EASY

Crochet a petite lacy basket to hold  small gifts or treasures. Weave a colored ribbon, begetting the ocassion, around its top.  Ours measures 3 1/2 x 4 inches.

You will need a small amount of mercerized crochet cotton, size 7 steel crochet hook and a 12 inch length of 1/16 inch wide satin ribbon in desired color.

BASKET: Ch 8, join with a sl st to form ring.

Rnd 1: Work 18 dc in ring, join.

Rnd 2: Ch 4, *dc in dc, ch 1, repeat from * around.

Rnd 3; Ch 4, Working in back lps only, dc in dc, ch1, repeat from * around, join.

Rnds 4 through 6: Ch 4, *working in both lps, dc in dc , ch 1, repeat from * around. join.

Rnd 7:Ch 3, dc in same st as ch-3, ch 1, *2 dc in next dc, ch 1, repeat from * around, join

 to top of ch-3.

Rnd 8: Ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 2, *dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 2, repeat from * around, join.

Rnd 9: Ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3 *dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3, repeat from * around, join.

Rnd 10: Ch 3, dc in next dc,ch 4, *dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 4, repeat from * around, join.

DO NOT FASTEN OFF.

HANDLE: Ch 30, sk 9 lps on basket sl st to top of dc, sl st into next dc, sc  in each ch to end of ch, sl st to base of ch’s beginning, fasten off.

FINISHING: Boil  a solution of two parts sugar to one part water until sugar is dissolved. Saturate basket in solution. Shape as it dries. When completely dry. weave ribbon through top lps beginning at base of handle. tie a bow

NOTE: You can substitute white glue for the sugar also.