HOW TO MAKE & ATTACH THE LINING
Step 1: The lining is made in the same way as the outer basket. The button placket of the shirt is used to create the opening where the padded envelope will be inserted. This is kept buttoned up while making the lining. The shirt is cut and sewn to make a rectangle, using the same dimensions as the denim, but with ¾in (2cm) added to the height. A ¾in (2cm) hem is folded and pressed along one long edge. This will become the top edge of the lining. The rectangle is folded in half, then pinned and sewn along the short edge to make a tube. The circular bottom is made and added as before.
Step 2: Keeping the lining the wrong side out, it is inserted into the basket. The turned top edge of the lining is lined up just below the hemmed top edge of the basket. It is then pinned and sewn with a ¼in (5mm) seam allowance. For invisible stitching, a thread the colour of the denim should be used as the topstitch and one the colour of the lining for the bobbin. Step 3: To add stability, firstly, the lining is pulled out of the basket and the buttons undone. A cardboard circle is cut ½in (1cm) smaller than the base and inserted through the hole; manipulating it, so that it sits between the outer denim and the lining. The padded envelope is opened out and cut ½in (1cm) smaller than the size of the basket. It is inserted into the opening and manipulated so it sits nicely in the outer basket. The buttons are done up and the lining pushed back into the basket, securing the padded envelope in position. TOP TIP Many padded envelopes are not recyclable, but their combination of strength and flexibility makes them ideal to give these baskets structure. Bubble wrap also works for the sides, but cardboard is better for the base as it is more rigid.