Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Wonderland Quilt Along Block #11: The Teacup

Hey everyone! I'm so excited to have you here for block #11 of the Wonderland Quilt Along. As always, make this project your own. Fandom in Stitches has some fun Disney version blocks you might want to add to the mix.

Today we have a wee cup and plate. Go ahead and pick up your pattern.


Now that you're all ready, I have some tricks. Let's start off with that skinny little handle. You may remember my suggestion to use the Quick Turn for the tube on our last block. You could do that, as it can turn little tubes too, but I have another idea. This time I'm using the Clover Hot Ruler, one of my favorite toys. I cut a scrap of fabric on the bias (diagonally) and pressed it over 1/4" using the ruler.


I removed it from the ruler and folded it over again 1/4" before pressing.


I then opened up one side and cut it down to 1/8".


I tucked the 1/8" side under the longer one. This will be the back side.


Then I bent that baby into submission and pressed until cooperation was reached. If you didn't cut on the bias, you're bending may be not-so-much at this point.


Affix your handle on C, the larger side template, with a thin line of school glue, or a glue stick applied to the handle. I ran some stitches over the top and bottom 1/8" from the raw edge of C so I wouldn't be surprised by any sneaky shifting. My top part could have handled being scooted down a bit, but you'll know better.


I sewed the curves using the same process as last month with the Hookah block. Every few stitches I lift the presser foot with the needle down and reposition the top fabric so the raw edges are aligned.


Then I take a few more stitches and repeat the process.


To allow this block to press flat I clip the seam without cutting through my line of stitching.


After sewing on the two side pieces, put removable stabilizer on the back and appliqué the handle down. I used Aurifil clear invisible thread in the top and a matching 50 wt in the bobbin.

The plate is constructed using stitch and flip triangles. I like to sew just a bit to the side of the drawn line that is closest to the corner I will be pressing toward. I'm using my seam ripper as a pointer for you here. This accounts for the tiny bit of bulk the thread width and fold over of the fabric takes up.


Don't forget to cut away the extra fabric from the seam allowance.


Now, I'll share a sneaky trick. I actually cut B 5 1/2" x 2". Then I sewed it on and cut the remaining unit to 5 1/2". This way if my block shrunk during my curved piecing (which it did, given that the 1-1/4" mark isn't exactly on the seam line at the top of the cup), I'm covered.


I cheated again! Here I cut piece A 5 1/2" x 6" (or something larger than the specified 5 1/2" anyway). I attached the 5 1/2" side and trimmed my block down to 10 1/2".


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4 comments:

  1. That's really cute. That hot ruler looks very interesting.

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  2. So many great tips here. I want to see a photo of the completed block, if you please :)

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  3. Great tips Afton! I use an old metal ruler for this that I originally used to hem dresses back in the day. Cute block!

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  4. Hi Afton! This is serendipitous. I just mentioned that I wanted to make a quilt with tea cups for a coworker who is going to retire. She is a huge collector of all things tea - cups, pots and flavors. This cute little cuppa would be just perfect as one of the blocks. Thank you for your tips and suggestions! ~smile~ Roseanne

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