Anyway, I was searching for the perfect homemade gift for Elizabeth's first birthday. I knew I'd hit paydirt when I found this patchwork-style "happy birthday" banner...just what I was looking for. It's colorful, homespun, and something I hope they'll enjoy for years to come. Oh, and it's twelve feet long. Go big or go home, people!
Do me a favor and get a drumroll going before you see the pictures. Got it? You ready??
{boy side...Buddy and Dorothy in their supervisory positions, making sure everything stays under control}
{girl side}
This project was so fun and quite easy. It's a bit labor-intensive (lots of cutting and ironing) but I would absolutely recommend it for a beginner. I don't think I'll post a step-by-step tutorial (unless anyone is desperate for one) because Sarah Barry already did that beautifully in her post. I did vary in a couple of ways:
*I do the Wonder-Under step differently, but it all works out just the same in the end.
*I used storebought spool ribbon instead of making ribbon from scraps. This is partly because I didn't have that many scraps and partly (actually, mostly) because I'm lazy when it comes to sewing scraps together to make a ribbon.
I met Kira and Elizabeth in Montgomery yesterday evening to deliver the banner and...
I think they liked it.
Let me know if you have any questions! I'd be happy to answer them...I'm on fire with banner love these days :) If you make your own, PLEASE be sure to share a picture! I'd love to see different takes on this.
Happy Wednesday, yall!
Julie,
ReplyDeleteThis is so incredible...so cute! my mom, aunt, grandmother and daughter got the creative sewing gene....not me!
So glad you shared it.
How are these last few days going for you?
Blessings
~a
Julie, you are too sweet. Thanks for the shout out. Your banner looks AWESOME!!!!!!! SO SO SO cute! Love your fabric choices! I have not thought about it for a first birthday gift. Great idea.
ReplyDeleteYou have almost inspired me to make another one.
Annesta, thanks so much for the compliment! The sewing skills just went right around you, huh? :)
ReplyDeleteThis has been a really good week. My students all brought their self-control this week, and thankfully, their teacher did, too :) I'm starting to feel very sappy about my sweet kiddos leaving me tomorrow :( I've got one more day to enjoy them!
Enjoy the rest of your week!
*Julie
Sarah Barry, I just love your blog and wanted to share it! I'm glad that's okay with you...didn't think to ask :) I'm so happy you like my banner! I was a little nervous about what you would think since I got the idea from you. I think choosing the fabric was my favorite part!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the rest of your week!
*Julie
Great Job ~ It looks fabulous! Love that it has a girl and boy side.
ReplyDeleteI did a sewing project way back in HS for my boyfriend. It took 1/2 the summer to complete & I'm so bummed I didn't think to get it back when we broke up. Now I don't have the patience for those type of things.
Congrats to another completed year of teaching! Have a wonderful summer =)
BTW ~ how do you get your pics so big?
ReplyDeleteOK, here's the scoop. Imma need to buy one of these from you! Tell me how much you charge for such a magical creation! I simply adore this! you really really have a God given talent with your sewing! I still love my burpie rags and headband!! For real, I need to buy this! You quote me a price. We can haggle if you want!
ReplyDeleteSuzy
i am way impressed!!! fabulous work and truly a labor of love and special gift!!
ReplyDeleteKristi, I didn't know you sewed! I'm bummed for you that the boyfriend didn't give your project back, especially since it took so long. You're too good for that :)
ReplyDeleteI'll miss my students, but I'm thrilled to have a break. Thanks for stopping by!
*Julie
Suz, I've thought about making some to sell, but I have no idea how much I would charge. I don't know what people would be willing to pay. Besides, since we've known each other nearly two decades, you don't get to pay me :) I'm glad you still like your burp cloths and headband...hope they're holding up okay. Thanks for stopping by, friend!
ReplyDelete*Julie
Lauren, thanks a bunch! You should make one for Anne Margaret's birthday...it's really easy if you follow Sarah Barry's tutorial. I promise!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, friend!
*Julie
You tell me what you want me to pay (and make it some HUGE amount, because, trust me, this is definately worth it!) and I will pay it ASAP!!! I so love this! I have bragged about this to my friends at work on how cool this is
ReplyDeleteLove this! You are such a sweet friend to make this for Elizabeth and Kira! I know they loved it, so very special! You are very talented, and thoughtful!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, thanks a bunch! I hope they love it. I tried to do a really good job so that they can use it until the end of time :) You're too sweet to me. Hope yall have had a good weekend!
ReplyDelete*Julie
Julie, that is amazing! I LOVE it! Soooo cute and special :) You have a true talent, my friend. I wish I could have 1/8 of your creative gene!
ReplyDeleteLA, you are far too kind, friend. If you keep all that up, I'll get too big for my britches! And hey, if you and Dolph would hop to it, I'd make one for Baby Miller ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, my love!
*Julie