I love riding my electric bike. It’s a StoryBikes step-thru dutch style in seafoam green. I’ve had it for over a year and can’t say enough good things about the bike. I love the 5 levels of pedal assist which feels like someone is gently pushing me up a hill. The battery is hidden in the middle tube so it doesn’t look like your typical electric bike. I use it as a daily commuter bike when the weather is nice. Since I don’t have to pedal hard, I don’t get sweaty on my way to work! It’s the perfect way to commute- even in a dress!
Now that we adopted our adorable shih tzu pekingese mix, Muffin, I want to take her with me on short trips around the neighborhood. I researched dog baskets and found one by Beach & Dog Co with high reviews and holds up to 25lbs which is perfect for 20lb Muffin.
The basket needed a liner and a pillow for comfort so I had to make my own pattern. I used cupcake fabric by Alexander Henry since it reminded me of muffin.
Here are the basic steps I used to create the fabric liner for the basket:
With the basket upside down, I first marked the center of all sides and traced the bottom with a sharpie. It’s nice that the wax paper is see-through 
Here is the basic shape for the bottom. I add a 1/2 inch seam allowance. 
For the sides, I use the was paper to cover a quarter of the side. I extend the bottom about 5 inches to fold over the sides. 
I also noted where the basket ended and the center point. 
It does take some fiddling with darts to get a good fit. You will cut 2 side pieces and 1 bottom piece, repeat for the lining. 
Here is the basic shape. I later learned that the side curve was too great so I smoothed it out after sewing. The center of this piece is cut on the fold so you will only have seams on the sides. 
I sewed one side section together and then sewed it to the bottom piece. I left one side open for adjustments but didn’t need it. It fit perfectly somehow! 
Sew the lining the same way and place both right sides together. Sew them around the top leaving a gap for turning right side out. Press. Topstich 
The pillow is made from the bottom pattern and stuffed with fiber fill. 
The inside of the liner with the pillow. I tacked the pillow in two places with a tacking stitch to make it look more polished. 
The pillow is also reversible! Pink is on the other side! 
I used the buttonhole setting on my machine to sew a large buttonhole through both layers of fabric for the seat belt/harness. 
I topped off the basket with a piece of pink felt and Muffin’s name in flocked heat transfer vinyl cut by my Silhouette machine. Done! We are ready to ride!
When it comes to riding a bike, safety is key. I found this dog helmet on Amazon. I used my Silhouette machine to add her name and paw racing stripes. The medium size fits but I need to sew/adjust the straps after our test ride.
Muffin is excited about her new bike basket!
Next up is my wide brim helmet and it’s the easiest thing! It’s just my regular bike helmet with a brim cut from an old sun hat. I did use a few pieces of removable scotch tape to hold it in place since it kept riding up.
Time for the test ride in the neighborhood! Muffin is so excited!
I wanted to make a matching dress but didn’t have enough cupcake fabric leftover from the basket. I found this cheap gingham dress on Amazon. It was cheaper than buying fabric and it HAS POCKETS!
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