Start A New Hobby Kit – English Paper Piecing Style

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Before I had kids, I worked in the social services field. I helped plan events and programming in a few different roles, so I am familiar with silent auctions. People tend to donate tickets, gift cards, wine, and massages. I always loved the “date night” or “family game night” baskets that sometimes popped up, so when I saw a local shelter was looking for auction donations I challenged myself to get creative. This is what I came up with – a “Start A New Hobby” basket with everything someone would need to try out English Paper Piecing! EPP is hand sewing and very beginner friendly – no sewing machine required and perfect to do on the couch or in the car line at school pickup.

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The first thing I made sure to include was All Points Patchwork: English Paper Piecing beyond the Hexagon for Quilts & Small Projects Paperback*  by Diane Gilleland. You can see a project I did from the book in this post; it is a great intro to EPP with lots of creative inspiration.

I also included a pincushion I used EPPto make, some needles, thread, several Cotton + Steel fabric squares*, cardboard templates, an example hexie, small scissors*, and a tag with my email on it, if they had any questions!

I printed up a little sheet and put it on card stock, so it could sit in front of the basket. Otherwise I’m not sure people would “get” it!

The needle minder* is totally not a “need” and I think people often use them more for embroidery, but it was too cute to resist! From the Tinkinstitches shop on Etsy.

My pincushion! I gave a bunch of in process peeks on Instagram, I think it turned out pretty cute. I wish I’d used smaller hexies so it was more obvious with the pattern, but oh well.

The little card gives my email for any questions they might have; I know part of the difficulty in starting a new craft is not knowing where to turn for support!

The fabric bucket is using the same pattern I used from this sewing project book; both fabrics are from Jo-Ann Fabrics.

I wrapped it up with a plastic gift bag over the top and am hoping for the best! I told the coordinator if it didn’t sell at the event to let me know and I could auction it off on Instagram and donate the money, but I am hoping it does well. I think this would be an equally great idea for a gift – you could also switch the theme to embroidery or cross-stitch easily!

Would you bid on this? Fingers crossed someone does!

 

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