Welcome back for the second of my final pieces. I had to make a 3D Functional Object.  This could have been a bag but if you do that then you can not make a bag for the accessory final piece.  I was not sure if that is what I wanted to do so I went for a box.  The whole thing had to be fabric so you can not use cardboard or the like.  So here is what I did.

Inspiration and Design

I took my inspiration from the drawings in the line module.

I liked the shapes from the drawings so made them a little simpler with a view to applying them to an object.

Originally thought about a bowl/basket type of construction but I think the appliqué would have looked a bit stuck on.

Started to think about a lidded box with traditional blocks. Drew a few blocks with a fake cathedral window.

Started to look for something to keep the box ridged.

Did a practice run to see how it held up.

Looking at construction.

Turning the design into templates.

Did not use bond-a-web in the end but needle turned the finished box.

Dyed fabrics from a previous module.

Looking at construction order.

Health and Safety

Work in a well lit area. Natural light is best but failing that a lamp with a “day light bulb”.

Take regular breaks away from your work.

When using a sewing machine keep fingers away from the needle, similarly with the iron. Turn the iron off when leaving the room.

Keep sewing machine in good working order, have serviced regularly and clean after each project. Regularly change the needle as blunt needles are more likely to snap.

Make sure cables are not trailing across the floor causing a trip hazard.

When hand sewing always wear a thimble to prevent hurting your fingers.

Use a pin cushion to keep pins in order to prevent loosing them and someone finding them the hard way. Never put pins or needles in your mouth as risk of inhalation is high.

When using adhesives make sure the area is well ventilated, if possible work outside.

Clear any spills as soon as possible to ensure no slips.

Bibliography and Evaluation

The encyclopedia of Quilting and Patchwork techniques by Katharine Guerrier

The Quilters Bible Linda Clemeants

I was quite pleased with the box. Tutor felt it needed a lip to the lid to firm it up so I added prairie points. It was tough to sew and I found the Bosal lost its firmness when handled. Overall I enjoyed making this box. I think it is mostly successful I like the colours and texture. I was disappointed that the bosal did not hold its firmness.

Finished box

Inside box

Lid of box

Front of box

Back detail

Side detail

I was feeling pretty good after completing this one as I only had two more to go to complete the course.

Happy Patchwork Dreams

Mary