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Project

Directions for a Monogrammed Hand Mirror/ December 2002

(This project utilizes letters from our Lace Monogram Set 2.)

This project utilizes a finely crafted, solid wood hand mirror with an inset circular mirror on one side, and a recess on the other side, into which a monogram design can be inserted.

Step 1. Print the template and instructions.

These are .pdf files, and require Adobe Acrobat Reader software in order to view and print.
To insure printing in exact size, be sure that FIT TO PAGE (see Properties under the Print Menu) is not selected.

Step 2.Sew out the letter of your choice.

We sewed our letter as an appliqué design, so that the color of the appliqué fabric would create an interesting contrast to the silver-colored thread chosen for the lace mesh background behind the letter.

Be sure to use a piece of fabric that is a least 9" (26.8 cm) x 9" (26.8 cm) or larger. This will insure that there is sufficient fabric to properly wrap the mirror insert.

Although there are a variety of appliqué methods, we prefer the following sequence, since it provides very accurate fabric trimming.

A. Hoop a piece of typing paper.

B. The first part of any appliqué design is a running stitch and a machine stop - the same thing as a color change. Embroider this running stitch, then remove the hoop from the machine.

C. Remove the paper from the hoop and carefully trim along the needle penetrations with a sharp pair of scissors.

D. Choose the appliqué fabric. Turn it over, and attach a piece of Wonder-Under or other heat fusible pellon with a hot iron.

E. Using your paper pattern as a guide, trace the oval shape onto the paper pellon backing. Carefully trim the appliqué fabric along this line.

F. Hoop your choice of fabric for the project with the appropriate stabilizer. We used a medium-weight off-white linen fabric, and matched it with one layer of medium-weight tearaway stabilizer.

G. Start the design from the beginning. The first running stitch will sew until the machine stop.

H. Remove the hoop from the machine (do not remove the fabric from the hoop.) Remove the paper backing from the appliqué fabric, carefully position it to match the running stitch on the hooped fabric, and attach with a small tacking iron.

The hoop can now be reattached to the machine, and the design can be sewn to completion.

Step 3. Trim the fabric

After the design has been sewn, turn the fabric over and tear away the excess stabilizer.

Using a compass that is set to produce a circle that is 5" (12.6 cm) in diameter, draw a circle around the design on the back of the fabric by placing the sharp point of the compass at the center of the design. Use a soft pencil in the compass, and draw the circle carefully.

Trim the fabric along the pencil line with sharp scissors.

Step 4. Assemble the insert.

By hand, sew a running stitch around the edge of the fabric 1/4" (8mm) in from the edge circle, using a needle and heavy thread. Try to place the stitches so that there is approximately 1/16" (2mm) between each stitch. Leave a long tail at each end, with both ends of the tail exiting on the back side of the fabric.

Place the embroidered fabric wrong side up, and place the cardboard circle supplied with the mirror in the center of the design. We also placed a circle of thin batting cut to the same size as the cardboard between the fabric and the cardboard insert, in order to create a slightly rounded effect.

Press down on the center of the cardboard circle, and pull the ends of the thread, adjusting the gathers to be smooth, and pull until the fabric is tight. Tie the thread ends firmly. Turn the design over and adjust as necessary so that the monogram is accurately centered.

Carefully trim away any excess fabric.

Step 5. Complete the mirror...

Choose a piece of thin cording approximately 12" (30.5 cm) long. It is best to have a little excess cording to insure that it will go all the way around the top.

Apply a thin bead of white glue along the inside edge of the recessed circle on the back side of the hand mirror, and carefully press the cording into the glue, starting at the top and proceeding all the way around the edge until you are back at the starting point. Trim as required so the two ends meet.

Apply more glue to the flat surface of the recess, and carefully press the circular embroidered panel in place. It should just fit within the cording.

Place a weight on top of the embroidered panel until the glue has dried.

 

Congratulations! Your project is complete.

Fabric and Cording:

Widely available from sewing stores.

Small Hand Mirror:

Manufactured for Sudberry House, the hand mirror is available at many gift and craft shops, or online from the companyís website at:

http://www.sudberry.com

(The small hand mirror, in oak finish, is # 23348. It has a 3 1/2" (84mm) design area.)

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