PORTABLE WORK-BASKET   BY MRS. Jane Weaver. Peterson's Ladies National Magazine March 1864 page 228     click here to see original scan of this page  

Materials. – ½ yard of French glazed chintz, small pattern; or 1 yard of any colored silk.

This most convenient work-bag, or basket, is extremely simple and easily made.

If made of chintz, cut off three-eights in length, taking a small piece off the width sufficient to cover the bottom of the bag, which is to be made of stiff pasteboard.  This bottom should be circular and five inches in diameter.

Join the chintz and make a narrow hem at the top, run a easing 1 ½ inches from the top for the strings.  Use the one-eight of chintz left for the outside pockets seen in design No. 2.  These are made by merely sewing on the piece of chintz all around the lower part of the bag, dividing it by seams in eight equal parts, making eight little pockets for spools, thimble, etc.  Gather and sew to the pasteboard bottom; a small frill may be added or not, as desired.  The design calls for the bottom frill.

This bag has the combined advantages of bag and basket-bag, when the work is to be carried, and by opening and turning down, a basket is improvised.

A very pretty and tasteful affair may be made of it, if silk and ribbon are used, in place of the chintz.