The day the fashion industry starting churning out clothing with rough edges, unsewn hems, mixed-matched fabric and items that I could have made, my world became much happier. That vast canyon between those perfect created clothing with straight stitches and my sewing got a lot closer. Now it's trendy to wear clothes that my daughter could have sewn. How does that equate to crafts? With perfection gone, I had a chance to join other crafters with my limited sewing skills. Maybe some of what I create could be compared to something at Anthropologie now instead of something I'd be too ashamed to ever show anyone.
I love crafting but I as I've said before, I need it to be easy and quick. With Posie Gets Cozy and her sensational smocking I just can't compete. I'm so envious of her crafting skills. Anything she touches is golden and I adore that about her. Which is probably why I have to visit her every single day. I live vicariously through her.
This doesn't stop me from hitting my studio and trying to turn out something crafty. My newly thrifted pinking machine inspired me to create this Valentine Banner. Despite banners being relatively easy to make, the only other banner I have made is my Halloween Banner inspired by Marie Claire Idees.
Burlap is my recent medium of choice since I have been using it for my fiber art pieces. It's still a little awkward to use but that makes it more inciting to work with.
Cut out a narrow triangle on a piece of paper. I used an old grocery ad. Pin your triangle to the burlap. I placed my triangle on the edge so that I would only cut twice. You can also flip the triangle in order to use the fabric frugally. I decided to make my banner with 9 triangles since the banner was going above our mantel.
I took my original triangle pattern and made it smaller for the decorated fabric part. As I said, I like to keep it simple. Place your pattern over your burlap to make sure that you are happy with the contrasting size before you cut your fabric.
I used my pinking machine on the long side edges of each fabric triangle. You can also use pinking sheers. I used this machine because it's so darn fun. Everything in our house is getting pinked at the moment.The kids have been warned.
Pin fabric to burlap, matching top edges.
I sewed the fabric onto the burlap with a zig zag stitch and then created a crazy pattern. No straight stitches here. In the end I trimmed the burlap a bit smaller.
I chose some coordinating fabric for the top strip of the banner. I cut into the fabric three inches down from the top edge. I then tore the fabric so that it would leave a ruffled thread edge. I made another cut and tore again so that I was left with two strips of fabric. These would hold my triangles together. I chose a sweet fabric that appeared red but had blue threads peaking through. A lovely aqua/red combination. I sewed each triangle at the top portion just under the strips of fabric. I used a tiny zig-zag stitch. I encouraged the loose blue threads to hang down on the red and white fabric.
To add some more color to this Valentine Banner I thought I would include some toadstools that I purchased at the Addison Sale. These toadstools have cloth wrapped wire attached to the bottom of each stem making it easy to adhere to the banner. With a darning needle, poke a hole through the fabric so that you can add your toadstool.
Place toadstool wire in hole making sure the top part faces upward.
Simply weave wire through burlap and it should stay in place.
This is a simple tutorial and probably best fit for those who like to churn something out quickly and with sweet imperfections like loose blue threads. This took me 2 hours mostly because young Keiran kept trying to take over the pinking machine. We had to wrestle for it in the end.
Cost: Burlap $2.99 a yard at Joann's, red/white fabric traded from friend, red/blue-looks purple fabric .50 cents yard sale, Toadstools .10 cents each. Total Cost: around $2.00.
It is ADORABLE! I love it! Do you know if the red/white fabric is vintage? I'm just wondering if I'd find it for sale anywhere.
Have a great weekend!
Posted by: kristen | February 12, 2010 at 12:52 PM
Love it! Thanks for sharing! Have a great day!
Posted by: Donnelly | February 12, 2010 at 01:20 PM
Very cute. Like you, I prefer crafting to be quick and easy. I love instant gratification. As an artist, much of my work is more layered and time-consuming. I appreciate your aproach and your work is wonderful!
Posted by: Mermaid Debbie | February 12, 2010 at 01:27 PM
Cute cute cute! We were on the same page different material! I made a paper heart garland :)
Posted by: laura | February 12, 2010 at 01:29 PM
Super Cute!
Posted by: Shara Mortimer | February 12, 2010 at 01:44 PM
That pinking machine is beaut - still jealous about it. The banner looks great - very cute mushrooms make it very quirky.
Posted by: Amy | February 12, 2010 at 01:58 PM
Nice job! I haven't even started thinking about Valentine's Day yet! Must crack on tomorrow...
Posted by: Steelkitten | February 12, 2010 at 02:56 PM
I have this same fabric! I won't dare confess how long it has languished in the cupboard. Peraps its time has come!
Posted by: Bee Balm Gal | February 12, 2010 at 03:00 PM
Beautiful and very inspiring! I'm going to give it a go this weekend, need something to cheer up my fireplace.
Posted by: Laura | February 12, 2010 at 04:12 PM
I've seen a couple of these for valentine's day and I love them! I just wish I had seen them sooner so I could have thought to make one. Maybe I could make one for St. Patrick's day! hm....
Posted by: Tayla B | February 12, 2010 at 05:17 PM
very adorable and beautiful! love it :) I need to get back into crafting..fall seems to bring it out in me, but after fall passes I get away from it..but this is inspiring
Posted by: Tracy | February 12, 2010 at 06:52 PM
You are so creative. Sigh. I love it!
Happy V Day weekend! Is your sweetie back home?
Posted by: Sandy | February 12, 2010 at 08:24 PM
Hi Selena,
Thanks for stopping by and adding OGT to your blog roll. The last time I checked your blog, you were about to leave Bainbridge for California...where did you settle? Love your projects and the photos of your beautiful, thrifty children. This burlap Valentine's banner is just perfect!
xo
Pam ~ One Gal's Trash
Posted by: one gal's trash | February 13, 2010 at 09:30 AM
Still lusting after your pinking machine...And admire that you're using it to create such a lively banner...I love how your creativity SHINES!
Posted by: Joy | February 13, 2010 at 09:37 PM
I love your pinking machine! These turned out cute.
Posted by: Terisa | February 13, 2010 at 10:18 PM
Beautiful banner!
I read that you traded the red/white fabric from a friend, but like others, I'm wondering where it might be available? Anyone know the name/maker of the fabric?
Thanks!
Posted by: Diane@LittleBirdiesNest | February 13, 2010 at 11:40 PM
I dont know where my friend found the fabric. I have sent her an email and asked her about it. It does read Indian Head Mills INC on the edge of the fabric. Ill do some research and see if I can find anymore information on it. I too would love to find some more.
Posted by: Selena Cate | February 14, 2010 at 07:46 AM
A pinking machine? That sounds awesome! I love your banner. The burlap underneath is a really nice touch.
Posted by: BlueCastle | February 14, 2010 at 04:03 PM
Awesome!
Posted by: amy zimmer | February 15, 2010 at 02:49 AM
Reborning dolls is a great way to express our individual view of the world and the people that populate it. There is something about babies that is timeless and universally-appealing. That "captured innocence" is what makes reborn dolls so fascinating.
Posted by: cialis online | April 26, 2010 at 10:23 AM
Nove forum
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Zalozili jsme ho asi pred dvema mesici.
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Dekuji za prilezitost vlozit sem mou zpravu.
Posted by: ceskeforuma | March 23, 2011 at 03:10 AM