I like your rag purse/basket. May I suggest something? For a purse, would't it lay/close better if the handles were on the longer side? Closing it on the ends like you have them now would make the bottom curl when it is closed, wouldn't it? Just a suggestion.
I have been going to try this technique when I saw it posted on here. I haven't found the cotton clothes line yet. I know I can get the piping at Joann fabrics, but with everything else on my list, I haven't gotten any yet. But it is on my list!!
Good luck on the one you are working on now...............post pictures when done.
Barb