The Empress Tea Set was designed as a Cake & Ale original pattern for the Makers Bundles and draws inspiration from the classic Chinese Gaiwan tea sets. 
 
Complete with a cup, lid and saucer this project pushes the boundaries of what EPP is traditionally has known for. It's concave and convex curves are a fun challenge and have them most beautiful end result, the gently flared rim allows the lid to sit inside the cups without falling in.This pattern would make the most beautiful statement piece in your sewing room, allowing you to keep your EPP tools safely corralled, or a concealed pincushion to keep exploring little fingers safe. 

Finished Size - 3½" Wide x 3 ½" Deep x 3" High. 

This PDF includes;
• Basic “how to” EPP Instructions.
• 43 print at home templates.
• Full assembly instructions.

From your stash you will need;
• 2 x Fat ¼’s worth of fabric (or a mix of scrap fabrics).
• 4cm / 1 ½" of ribbon or trim (optional).
• Glue baste E.g. Sewline (glue sticks also work in a pinch).
• General sewing supplies (Needle, sewing thread, thimble etc).
• Card stock or office paper and a laminator.
• Craft safety knife and ruler or sharp paper scissors.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL:  Intermediate or some experience. There are double curves that take courage more than anything else. An adventurous beginner would be fine, our instructions are both written and illustrated catering for both learning styles. 
 
  SVG Files are available to download as a separate purchase!   

*** FAQ's ***

Do you I need a laminator?
No you don't, this is just a technique you can use if your printer does not like printing on card stock (like mine).

What weight card stock is best?
If you can print on card we recommend that a stock 220GSM - 250GSM be used, it needs enough bulk to hold the sides up but you also need to work within your own comfort zone.
 
Do I really leave the papers in?
YES!! Unlike traditional EPP our card stock templates stay in permanently. This is what creates, and holds the structure of our unique patterns together.

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Welcome to Cake & Ale! Our mission is all about combining the charm of traditional quilting with a fresh, modern twist. We're here to bring you patterns that you can lovingly handcraft using techniques passed down through generations. But guess what? You don't need to dedicate weeks to these projects – you can finish them up in just one weekend!

Now, if you're new to the world of hand sewing, don't worry. We've got your back. We're all about something called English Paper Piecing (EPP). This technique involves wrapping fabric around paper templates, kind of like creating a snug little fabric hug around them. This gives you the foundation to create these seriously intricate and spot-on shapes.

Once you've got these fabric-covered templates, it's like putting together a puzzle. You stitch them up, piece by piece, to form a work of art that looks like you spent ages on it. It's like magic, but with needle and thread.

So, whether you're a seasoned stitcher or just dipping your toes into the world of hand sewing, we're here to provide you with patterns that marry tradition and innovation. Get ready to create pieces that will leave everyone thinking you're a crafting rockstar – all in the span of a weekend!