Hourglass Sewing Basket
Two oblong peach baskets, their bottoms fastened together and the whole covered with silk, formed the hourglass sewing or darning basket shown in the sketch. Square plum baskets and other forms trimmed in cretonne, linen, or inexpensive goods, depending on the intended use, may also be utilized. Ornamental details may be added to suit the individual taste.
Artistic Effects may be Produced by the Inventive Woman
Artistic Effects may be Produced by the Inventive Woman
The basket was made as follows: The peach baskets were wired together at their bottoms. A piece of silk was cut, wide enough to reach from the top to the bottom of the joined baskets and to permit the folding over of a portion at the top and bottom. One long edge of the piece was glued to the inner edge of the bottom and drawn in around the sides to form neat folds. The upper edge of the silk was then glued in the top, being folded over the edge.
A cord was fixed around the middle of the basket, as shown in the sketch.A lining was glued into the top and bottom. It was folded and stitched along its edges to prevent raveling and to give a smooth finish. The bottom need not be lined, but it is desirable to have it so.
The pincushion was made by padding a block with cotton and then covering it with silk. A cardboard box may be used instead. The cushion was nailed into place from the bottom. Ribbon may be used to draw the silk to the sides of the basket at the middle, and a cushion may be made entirely of cotton or cloth and attached with ribbons.—Contributed by Thomas J. Macgowan, Mount Vernon, N. Y.