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From my studio last week: February 7, 2011

February 7, 2011 by Anne Weaver

I’m all the time posting links out to tutorials and other people’s projects, but I rarely show a peak at the things that I create.  So here’s my experiment with a new feature: a weekly recap of some of the projects and goings-on in my own studio.

Some will be my own ideas (usually made up as I go, cause that’s how I roll) and sometimes you’ll see projects made with tutorials I’ve linked to in the past.

 

If you love to sew, you know that it’s not Valentine’s Day without a cute Valentine’s shirt.  This is my version, made for my daughter.  I wanted it to be something she could wear year-round so I went with a sprinkling of appliqued scrap hearts in  a palette of reds and browns.  Free motion stitching on gold lame = no fun.  But otherwise I’m pleased with how it turned out.

.

I also finally made good on my Christmas present I.O.U. for my mother-in-law.  From Christmas 2009, folks.  Yes, I’m THAT bad.  Anyway, she wanted a organizer for her purse to keep up with all of the loyalty cards, business cards, and appointment cards that were filling up her wallet.  And so the Card Condo was born.  It’s like a fabric book with tons of credit card sized pockets – 24 of them, in fact.  There are also two larger pockets for receipts and such.

And this little birdie was made by my 7-year-old daughter.  We used the bullfinch scrap fabric ornament tutorial that I linked to last week.   Little girl is still learning to control the sewing machine so I simplified it to use felt for the body and beak.  She’s so proud of her little yellow birdie!!

And what’s this?  It’s a Janome Memory Craft 6300p, on loan to me for the next few months.  If you can believe it, I’ve never used an electronic sewing machine before (I’ve always used a mechanical), so I’m having fun trying out all its whizz-bang features.  I’ll be writing up a review in the coming weeks.

So that’s my sewing recap from last week.  In the coming week, my plans are to create another version of the Card Condo and write up a tutorial.  And I’ll be using my new fancy schmancy Janome MC 6300P, continuing to try out its features and taking notes as I go.  I’m also writing up a review of Fiona Bell’s Sewn with Love.  Look for that in the next day or so.

What are you going to be working on this week?

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Comments

  1. Chris says

    February 7, 2011 at 9:26 am

    So many fun projects, Anne! I think the card condo is brilliant.

  2. Anne says

    February 7, 2011 at 9:51 am

    Yes! More of these recaps! Love it!

    I hope to finish up a whole set of dress up clothes for “drama class” for younger son’s kindergarten. For the fairy tale “Jack the Dullard” – we’re talking 19 pieces. I am glad I am nearly done!

  3. Amy says

    February 7, 2011 at 11:55 am

    Anxiously awaiting that card condo tutorial! And LOVE seeing what you are up to, in addition to everyone else. =)

  4. scarlettburroughs says

    February 9, 2011 at 12:17 pm

    Love the birdie. So cute.

Have you read?

Easy Christmas Fabric Gift Basket Sewing Pattern (Perfect for Beginners)

There’s something quietly special about a handmade Christmas gift basket. Not loud. Not over-the-top. Just thoughtful, useful, and clearly made with care. This fabric Christmas gift basket is one of those projects that looks lovely on the day and keeps working long after the wrapping paper is gone.

Instead of disposable boxes or cellophane baskets that never quite survive storage, this reusable fabric basket becomes part of the gift. It’s soft but structured, beginner-friendly to sew, and endlessly adaptable depending on what you fill it with. Think cosy socks, handmade soap, baked treats, or a few carefully chosen favourites for someone you love.

If you’re looking for an easy Christmas sewing project that feels meaningful without being complicated, this one fits beautifully into a busy December.

Why Sew a Fabric Christmas Gift Basket?

A fabric gift basket feels personal in a way store-bought packaging never does. It says, I made this just for you, without needing embroidery skills or weeks of prep time.

This pattern is ideal if you:

  • Want a beginner sewing project with practical results 
  • Prefer reusable, low-waste gift wrapping 
  • Need a handmade option that works for adults and teens 
  • Like projects you can repeat year after year 

Once the gift has been opened, the basket doesn’t get tossed. It gets reused—for storage, décor, or future gifting.

Finished Size

Approx. 8 inches wide x 5 inches tall
(handle not included in height)

This size works beautifully for small gift collections: bath products, candles, jams, knitting notions, stationery, or a cosy winter bundle.

What You’ll Need

  • Christmas-themed quilting cotton for the basket exterior 
  • Coordinating cotton fabric for the lining 
  • Matching or contrasting fabric for the handle 
  • Fusible fleece or medium-weight interfacing 
  • Matching sewing thread 
  • Sewing machine 
  • Scissors or rotary cutter 
  • Pins or clips 
  • Iron 

Optional but helpful: walking foot if your machine struggles with thicker layers

Christmas Fabric Choices That Work Well

You don’t need novelty prints for this to feel festive.

Lovely exterior fabric options include:

  • Red, green, or navy with subtle patterns 
  • Snowflakes, stars, berries, or holly motifs 
  • Classic stripes, plaids, or gingham 
  • Tone-on-tone metallic accents used sparingly 

For the lining:

  • Soft neutrals like cream or grey 
  • Polka dots or tiny prints 
  • A surprise pop of colour inside the basket 

Small-scale prints hold their shape and age better than large novelty designs.

Cutting Instructions

Basket Exterior
Cut 1 rectangle: 10” x 16”

Basket Lining
Cut 1 rectangle: 10” x 16”

Interfacing
Cut 1 rectangle: 10” x 16”

Handle
Cut 1 rectangle: 4” x 16”
Cut 1 rectangle of interfacing: 4” x 16”

If you want a taller basket, you can add an extra inch to the height measurement. I wouldn’t recommend increasing the width unless you also increase the interfacing strength.

Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Basket Exterior

Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the exterior fabric according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Fold the fabric in half with right sides together so the short ends meet.
Sew the side seam using a ¼” seam allowance.
Press the seam open.

Step 2: Create the Basket Base

With the basket still inside out, flatten one bottom corner so the side seam lines up with the bottom fold.

Measure 2 inches across the corner and draw a straight line.
Sew along the line.
Trim off excess fabric, leaving about ¼”.

Repeat for the opposite corner.

Step 3: Sew the Lining

Repeat Step 1 and Step 2 using the lining fabric.

Leave a 3-inch opening along the side seam—this is for turning the basket later.

Step 4: Make the Handle

Fuse interfacing to the wrong side of the handle fabric.

Fold the handle lengthwise with right sides together.
Sew along the long edge using a ¼” seam allowance.
Turn right side out and press flat.

Topstitch along both long edges for strength and a polished finish.

Step 5: Attach the Handle

Pin the handle ends to the right side of the basket exterior, centred on opposite sides.

Double-check the handle isn’t twisted.
Baste the handle ends in place.

Step 6: Assemble the Basket

Place the basket exterior inside the lining, right sides together.

Match side seams and pin around the top edge.
Sew around the top using a ¼” seam allowance.

Step 7: Turn & Press

Turn the basket right side out through the lining opening.

Push the lining inside the basket and press the top edge neatly.

Step 8: Finish

Topstitch around the top edge to keep the lining in place and give the basket a professional finish.

Close the lining opening with a hand stitch or neat machine stitch.

Your Christmas fabric gift basket is complete.

Gift Ideas That Work Perfectly in This Basket

This basket shines when it’s filled thoughtfully.

  • Handmade soap or bath products 
  • Candles and matches 
  • Baked goods wrapped in parchment 
  • Knitted socks or scarves 
  • Tea, coffee, or hot chocolate kits 
  • Craft supplies for a creative friend 

Tie a simple tag to the handle and you’re done—no extra wrapping required.

Beginner Tips for Success

  • Quilting cotton is easiest for first-time sewists 
  • Press after every step for cleaner results 
  • Use heavier interfacing if you want a firmer basket 
  • Shorten the handle for tabletop gifting 
  • Small imperfections disappear once the basket is filled 

A Handmade Christmas Gift That Keeps Giving

This fabric Christmas gift basket sewing pattern is one of those rare projects that feels calm to make and genuinely useful to give. It’s simple enough for beginners, adaptable for experienced sewists, and timeless enough to come back out every December.

It’s not flashy. It doesn’t shout. But it’s the kind of handmade piece people keep—and that’s exactly what a good Christmas project should be.

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