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. 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!;).

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

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  3. 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

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  4. 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!

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

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  6. 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.

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

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

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

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  10. 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!

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  11. 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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  17. 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!

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

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  19. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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  25. 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....

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

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

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  28. 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. :)

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

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  30. Your baskets are great. Thanks for sharing.

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

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  32. 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!

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  33. Those are adorable. Love the fabrics.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  41. 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.

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

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  43. 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! :)

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  44. 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...

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

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  46. 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.

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

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

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  49. 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!

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  50. Oh how cute! I need a couple of these.

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

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  52. 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.;)

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  53. Awesome! I love the quilting detail.

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

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

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  56. 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.

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

    maggiemine42@gmail.com

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

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

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  60. 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'.

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

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  62. 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.

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  63. 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".

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

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  65. 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

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

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

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

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

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  70. 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.

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  71. 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.

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  72. Very cute fabric for your matchbox car storage bag.

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

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

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  75. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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