Susan Penny shows you how to make a co-ordinated storage set
With just a few days to go before I occupy my new work space, I have been thinking about how I can organise my fabric and wool. I have bought baskets, but have been worried that the rough inside may snag the fibres. So, I have worked out a way of lining the baskets, which is simple to do and will cost very little. This method can be used on almost any basket but you will need to make a paper pattern (newspaper is fine), of the inside shape to get a snug fit. I used a tape to roughly measure the inside, and then drew the sides, which get larger at the top, and the base onto paper. Make the pattern fit the basket exactly, and then when you draw the pattern shapes onto fabric, add a seam allowance. Extend each of the side pattern pieces upwards, to allow for the turn over at the top and the top seam. Cut out the pattern pieces and place them inside the basket to check the fit – now is the time to reduce or extend the pattern. Once you are happy that the pattern fits snugly, lay on to the fabric and cut out adding the seam allowance. Machine stitch the side pieces together, and then machine stitch the sides to the base – there is no need to neaten the seams as they will be hidden. Try the lining inside the basket, and if you are happy with the fit, turn over the top edge twice and then machine stitch in place. Place the lining in the basket again, which should be a good, tight fit.
I made the needle tub from a Pringles pot covered in the same fabric. Measure the pot, adding extra at the sides for turning; a fold over and seam turning at the top; and enough fabric to cover the bottom of the tube. Cut the rectangle from fabric, then turn over the top and bottom edges, before machine stitching in place. With right sides together, sew up the side seam. Turn to the right side and then pull over the tube. Run a gathering stitch around the bottom edge of the fabric tube, and then pull up to cover the base. Secure the thread firmly. Push the extra fabric at the top down inside the tube, and then decorate with buttons at the top.
This method can be used for almost any shape or style of basket, is a great money saver, and will add personal creativity to your workroom
