FSL Battenberg Lace Lamp Shade

These are instructions on how to embroider and assemble the FSL Battenberg Lace Lamp Shade.

In the picture above, beside the lamp shade you can see FSL Miniature Angels and the Lace Easter Vase processed with "Petal Porcelain".

To embroider this type of lace, please read our recommendations first.

Stabilizers: We recommend to use water-soluble mesh, such as Vilene. Vilene D0102 is a non woven dissolvable stabilizer which is imported into the US, is sold in large rolls and is sometimes packaged under different brand names. Some of these brand names are Fabri-Solvy by Sulky, Avalon Plus by Madeira, Wash-Away, and Aqua Magic.

Film-like water soluble stabilizers, such as Solvy by Sulky, Avalon by Madeira, Badge Master, are not suitable for Free-Standing Lace embroidery.

Threads: The thinner the thread, the finer the final product will be. That is why for this project we recommend cotton thread, which gives bulk to the lace and makes it look hand-made.

Embroidery polyester thread will make very fine web-like lace.

Embroidery rayon thread is too soft, it does not keep its shape and very often its color fades under the influence of chemicals from the water-soluble mesh.

If you are using 50- or 60-weight cotton, you can use it both in the bobbin and in the needle. If you use 40-weight cotton thread for the needle, you can use regular polyester bobbin thread.

If you prefer to use cotton in the bobbin, you can use embroidery polyester in the needle.

We used Signature machine quilting cotton thread, but similar threads from other companies should work just as well. Cotton threads give a lot of lint. We recommend to clean the machine as often as possible.

To get two-sided embroidery use threads of the same color in the needle and in the bobbin.

Needles: We use size 80/12 embroidery needles and 80/12 metallic needles. Our experience shows that cotton thread used with metallic needles gives less lint. The needles should be sharp, so it's advisable to change them often.

Most Importantly: ALWAYS make a test stitch-out of the design and wash away the stabilizer. This helps you to select the threads, needles, stabilizers and settings of your machine correctly. DO NOT embroider several designs in one hoop.

For the project, besides cotton thread and water soluble mesh, you will need a balloon, soft flat brush and either Petal Porcelain or Stiffy, both are available online, in WalMart, Jo-Anne and other carft stores.

There is 1 file of the panel which you need to embroider 7 times.

Step One: Embroider the file on 2 layers of water-soluble mesh using cotton threads.
Embroider the panel 7 times.
Rinse the mesh in lukewarm water. Slightly press the embroidery with the paper towel to remove extra water. Leave to air dry. Press.

Step Two: Place the stitch-outs in a circle with the pointed end facing inward.
Using the same thread with which you made the embroidery, hand-stitch the panels
together by connecting the opposite loops on the panel sides. Connect all panels to make a sphere.

Step Three: Slightly dampen the sphere with water. Insert a balloon through the opening in the lower part and start filling it with air.

Stop when your lace sphere is tight over the balloon. Tie the balloon.

Step Four: Pour some "porcelain" in a small bowl. Using a brush, coat the lace with the solution.
Hang the air balloon with lace over it and leave to air dry for a day.
If you need the project to be done sooner, use a hair drier to dry the "porcelain".

Follow the manufacturer's instructions - maybe you'll need a second coat.
When the coat is dry, pop or deflate the balloon and carefully take it out.

Step Five: Put the shade over the lamp. You are done.

In the picture above, you can see FSL Miniature Angels and the sphere from the Lace Hot-Air Balloon Ornament processed with "Petal Porcelain".