes the fun part: tomorrow at the studio I'll get out all my trim and embellish the baskets. Check back to see what I come up with and check out all the other great projects on today's Transformation Thursday -- just click the link on the sidebar. xo









16 comments:

Unknown said...

Those look great! I love spending a day sewing every now and then. I get easily frustrated, but I so love it!

cindy said...

Love the burlap liners. Definitely make the baskets way more cool :o) First time over here and I love what I see!

Shannan Martin said...

Are all of those for me? You shouldn't have!

;)

I am loving my box of miscellany! Stay tuned on that...

And thank you for the extra little goody. Perfect!

ps- You used to make slip covers? I'm impressed - even more than before.

Jacey Autumn Photography said...

WOW I LOVE HOW THOS ETURNED OUT! SO CUTE. I FOUND YOU THROUGH THE SHABBY CHIC COTTAGE. LOVE YOUR BLOG :)

Delightful Dwelling said...

What a neat idea, I love it!

Cindy said...

Great burlap liners! I am a beginner at sewing and got to use a serger yesterday; awesome invention! I think I will try to make these. Thanks for sharing. :)

V I N T A G E O L O G I E said...

I'm lovin' burlap at the moment {like everyone else!} .... these look great, but that serger looks too intimidating for me!!

xo
Jill

Nice and Easy Antiques said...

You can never go wrong with burlap...can you?? They looks great!!!

deborah said...

Very clever idea! I love the look of the burlap, now I really want to see the embellishments! Thanks for the good idea, Deborah

KimMalk said...

Nice job! Burlap to the rescue again. They are more usable! You used to make slipcovers? Very cool.

@cheapchichome

michelle@somedaycrafts said...

That is awesome! Burlap rocks!

Claudia said...

Fantastic idea! I love burlap and this use of it is perfect. I just might have to get a serger!

Anita said...

I have never used a serger...thought about getting one many times...now you may have convinced me...looking forward to the embellished versions

Sandy and Joe/rhubarb reign said...

Ladies -- Thanks for the nice comments! I ended up stenciling numbers on the baskets -- Joe and I took a vote, and that won out over vintage measuring tape used as a ribbon. Will post a photo. xo

Leanne said...

I think they look great and much more useable. They're going to look even better with supplies in them. Great job and thanks for sharing.

ann at greenoak said...

ilove the snowflake magnets....can you share the glue thing? gluing on glass just turns out bad when i do it....love seeing your projects..
thanks..ann