Fabrics on hand and a picture were all I had to guide me. These are my own directions that I scribbled down as I put the block together.
You can apply the pieces in any number of ways. I machine stitched everything but the handle. You can hand or machine applique, or use fusible backing and a machine satin stitch. The choice is yours. When I am inspired, I see the whole picture, the details are left to struggle with later.
The basket consists of 3 rows of 8 2" gold squares sewn together. The gold squares give a woven effect, like a basket. The bottom corners are half square triangles from the basket fabric and background fabric.
Top ridge on the basket is a strip of contrasting fabric 1 1/4" wide. Sew to top row of squares.
Cut piece of background fabric same size as basket. Fold in half from left to right, press to mark middle. DO NOT SEW TO BASKET TOP YET.
Handle fabrics are in colours that co-ordinate with basket. You need 3 strips 1 1/2" wide and twice as long as the background fabric. Stitch long edges. Press each strip with seam centered in middle.
Braid 3 fabrics together, keeping raw edges to the back. Place braid over pressed middle mark. Hand tack at top and bottom, then hand sew down edges carefully. Make sure your braid is straight.
Cut out 4 apple shapes as shown from various red fabrics. The apples are about 3"-4" high and wide. Arrange on background fabric at bottom edge.
Cut leaves from green print fabric, about 2 1/2" long and 1" at widest part. Arrange on apples and sew. Now the top half of your block is complete. Sew top half to bottom half along raw edges.
Now is the time to straighten up your outside edges. When you sew by the seat of your pants like this, the edges are sure to be a little wonky.
Once the block was complete, I cut 4" strips of dark green (same print as leaves). Sew the strips to the left and right side, then top and bottom.
The green cooled down the intense, warm colours of the reds and gold and made a nice border.
This block can be used for a small wallhanging, a block for a sampler quilt or to apply to a tote bag. The choice is yours again.
About Author
Designed and created by Mary Wilkins, mother of 3, grandmother of 6 and editor of
http://www.sew-whats-new.com
05-25-2008 08:45 AM
Re: Thankful Harvest Wallhanging 
Tammy. As I read your notes on the Harvest Wallhanging you made, I sure could identify with just going with the flow. I have found that some of the best things made come from "out of the box" thinking. Kudos to you for a super project.
