Follow your nose on the Zakka trail ...

Oh my, isn't this this cutest thing ever?  Rachel Roxburgh of Roxy Creations has created a little gem - a linen patchwork bread basket (Patchwork Notes is hosting this week).  This lovely basket is perfect for BBQ season - or 'barbies' in Australian lingo.

Like many of the projects in this Zakka Style sew-along, my book is strewn with pencil marks and scribblings.  I don't know if you can make it out but the note at the bottom of the page for this project says "why? oh why?".  It is referring to the joining of the handles to the main bread basket (paragraphs 3 and 4 of 'Basket assembly').  In the project Rachel instructs us to stitch these on after we have added the sides to the bottom panel.  And this is where my exclamation comment arises.  Surely, it would be easier to stitch the handles to the ends of the bottom panel before we attach the sides to the bottom panel.  I followed Rachel's instructions for the outer shell but then did it my way for the lining.   I have to say I found my way simpler and quicker.

If you do follow Rachel's instructions I would recommend that, when stitching the side panels to the side of the handle (paragraph 4 of 'Basket assembly') you stitch down from the handle to the base rather than as per the instructions which suggest you stitch "up the side of the handle to form the box corner...".  I found it less tricky to sew into the corner than away from the corner.  And this will only work if you have followed paragraph 3 of 'Basket assembly' exactly and "stop sewing 1/4" from each end".

Also, section 2 in the 'Basket assembly' should really be section 4 of the 'Front patchwork panel'.  It is easier to add running stitches before you apply the fusible interfacing.  A small point I know, but worthy of mention.

My final recommendation is that you pick your patchwork fabrics carefully - they are the focal point of this project.  Small 1½" squares of colour will either make this a stunning little item or an 'okay' project.  Either way, I would thoroughly recommend this project.   Even if you don't need a bread basket I have a couple of suggestions to make this project work for you.

My first suggestion is that you use a stiff fusible interfacing and then this project will double up as a gift basket when presenting home-made preserves at your local summer fete or as a gift.  You could even cut a piece of strong card and affix it to the base between the lining and the outer.  This lovely little basket will hold three pots of jam or two pots and some scones. 

But it is my final suggestion that really is the clincher and the inspiration for my blog title.  You could use this lovely little item to get yourself invited to all the best BBQs in town for the cost of a few burger buns and a couple of fat quarters.  Just fill up the basket with bread, follow your nose and turn up at any BBQ, invitation or not.  Who could resist you when you turn up offering bread and this little gem?  And, if you are really canny you will grab your home-made bread basket once you have eaten your weight in steak and burgers and make a discreet exit.  That way you can re-use next time and eat all summer long for the price of a bun or two.  Clever no? 

Gotta go - the smell of sausages sizzling on a 'barbie' is wafting through the window.  If I follow my nose (and my canny suggestions) the money I save on food this summer can be spent on buttons and fabric!!