My obsession with jute and cotton continues.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – and to my eye, (almost) anything made with soft brown jute and creamy ecru cotton looks stunning.
This basket is a true yin and yang creation.
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UPDATE
And the pattern for this lovely basket (three, actually – it’s another stacking set!) is now finished and available right here on jakigu.com and via Etsy.
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It’s so simple, and still; it’s hard to take one’s eyes off of it. The lacey effect of cotton softens the harsher lines of padding jute cords. The backs of stitches create a beautifully modern, geometric design on the inside of the basket, making the inside just as interesting – if not even more intriguing – than the outside. And despite its delicate appearance, this romantic basket is, in fact, considerably sturdier than my original round jute and cotton baskets. It holds its shape so beautifully one might think it were crocheted over metal hoops.
I simply can’t decide what I like more about it: the geometric design on the inside, the symmetrical jute base and trims, or the outer cotton overlay. All these elements are quite unique in the world of crochet baskets.
Crochet has potential to be old fashioned. Reminiscent of 70’s basement decor. Stiff as Victorian doilies.
But not this basket. This is not your gramma’s kind of crochet anymore. In this basket, the new and the old melt into something surprisingly contemporary.
Alright. If you can’t tell, I am pretty excited about this basket. But I am ready to stop tooting my own horn. After all, mine might be the only eye to which it looks beautiful. And I’m OK with it.
Still, if you fell in love with this basket as fast and deep as I did, hold on tight. I am already writing a pattern.
I’m in love. I can’t wait to see the pattern. Did you find the jute rough on your fingers?
I’ll admit, jute is not cashmere. It’s rougher, tougher, and stiffer than yarn typically used to knit and crochet. Though, getting used to these new properties didn’t take too long for me – and as you can see, jute is becoming my favourite fiber to crochet with. One trick that helps tremendously is to not wind the cord around fingers; I create proper tension by holding it between my thumb and index finger instead. Still… My fingers get exfoliated every time they touch jute 😉
It would be good to have some cotton gloves or something to wear, maybe. Many years ago, I made some bracelets with hemp cord, which has a similar look to jute, but is much softer. Unfortunately, it’s not legal to sell it in the state I live in! But, I guess jute’s stiff qualities helps the basket to hold its shape.
I still want to make one!
Gloves sound like they could be a simple yet very effective solution! I’ll have to try it. I am planning to work on some smaller pieces using hemp cord – mostly because I know it will be gentler on fingers. I had no idea it’s not legal to sell/buy it in some places. It’s a shame, hemp is such a wonderful, natural fibre.
Is your pattern available?
Not yes, Louise. We’ve just moved into a new house and despite my best intentions, I was unable to put everything together before the move. I will be happy to let you know when it’s ready!
I’d love the pattern! I’m anxious to try a basket!