In life there are things that we can find ourselves drawn to and we have no idea why. haha. Am I right? Well, in this case I think I know why and I know how it started. Let me begin by showing you how I’m going to turn this thrifted goodie into a DIY insulated picnic basket. {{ooh…aaah…ooooo}}

You would have bought it too, right? I mean it’s a basket and no one passes up baskets – at least any one sane, that is. ahem. I can honestly say that I came by my fetish thru my mother. Yes, thank you Mom.

BACKGROUND

I remember a transitional time when JC and I were living with my parents. If you remember, I mentioned in my last post that they built a gorgeous 6 K log home. Well, there was plenty of room for us. They had a full basement that housed a fun place to play with a billiard table, workout area, ping-pong table, second kitchen, woodworking shop, and much more.

However, my mom decided to create her own business down there selling handmade crafts. Part of her inventory was baskets. Lots and lots of baskets. They multiplied like Gremlins, it seemed. So, I took it upon myself to organize them for her. It was so fun!

Plus, she used handmade straw hats to decorate my bedroom, which also started a new fascination. haha. A girl can have these kinds of innocent vices and be perfectly normal. Just sayin’.

DIY TIME

Anyhoo, I’ve always preferred a basket to stow away my items as opposed to…awful plastic. Natural fibers rule in my world. In addition, I love to support local artisans as well. This basket, however, is probably of the overseas factory kind. But, I couldn’t resist the utilitarian design of it.

It has handles and a stout structure making it perfect for what I envisioned. If you’ve not seen how I love to make insulated lunch bags for my shop, stop and take a peek at this upcycled linen skirt post.

This project is very similar in basic design. Here’s what I used to create the innards of this DIY insulated picnic basket.

SUPPLIES:

• cotton fabric
• PUL (polyurethane laminated fabric)
• Insul-Bright
• coordinating thread
• plastic mesh (optional)
• cord
• beads

TOOLS:

• sewing scissors
• serger or sewing machine
• sewing tape measure
• hand-sewing needle

Notice I’ve taken the measurements of the basket and translated them into 3 lining layers, plus the top flaps. Since there’s no way I can give you instructions how to make one for every basket you find, I’m just giving the basic idea to inspire you.

My layers have boxed corners that allow for the lining to have a square bottom. My basket interior measured 13″ L x 7″ W x 9″ H, so I cut to suit my needs. See diagram below.

For each lining layer, two pieces are cut and then serge (or zig-zag stitched) together in the sequence below.

BOXING

First, to box the corners, simple open up the “box” and pinch the corners together. Next, sew it shut with your serger or sewing machine.

Now we have our first layer complete. Also, you’ll need to do the same with the PUL and cotton. Last, for added reinforcement (totally optional) I added an extra layer of plastic mesh. I thought it would make it fun to be able to remove the lining and use it as a bag too.

The layering order from the outside to inside is: cotton, mesh (anchor-stitched from the inside), Insul-brite, then PUL. Just make sure when you’re working on the cotton and PUL linings that you have them right sides facing each other. Then, turn right side out for assembly.

From here I’m just going to say you can add top flaps as I’ve done, add handles, add…whatever your heart desires. In addition, you can embellish in any way you see fit. The WHOLE idea is to have fun with it. Really!

THE REVEAL

Here’s my spiffed up thrifted basket turned DIY insulated picnic basket with coordinating cloth napkins. woot!

See how the inside has the PUL lining? PUL comes in all sorts of colors and patterns, so feel free to jazz it up a bit with color fun. It is a moisture-resistant fabric, but not waterproof. I use it for diapers, women’s products, snack bags, etc.

If you’d like to own this basket set, you can find it, my lunch bags, and much more available in my online shop. (SOLD)

My goal is to inspire you, so please feel free to ask questions if you have them. These baskets would make for wonderful wedding, graduation, or birthday gifts stuffed full of goodies.

Also, do pin and share with others so they can be inspire too. Share the love!

Up next, I’ll be having my Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION fun. See my latest DIY fun HERE.

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MEWE  |  PINTEREST  |  GAB

Also, more projects like this DIY insulated picnic basket: