Wednesday, 6 November 2013

Fabric Baskets for the Boys...

Fabric Baskets for the Boys ~ Threading My Way

I'm joining Madam Samm, from Sew We Quilt and Amy from Sew Incredibly Crazy, in a blog hop...  anything and everything For the Boys. There will be 70 different bloggers posting ideas and inspiration for Boy Sewing... something we all say there's not enough of.


Fabric Basket for a Boy ~ Threading My Way

I've modified my Scrappy Fabric Basket tutorial, to make this little storage basket. The dimensions and basic construction are the same, but instead of using scraps to make the exterior, I've cut 2 pieces of fabric 9" x 9". The interfacings used are also different:
  • Woven, fusible interfacing for the lining (Pellon SF101)
  • Light weight, fusible batting for the exterior (Vilene H630)

I debated whether to add any quilting, as the basket doesn't need it, but thought I'd have a play. Because I know next to nothing about quilting, I added straight lines, stitched 3/8" apart. I'm glad I added the quilting.

Fabric Basket to store matchbox cars ~ Threading My Way

The matchbox cars give some perspective. In fact, the basket would be a good size to store small items such as matchbox cars, farm animals and all sorts of knick knacks that boys collect.


Three little cars fit comfortably across the basket. I didn't have enough cars to test how many would fit, but I think it would store quite a lot.

Fabric Basket with Enclosed Drawstring Top ~ Threading My Way

The second basket is larger and as you can see, has a drawstring top. I've taken photos while I was making this one, so will write up a tutorial in the near future.


Because it's larger, the second basket has slightly more structure. I went with 3 random vertical lines and 2 horizontal lines for the quilting. I rather like the effect.


The drawstring enclosure provides extra room for storage and may help keep a boy's room a little tidier. Hmmm... not so sure that tidy and boy go together!!! At any rate, the basket can be carried from room to room, without the contents spilling out along the way.

Fabric Storage Baskets for Boys ~ Threading My Way

Possibly the hardest part of sewing for a boy, is finding suitable fabric. I think this one fits the bill perfectly!!! It's Broom Broom Small, designed by my daughter, Tash and printed by Spoonflower on Kona Cotton Ultra. Not only do I love the design, but I am very happy with the quality of the Kona Cotton fabric. I might try a different fabric type next time I order. (Complete range of Spoonflower fabrics.)

Now all I have to do is decide what to pop inside these baskets before I give them as a present this Christmas. I have plenty of time to decide.

I'll be heading over to the following blogs today, to see their For the Boys posts...

For the Boys blog hop schedule .... November 6th - 15th

... Pam

Edited to add: I've now written a tutorial to make the Drawstring Top Fabric Basket.

85 comments:

  1. Amy6 November 2013 at 15:53

    Just fabulous! I love the drawstring top and look forward to your tutorial. I agree about finding material for the boys, the selection is not that great. The fabric your daughter created is just perfect!;).

    ReplyDelete
  2. Vroomans' Quilts6 November 2013 at 16:21

    Boy fabric (for little and big) is hard to find. I love your little baskets to hold all those little boy treasures.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Scrapatches6 November 2013 at 16:25

    Sew cute! I love the one with the drawstring and am looking forward to seeing the photos of how you made this one. Thanks for sharing ... :) Pat

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous6 November 2013 at 18:11

    The idea with the top of the bag, closing it with cord, is a very good idea I will try next time, even for lunchbags, ideal!
    Thanks for posting!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Baa. xxx6 November 2013 at 18:17

    Those fabric baskets are really wonderful - I love that the drawstring one can be carried around with all the toys safe inside.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lyndsey6 November 2013 at 18:37

    Great baskets that would help keep a boys room tidy. My son loved to have different storage baskets for all his small cars and models when he was younger.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Gill6 November 2013 at 19:44

    Great fabric baskets - I love the drawstring top!
    Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Britt-Inger6 November 2013 at 20:03

    Your baskets are great. I love that drawstring top. Thanks for sharing your creativity and being part of this hop.

    ReplyDelete
  9. charlotte6 November 2013 at 21:00

    Great baskets! I love the drawstring one. Your daughter's fabric is awesome too!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Shari6 November 2013 at 21:35

    Love the quilting on the little basket it really added pizzazz. The larger drawstring basket is fun too...sew many possibilities. Thanks so much for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Debby6 November 2013 at 21:42

    Little storage baskets are a must and your ideas are wonderful. Your fabrics are great and I like seeing the perspective with the matchbox cars. Thanks for sharing everything today!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Frederika6 November 2013 at 22:06

    Wow so beautiful.
    I love this.
    Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Jeanie6 November 2013 at 22:41

    The bags are just great.... lots of uses. Your fabric is so cute too!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Marjorie's Busy Corner6 November 2013 at 22:54

    Fantastic idea!! this is so neat..can take it anywhere and not lose those precious little cars

    ReplyDelete
  15. Elizabeth Coughlin6 November 2013 at 23:08

    Great baskets! I love the addition of the drawstring center.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sparky6 November 2013 at 23:28

    Good Day Pam, totally love the drawstring and the cars, and the fabric and the photo…check check check lol

    ReplyDelete
  17. Calicojoan6 November 2013 at 23:39

    Now that is just ingenious! If only we had had a basket or two when my boys were growing up. Sure would have been better than stepping on those little cars in the middle of the night. Still brings back memories! LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Bobbie7 November 2013 at 00:10

    Very cool baskets! I love the colors and the quilting looks great ! Fabulous job

    ReplyDelete
  19. Vickie7 November 2013 at 00:13

    What a good idea ! Boys are a bit harder to sew for...for me...my g-children are all girls. I don't think (boys) very often.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Lorna McMahon7 November 2013 at 00:34

    Those handsome baskets are sure to be a hit! Love the fabric. Looking forward to seeing your tutorial, Pam! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Dorian7 November 2013 at 00:37

    I love your baskets! Especially the drawstring one. It's a perfect gift for the little guys.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Renea7 November 2013 at 00:41

    I need to make two of these bags for Christmas. Thanks for sharing and for the inspiration. I will be looking for this fabric!

    ReplyDelete
  23. The nosy pepper7 November 2013 at 00:55

    Adorable!! I love baskets, with boys around I think we always need five more :) Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Vera7 November 2013 at 01:09

    Pretty. I love this pattern and you made a great version.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Kathleen7 November 2013 at 01:22

    I love the drawstring bag...what a great idea...I have become a follower as I love your sewing techniques and want to make that little basket....

    ReplyDelete
  26. Loves to Quilt7 November 2013 at 01:28

    Thanks for the nifty project--love yur baskets and fabric!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Heidi [Banks of Frog Creek]7 November 2013 at 01:38

    Hey Pam! That fabric is certainly perfect and you will have some happy recipients at Christmas time :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Leah7 November 2013 at 01:51

    Fantastic! I know a little boy who loves cars, this would be perfect for him. I am going to keep these bags in mind for him. :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Kathy H7 November 2013 at 01:52

    Great baskets. I always am making storage things for the girls but boys can have just as much stuff, so a wonderful idea.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Cecilia7 November 2013 at 01:58

    Your baskets are great. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Jane's Quilting7 November 2013 at 02:05

    Your baskets are sooo adorable. I just love the larger one with the drawstrings. Great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio7 November 2013 at 02:09

    Pam I love the baskets! I like the drawstring top on the one and the quilting on both is great. Your daughter is talented too designing the fabric, wow!

    ReplyDelete
  33. evelyn7 November 2013 at 02:09

    Those are adorable. Love the fabrics.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Dogwood Lane Rambles7 November 2013 at 03:01

    Lots of boys in my life who would like this thanks for posting.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Lana7 November 2013 at 03:09

    The material really is great! you did a wonderful job on these!!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Unknown7 November 2013 at 03:13

    What a really neat idea, any little guy would love to carry his cars around in that bag..Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  37. Leanne Parsons7 November 2013 at 03:21

    Nice baskets. I love that fabric...very 'boy'!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hilary7 November 2013 at 03:28

    These are really cute!! My son has cars everywhere, I should make him some of these :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. Carol Swift7 November 2013 at 03:54

    Your drawstring bag turned out just fabulous...perfect for those little cars! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Carla7 November 2013 at 04:18

    Great projects with great fabric. I really like the idea of designing my own fabric, sometime. You have given me great inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Linda C7 November 2013 at 04:29

    Perfectly done, Pam! I can see both bags working for a multiple purposes depending on the fabric choices. A knitter or crocheter with the draw string top maybe? Holding a Christmas gift for the young boys in your life is good too. Perfect for cars, legos, etc.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Thearica7 November 2013 at 04:43

    I am sooo going to make one of these for my grandson! he loves his matchbox cars! Love yours!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Thearica7 November 2013 at 04:52

    I just ordered some of your daughter's fabric so I can make my grandson one of these bags! I bought the small and the other size as well. I live in NC and Spoonflower is only 45 minutes from me! :)

    ReplyDelete
  44. Createology7 November 2013 at 05:00

    Congratulations on daughter's fun fabric design and your very cute and practical "For the Boys" toy keepers. Thank you for joining this great hop. Creative Stitching Bliss...

    ReplyDelete
  45. Twiglet7 November 2013 at 05:52

    I love the new baskets and what a clever daughter to design that great fabric. x Jo

    ReplyDelete
  46. Joyce Carter7 November 2013 at 06:07

    These are just perfect for little boys. They could put their favorite things in them to take to Grandmas house. Very cute. Thank you for sharing today.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Scrapbook-ChickADoodle7 November 2013 at 06:24

    Write! I love it! Looking forward to seeing your tut for the draw string.
    Congrats on being one of the chosen.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Marcy7 November 2013 at 06:24

    That's perfect and with the draw string the cars will never get lost. Great idea and neat fabric.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Just Quilt It7 November 2013 at 07:16

    Great bags. I really like the idea of a drawstring top--saves from spills when those kiddos swing the bag around. Great job, and I love the fabric!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Tiffany7 November 2013 at 07:25

    Oh how cute! I need a couple of these.

    ReplyDelete
  51. fenna7 November 2013 at 07:35

    so cute! And, I agree--boys and tidy just do not go together :)

    ReplyDelete
  52. Cindy7 November 2013 at 07:51

    I can't wait for the tutorial on the drawstring top basket. Any thing that contains the mess that boys (and kids in general!) make is a plus to me.;)

    ReplyDelete
  53. Fay7 November 2013 at 07:56

    Awesome! I love the quilting detail.

    ReplyDelete
  54. LittleHouseontheDairy7 November 2013 at 08:55

    Cool baskets. Maybe duplos or Lego's for inside. They are a big hit at our house

    ReplyDelete
  55. Little Ladybird7 November 2013 at 08:56

    The basket and bags look great! I look forward to seeing what Thearica makes with the fabric :))

    ReplyDelete
  56. Jeanne Gwin7 November 2013 at 09:28

    What great things you have made. I love the drawstring inside, perfect for silly little boys that run and jump and swing things around and around.

    ReplyDelete
  57. ChrisW Designs7 November 2013 at 10:07

    Gorgeous!!

    ReplyDelete
  58. maggie7 November 2013 at 10:41

    Love the bag. Little boys will love it to carry their "treasures " about!
    cheers
    maggie

    maggiemine42@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. CeLynn7 November 2013 at 10:57

    Just love the print your daughter designed,it is all boy! The baskets are very cute,especially the drawstring one.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Michelle7 November 2013 at 10:58

    What a great bag for Hot Wheel cars. My boys would have loved this when they were little.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Quilt Doodle Designs7 November 2013 at 11:22

    What a great bag for hot wheels, my son used to carry his little cars everywhere when he was small. He's almost 19, I have his hot wheels packed away for 'someday'.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Lisa in Port Hope7 November 2013 at 11:24

    Love the baskets, and so nice to be able to use special fabric too.

    ReplyDelete
  63. lynn cockrell7 November 2013 at 12:29

    Your baskets worked up beautifully. I especially like how you made the one with the drawstrings on one so that those small items can be corralled inside and carried around the house, etc.

    ReplyDelete
  64. LJ7 November 2013 at 13:10

    Wonderful fabric - it's just perfect for little boys. I've been considering making fabric baskets for the grands but wasn't sure if the boys would like them. Your cute baskets have helped me decide "yes".

    ReplyDelete
  65. Joanne7 November 2013 at 14:36

    What a great idea! I can see myself making some of these for Christmas gifts myself. Thanks for sharing your creations with us today!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Sandra :)7 November 2013 at 14:37

    I like the drawstring bag and will be watching for the tutorial, but I REALLY love the way you put that basket together - the quilting totally makes it! Serious cuteness :D

    ReplyDelete
  67. Corrie7 November 2013 at 15:24

    So cool that it's custom designed fabric! Very cute.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Quilter Kathy7 November 2013 at 15:37

    Such a terrific idea!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Heidi7 November 2013 at 17:04

    The drawstring top is genius. Looking fwd to the tute:-)

    ReplyDelete
  70. Quiltsmiles8 November 2013 at 00:49

    Both projects and perect for all kinds of stuff. Love that your daughter designed the fabrics too, just perfect. Jane

    ReplyDelete
  71. Mara8 November 2013 at 05:27

    Both are totally adorable, your daughter designed a beautiful fabric for boys and the baskets are perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  72. Suze8 November 2013 at 08:31

    Oh, my ~ I think I see at least one maybe three or four (I have one granddaughter) in the works for Christmas once the tutorial is posted. My two-year old grandson calls trucks "NUNS!" Yes, nuns. One day when I was visiting them, the family said they'd go see if the NUNS were working. Since my daughter's husband is Catholic, I thought we were going to church or something like that. No, there is construction in their neighborhood and big earth movers are working there. It's because of the sound they make "nun, nun, nun!" He takes cars everywhere we go, so this would be a great present for him. He has an older brother that could certainly use one. My son's son has many of his dad's Matchbox cars as well as many more. So, ... Thanks for participating and sharing your creative project. You're daughter's fabric design is absolutely perfect for the project.

    ReplyDelete
  73. Anonymous8 November 2013 at 08:50

    Love the drawstring bag for the cards. I have a ton of the cars for the grandsons to play with when they come over and they each have their favorites...I think I will personalize a couple of bags to help them keep them straight.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Merrilee Rogotzke8 November 2013 at 09:15

    Very cute fabric for your matchbox car storage bag.

    ReplyDelete
  75. gpc8 November 2013 at 10:24

    So cute, and what a fun way to keep toys in order! :)

    ReplyDelete
  76. sandra8 November 2013 at 11:24

    What a great idea, I can see a few of those as Xmas presents for the grandsons for their Legos. Really love the fabric

    ReplyDelete
  77. Quilt n Queen8 November 2013 at 15:14

    Fabulous idea for containing my grandson's Lego collection. Love the draw string and your fabric is perfect for the matchbox cars. Thanks for sharing!! Happy stitching, Pauline

    ReplyDelete
  78. Kirsten8 November 2013 at 15:35

    These baskets are so cute - the fabrics are perfect for them too!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Terry@ a quilting blog8 November 2013 at 16:57

    I love fabric baskets and yours are fantastic!!! Thanks for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
  80. Kristen King10 November 2013 at 02:21

    I'm pretty sure my son could give you a huge list of things to add to your bags!! They are adorable. :)

    ReplyDelete
  81. Bente-I like to QuiltBlog11 November 2013 at 21:11

    Wonderful idea, great fabrics you've used.
    Thanks for sharing the boys bags ☺

    ReplyDelete
  82. Linda13 November 2013 at 01:54

    What great "boy" fabric and I love the little baskets. Great idea!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by! I love reading your comments and try to reply to all of them via email. If you don't receive an email reply from me, check back here.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)