As a I child, I didn’t fully appreciate what a blessing it was to be related to Eleanor Case. She was my Great Grandmother and one of the most talented crafters I’ve ever known. I spent many Sunday nights learning to crochet at the weekly craft gatherings she hosted in her kitchen.

Great Grandma Case stitched without patterns and turned out beautiful baby sweaters, booties, bonnets and blankets with speed and grace. And I just loved her silver hair that was always pulled back in a neat bun.

Great Grandma Case died when I was 10, but not before making a strong impression on me. I loved to watch her stitch and remember thinking she was totally amazing. Today I’m standing in my kitchen with my brown hair twisted up in the messy bun I frequently wear, thinking about what a blessing it is to be related to such a talented and inspiring woman.

Great Grandma used to make the children in the family crocheted Easter baskets similar to the one below. I don’t have her pattern, so I cooked this one up my own and remembered those Sunday nights at her kitchen table as I stitched. I hope this pattern inspires you to start a new handmade Easter tradition of your own.

Crochet Easter Basket Butter Tub Cozy
By Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood
Inspired by Great Grandma Case, a craft goddess with a silver bun

Materials:
* Size H/8 , 5 mm crochet hook
* Yarn needle
* Plastic butter tub or Cool Whip container measuring about 5 1/4” in diameter
* Yarn (I used Sugar’n Cream, but any worsted weight cotton works.)

Instructions: Ch. 6, slip st. to form ring
Rnd 1: ch 3, dc 11 stitches into ring, slip stitch to top of ch 3 (12 sts.)
Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in every stitch all the way around, slip stitch to top of ch 3 (24 sts.)
Rnd. 3: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc into next dc * 2 dc into next dc, dc into next dc, repeat from * slip stitch to top of ch 3 (36 sts.)
Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc into next dc * 2 dc into next dc, dc into next dc, repeat from * slip stitch to top of ch 3. (54 sts.)
Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc into next dc * 2 dc into next dc, dc into next dc, repeat from * slip stitch to top of ch 3.
Rnd 6: Ch 2, sc in next st, place marker, sc in each stitch all the way around.
Rnd 7 and all remaining rounds: Continue to sc in each stitch in a spiral until the basket is tall enough to cover the butter tub. (Try the basket on the tub as you work to determine how much more stitching you need to do. The crochet basket should stretch over the plastic tub for a snug fit.) Break off yarn and weave in ends.

Basket Handle
Rnd 1: Ch 40 (or more if you prefer a longer handle)
Rnd 2: Sc in second st from hook, sc in each st.
Rnd 3 & 4: Ch 2, turn work, sc in each stitch to end.
Break off yarn leaving a long tale. With the basket on the tub, stitch the handle to the basket with a yarn needle. Fill basket with treats and enjoy!