DIY Picnic for Two: Part 1

I am kicking off my picnic basket project with Part 1: The Picnic Basket.  This week, I revamped the basket itself with a new patchwork top and a chalkboard on the inside of the lid.  Next week, I’ll be sewing a liner for the inside and getting my plates, flatware, and teacups in order.  However, this week was all about the top.  All of the steps and materials are listed below.

Supplies:

• a sewing basket that I found on clearance from JoAnn’s (approximately 12.5″ wide x 9.5″ deep x 8.5″ tall)
• fusible interfacing (12″ x 16″)
• 4″ patchwork squares in assorted fabrics (12 total)
• staple gun and 1/4″ staples
• chalkboard paint
• mat board (although cardboard or other thin material would work here too)

1) Preparing the basket. First, I had to take apart the old sewing basket by cutting out the fabric liner and popping out the original top.  The lid was held in place with a lot of glue, so I had to slowly pry it out.  This took a combination of elbow grease and patience, but eventually, what I had was this:

2) Painting the chalkboard. I trimmed my mat board to fit the frame using a craft knife and ruler.  I applied several coats of black chalkboard paint.

3) Creating the patchwork top. I decided to use Alicia Paulson’s suggestion on creating quick (and perfectly aligned) patchwork squares (via Posie Gets Cozy).  In my case, I needed a top that would be 8.5″ x 12″ (leaving enough room to wrap around the sides of the original top and staple in place).  I cut out twelve 4″ squares and one piece of lightweight fusible interfacing (12″ x 16″).  I arranged all of the squares right next to each other (right sides up) on top of the fusible interfacing (sticky side up).  Then you can easily fold each column and row — one at a time — with the right sides together and stitch a 1/4″ seam.   Here’s the back, all sewn and seams pressed open.

4) Stapling the patchwork top to the basket lid. Since the original fabric covered lid was fairly thin (even with the board backing, fabric, and padding), I purchased the shortest staples I could find: 1/4″.  Also, my husband reminded me many times to use ear plugs when using the staple gun, so here I am — reminding you.  ;-)

I decided to layer another piece of mat board on top to give the staples a little extra width to grip into (and to prevent any sharp barbs from sticking through the top).  This next photo shows the top in progress with a few staples in place.  Start in the middle and work your way out to the corners.

Fold in the corners neatly, and staple in place.  The top is ready to be reunited with the basket.

5) Press chalkboard and fabric covered top back into place. I wish I had a magic trick for this, but I don’t.  Once again, I mostly used my hands and a screwdriver to slowly wedge the lid back into place.  The original lid was a very tight fit, so with the added layer of fabric and interfacing, this was even more snug.  I did not use any glue — I don’t think this lid is going anywhere.

I can’t wait to leave messages on the new chalkboard!

That’s all for now.  I’ll be back next week with the inside!

Also, I am going to be moving the contest and give away to next week, too.  Hope you have a great weekend everyone!  See you then…