Fri. 30th Oct. Treasure Boxes 3-Dimensional Foundation Paper Piecing Workshop (Helen Butcher)

Description

Treasure Boxes 3-Dimensional Foundation Paper Piecing Workshop with Helen Butcher
1 -Day Workshop

Approximate finished size 20 x 20 inches

Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Skill Level: Confident beginners and onwards

Helen has always loved 3D illusions and images that fool the eye. This was one of the first she designed. In this class, Helen will show you how to make this 3-D image as a patchwork panel using my easy method of Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP). Even if you have never tried FPP before, you can re-create this stunning visual image. The panel finishes to approximately 20 inches square – ideal to turn into a small wall hanging, tote bag or cushion front.

Each student will receive a full set of instructions, with colour photographs and diagrams, so they can complete the panel at home. This is a machine sewing workshop, and basic knowledge of rotary cutting is essential. Please note that whilst you are unlikely to finish this panel during the workshop, you will leave the day fully equipped with the skills required to complete it at home.

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Please bring with you, or purchase on the day of your workshop –

To complete the 20 x 20 inch panel as shown you will require the following fabric. If you wish to make a bigger panel/more blocks, allow extra fabric.

Fabrics:
BACKGROUND: (shown above in black) 0.5m is plenty
HOLLOW BOXES: (shown above in greys) Choose a colour for the hollow boxes, then select three fabrics, one each of a dark, a medium and a light shade of this colour*. You will need a piece 10 x 20 inches of each of these three fabrics (a fat, or long, quarter of each will be plenty)
TREASURE: (shown above in orange/pink/purple) 6 x 3 inches of each of three shades of three colours* a total of nine fabrics.

* NOTES ON CHOOSING FABRICS: Making a patchwork illusion work relies very much on the choice of fabric; I would advise choosing small print, tone-on-tone or plain fabrics – not large, directional or multi-coloured prints, save those for another project, or use them for binding. Many people find making assessments of colour values a challenge, feel free to bring more than the specified number of fabrics so I can help you choose (please don’t bring your whole stash!). I will spend a little time with each student at the beginning of workshop to ensure everyone has a good range of dark, medium and light fabrics – we can always go shopping to fill any gaps!

Threads a good neutral cotton thread for piecing

Sewing Machine Nothing fancy required – with a regular foot for piecing (not a quarter-inch foot, if you are not sure, bring all the feet for your machine and we can choose on the day).

Be sure to bring spare needles, bobbins, foot pedal, accessories and the manual too!

General Sewing Equipment Pins, scissors, soft pencil, small cutting mat (A4/A3) rotary cutter and a short quilters’ rule (12- or 12½-inch).

Nice, but not essential if you already have these items, do bring them:
Add-a-quarter™ ruler, seam roller, hem clips. If you plan to do more FPP projects, these items might be useful for the future, all are available in the shop.
Don’t forget your glasses!

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🧵 Sewing Machine Reminder

To help you make the most of your workshop time, please ensure that you are familiar with your sewing machine and arrive with it threaded and ready to go. This will save valuable time at the start of the session and allow you to get stuck into sewing straight away!

If you’re not yet confident with your machine or need a refresher, why not book a one-to-one session with us before your workshop? We’ll help you feel comfortable and confident, so you can focus on learning and enjoying your class.

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About Helen Butcher

Helen Butcher is an experienced tutor specialising in three-dimensional patchwork and foundation paper piecing (FPP). She teaches students how to create intricate quilted designs that go beyond flat surfaces, adding depth and structure to their work. Her approach focuses on precision, careful planning, and creativity, making complex techniques easier to understand. Helen supports both beginners and advanced quilters, helping them build confidence with detailed patterns and layered fabric construction. Through her guidance, students learn to produce unique, eye-catching textile pieces that combine technical skill with artistic expression, resulting in beautifully crafted and professional-looking quilted creations.

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☕ Additional Information

🍴 Lunch Information

Please remember to bring a packed lunch with you. A cool bag is recommended if needed.

If you prefer to buy something on the day, there are several convenient options nearby, including Subway, Bakery 79, and Tesco.

We’ll also provide tea and coffee during the session to keep you refreshed throughout the day!

Shopping Opportunity:
You’ll have time to browse our Warehouse Shop before the class starts, during breaks, and even afterwards — the perfect chance to stock up on fabric, notions, and supplies for your next project.

🚗 Parking:
Free parking is available at the warehouse.
Please park in the designated car park at the bottom of the building — this ensures clear access for disabled visitors and delivery vehicles. We kindly ask that you avoid parking along the length of the warehouse.

We look forward to welcoming you for a fun and creative day!

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📅 Cancellation Policy

Workshop Cancellations by Us:
In exceptional circumstances, we may need to cancel a workshop or event. If this happens, we will:

• Offer you an alternative date where possible, securing your place in the class

• Provide as much notice as possible, with cancellations made no later than 48 hours before the scheduled workshop

• If no alternative date is suitable, we will refund you in full

Please note:
We are unable to reimburse any additional costs you may have incurred to attend, such as travel, accommodation, or materials purchased independently.

Cancellations by You:
If you need to cancel your place:

• 14 days’ notice or more before the first session:

  • You may request a refund (minus a 10% admin fee)

  • Or transfer to another available class

• Less than 14 days’ notice:

  • Unfortunately, we are unable to offer a refund or transfer

We appreciate your understanding and encourage early notice wherever possible to allow us to offer your place to another attendee.

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Location
Lady Sew and Sew
Farm Road
Henley on Thames
Oxfordshire
RG9 1EJ
UK

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Tel: 01491 572 528