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Monday, March 31, 2014

FLAGS ON A STICK - Today's my Day!!

 (First, let me say, I'm so sorry my post didn't go out as I thought it would. I forgot to hit publish after I scheduled it to post.)

I have had so much fun looking at all of the flags that have been created! Oh gosh! They are all incredible! 

  First I want to give a big hug and thank you to Madame Samm of Sew We Quilt for arranging all of the details of these wonderful blog hops. Also a big hug and thank you to Thearica from Pigtales and Quilts for being our cheerleader and fabulous helper to answer all of our questions. I know we all had great inspiration to make our flags from our sponsors Flags on a Stick and Flag-Outlet.

 I really thought I could do this fairly quick as I made a burlap flag in January just for fun. I think I thought wrong because it took me several days to get it done and all put together. 

 My first thought was to take pictures as I went.  Like I said, it was a thought. I forgot to take pictures beyond the first day in which I started embroidering the front side of the flag. 
 When I was in Hobby Lobby one day, I found this bright yellow burlap in the remnant bin! Woo hoo! First inspiration! 

 In case you didn't know, to get the sides, top and bottom straight, just pull the strings and slice off what you don't want with the rotary cutter. 

 This was just my first pile! The best thing about dyed burlap is that it's not as dusty, and doesn't make my nose run like the real stuff. However, it all gets a toss in the dryer before any project to get out as much dust as possible. 

 Then comes the spray starch! Lots of it will help to stabilizer those fibers. 
 Of course, it took me days to decide on what to do, but I knew I had to use something bright on this yellow burlap. I went through my stash, and I had some 5" charms that were the perfect colors. 
 So here it is ready to start embroidery, and that, my friends, is as far as the step-by-step pictures evolved! Ha Ha! Now to the finished product! I know it's hard to see, but I added a little bee on one flower, and a ladybug flying up the side of another flower. It is spring, you know!






My only disappointment is the back side. I didn't line the inside with a stabilizer that would block out the front side. Oh well, live and learn. I love the big "C", and I wanted something that would last all summer. The "C" is from Ageless Embroidery, and it was a free alphabet collection. It stitches out so nice! (I really need a new flag stand. Oh, why didn't I think of doing the tabs like some of the others did? Duh!)



  So now have you noticed my little "danglies" I added. They fly when the wind blows as you will be able to see in the videos. Don't worry, they are both really short.








 Of course, my nosy Maggie had to get in the picture. She came running and barking at my flag like it was an alien or something! 
  I made the dangly flowers sort of like making ITH frames or tags. I used a washaway stabilizer, and also put some stiff interfacing inside so they would be stiff. It took a while to do them even though they look pretty simple. 

 To give credit to the embroidery sites, I used a combination of flowers from Planet Applique, Embroidery Boutique, and the butterfly is from Embroidery Library. 

 I must show the first flag I made in January out of plain burlap. The design is by Sonia Showalter which was a free alphabet. I just love it too! This flag held up during the ice, snow, and bitter cold. I sprayed it with some acrylic spray, and I had joined the front and back with Heat-n-Bond Lite just like the yellow one.
 I know this is a long post, but since you made it this far, you might want to make a comment to be entered in my little giveaway. I have a Stack 'n Store Bobbin Tower by Nancy Zieman, and a cute notepad by Mary Engelbreit. Plus I may throw in some other little something.

 Just one comment is all you have to make. I'd love you to follow me, but it's not necessary to win. 

 Be sure to visit the other blogs to see their flags. This is the schedule for the rest of the week.


March 31st
Grandmama's Stories
More Stars in Comanche 
MooseStashQuilting
Pampered Pettit
ShirleyC 
Farm Gate Creations


April 1st
Sew Incredibly Crazy
Quilt Doodle Designs
Buzzing and Bumbling
Why Knot Kwilt?
Creatin' in the Sticks

 Happy Flag Flying!
Shirley Clark

59 comments:

Sparky said...

ohhh how lovely....what a grand idea...using burlap...and your initial...terrific....I have never seen yellow burlap either....your photos and videos..ohhhhh so clever ...we will help you with the publishing thingie....you just fine....x

Vickie said...

Sew clever ! I love the flowers blowing in the breeze off of it too !

Shari said...

Love your flag(s). They are just purrrfect! Love the danglies too! Please give Maggie a little cuddle...she is just adorable! I had a Lhasa/Yorkie mix once upon a time...darling dogs! Great showing today!

Josie McRazie said...

I love the fun bright yellow! I have never worked with burlap... but maybe now I will have to! Thanks for hopping and sharing!

Carla said...

Embroidery and burlap, you've won my heart. Your floating flowers add the extra "pop" to a wonderful bright flag. Great videos to show the action!

Thearica said...

Love your burlap flag! So bright and cheery!

Did you receive the hummingbird flag pole from our sponsor?

Rosieq said...

Thank you, Shirley for showing us your flag, and giving us the helpful hints: interlining, acrylic spray, and the flowers blowing in the breeze are delightful. I have a cool sign thingy from my brother to display a flag on...I think it will get set into my flower garden at the end of the lane this summer! Cannot wait to rummage around in the barn to find it, and get a couple flags ready. The first would definitely be a copy cat of your delightful Spring!

Linda

Unknown said...

I never would have thought of using burlap and yellow to boot! How very spring of you! I wish I were a follower but my computer and Bloglovin' don't get along! Thanks for posting and for all the links to the embroiderers you follow! sewingblogsarefun@yahoo.com

Carol Swift said...

The little dangles blowing in the wind are so clever and add the perfect touch to your Spring flag. It's just beautiful!

Jane's Quilting said...

What a great find. That yellow berlap was per fact, so bright and cheerful for Spring. I love how you did the embroider work and the added Daisy's on the bottom....so pretty!!! Also thank you for the tutorial...well written!

Purl Buttons said...

The magic you embroidery gals can make amazes me. I love your flag--especially the danglies! You sure are a creative one! I am very interested in the monograms. Both looke so nice on banners.

Anita said...

Cute flag!

Shelley said...

Burlap, that's a new one on me but I love how it worked for you. lovely lovely flag,,,sunshine and flowers it shouts to me :)

Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio said...

Great idea to use burlap. You must have bought that large rickrack at hobby Lobby too, lol!!! I know because I buy mine there and I love the large rickrack. I think your flag turned out great!

Scrapatches said...

Love your flag ... sew bright and happy! Thanks for showing how you made this. The burlap idea is sew creative. I am already a happy follower. Thanks for sharing in the hop and for the chance to win ... :) Pat

Calicojoan said...

I'm so glad I am not the only one who has fotgotten to hit that blasted publish button! LOL! It happens to all of us! What a fabulous flag. I love the burlap look...and I had no idea you didn't get the dust issues with dyed burlap. That is very good to know! I love your videos and the danglies! What a great way to make your flag come to life! Welcome to blog hops, we are so glad your here!

LJ said...

So cute and just what SPRING needs - a Halleluiah! I've never used burlap for sewing; I appreciate your tips. The dangles are wonderful and I love the movement.

Brenda said...

I am so ready for spring flowers. Your spring flag is wonderful!

Judy B said...

What a lovely flag, sew festive for spring! Thank you for joining the hop and for sharing.

Leanne Parsons said...

The burlap makes great flag material! Your yellow one is gorgeous, and the plain burlap one is quite elegant. Great job on both. Thanks for the giveaway too!

Terry@ a quilting blog said...

What a fun, and creative, flag…love the little 'danglies' (and your adorable little Maggie!!!) Thanks for sharing :)

StitchinByTheLake said...

Shirley I love this! I don't have any dyed burlap, though I've used some printed burlap for placemats at holiday times, but I do have some plain and it would be perfect for a monogram similar to yours. Great idea! blessings, marlene

Gmama Jane said...

Welcome to Blog Hopping Shirley!!! Don't worry, we've ALL done that publish error!! Ask me how I know??? LOL But your Spring Flag made it worth the wait!! Absolutley gorgeous...I do like that yellow burlap. You did a very nice job embroidering. I have a mid size embroidery machine, nothing fancy, and I don't use it as much as I should mainly because I make so many mistakes using the wrong stabilizer, thread, or something...I need major help!! I do love your 1st entry and hope you will Hop more with us. It is all in fun and no one is too competitive except Samm, and the other lady and the other other lady. You will soon figure out who those other ladies are...it's a little running joke. I'm NOT one of them but we all look forward to their creations.
Blessings
Gmama Jane
I was already a follower BTW!!! I must have visited you or you me at some point.

Doris Rice, The Quilting Queen said...

Oh the spring flag is so bright and happy. After the long, cold, ugly winter it's a delight to see a ray of sunshine from your flag. Just perfect. I love the burlap. Come back on my day on the 3rd and I'll show you what I did with burlap too.

Doris Rice, The Quilting Queen said...

Oops, my day is on the 2nd! My fingers can't type!

Susie said...

Hi Shirley I love your flag and the danglies they look wonderful and so wonderful to welcome Spring after a long winter. Thanks for the chance of a Giveaway and sharing. Susie x

Rhonda said...

I love your flag, especially the embroidered "c" & thanks for saying where it came from.

Unknown said...

We love your use of burlap for the flag! The embroidery is beautifully done!

Vicki B said...

I would have never thought of using burlap. Great idea. Love your colors.
\

Mosaic Magpie said...

Well, we got 2 flags for the price of one blog visit here! Very bright and cheerful, just the thing to chase away the winter blues and to last all summer with the flowers and bugs. I really like how you added the flying flowers, those add a lot of interest! Nice job!

Mosaic Magpie said...

Oh I forgot Maggie is a real
CUTIE PIE!

Janarama said...

Fabulous idea to use burlap for your flag. I love both of your flags and the little dangling flowers are the perfect touch to your bright and cheery flag.

Marcy said...

Great idea using burlap. Nice flowers for spring.

Michele T said...

Well! I'll be... I'd never have thought to use burlap - great idea!

Createology said...

Using burlap is a great idea and I am amazed it held up to the elements. Love your bright yellow and fresh Spring flowers. The flowers dancing in the breeze is an extra bonus. Thank you sew very much for Hopping and Flag Flying...

OhioLori said...

Love your Spring flag!! Neeeeed one in my yard..for Sunshine & flowers!! Still have snowy spots in our yard! lol Maggie is a cute lil model too!

CeLynn said...

Love the burlap flag idea! The flowers are way too cute there,dangling and flowing in the breeze.

Linda said...

Your flag is beautiful! I love that it is embroidered.

MoeWest said...

I love your embroidery on burlap! Great idea!

Mary Pat Callihan said...

Shirley, I learned so much from your post. I too love burlap! Once I made curtains for a two room of windows using two different types of burlap and they were some of my favorites :)
Dangles!! What a great idea! Loved your post!

Kristen King said...

Lovely, lovely, lovely!!! Those flowers are great!

Pamela said...

I've never sewn with burlap, and I didn't even know it came in pretty colors. Thanks so much for the inspiration! I especially liked your spring flag. What a joyful announcement!

Unknown said...

I love your bright colors on the spring flag and the rustic look of your initial flag. How clever of you to use burlap. I think we all learned something new from your post!

Bonnie Pfrimmer said...

WOW!! Love the use of burlap...Great idea, you are so creative. Thank you for sharing. bpfrimmer@yahoo.com

Brenda said...

Ah, sent you an e-mail and finally saw the popup hidden at the bottom of all of my windows as I closed down. As I said, I am much impressed with both of your flags.

Michelle said...

Your burlap flag is so cute. What neat idea to use burlap and the dangles are creative too.

Heidi [Banks of Frog Creek] said...

What a great idea to use burlap! Lovely embroidery, too :)

In stitches and seams said...

Sew Cute...loved the flag in action movie ;0)
cute flag to bring in spring with
thanks sew much for sharing and having a give away too.
institches

WhoMom said...

Love your happy flag. It's very spring like. It would never have occurred to me to use burlap! Don't ask, but I love the idea and think I'm going to have to try it. Thanks for sharing.

Robin said...

Oh my goodness, that is just awesome!! Okay, now I NEED some dyed burlap!! Oh you clever clever gal!!!

Brandy said...

What a cool idea, using burlap. And it's neat that since you used the acrylic spray your first one held up so well. Now I have an excuse to buy some of that fancy burlap I keep seeing! Thank you for sharing!
~Brandy

Anonymous said...

I love your flag. It is so bright and colorful. It makes you smile. I love the burlap idea. Perfect!

Agnes B. Bullock said...

This is simply the best flag in the blog hop! Thanks for sharing the tips on burlap- I used it for machine embroidery last fall and hated the dust and the feel of it- NOW I know what to do to make it easier to work with!

Melody said...

Fabulous flag. I would never have thought of burlap and it looks wonderful.

Soma @ inkTorrents.com said...

Your bright and cheery flag would make anyone happy!! It's perfect :)

-Soma

Farm Gate Creations Incorporating Hummingbird Quilting said...

Wow!...I just love your flag and the little video clips that you included, and those dangly flowers were such a brilliant idea.

nicolesender said...

Love your spring flag! So colorful and pretty!

Sherry said...

I love your flag. Burlap is great stuff. Happy Spring.

Renee said...

Your flag is so bright and cheerful. I love it!