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Baskets & Bows
Baskets & Bows
From: "Suzy-Q Lewis"
>
>Got this from my friend Shelly
>*******************
>
>Got this and the ones to follow off another list. Thought some of you
>might be interested.
>
>Baskets and Bows
>
>Level: Easy Baskets have been used decoratively for years but they
>are also
>great containers for organizing and keeping things in place.
>The use of decorator fabric makes an ordinary basket into something
>extraordinary. Use a strip of left over drapery fabric or something
>that
>coordinates with your decor and even a small basket becomes
>noticeable. This
>project can be done by anyone who doesn't sew but
>loves to accessorize his or her home with unique and colorful
>custom-made
>items. First, find a sturdy and sizable basket for the things you need
>to
>store and then decide on the fabric for your ribbon and bow.
>
>Decorating a basket with fabric allows you to match the decor but also
>allows for making a generous and full bow with flowing streamers. The
>fabric
>is treated with a fabric stiffener, which makes the bow molding an
>easy and
>fun project. After the fabric stiffener dries it is permanent and
>humidity
>resistant. If the bow eventually needs to be dusted a damp rag can be
>used
>and it won't hurt the finish on the fabric.
>
>Supplies: Basket, ½ - 3/4 yd. fabric, 8 oz. Fabric Stiffener, Hot
>glue
>gun,
>
>1. Cut a long strip of fabric after determining how wide the bow and
>streamers will be on your basket. The bow and streamers used on the
>basket
>in the photo are 3 inches wide. The fabric was cut in 8-inch-long
>strips
>because the fabric is folded so that the raw edges are hidden on the
>underside.
>
>2. The streamers are formed before the bow is created and uses a
>separate
>strip of fabric. This streamer is gracefully draped over the shape of
>the
>basket and therefore the length of the strip will be determined by the
>size
>of the basket. Using your iron, press this strip so
>that the raw edges are overlapped on the underside and the strip is
>about 3
>inches wide. Don't trim the ends until the streamer has been stiffened
>and
>placed where you want it to be.
>
>3. Cut two more strips - 8 in. by 24 in. and 8 in. by 16 in. - to form
>the bow
>
>4. Cut a final strip to form the center of the bow - 6 in. by 5 in.
>
>5. Press these strips as you did for the streamers with the strip for
>the
>center of the bow being only 2 in. wide when overlapped.
>
>6. The product for stiffening is water based and non-toxic and is
>easily
>cleaned but looks like white glue when used. It stiffens as it dries
>so it
>is necessary to give things a shape before it dries completely.
>Saturate the
>strips of fabric that you have pressed and place them on a waxed paper
>covered surface to dry 45 minutes until slightly damp. If your have
>excess
>fabric stiffener on the strips don't squeeze the fabric but use a
>rubber
>spatula or your fingers to remove the excess.
>
>7. When the strips are still damp, but no longer sticky, you will form
>them
>into the shapes you desire. Start with the long streamer and decide
>where on
>the basket it will sit. It looks good to make the streamer rippled as
>it
>sits on the basket, so make the necessary tucks and folds to
>accomplish this
>look.
>
>8. The bow is constructed rather than tied so use each strip you cut
>to
>form the loops of the bow. To maintain the shape while the stiffener
>is
>drying stuff the loops of the bow with plastic bags after you have
>shaped
>
>them. Use the small piece - 6 in. by 5 in. - to make the center tie
>for the
>bow. It will be only 2 in. wide after you fold the raw edges under.
>While
>the fabric is still damp wrap the center part around the loops and
>around
>the streamer in the appropriate position. The placement of the bow
>depends
>on the shape of the basket but slightly off center looks best. Pin or
>paper
>clip the raw edges together to cinch the bow together in the middle
>and make
>the final adjustments to the shape before it dries completely.
>
>9. After the shapes are dry, the bow and streamers are attached to the
>basket using a hot glue gun. Use the glue only where needed to secure
>the
>bow and streamers.
>
>10. Trim the ends of the streamer using sharp household scissors - not
>sewing scissors - tapering the ends.
>
>
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