Inspired by traditional Southwestern motifs, this is a great project to try tapestry crochet.
Tapestry crochet is typically worked by inserting the hook into the center of each stitch from the previous row or rounds, with the result that the stitches line up vertically. Instead, this basket is worked by inserting the hook into the top “chain” of each stitch in the same way as working regular crochet. The result is a pattern that slants slightly toward the right.
The bottom is worked in a spiral so that the right side of the pattern is inside the bottom of the basket. The sides of the basket are begun in the front loop of the bottom’s last round, and worked in a spiral to the top edge, then finished with a round of reverse single crochet. The way the work spirals out from the center of the bottom, and up the sides of the basket remind me of hand woven baskets.
Although this basket is geared toward a summer palette, it will work just as well for any season when you need an extra basket to stash things in! It’s a great basket for keeping small projects organized.

Yarn used:
Blue Sky Alpaca Skinny Dyed (100% organic cotton, 150 yards/ 137 meters per 2.25 oz/ 65 grams)
Color A: Maize #307, 2 hanks, or 172 yards/ 157 meters
Color B: Squash #306, 1 hank, or 30 yards/ 27 meters
Color C: Basil #313, 1 hank, or 16 yards/ 15 meters
Color D: Cherry #309, 1 hank, or 32 yards/ 29 meters