Did you make the checkerboard construction paper hearts as a kid? I have seen basket blocks done that way in ribbon, and they were beautiful. - kind of a crazy quilt feel. the colors were braided loosely for the handles.
I went through a phase where I made half a dozen or more basket quilts. They are always striking. With all the great fruit prints out now, it could be a fun quilt just using fruit basket variations.. I have one in an old book that has the basket filled completely with one calico cat - buttons foe eyes and details embroidered in.