Wicker basket covers

hilstep2000

Following the thread a few days ago, I've dug out my old 1971 school wicker basket to use for shopping. However, I don't like leaving my purse on view in it. When I used to use it for school we had plastic covers (like the ones you put under budgie cages) which had a gap in the mddlefor the handle, and elastic round the edge so that the basket was covered up. Does anyone know where I can get one? Or am I going to have to ge out the machine and start making one?
I've tried Googling it, but nothing comes up, hoping other old stylers can help!

whatatwit

They used to be available at the school uniform shop in town.

Bet they won't be any more. :rotfl:

Do Lakeland do them?

jennyjelly

Oh nostalgia!!!

I remember those so well, and how heavy the basket felt over your arm when it was full and heavy - by the time I walked the 2 miles from school to home my arm and hand were numb!

Because we were always broke my mum made my cover from 2 pieces of red and white gingham. Hem one edge of each and lay them sided by side with the corners just overlapping. These will go over the handle. Pin them in that position then round off the outer corners and sew a hem all round the edge and thread elastic through. You could put a bit of velcro on the join for extra security.

My mum's version worked a treat - the only problem was I ended up with soggy contents in the rain, so I would say a layer of bin bag inside would be a really good idea.

I still have my cookery basket and use it to transport stuff for my jewellery parties. Now you've inspired me to re-create my mum's cover!

hilstep2000

Update on my post! Thanks to Jennyjelly, I got out the sewing machine last night. I used a spare pillow case for material (I'm always buying odd ones in charity shops to use as underslips) cut a slot in the middle, put it over the handle and cut round the basket. Hemmed it all round, hemmed the slot, threaded elastic through. BINGO! a lovely cover for my basket! thanks Jenny jelly!

_welshy_

Just in case somebody else is looking for a cover ..........

http://www.greatbritishbaskets.co.uk

luxor4t

Happy days... I used to long for a 'proper' (ie shop bought plastic) cover but only ever had a clean tea towel. My cookery basket was smaller than most too, so I couldn't get everything in & had to have a plastic carrier. Oh the joys of having a thrifty mother

morwenna

Oh, this made me smile. My Dad used to make baskets, he had a shop. I remember he made my cookery basket exactly to fit Mum's casserole dish. (We had made the cover the previous term - Domestic Science alternated sewing with cookery, back in the day!)

Justamum

I'd love a basket for shopping - can you still find them?

geordie_joe

Justamum wrote: »

I'd love a basket for shopping - can you still find them?

You can get them from many places. Ever since Modbury became "carrier bag free" and declared the wicker basket to be the only real green alternative they have become big business.

Make sure you get one that's made in the UK.