baskets

We all need more crocheted baskets

You know how it is. There are always odds and ends around when you’ve a craft project on the go. And when you’re crocheting multi-coloured granny squares, those little balls of wool all need keeping in some order. It was when I was about to teach a crochet class the other day that I decided to take matters in hand. I thought I’d quickly rustle up some little baskets to take with me.

As I’ve always lots of spare balls of wool around, I had a good choice of yarn, and once I started, it was baskets all the way.

Small and sweet

First I picked some merino style DK yarn in pinky-mauve, and a 3.5mm hook, and worked a circle in double crochet for the base. I started with 6 stitches, and to keep the circle flat, just increased 6 stitches on each round. When the base was big enough, I worked a round in the back loop, then just continued in double crochet to the required height. I finished with a round of double crochet in a dark pinky purple.

I loved the outcome and still had some of the yarn left over, so made another. This time, halfway up the side I worked a round in the contrast colour, then a row into the back loops. I again finished with the contrast at the top.

Now I had two brilliant little crocheted baskets for my lovely contact cards – so pretty, don’t you think?

Good things come in threes

Next I picked up a ball of tweedy flecked chunky yarn. This time I just worked in the single colour. From the one ball, I managed to make three matching crocheted baskets of different sizes. These were perfect for holding the little balls of wool I was using for my granny squares at the crochet classes.

String thing

On a recent shopping trip I discovered some sweet little balls of coloured string, so I snapped up some – in pink and blue.

The blue, I decided, would be interesting to make a small container from. Although it’s slightly tough to manipulate, it crochets up to provide an interesting, stiff texture. Because of this, I included a row of  trebles  in every other stitch separated by a couple of chain stitches. I then simply worked a row of double crochet above, with a double crochet in each treble and one in each two chain space. Here’s the effect…

Big and beautiful

I wasn’t finished yet! Two more balls of super chunky yarn – one teal, one fawn – seemed perfect. They crocheted up so quickly. The teal one I completed in double crochet, the largest of the baskets.

Finally, for the fawn one, in included a couple of rows of trebles, to create texture.

The baskets worked a treat at the crochet classes, and I think I’m going to have to run a crochet basket workshop soon, as everyone wanted to make one.

I love the way all the baskets turned out, but think I’d better stop now, otherwise I’ll have to find a container to keep all my crocheted baskets in!