I wish I were a mum that bakes. I have 3 girlfriends who are classic bakers. You go to their house and there is always a fresh slice, loaf or biscuit on offer with a cup of tea. My kind of friends!
One of my closest baking friends is Marieka from 'Bespoke Bites'. She is also a quilter and about 3 years ago she made a quilt for a little girl with some Moda fabric called 'Recipe for Friendship.' It is very sweet and she had a couple of small squares leftover that she gave to me. I used some of them on a dress for my daughter but had no use for the last 5 - until today!
The project for this week's Zakka Style Sew Along is a 'cute-as-cherry-pie' bread basket. The fabric prize for linking up before Sunday is adorable and I want to be in the running for it. So after reading the 'very helpful tips' from Amanda at The Patchsmith and checking out some other delicious finishes by Sheila of Blue Patch Quilter and Cary of Creative Moments, I set to work to make one for Marieka. Now she will have funky place to put her date loaf, home-made jam or cookies into when she goes along to Coffs Fresh Quilters. I know that Kelly, Kristy and Jane will appreciate it.
I spent a bit of time, as usual, reading, drawing and writing all over the pattern, before I started cutting. I gathered up the leftovers and then started to match fabrics.
Changes
Would you believe that I ended up using a tea towel instead of linen for this project? It was very versatile and most of it was used by the end. ( I used a tea towel for the earlier pincushion and pot holders).
I wanted my front panel to be symmetrical and so I made sure that the patchwork and linen measured 11" by the end.
I made my own buttons but only ended up using one.
I decorated both front and back panels and used a fabric stamp for the first time. So happy with the results.
I inserted a piece of perspex to give the base more strength.
I just used a bit of the hem from the tea towel for the twine/string.
And if you are a baking type, check out Marieka's blog where she has lots of recipes. Here's a link to her almond and cranberry biscotti.
I am linking up with...
