Basket

This is #3 according to the FW book. 

Cutting: 
Background:

• 1- 3 1/2" square
• 1- 2" square
• 2- 2 X 3 1/2"
• 1- 3" finished half square (3 1/2" strip cut with EA)
• 2- 1 1/2" finished half squares (2" strip cut with EA)

Basket:

• 2- 2" X 3 1/2"
• 2- 1 1/2" finished half squares (2" strip cut with EA)

Handle: 1 1/2" x 6" Cut on the bias

Sew the 1 1/2" finished basket triangles to the 2" background square.  Press the first one toward the square and the second one away from the square.  Add the 3" finished background triangle to make a 3 1/2" square.

 Fold the handle in half wrong sides together aligning long edges.  Sew with 1/4" seam.  Turn the handle so the seam is in the middle and press allowances open.  If you own bias bars, now is the time to get them out :-) 

Trim the seam allowance away so that it is not visible from the front.  Use the trim away method and trim away the corner of the 2" x 3 1/2" rectangles.  Fold the triangle in half to find the midpoint- place right side up.  Place the seam of the basket hand on the midpoint and pin in place.  Place the 1 1/2" finished background triangle right side down on top of the basket handle.  Join the 3 pieces with the handle in seam.

Press toward the basket piece.  Your unit should look like it has a big long tongue, and the seam allowance should not be showing

Add the 2" X 3 1/2" background rectangle to the right of the basket unit with the tongue; then add the 3 1/2" background square to the left side.  press both of these toward the background fabric. 

Add the other end of the basket handle in the same way.  Join this with the remaining 2" x 3 1/2" background piece to make a 3 1/2" square.

Now you have a simple 4 patch.

Join the square you just completed with the basket base.  It will be a little awkward since the other pieces are attached. 

Join the 2 halves to complete the block.

Press the handle in a gentle arc.  Use a blind hem stitch on your machine (or hand stitch) the handle to the background fabric.  the blind hem stitch on your machine will do a few straight stitches (meant to hit the background fabric) and it will do one zig-zag stitch (meant to hit the handle fabric)  There are several great tutorials online.  If you need help, just let me know.

Last but not least, your block should measure 6 1/2".  Are you tired of me asking that question yet?  Let me know if you like this block and method for the handle.