Bicycle Basket Liner/Bag

Well, it's been a really long time since I've posted something, but that's okay, right?

So, now that we are all home social distancing and trying to wait for a cure or vaccine or something, I've got a little more crafting time on my hands. The first project I tackled with some of my free time is a liner/tote bag for the basket on my bicycle. I don't ride well with a back pack on, and when we take our bikes on family vacations, I need a place to put my stuff when we go for a ride, so I bought a bike basket. I decided it needed a liner to keep my stuff from banging around in there, and to spiff it up a bit!

Here's what I ended up with:

This is the view you'd see when on the bike. The yellow cord is actually bungee cording with a cord stop (I just tied the loose ends in a bow). It runs through a casing at the edge of the pink fabric to keep the bag in place on the basket.

The green layer also has a casing at the edge that the pink/green ribbon runs through so it can be gathered to close the bag.

This picture was taken mid construction while testing the ribbon- notice that the fabric is pinned to the basket. You can see part of the body of the bag in the background.

I also added ribbon loops with D rings so I could attach removable straps. Each strap just folds around a ring and snaps to itself. I will admit I had to have my hubby help with the snaps- I just couldn't wack them hard enough with the hammer. Now, if I stop somewhere on a ride, I can take the whole bag with me, like a purse, and leave the basket on the bike.

There is also a hidden pocket inside that is the perfect size for my phone.

I'm really happy with how well this turned out- especially considering I created the pattern from scratch. I just laid the basket on some large white paper and traced each side and the bottom as best I could. I also am pretty impressed that I had all of the fabrics and hardware already, and I picked out and cut the pink and green fabric long before I realized I had the perfectly matching ribbon! Talk about meant to be!!!

Here's one more shot, more from the side.

I've used it on several bike rides with the family so far, and I'm looking forward to someday being able to take it (and my bike) somewhere farther away for a ride! Someday...

I've also been making cards and sewing some masks (like everyone else on the planet with a sewing machine, it seems!), but my next big project is a Christmas tree skirt. It is for a small tree that only gets decorated with Hallmark Crayola ornaments. Here's a sneak peek:

It's got a bit of a funky twist thing happening toward the center, and I think that's the reason for the large gap... that number of pieces should have made a complete circle. But I'll just add a couple more and it will be fine. I'll try to post more pictures when it's done.

I hope anyone who might read this is staying healthy, and of course, staying home!