Hello everyone!
The idea came for this basket for two reasons. First, my sister had just remodeled a good part of her now vintage looking kitchen, & secondly, she was pregnant & close to delivery. In addition to a gift for my precious new niece, I wanted to give my sister a gift she could enjoy in her “new” kitchen, as well as something to relax with during recovery.
I found the perfect basket at the thrift store for starters. Always, always cherry pick the baskets at the thrift shop! Then, I gathered anything on hand kitchen related in her old-fashioned, vintage farmhouse style.
This piece of crocheted lace was in a pile of vintage linens I was given by a friend who was moving. It fit perfectly around the outside edge of the basket!
A sharp pair of scissors quickly removed the usable portion of the lace. I then glued it to the edge of the basket ~ so cute!
Next I chose the color palette of red & creams/whites & gathered vintage & thrifted items. Here were the first things I considered.
The two feature gifts for my sister were the new DIY book from her favorite YouTuber, plus a red & white quilted table runner. After making the Simple Spring Quilted Table Runner for my Mom I knew I’d enjoy making another one!
The pattern for this runner is even more simple ~ just red & white triangles flying in one direction.
Every quilt has a story to tell… The red bandanna fabric came from my Grandmother’s stash I inherited ~ the strips will become ties to go around the finished quilt when it’s rolled up.
The muslin oval will become a label to mark the date & occasion.
Recently Matt discovered the most delicious light & fruity Orange Blossom honey ~ what a fun treat for a kitchen basket!
The honey came in an tacky plastic container ~ so a pretty little jar & disc of fabric traced by a saucer added the perfect homey touch.
This gorgeous little ironstone pitcher made its way home with me after a hunt through the antique store ~ funny how those things happen…
I added a couple wooden spoons & a set of three seasonal lithographs by Currier & Ives from the thrift shop. So vintage looking!
This next gift basket idea is a vintage inspired sewing basket for my young niece who is learning to sew. I kept an eye out in the thrift stores for sturdy smallish baskets with lids. They were between $3 – $4 each.
Simple decoupage on the lid added a personalized, handcrafted touch.
This basket had a well made lining, and once the inside of the lid is dry it will be ready for new sewing notions!
For sewing notions I included basics, a hand cut mini-charm pack, a couple packs of buttons from my grandmother, and a some extra quilt blocks for her to play with.
All ready to pack & ship! I hope you have enjoyed these simple gift basket ideas & gathered some inspiration ~ sometimes an unexpected gift means the most!
Until next time,
Take care,
Rachel
Hi Rachel,
Love the gift basket and what a nice surprise for your sister. The
table runner will definitely be a keepsake.
Blessings,
MiMi
Hello Mi Mi!
My sister enjoyed the surprise & is already using the table runner ~ you know how special quilted items are!
Have a lovely day!
What a special treat for Carrie and so sweet that the two of you can share the memory of your grandmother with the red bandanna incorporated in the table runner!! I’m glad you brought that point out in your video!!
Hi Miss Ilene,
It was special to have that bit of family history to preserve in the table runner & share with Carrie. We all have family legacies to be proud of & pass on! Thanks for watching & commenting!
Warmly,
Rachel
I loved the gift basket and couldn’t wait to use every single thing in it! Thank you so much! I am sure I will be using many of the sweet girts for years to come. 🙂
Hey Carrie,
I’m so thrilled you liked the basket & gifts! It was fun to try different items out until it felt like the perfect fit for you & your “new” kitchen! Thanks for watching the video & leaving a comment. Have a lovely day!
Warmly,
Rachel
What a sweet and thoughtful gift!
Thank you ~ the basket was such fun to make! Thanks for watching, hope you have a lovely day!
The basket turned out splendidly! Carrie absolutely loved everything about it. I don’t think her table runner Could have turned out more perfect. Great job!
Hi Annie!
The basket & table runner did turn out better than I expected ~ now I’m wanting to make more gift baskets! Thanks for stopping by & commenting!
Such a lovely idea for a gift. I am sure your sister will treasure the beautiful table runner. You’ve inspired me!
Hello Joanna,
I’m glad you found some inspiration ~ that’s the whole reason I enjoy sharing! I’d love to know what you come up with! Thanks for stopping by & have a lovely day!
Warmly,
Rachel
You did really well putting the basket together sweetie! I’m so glad your sister liked it. Good job on the video too!
Thanks Matt! Thank you for putting up with my “last minute” projects!
Once again you made a beautiful memory basket. I know Carrie will love it.
I would love to see the table runner in full and directions on how to make it.
Thank you for another wonderful project.
Hello Mrs. Rasbeary!
Thank you! Carrie did like the basket & everything in it. I didn’t record any of the process when I was making this table runner, but I do have more quilting projects in the works. I’m glad you enjoyed this post, thanks for stopping by!
Rachel,
What a thoughtful and lovely gift! I’m thinking that your little niece who loves to watch her mom’s favorite YouTuber, might like looking at the book as well. Blessings! Robin ☺💙
Good afternoon, Miss Robin!
You are probably right, my niece may take a look at the book too – I hadn’t thought of that! Thank you for stopping & leaving a comment. Have a lovely day!
Warmly,
Rachel