Directions for a 'Party Animal' Mask/ April 2003
Everyone is familiar with letters - but if you think of them a bit more
abstractly, as interesting designs, more possibility may occur to you.
This project features the large letter B from our Teen
Monogram Set. An
interesting shape in its own right, if you turn it sideways it suddenly
becomes a festive mask, like the kind seen at Mardi Gras in New Orleans
! It's the perfect size for a stuffed animal - for those late-night sleepover
parties.
Step 1. Print the 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. Hoop the felt.
We chose a grey felt as the fabric for this project. It is easily available,
adds a plush depth to embroidery, has a softer look, and can be easily
trimmed after the embroidery has been completed without the edges of the
fabric unravelling.
We used a layer of medium weight tear-away backing , which was hooped
along with the felt.
Step 3. Sew out the large letter B.
This project is about transforming a letter of the alphabet into something
new by doing something extremely simple - rotating it 90 degrees to the
left.
Other letters from our Teen Monogram Set suggest other things if they
are rotated, but the letter B suggests a festive mask.
While you can rotate the design within your embroidery software, it isn't
necessary. Just sew the design in its regular orientation, then turn it
before using it as a stuffed animal mask.
Step 4. Trim the mask.
Using a sharp pair of scissors, trim the felt approx 1/8" (3mm)
away from the edge of the embroidery. We did not try to trim all the way
into the curl of the letter, preferring to give this section some extra
stability.
Trim away the felt inside the loops of the B. This will create the eyeholes
for the mask.
Step 5. Apply the mask to your favorite stuffed animal..
Rotate the letter 90 degrees to the left, and pin it to the face of your
favorite stuffed animal (smaller animal faces work best, but the mask also
looks cute on larger ones) using straight pins. Or, for a more authentic
mask, attach a thin elastic cord through holes on either side.
.Congratulations!
Your project is complete.
Felt, Stabilizer
Widely available from fabric stores
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