Sounds like you're looking for a panadiere pattern. I found a picture of one, but can't locate a pattern.
If you or your friend can sew, I think they're easy enough to look at and figure out how to make. I'd sandwhich two pieces of fabric with a cardboard rectangle and batting, stitch around the base to hold it in place and edge it with seam binding. Add the corner ties and you're all set. http://www.theartfulcrafter.com/order.html

Good luck with your project.

There is a pattern for Fabric Bowls at Hancock Fabrics.Would that help? They have patterns for several different styles of bowls.

http://www.sewandquilt.com/design/project/basket.html

http://www.wrights.com/class/11_thanksgiving/fabricbasket/fabricbasket.htm

Here's a couple, maybe they'll help?

http://www.sewandquilt.com/design/project/basket.html

http://www.wrights.com/class/11_thanksgiving/fabricbasket/fabricbasket.htm

Here's a couple, maybe they'll help?

Thank you very much for the information. That is exactly what my friend is trying to accomplish. She does not do a lot of sewing(lol) and then sees these projects she wants to do. The ideas are great, but it's hard to explain to her what she needs to do and usually someone just takes her knitting or sewing and does it (lol) but this time she wants to make lots of these not just one or two and I just don't have the time to make lots for her.
I have sent her the links which hopefully will help, but she has invited me for supper on Monday night to "help" - sneaky person that she is.

I've made a lot of these over time, but I used plastic canvas or flattened pieces of bleach bottle instead of cardboard. Then you were able to hand wash it. Just recently, I've used Timtex, or that other stiffener [can't remember the name] and that works great! Now they can go through the washing machine and dryer; you just may have to press it lightly afterwards to make it pretty again!

Thank you. I thought of plastic canvas today as it would give the project more body but still be washable. I hadn't thought of the flattened bleach bottles though. I will have to check to see what Timtex is exactly.

My friend has invited another person to "help" as well. should be interesting, don't really have the time as I'm trying to get last minutes things ready for a craft fair. Oh well I think crafters thrive on those last minute projects, and seeing everything all come together. (lol)

I have a bunch of plastic canvas sheets I got at the goodwill . I was thinking that would work in them too.

My question is...are the sides stiffened too? or just the bottom?

patti

The sides and bottom will all have squares of plastic in them.