Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Happy Birthday Banner

I have been wanting to make one of these for a while and finally finished it up last night! I used all scraps for this project which made me so very happy. The only thing I had to purchase was heat n bond to use to fuse the letters to the background.

I also had fun some of my decorative stitches on my machine to applique the letters on. This was my first attempt at applique and it was fun! I love trying and learning a little bit about a new skill.

The entire banner is approximately 15 feet long with each pennant approx. 4.5 x 9 inches. It took a while, but I am looking forward to making more of these. I think a "merry christmas" is in order for Christmas next year as well.

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Edit:

I used a combination of tutorials to make this project.
I used this tutorial from moda bakeshop for the applique letters.
This tutorial inspired me to make triangular shaped pennants. I changed it up by appliqueing the letters on first.

My modifications on the triangles:
1. Sew the fabric together wrong sides facing and then flip it out so the pretty fabric is on the outside. Next, sew a 1/4 inch down the sides of the triangles to help them keep their shape.
2. I then made binding tape out of leftover 2 inch wide strips of varying lengths of various scrap fabric. I used about 15 feet.
3. The tutorial from moda follows how I attached the triangles to the binding strips.
I hope this helps anyone who wants to make their own!

10 comments:

l said...

The banner looks great! I have also been wanting to make one of these for a long time...There are 2 birthdays coming up in May, so maybe I will get this done!
Did you follow any particular pattern/instructions?

MamaB said...

I love this. You did such a great job. Where do you fine the time?

Dionne said...

It looks GREAT! I've thought about doing a banner, but have yet to tackle it. You are so prolific, I'm in awe!
Cheers,
Dionne

Unknown said...

Super cute! i love all the fabrics you have in there :) Our birthday season is coming soon - but I think we will still be using the paper banners :)

isolada. by design said...

It's fantastic! I've never been much of one for all occasion decorations, but I think it's because the flimsy paper and things were too disposable and rip as you took the out of the bag? These banners, on the other hand, are the perfect gift, festive for the time and place, and the years to come. Yes to one for Christmas..and more!

Sherry said...

I've seen these in catalogs and on the net so much. they're so cute. That would be fun to make for a child's room, too (like Paige's playroom!).

QuiltedSimple said...

That is so cool - thanks for the links to the tutorials!
Kris

Anonymous said...

How fun!

em's scrapbag said...

What a great idea. We have 12 birthday in my family in the next two months. Maybe I should make one.

SewAmy said...

I just love your banner. I looks fabulous. I love these banners, they look so fun.