While surfing the Internet one day, I came across Emma Ruth Jones’s Make & Fable website.  She’s not a quilter (at least she doesn’t publicly profess to be one, but I loved her interpretation of making a rope basket!  I also think that you could cover your rope with quilt fabric (either wrapping it or sewing it to the rope).  Go ahead, check it out and see if you find it as interesting (and easy) as I do:

“Natural Rope Basket ” Free Tutorial designed by Emma Ruth Jones from Make & Fable