Flag Banner Tutorial!

Need:  Fabric (as many or few patterns as you choose!)

           Scissors

           Thread

           Sewing machine

           Ribbon (I used 7/8” grosgrain)
           Triangle Pattern- I made a ‘pattern’ so each triangle would be cut the same size

Ready?  Lets go!

I cut out the triangle shapes from the selected fabrics.  Two triangles per flag. I used the same fabric for each side for the triangle.  You could use different fabrics for each side of the flag if you wanted, which could be fun because then the flag banner could be reversed and have a completely different look!

I then sewed the triangles together, right sides together.   I used a ½” seam allowance, but I suppose it doesn’t really matter.  :) 

I trimmed the ‘point’ of the flag as close to the seam as I could.  (One thing you can do on those points, is put fray check so that they are less likely to fray when you reverse them)

Turn the triangles right side out and press them flat.  

Measure the ribbon to the desired length of the flag banner.   I added about a foot on each side, for hanging purposes.  

Cut two pieces of ribbon the desired length.  I used two pieces of the same color grosgrain ribbon- one for the back, and one for the front.  This allows you to cover the unfinished tops of the triangles!  This also allows the banner to be reversible.  If you want the banner to be different when reversed, you could use two colors of ribbon- one for each side.   I’m going to try that next time!

Pin the ribbon on top of the triangle pieces, making sure the distance between each triangle is the same (I left about 1.5” between each). 

Sew the ribbon together, securing the triangles between the two pieces.  I recommend sewing the bottom side together first, because it will allow you to secure the triangle pieces in place as well. 

Sew the top of the length of ribbon together. 

Cut ends of ribbon to desired length (if one side is longer than the other).

Voila!  You have a fun triangle flag banner to hang!  

‘Tango’ Turns Six!

I started writing a post about a birthday banner I made, but I got myself off on a little tangent and started rambling about my little birthday boy!

So, let me try again.  I will try to stay focused!  Today I want to talk about another birthday.  The birthday of one of the sweetest little girls I know, ‘Tango’. 

Her mom is a good friend of mine and she asked if I could make a banner for the birthday girl- absolutely!  I had wanted to make a flag banner, but never had, so this little project benefited us both!

With our project in mind, the two of us headed to the fabric store and picked out three fabrics her mom loved.  Why three?  No reason really, she just picked the patterns she loved.  Then, we raided my fabric stash to find other fabrics with colors and patterns that would work with the other three fabric selections.  We ended up with seven different fabrics.

Together we chose the order the various fabrics should go, the color ribbon that should be used to ‘tie’ the flag banner together, the preferred size of the triangles for the banner, and whether or not it should have her name on the flags.   Once some decisions were made (which tends to take a little longer when only half of the conversation is really about the sewing project!), I got to work. 

Miss Tango woke up on her special day to the banner hanging up in the dining room and a little birthday ‘tea party’ complete with fancy china and cupcakes!   So fun!  I’m thinking I want to wake up at Tango’s house on MY birthday!   

I hear the banner is now proudly hung in Tango’s room.  Makes me smile knowing that HankOrange can add a little color and fun to her room.  Sometimes the simple things are most rewarding. 

Happy 6^th Birthday Miss ‘Tango’!

Birthday Boy!

My little man just turned three.  THREE!  I can hardly believe three years have gone by! 

You might be thinking this post is going to be about the decorations I made for his party, or the shirt I made for the birthday boy.  But it is not.  I did not make any decorations for his party, or anything special for him to wear. 

Nothing.  Not one thing.

 

Not for lack trying; I had plenty of ideas.  I even had an awesome idea for a birthday shirt for him to wear.  Which, I must say, I was excited about creating!  But he didn’t share in my excitement.  So, I didn’t even bother. 

When I asked him about it (which I did several times hoping he would change his mind) his response was ‘I not wear that Mommy’… and I knew it was true.  He wears what he wants to wear.   He is somewhat strong willed!  And, for me, it is just not worth the battle. (My Mother likes to tell me it is ‘pay backs’… HA!)

Oh well.  Saved me some time.   Time that I used to make a special banner for a birthday girl who I know will (and does) appreciate it!

But, I wouldn’t trade my little man and his opinionated self for anything.  His little smile and his contagious laugh can brighten even the worst of days.  The last three years could be described as a roller coaster, but one thing that was a constant was my little man and his big blue eyes and smiling (most of the time) face!  L.O.V.E his sweet face!

He turned three the day after Thanksgiving.  And for him, I am thankful.  I often hear women say how much they love being a mother, and I couldn’t agree more.  Sure, he has his own opinions, but don’t we all?  I know I do.  I want my little man to be who he is.  And, if that means he doesn’t want anything to do with the things I make, then I am okay with it.  I wouldn’t trade it for the world.  It has become a joke among some friends that every other kids loves what I make except my own.  Oh well.  He is my son and I love him more than words can express! 

Happy #3 Henry James!