U3A Needlecase project

This time Margaret started us off on a needlecase project. A semi- circle with appliqued half Dresden plate will fold in half to make a quarter circle "book".
We had fun drafting 12" (6" diameter) and 11" (5.5" diameter) semi- circles using a compass or drawing round Margaret's patterns.
The 12" template is for the outer of the case while the lining will be sewn in two quarter 12" circles but with a seam allowance as the two halves will be sewn together with a gap in the middle for turning everything through.
The 11" semicircle is for the Dresden plate to decorate the front of the case. The paper is folded into half then quarters then again to make the petal template. The top is levelled off and the bottom trimmed and a quarter inch seam allowance added.

12" card template which 'll bring next time. The 12" paper folded semi-circle is to cut two lining fabric pieces but with an added seam allowance for joining.

11" semi-circle folded to yield eight template pieces. You
could use paper but I used freezer paper - I'll stick all eight pieces onto my chosen fabrics and cut out adding a quarter inch seam all round.

Note the top curved edge has been straightened and the bottom point snipped off. Then a quarter inch seam allowance needs to be added to all four sides. I stuck my paper template onto card, cut it out exactly and then drew round the card with a quilter's quarter circle but you could just use the lines on your ruler.

I used my old school compass to draw circles - dates from when we sharpened pencils with a knife. On the left is  rotary cutter compass which can be adjusted to various diameters. Margaret had a very natty fold up compass with a cap which she think came from Smiths. It could be tightened so  it didn't slip when using.