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.)
|