After babyproofing my workbasket in our family room to make life easier, I was taken with the utility of the humble workbasket. Created for ladies of old to keep all their mending and creating supplies, it helped them maximize their resting time in a productive way, keeping all their tools at hand. Do you remember in Cranford when Dr. Harrison bids on a lovely little table at auction, only to find when he brings it home that it's a woman's work-table? And can't you picture Miss Deborah and Miss Mattie with their workbaskets companionably by their sides in the candlelight?
Thus inspired, I did a little searching, and found this excellent tutorial on how to make your own workbasket. This is mine, a little funky Kaffe Fassatt version to match my kitchen. It has a pretty white linen lining, and I'm working on some accessories to match. Wouldn't this make the sweetest gift for a crafty friend, or for a little girl interested in the domestic arts?
And, coming in at just around $10 and a couple hours of time to make, it is an adorable and affordable gift. And now, I just need to make one to match every other room in my house!
How fun, great job on getting it done. I remember that scene very well, I was just thinking I should watch that again.
Posted by: Jennifer | 01/18/2010 at 09:50 AM
Yes, isnt Cranford delightful? And you know, they just aired a sequel on PBS, I bet their still available for watching on their website!
Posted by: Bibliosophy | 01/18/2010 at 11:26 AM
I wrote about that work table in my thesis! I love your workbasket, too.
Pomona x
Posted by: Pomona | 01/19/2010 at 02:01 PM
How wonderful! I am definitely going to have to make me one of these, it will be especially handy when I go outside and travel in the car.
Thanks so much for the tutorial!
Posted by: DeeDee | 01/29/2010 at 11:02 PM