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Cass Merrigan

Cameo, a pre-purchase tale

99% of the time I am happy to upload a pattern and release it into the wild confident that everything will turn out just fine. Cameo on the other hand, I feel needs a disclaimer.



Difficulty level - Spicy Make

Experience with EPP or a plethora of faith and patience required.


The make is not "hard" exactly, each section only has five template pieces (significantly less that some other patterns) but she is unwieldy and needs a firm hand to get the curve to bend to your will. So I will pop some images below that show the make at various stages, this way you; a ) Know what you are in for b) Have a reference guide during your own make.



Once you have selected and prepared your fabrics the first non typical EPP thing is basting the curve, so unlike most EPP that is straight lines and neat folds this one will require you to "pleat" the fabric on your way around the curve or clip your fabrics prior to basting.


One unusual thing I would recommend you do is dot some glue baste on what will be the right side of your base piece, just along the curve. This is just to add a little extra strength when you are sewing the curve and prevent your fabric from pulling off. Don't go crazy as it could show through (both colour and texture, do not use yellow sewline on white fabric ).


 


The recommended assembly order is to start with a short side panel, then butt your curved panel piece up to the edge and keep stitching, making sure you knot threads at the beginning and end of each piece.


The images above show how the curved side piece needs to be at 90 deg angle to the base. Use more glue than I did on the curve, I did have some issues with my fabric lifting.


In the middle image it looks like a crumpled mess, all four side panels have been attached at this point and as you can see the curve is non existent.


The last image has the side seams sewn and a hint of a curve appearing, don't try to adjust the shape just yet, that you will do once your inner and outer pieces have been sewn together.


 


The lid will help to make your bowl sides sit in the correct place, but as you can see once the lid comes off the curve doesn't hold so well. Luckily the combination of inner and outer bowls creates enough strength to hold the shape on its own once sewn together.


 


The first to shots here really show the difference top stitching the layers together has. If you aren't happy with the curve at this point pretend that you are your Grandmother pinching your younger self's cheek... albeit gently. Using your thumb gently press into the areas that need to curve a little more, also keeping the lid on the base will help your card stock settle into shape.



And that's it. Hopefully this helps troubleshoot any issues you may be having, or just give you the confidence to give this one a go!



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