Instructions:

SPOKES & BASE:

1. Mark centers on each of the 12 pieces.
2. On 2 spokes mark 1" to each side of the center.
3. Cross these two spokes, matching centers. Pencil marks will now be your guide for starting the base.
4. Lay 2 more spokes out making a star, crossing at center marks.
5. Fold a long piece of #2 round almost in half and begin twining on one of the marks. Twine around the base for 5 rows.
6. Continue to twine around the base adding each of the other 4 spokes in the spaces as you come to them. Twine around all spokes until the base measures 3½" round.

BASKET WALL:

1. Triple twine for 5 rows gently bringing up the spokes for sides as you go.
2. Cup base by pushing up the center.
3. Continue twining with one piece of #2 and 1 piece of mini seagrass for 5 rows.
4. Triple twine for 5 rows.
5. Using ¼ " flat for inner rim filler, make a piece just long enough to go around the basket with about a 5 spoke overlap. Thread both handles onto this piece of of ¼" flat. Push the handles down the ¼" flat until about 3" stick out. Center one handle over 3 spokes. (Each handle will span 3 spokes with 1 spoke between the ends of the handle.) Begin to weave the filler in place, slide the other handle into position on the opposite side of the basket.
6. Cut & tuck spokes.
7. Cross lash rim tightly with super fine cane using 3/8" flat oval for the rim and sea grass for the rim filler.

This basket was inspired by a pattern from the booklet Baskets, Baskets, Baskets by Donna Rohkohl ©1983. This was one of the first books I used when I started making baskets seriously in 16 years ago. It has several very basic baskets with good illustrations for beginning techniques. I so liked the natural looking combination of seagrass and round reed that I've incorporated variations of it into many of my baskets since. My mini bowl is an adaptation of the Twining Time pattern, using my handles of course. Enjoy the basket and check out Donna's book, you may still be able to get it from your local supplier.