This little folder / organiser fulfils the need I have to store basted English Paper Piecing shapes. When I am working on a project I tend to baste a few blocks so they are ready to sew. It was getting a bit much having pieces in lots of plastic bags and I prefer to have things in one place. I bought this gorgeous rose gold fabric paper recently and decided to use it.
Rather than make something overly complicated, I kept the construction really simple. With four different pocket sections, that are staggered for easy access, the folder keeps the pieces separated and is large enough to store the blocks once they are complete. I'm currently working on 6" blocks that I designed but it also fits ice cream soda quilt blocks and mischief blocks so I can use it hold those pieces and blocks too!
I've used this type of material before, I made my husband his favourite card holder wallet - the tutorial is HERE - and made brilliant scissor cases, which I plan on sharing soon!
This project required strong thread because of the layers and to withstand me rummaging through the sections. I used Aurifil Forty3 with 50 weight in the bobbin and it's worked perfectly! There were no thread problems at all, I used a size 14 needle and a 2.4 (or maybe a 2.2, can't quite remember!) stitch length.
One of the great things about this fabric paper is it's washable - you are supposed to wash it BEFORE you sew but I didn't - once the folder was finished it felt a little stiff so I chucked it in the washing machine.
Washing gives it a lovely crinkly look and definitely softens it slightly. It feels like card not fabric and I wanted that strength to keep my pieces safe. I like it even more after washing, the rose gold sheen is so beautiful!! These pictures were taken later in the day but show the texture nicely.
I've been using it for a couple of weeks now and it suits my needs perfectly. I have a couple of finished blocks and more pieces ready to sew. It is nice having a pretty rosy case and it's simplicity makes me happy.
How do you store your epp pieces and keep your blocks organised? Let me know in a comment.
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How pretty. I tend to keep all my pieces in numbered plastic bags, it looks a bit haphazard but it works so far. x
I am addicted to the sistema tupperware/plastic boxes. They are just the right size to hold all my basted shapes.
So clever
It's lovely! I wonder what it would be like in sparkly vinyl? (I have some in my sewing room, I may give it a go!)
What a great idea Lucy! I've used the plain sewable paper a lot (for EPP pouches amongst other things) and love it, but I've only just recently come across the metallic versions here and will definitely have to try them out.
My EPP pieces live in pouches, clipped together with clover clips and/or large paper clips. When I start a large EPP project I usually dedicate an Ikea Samla box to the project so I can keep all the fabrics, finished blocks, papers to cut etc in one place. The project also gets a dedicated pouch that I can bring with me when I want to sew on the go.
What a cool unique project!
how lovely. The rose gold looks just like my new shoes!