A Gift of Baskets

One day, not long ago, I emailed my dear friend, Jim with a request.  Sometimes I ask him questions he'd rather not deal with, such as - "Would you draw some basket patterns for me?"  You know....like he has nothing else to do.  And, sometimes he will say 'not on your life.'  Other times, he will just say..."we'll see."  A few days after I asked him to draw the basket patterns for me, an envelope arrived in my mailbox.  Actually, I wasn't expecting it to be patterns, as I knew he was really busy.  I thought it might be a paper snowflake...he's always drawing those.  Or, maybe something to make me laugh.

He does that too.  I took the envelope into my backyard studio, opened it and was surprised to find that he really had drawn some basket patterns for me.  Now, that is a good friend!!!  There are eight of them!  And, to top it off, he said I could post them on my blog and share them with YOU.  Yes, he said to be sure and tell you that you are welcome to use them in some of your work.  He didn't ask, but I will....if you do use them, kindly give him credit for the patterns...as you already know, it is the right thing to do.  So, here they are....all eight.  The largest was copied on an 8" x 10" sheet of paper to give you an idea of the size.  I have taken the liberty of reducing them down four times....the smallest is about 1 1/2" by 2" or so.  You could make them any size you wish.

#1....if you see a gap in the drawings anywhere, as in the handle on this pattern...he left spaces for leaves, roses, or whatever you wish to add here and there....this one is my favorite as I can SEE those ribbon roses spilling out of this basket already and haven't made a stitch!

 #2...Love this one too.  Can you see Baby Ric-Rac for the handle?  You can use these in a zillion different ways.

#3...Fill this one to the brim with pretty flowers......and remember, you can interpret  the basket stitching in many different ways too.

#4...This one looks like a crystal basket to me.....might want to stitch it in a shimmering thread on a dark background.

#5....How do you see this one?  Any ideas?  If you use it (or any of them)...please let us see your work.... it would be fun.  I see it couched in a heavy thread.

#6...How many things can we do with this basket?  You could also complete the handle and use silk ribbon to make a three dimensional bow....

#7....I'm not sure I could repeat this one easily....but did think I could use a bit of Battenburg Lace for the basket...or make it look like that kind of lace....Hmmm....

 

#8....What could we do with this one?  I think a metallic thread would be interesting.  Oh, the possibilities!!!

 

Here are all the patterns in the tiniest size....very cute, don't you think?

Then, of course, the basket on the front of the envelope.  I have ideas of what to do with it NOW!  I love getting mail from Jim....the contents are wonderful and the envelopes are always FUN!  So....okay....have some fun with this gift from Jim to me and YOU.  And, if you want to see what else he is up to, visit his blog HERE.  He really is a good friend....and a talented guy.  THANKS, JIM!!! 

Oh, and before this day is over.....I hope you have had a beautiful Mother's Day!  Take care out there, pat