Easy Felted Basket

 My sister had a birthday almost two months ago. I wanted to send her flowers but it was also Mother's Day time and I expected her boys would have sent flowers. I told her I was going to send her flowers and asked if she wanted them in a basket or in a vase. She said basket!

When I texted her ten days ago to ask her for a florist in her town she did send me the name of a florist  then said she would just as soon have seeds for perennial flowers.  I thought that was a great idea so I went to several stores to see what they had.  I found quite a few seeds for flowers I would love in our yard if I ever was going to become a gardener, which I will not be doing!  Too lazy/busy/too many other things to do, so no flowers here. I cannot even keep the potted plants alive on our porch...!

So I thought I would make her a basket. Since it was almost Independence Day, I thought I would use red, white, and blue yarns.

This is what I did:

Yarn used: 100% natural wool in three colors.

US #15 needles.

Easy Felted Basket (very small)

With one strand red and two strands white—Cast on 41 then knit one round, purl one round, knit one round purl one round then:

Knit 10, cast off 10, knit 10, cast off 10

Knit 10, cast on 10. Knit 10, cast on 10.

Knit for about 4 more inches.

Drop red yarn and join blue yarn. Knit four or more inches from cast on.

Purl one round.

K4, K2tog around.

Knit one round.

K3, K2tog around.

Knit one round.

K2, K2tog around.

Knit one round.

K1, K2tog around.

Knit one round.

K2tog around.

Break yarn leaving a long tail then weave through all stitches and fasten off securely.

Putting in washing machine with other items and using hot water and most agitation available. 

Remove from washer and shake to your satisfaction then let dry completely.  Pull into shape then stuff a small kitchen towel inside to help the basket hold its round shape while drying.

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Over the past few months we have received mailings, many in small boxes. One box I absolutely adored.  It was probably 3" or maybe 4" cubed. So cute.  Well, I put some red, white, and blue tissue paper inside then smushed in the little basket and the packets of seeds.  I used heavy duty shipping tape to close it up.  

Because I was so unwise to do this kind of packing job, I have decided to try again and make another basket, this time a little larger and also perhaps a rectangular one. (I have to finish a couple of knitting projects with time constraints first, though....) ALSO I will see if I can find some fragrant perennial seeds.  If anyone has any suggestions on what to get, please tell me.  Also tell me what seed-seller to go to for the purchases.  Many thanks!