Apple Shopping Basket

A stylish willow oval shopping basket inspired by my basketmaking teacher and a traditional Somerset apple picker basket, (hence it's name!) Featuring from the original baskets English techniques including the now rare underfoot tied slath oval base, trac weave and a traditional apple picker handle, I've used locally sourced Somerset willow to create a more curved basket with colourful detail. Size, w26cm x L38cm x h (including handle) 38cm

My 79 year old teacher and 4th generation Somerset commercial basketmaker Eddie gave me his blessing to update his basket, known as the 'Oval Eddie Shopper' that he created for Coates English Willow. This image shows the process known as "picking off" where the basket is trimmed up prior to the handle being added. I love the type of handle used on this basket which originates from West country baskets that needed to carry a fair weight. The handle is woven in such a way through the border that it will never pull out, (the bane of poor quality baskets). With additional detailing, not only do I now create this handle on many of my baskets but I also teach it too.