|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Directions for Paperweight Project / March 2000 This project uses letters from Harlequin Monogram Set. Step 1. Print the template and instructions. These are .pdf files, and require
Adobe Acrobat Reader software in order to view and print. The template shows two circles. They are to be used as follows: 2" (52 mm) diameter circle. This circle is to be used to digitize your own circular border. 2 3/4" (70 mm) diameter circle. This circle is to be used as a guideline to cut out the finished embroidery before inserting in the recess on the back of the glass paperweight. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, and want to digitize your own version of the paperweight borders, print out the template and scan the printed sheet into your design software. Then, utilizing the 2" (52mm) circle, digitize the design as you want it, and save it with a file name of your choice. If you are using the pre-digitized designs, the template is still useful, since it locates the outside trim edge (see Step 6). Step 2. Purchase pre-digitized designs (do-it-yourself users - skip this step). If you are using the pre-digitized designs, purchase and download the designs. It will be received as a self-extracting zip file (.exe), with one of the the following product numbers:
The paperweight set contains 6 individual embroidery files.
The product also contains a .txt file that can be read or printed, called "Notes". This file contains information about the number of stitches in the design, and the sewing sequence of the various parts of the design. We ordinarily suggest colors, but in this case the designs are very simple, and the choice of thread colors is basically infinite. Color choice would depend on the color of the fabric, and the colors being used for the Monogram Set letter chosen. Feel free to experiment with different thread colors. The product files come in 7 different formats:
Choose the appropriate format when purchasing and downloading the designs. Import the coaster design of your choice into your design software. Step 3. Merge a coaster design and letter from the Monogram Set of your choice. The decorative outline circle borders are all designed to be merged with a letter from one of our monogram sets. This project, given the size of the circular border, are best carried out with our smaller size letters. Choose one letter (typically the letter first letter of a surname), and move it as required until you are happy with the overall design. (Note: for more information on how to import and merge designs together, consult your embroidery design software Help files.) When you are happy with the overall design, save the file with a filename of your choice. SStep 3. (alternate method) Sew a paperweight border design, plus a letter from the Monogram Set of your choice, without using the Merge software function. The files for the paperweight project start with the initial needle position at the exact center of the circle, and return to the design center after sewing the final lock stitch. Our Monogram Set letters also start in the center and return to the center. As a result, the letter can be correctly positioned in the center of the circle without software.
Step 4. Sew out the paperweight design. The choice of fabric is yours, and edges do not show in the magnification of the glass dome paperweight. Since the glass acts as a magnifier, consider using a fabric with an interesting texture. We used a small scrap of silk recycled from a Japanese kimono, which has a very subtle flower pattern. Also, keep in mind that the magnification shows all the flaws in your sewn design, so be sure that your thread tensions are correct, etc. For backing, we recommend fusing a layer of "Wonder-Under" paper-backed transfer web, manufactured by Pellon (or similar product) with an iron to a layer of medium or heavy weight backing, then removing the paper backing and fusing the two to the fabric. A self-adhesive backing that is heavy enough would also be appropriate. Step 5. Collect the parts for the paperweight. In addition to the paperweight border design, you will need the following:
We used a 3/32" (2mm) thick cork circle as back. The cork circles are 3 1/2" (84mm) in diameter. After much experimenting, we have concluded that the best and most easily available material for the purpose of joining the embroidered fabric to the cork is double-sided carpet tape.(Note: although double-sided tape and double-sided adhesive sheets are available in craft and hardware stores, these lighter weight materials arenít sufficiently tacky to bond cork and fabric together.) We also tried spray adhesive (e.g. 3M Super 77 Spray adhesive), which didnít produce as secure a bond, and was very messy to use. Another product to consider for this purpose is PeelnStick, manufactured by Therm O Web. (See the list of supply sources at the end of these instructions.) Step 6. Final assembly . Cut out the template along the larger of the two circles (2 3/4" (70mm) diameter)).You will find the template most useful if you cut away the circle in the center, and save the full sheet, with a circular cut-out "window". Attach one side of the double-sided carpet tape to the cork circle by pulling away the protective paper layer. This carpet tape, in all the variations weíve seen, isnít quite wide enough to cover the 3 1/2" (84mm) circle with one piece, so two pieces should be applied side by side, with edges meeting, to cover the entire surface. Trim away the excess tape before proceeding. Working on the reverse side, position the circular cut-out "window" over the sewn design until the design is correctly centered inside the window, then draw this outline onto the backing with a pencil. Carefully cut the fabric along the traced outline. Remove the other protective paper sheet from the adhesive attached to the cork circle, align, and press the two pieces together, being careful to center the design. Congratulations! Your project is complete. Sources for Materials Round
Dome Glass Paperweights:
The size that we are working with has a design size of 2.75" (70mm). This size is Yarn Tree # 7383. For a description, and
to find a store near you: allstitchedup.com offers
the same paperweight (Glass-Round Dome), and has online ordering: In the UK, Europe, Australia & New Zealand, a similar paperweight blank is sold by Framecraft Miniatures, Ltd. The closest match in size is PW3 (2 5/8" round). For information about dealers: We used a cork circle under our 3 1/2" paperweight. This is the same cork circle used in our previous Coasters project. (Note: this cork circle is too large to be used with the Framecraft paperweight, which comes with its own self-adhesive backing)
The appropriate product
is called "Coasters and Hot Pads - 3 1/2" diameter". They can be
purchased individually in three different color shades. We used the "light"
color for our samples. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
