FELTED EASTER BASKET

Materials:  1  Skein Galway Chunky Paint (or other standard chunky weight  wool)

                  1 Skein Knit –a-long yarn (we used  “Starlight")

                   Needles – Size 15 - 24” circular

Using just the Galway Chunky, cast on 55 stitches.  Add knit-a-long yarn, place marker and join being careful not to twist stitches.  Work even in stockinette st. until piece measures 3”.  Drop the knit-a-long yarn and continue on until piece measures 9” from cast on.

Shape bottom:  Dec. as follows changing to dpn. when necessary:

Rnd.1:  *Ssk, K7, k2tog. rep from * to end of rnd  - 45 st. remain

Rnd. 2 and 4:  Knit

Rnd. 3:  *Ssk, K5, k2tog. rep from * to end of rnd. – 35 st. remain

Rnd. 5:  *Ssk, K3, k2tog. rep from * to end or rnd. – 25 st. remain

Rnd. 6:  Knit

Rnd. 7:   *Ssk , K1, k2tog. rep from * to end of rnd. – 15 sts. remain

Rnd. 8:  *Ssk, k2tog. rep. from * to last 3 sts. ssk, k1 – 8 sts. remain

Break yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and fasten off.

Weave in all ends.

HANDLE: 
Knit 3-stitch I-cord for 40”. 

Felt basket and handle separately.

Fold handle in half and twist - let dry that way.   Form basket over plastic butter tub while drying.

FINISHING:
Sew  twisted handle to edges of basket.  Twist chenille stems or pipe cleaners  into handles to stiffen.  Embellish with animal or egg buttons.