Materials:
1 skein of Lion Wool, 3oz/85g;158yds; your choice of color
Small amounts of Lion Wool, contrasting colors for stripes
Size 11 circular needles size 16
Size 11 DPN for decreases.
Tapestry needle.

Instruction:
Using 2 strands of yarn together throughout project.
With main color, cast on 80sts.
Place marker at beginning of round and join without twisting.
Knit for about 3” and begin striping as desired.
After about 5” of knitting begin decrease.
Divide sts with 20sts on each of 4 dpns for bottom shaping.
Place marker at beginning of round.
Round 1: *knit 8, k2tog, repeat from *, to beginning. 72 stitches on needle.
Rounds 2, 4, 6, 8 Knit
Round 3: *knit 7, k2tog, repeat from * to beg. 64sts.
Round 5: *knit 6, k2tog, repeat from * to beg. 56sts.
Round 7: *knit 5, k2tog, repeat from * to beg. 48sts.
Round 9: *knit 4, k2tog, repeat from * to beg. 40sts.
Round 10: * knit 3, k2tog, repeat from * to beg. 32sts.
Round 11: * knit 2, k2tog, repeat from * to beg. 24sts.
Round 12: *knit 1, k2tog, repeat from * to beg. 16sts.
Round 13: *k2tog; repeat from * to beg. 8sts.
Round 14: *k2tog, repeat from * to beg. 4sts.
Cut yarn leaving a 10” tail.
With tapestry needle, thread yarn through remaining stitches.
Apply I-cord to top edge of basket; with right side facing you, cast 3 sts onto a dpn.
*Pick up stitch at edge, slide the 4 sts to the right end of the needle and knit 2, k2tog; rep from *.
Keep the tension loose enough so the edge lies flat.

For handle, make three 12” I-cords.
Braid together and attach to the basket at opposite sides.
Work in ends.
Felt.

I-cord: Cast on 3 stitches onto dpns.
*Without turning needles slide sts to the opposite end of the needles and knit.
Continue from * until desired length is reached.
Bind off.
Cut yarn and pull tail through.

Embellish with buttons or bows as desired.