I had been planning to restore this old basket I bought five years ago from a charity shop. The seller mentioned it was nearly 100 years old, and I couldn't believe it. Either way, I liked the look of it because it was handmade, so I bought it. It holds more meaning for me now.
After just a few uses, it started to deteriorate. Though it was my favourite among all my baskets, I couldn't use it much because I worried that anything I put inside might fall out. It was no longer strong enough to hold items securely.
The foundation was still good, but a few parts were falling apart.
Since someone had worked hard to make this basket by hand, I was hesitant to throw it away. Instead, I decided to restore it.
First, I cleaned it and removed all the loose, broken pieces.
In our garden, there's a cherry tree with some twigs that needed pruning, so I used a few of them to reinforce the bottom of the basket using a tension technique.
For the upper part, I needed something more pliable, so I went to a nearby willow tree.
I carefully selected a few suitable branches and used them to strengthen the rim.
I also reinforced the handle, making it sturdier.
While working under the willow tree, it started to rain, but I enjoyed the process of repairing the basket and watching it come back to life.
A lovely old lady passed by with two adorable dogs and stopped for a chat. She admired my restoration work and told me she felt inspired to make something out of willow for Easter.
This basket is now sturdy! And when it dries, it becomes sturdier.
Once I finished, I went home and planned to add some decorative touches.
By the daffodils.
Yesterday, I passed by a charity shop that was selling cotton yarn for £1, with a "buy one, get one free" offer. I originally bought them both to make a flannel, but today, I decided to use some of the yarn to embellish my basket.
I chose the Olivia Flower pattern, which I learned last year. I find this pattern unique because it uses a different technique than the usual crochet flower.
Here it is—
Olivia Flower Crochet Pattern 🌸
Materials:
Any yarn of your choice
Corresponding crochet hook
Scissors
Tapestry needle
Instructions:
Round 1: Center of the Flower
Make a magic ring.
Chain 1 (does NOT count as a stitch).
Work 12 double crochets (dc) into the ring. (Total = 12 dc)
Slip stitch (sl st) into the first dc to close the round.
Secure the magic ring by pulling the tail tight and weaving in the end.
Round 2: Petal Base (Change Color)
Attach a new color with a slip stitch in any stitch.
Chain 5 (this creates the height for the petal).
Work 8 treble crochets (tr) into the same stitch, but only release 2 loops at a time twice until 7 loops remain on the hook.
Yarn over, pull through 1 loop, then pull through two loops at a time until no loops remain. (This closes the petal structure.)
Round 3: Petal Detailing
Single crochet (sc) into the 2nd treble crochet of the petal.
In the 3rd single crochet, chain 2, then sc into the same space.
Sc into the next three stitches.
Chain 5, slip stitch into the first stitch of the same space. (This forms a decorative point on the petal.)
Continue the Pattern:
Skip one stitch, then repeat Round 2 and Round 3 for the next petal.
Continue around until all six petals (or however many fit) are complete.
Finishing:
Slip stitch into the first stitch of the round to secure.
Fasten off and weave in all ends neatly.
I made a couple of flowers and attached them to my newly restored basket and picked a few fresh flowers.
Now, I admire this lovely, old basket even more, especially knowing I saved it from being discarded. I even added my mark to it. If only the person who originally made it knew how well I’ve cared for it!
I can't wait to use it to pick wild edibles.
Have a lovely day,
Mariah 💗🍃