Monday, April 13, 2015

Contain It! English Paper-Pieced Accessories Book Anniversary Blog Hop & Giveaway!!!

When Laura invited me to take part in her blog hop as part of Prairie Sewn Studios' one year anniversary from when their book was first published (Contain It! English Paper-Pieced Accessories), I was thrilled because I am such a container freak. I love making and using bags of all kinds, and coiled fabric bowls, and knit bags too, so making more containers was right up my alley.

When the book first arrived, I looked through it and thought that this was a really nice looking book. The photography and the diagrams were very well done. Then I sat down and actually started reading the book to get a good understanding how to make a container. I like how the book is organized from the simplest project first and then each project in the book gets progressively more difficult. Even though I fell in love with the look of the convex shaped vase, I knew I should start simple and make something flat first as suggested in the book. The flat projects get you used to the concept of how to wrap the fabric and press it to the heavy interfacing with strips of fusible material, such as Steam a Seam fusible tape or Stitch Witchery. It also is good to start flat so you know how to sew the pieces together flat before moving onto the 3-D shapes. So I did start simple and I made a coaster out of a hexagon shape. Then I moved on to make a flat pentagon star shape and finally made 3 different 3-D containers.

There is a lot of information packed into this book. I was impressed with the quality of the book and the fact that this is something unique and not just another book about how to make a log cabin quilt for instance. You won't find other books like this one out there! The instructions are excellent too!!! So many possibilities. The items I made from the book I made entirely by hand. I will definitely be creating more containers from this fantastic book in the future! In fact, I am working on more as I write this post and will share them later this month. This post is already long enough, lol!!!

Okay, now let me show you what I created using the instructions from this book:
Hexagon Coaster.
This is the other side of the hexagon coaster.
I fussy cut these 5 fabric pieces so they are all alike. I wanted a Stack 'n Whack affect. (That's another book and technique). It gives it a kaleidoscope affect. The fabric is actually a knit jersey fabric. I fused a lightweight interfacing to the wrong side of the jersey fabric first and then followed the instructions for making the rest of this star. Later I added a purple flower button to the center of this star, as you can see in the next photos:

I used this yellow fabric with tulips for the back of the star.
Here is the first 3-D shape I made using the square shape. 
I must admit something. I made a goof. I cut the interfacing with angled corners by mistake. I was supposed to cut the fabric at an angle on the corners for easier folding and pressing onto the interfacing, but I goofed and cut the interfacing instead of the fabric, LOL!!!
So to deal with my mistake I pinched the corners and sewed buttons on each side of the corners to keep the corners pinched in place at the top. And I sewed it pinched in at the bottom corners. It worked and if I hadn't mentioned it you would never know this was a goof, LOL!!!

Laura wrote at the beginning of the book, as she was talking with her mother, "I have an idea..." Like Laura, I am always thinking and coming up with ideas about how to do things and what if I did this or that. Since I make a lot of bags, I use various stabilizers and so I had a "what if idea" moment. I decided I would use fusible In-R-Foam (similar to Soft and Stable, only In-R-Foam comes fusible or not) instead of Peltex (or Timtex) interfacing. The In-R-Foam worked beautifully for this Convex Vase. It was easy to work with. Plus since it was fusible I didn't need to use the Steam a Seam fusible tape or Stitch Witchery to fuse the fabric onto the back side of the interfacing. 
This is the Convex Vase with a Hexagon Base. I chose a batik fabric for the outside and a hand dyed fabric for the inside.
Looking inside the vase.
If you want to put fresh flowers in the vase, you need to place a glass or plastic vase into the fabric vase. But since I am going to place some fake flowers inside, I placed a floral foam block inside the vase.
Then I put some glass marbles (both flat and round) in the vase so that it weighs the vase down a bit.
I trimmed down the height of the fake flowers so they would look better and stuck them into the foam block.
They now sit on a small table with a crochet doily underneath.
Next I made a Scalloped Bowl with a Pentagon Base. I used Peltex interfacing in this one. But I did try something else that was different and that was to use a glue stick and a wooden iron or bone folder to stick the fabric to the back of the interfacing. It worked really well and no burnt fingers from using an iron, LOL!!! The glue did feel a bit stiff in some areas that I may have added a bit too much. There are other glues that might work better like an applique glue. I might give that a try too on the next container I make.
Inside the bowl.

You can put all kind of things inside this bowl like candy, or sewing notions. I put some marbles in the bowl just so you can see what it would look like with something in the bowl.

Thank you Laura and Linda for writing such a fabulous book!!! I had a wonderful time creating several things from this book and I know I will be making many more too. To Laura & Linda: is there any chance that you will sell some companion plastic or acrylic templates to accompany this book? I would love to have accurate templates for making my favorite containers. It's an idea right? Another way to promote your book or if you are planning a second book with new shapes, you could include plastic templates or offer templates separately? 

Below is the Blog Hop Schedule:

April 13~Daryl Perry of  Patchouli Moon Studio (That's me!)
April 14~Debbie Voigt of Strawberry Patch Quilt Works
April 15~Christa Watson of Christa Quilts
April 16~Andrea Taddicken of Knitty Bitties Sews
April 17~Terri Schurter of Hexy Lady
April 18~Ren Murphy of The Inspired Wren

Now onto the giveaway part. Laura has offered to send the winner of the giveaway a copy of her and her mother's fabulous book, Contain It! English Paper-Pieced Accessories.
Due to postage costs this giveaway is limited to residents of USA and Canada only. Please leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway. If you are a no-reply leave your email in the comment. Not sure if you are a no-reply? Leave your email just in case. I will reply to your comment and let you know if you are a no-reply if you leave your email, otherwise you won't hear back from me since I won't be able to contact you without an email address. I will pass along the winner's info to Laura so she can send you the book. Good luck everyone! I will choose a winner on April 24, 2015.
Be sure to visit all the other blog participants too for more chances to win this book.


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59 comments:

  1. Wow Daryl, these are gorgeous creations, bravo! Have a great week!

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  2. wow Daryl, I just love your evolution of your containers, you break it down very nicely. when I first saw these I thought they looked beautiful but impossible for me to make. Now that I see how you build up to it I think maybe I could do it. I think your color choices are marvelous and I like how you share your experimentation. thanks for the details in your email they were very helpful.
    Tara

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  3. Wow, Daryl! These are absolutely beautiful. I remember when you won this book. I so looked forward to seeing your creations. Boy was it worth the wait. The further you get into the book, the more beautiful they become. Nice work.

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  4. I've done hexies, but you've taken it to a whole new level. I'd love to try some out.

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  5. Wow you did an awesome job! That vase with the flowers would be perfect for the new studio apartment at the Assisted living facility for my MIL:)

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  6. You have definitely gotten the hang of making 3D containers. I just started EPP about a year ago and it has never occurred to me that you could do anything but "flat"!! I love that they are puffy - it adds to the dimension.

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  7. I am intrigued with these grat 3D containers done with EPP. Love the fabric you picked for the
    convex Vase with the hexagon bottom. I would love to yry something from this book.

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  8. Wow! I haven't made any 3D containers, but it looks like something I would enjoy playing around with! Thanks for the chance!

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  9. Oh my, these are wonderfully intricate and interesting! I cannot get over how you fussy cut the pieces for that star - that would be so time consuming. I too love the idea of containers but have convinced myself thus far not to get into them since I have so many container "things" that serve the same purpose. But certainly none are as lovely as these... beautiful job, Daryl!

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  10. You really are sew adept at making containers and bags and coiled bowls. I love each of these dear. Creative Container Bliss...

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  11. You are full of ideas! Thanks for sharing some alternate methods of making the containers, I am always interested in thinking of ways to use what I have on hand. It would be great to see some photos of your work in progress. The containers look beautiful, but are they hard to connect all the sides together?

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  12. So many clever ideas in this book. I'do love to try them.

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  13. These containers are really lovely. Would love to win this book and try out some of these.

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  14. I love your fabric bowl! I made a few in the past just like your scallop bowl but in paper. They sure are more sturdy in fabric. Pinned.

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  15. Oooh, this book looks like a whole lot of fun! Thanks for sharing all these great creations.

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  16. HI,book looks so neat! Thank You for your beautiful post with really swell projects!
    Thanks for the giveaway too ! msstitcher1214@gmail.com

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  17. I would love to try making one of those vases. They look addictive. Yours came out beautiful!

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  18. my favorite is the 3-D fabric box with the buttons! so cute.

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  19. I would love to make some of those beautiful vases and boxes. Yours look lovely. Thanks for the giveaway! spoofs@juno.com

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  20. This looks like SEW much fun!! What great ideas for Christmas gifts ... and it is NEVER too early to start on those! Hoping to win ;-) Linda H at Canends@Hotmail.com

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  21. It looks like you did a great job on your containers.

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  22. Wow - your vases look fabulous! I'm glad you started with the easier projects and built up to the more detailed ones. It makes it look like something I could actually do - I would love to win a copy of Contain It. Thanks!

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  23. Simply amazing! You did a fabulous job on all your projects - and you are right, would not have known about the "mistake" if you hadn't pointed it out!!! Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of this totally cool book!

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  24. What awesome containers! I'd love to try to make some for my family!
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

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  25. I really like the container with the double buttons. I also like that you tried different containers and in diffeent shapes. If I don't win a free copy, I'll look for the book at my local quilt shop.

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  26. I love your color choices. This looks like such a fun book.

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  27. This looks like an awesome book! Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

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  28. Wow, I love these containers. A great way to use my favorite fabrics to make something functional and cute.

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  29. Ohh these look so fun as well as useful. like Karen said a great way to use up scraps laying around. thanks for this chance.

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  30. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  31. I LOVE these. Gorgeous colors and shapes, with your usual excellent workmanship. Nicely done!

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  32. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  33. So cool! Good to know that foam interfacing works well with these projects, too. I'm obsessed with EPP, so I'm itching to get my hands on this book!

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  34. Great Ideas! Look like this book will be a success! Love those vases! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  35. WOW - that vase looks cool to make! Nice book idea!

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  36. Love your vases! This looks like fun. Thanks for giveaway and for sharing. vickise at gmail dot com

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  37. Can't wait to give this a try.

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  38. Beautiful containers! This book is what I need, hehe. Would love to make several for my house.

    Awesome giveaway!

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

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  39. This looks like a wonderful book and your projects Daryl....are beautiful!

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  40. I'd love to win!! Thank you for the pictures and the chance for the book. LeeAnna leeannaquilts at gmail dot com

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  41. Thanks for sharing about your experiments and your buttton fix...brilliant!

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  42. Wow, those vases are amazing, I can't even wrap my brain around how they become vases with all those beautifully finished edges!!! I am stumped!! Your work is lovely.

    Nini~

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  43. I love your containers! I wonder if you could use her instructions and made a different size container, like a 2-1/2" by 12" by 2-1/2" tall. Wouldn't that be a cute container to use for my collection of 2-1/2" squares? This is very exciting, so many projects are popping into my head!

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  44. Beautiful Vases, Fabulous Colors!!!

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  45. You really have been busy! I am impressed with all your results so far. I have enjoyed hopping along and meeting all these new blog locations such as yours. I will be back... I'm new to blogging and only hope I can improve my blog to be as nice as yours is! Thanks, Sheree at http://sewfabsew.blogspot.com

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  46. I, too, love containers - always saving any little empty jar, tin, etc.; and also love English paper piecing. Thanks for the opportunity to win the book. Dee

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  47. I love the containers you made! I'm helping make items for a nursery and soft fabric boxes would be excellent---pick me, please!

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  48. Those containers are so cute.

    syvisser@gmail(dot)com

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  49. Amazing what can be done with EPP. I am new to the experience but love how I can take projects with me. Love the vases. I have some beautiful fabrics in my stash that would work well. Would love to win the book! Thanks you for your wonderful instructions.

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  50. The containers look so nice and I love the blocks with the angled corners. What fun!

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  51. What a fantastic book! Love these containers that you made.

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  52. Beautiful containers! Would love to learn how to make them.

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  54. Beautiful containers. I like to make different boxes to hold my sewing tools and these different shapes would be so much fun to make.

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  55. How neat that you were featured on Freemotion by the River. You do beautiful work on absolutely everything you tackle. You have a wonderful way of sharing through the best photos! While I'm at it, thanks for sharing your twister projects over at Val's today.

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  56. Yay - a vase I wouldn't break, smash or drop and have to sweep up!!! I have a Canadian address - yay!!! Great book!

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  57. This looks like an amazing book. You went absolutely crazy making containers. I love the idea of the glue stick - don't we all get tired of burned fingers? There has to be a good solution. Someone is going to be thrilled to own this book. I just got in under the wire for a chance. Thanks for a wonderful review - I can tell you enjoyed every minute you spent on the projects. They are wonderful.

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