workbasket

noun

Etymology: From work + basket.

1. A basket used to hold materials for needlework, etc.

   “[…] I missed three quarters of blond-lace, and a remnant of muslin, and my silver-thimble; which was the gift of true love. They were all in my work-basket, that I left upon the table in the sarvants-hall when mistresses bell rung […]”

   “They talked over the new plan while old Hannah cleared the table; then out came the four little work-baskets, and the needles flew as the girls made sheets for Aunt March.”