Introducing EB Knits Home: Baskets

I’m stoked to share my latest collection with you all, finally! Since I moved to Florida, I’ve been brainstorming how I can transfer EB Knits into acclimating to warmer weather as well. Originally, I had a bunch of market bags in my head to create for you guys (and those are still coming, don’t worry!), but once the pandemic hit and stay at home order was in place for most of the country, I lost my motivation for these bags since the days of farmers markets and outside gatherings were looking farther and farther away. But, fear not, I didn’t give up on making, instead I transitioned to creating more home items. And the very first items I made were baskets!

See what colors and styles are in stock and shop baskets now!

Personally, I felt like we could use a couple baskets in our own home so I decided to try out a few designs. And then I was on such a basket kick, I experimented and experimented. Some of the patterns I tested out were cute but just weren’t sturdy enough for me and what I want to present to you. After a lot of trial and error, I settled on a few designs and I’m absolutely crazy about the first two I’m bringing to you - and each design will be available in two sizes! The small size (3.5in wide by 2.5in tall) is great for throwing extra change in, pop tops if you save those or any other small do-dads just laying around on your counters. The larger size (5.5in wide by 4in tall) is perfect for throwing small toys in. You could also put a candle in this one or a small succulent for decoration. Personally, I throw all my yarn scraps in this one! But please note the size, it is not actually that large in size, it still sits comfortably on the top of your end table or coffee table.

Possibly the most surprising aspect of all of these baskets are that they’re actually crochet, not knit! Say what?!?!?! Yep, you read that correctly, I’m crocheting now! Crochet, I’ve learned, makes for much more of a sturdy stitch so it’s great for items around the house, especially items like baskets! Don’t worry I’m still knitting, and I think knitting will always come first in my heart, but I’m having a ton of fun exploring this new craft.

You already saw a sneak peak of the very mini basket launch a couple of weeks ago but this will be a full release in more colors and sizes! This launch includes pastel, neutral and red, white and blue baskets, but the colors will continue to evolve and rotate as time goes on and I add more and more to the collection.

Read on for more about each design and why they ‘re unique to EB Knits!

A little backstory:

The patterns are available for each of these designs and I’m so thankful for the creative minds that designed them, but I also wanted to add something to these baskets because, really, you or anyone can make them yourself if you have the pattern. So, I asked myself, how am I going to make these baskets unique to EB Knits? And what sets me apart, I believe, is my focus on craftsmanship, eco-friendliness and color.

Craftsmanship
I’ve spent hours completing one basket after another to make sure they’re top notch and the craftsmanship of each one is impeccable.
Eco-friendly
Each of these baskets are made from yarn that is entirely made up of cotton t-shirt offcuts from t-shirt factories. Instead of sweeping up these odds and ends and ending up in a landfill, they were upcycled into this yarn and in turn your baskets!
Color
Finally, I wanted to focus on color and the way each basket looks in particular, because, my tagline is, in fact, “knitwear with a pop of color“ (or in this case, crochet with a pop of color) and visually this is what can set these baskets apart right away before even looking at the details of the yarn and craftsmanship. So with that in mind plus the tie dye trend in full summer mode, I decided to experiment with tie dying my white yarn! I wrote a blog post about the process if you’re interested here.

The Basket Collection: Styles

Puff Basket

I’ve had my eye on this design ever since it was released (designed by RKC Handmade), but thought it would be too challenging for a newbie crocheter like myself, but I’m super proud to say I nailed this one! I’ve come up with two sizes that I think are perfect for around the house (note: both designs come in the same two sizes). With a solid, structured bottom, the sides of the baskets are textured “puffs“ that really stand out both on the inside and outside the basket. It’s also sturdy so no worries about it sagging or falling at any time! And I absolutely love the pops of color that peak through the puffs of the basket and how each color blends so well.

Everyday Basket

This basket again is available in small and medium sizes and its simplicity allows the colors of the yarn to stand out. This circle style is completely my own adaptation from everything I’ve learned creating the many basket patterns I tried out over the last few months. It’s quite simple, a textured and incredibly sturdy stitch as the base and sides of the basket. I’m calling it the Everyday Basket because of its versatility and appeal to any style!

Release Date

Available today! All of the baskets in this collection are already made, which means they’ll ship within 1-2 days of your order (orders usually ship within 24 hours, but with the pandemic, I’m limiting trips to the post office)