Over the weekend I sat down at my sewing machine to create a garland/ bunting/ banner for my guest room. My friend T arrives on Thursday for a visit and we will celebrate her birthday on Saturday so I thought a bunting would be a fun touch. A Bunting We Will Go.
A Bunting We Will Go
While making T’s bunting my thoughts turned to the Fashionista’s upcoming birthday. The theme of the party is “The Almost Famous Seventies Soiree”. Think vintage, denim and daisies coupled with fondue pots. Ah but I digress… I decided to make a few buntings as part of the decor for my daughter’s party. Into the closet I went and brought down my suitcases full of cherished 1930s-40’s vintage fabric. I wanted the bunting to be very special. This is to be my girl’s 21st birthday. In the dark corners of my mind I thought “She will be a true adult. This might be the last birthday party that I plan for her for a long, long time.” I knew which pieces of fabric were her favorites. We’ve looked at the fabric together many times. For some reason soft scallops come to mind.
But much like “When You Give A Mouse A Cookie” my mind continued to wander and before I knew it my guest/craft room looked like this:
You see if I make a few heirloom garlands for the Fashionista, then I’d better make a few for Sweet Boy.
Vintage Fabric
It felt good to use the vintage fabric remnants and scraps for such happy projects. I also thought about how sad it was that such wonderful fabric had been squirreled away and rarely enjoyed. Not to mention that by using the fabric I could free up some much-needed closet space. So I kept on selecting fabrics, and continued to cut, pin, sew, and press.
I then began to think about my upcoming trip to New Orleans. I thought about my cousin’s generosity and I so wanted to arrive with gifts for her and her family and really enjoy myself while I am there. If only money grew on trees.
I realized I could make my travel wishes come true if I let the fabric move on to a new home where it would be enjoyed at the happiest of occasions~birthdays, new babies, job promotions, lobster on sale… I believe that it will be well treated and perhaps become someone else’s treasured heirloom.
The baby-sized bunting might decorate a doorway or the front of a piece of furniture.
The medium-sized bunting might decorate a large mirror or become a curtain topper.
Sweet Fabric Brooches
I used up every bit of my vintage fabric. All of the creations can now truly be called limited editions as there will never be any more. I didn’t even waste the precious scraps.
The buntings and flower brooches will be going into my Etsy shop one by one as I finish sewing up the stacks of circles and triangles.
Take a peek.
Laura
Special thanks to everyone who left such great comments in response to my pleas for New Orleans tourist ideas. I had to laugh at the overwhelmingly popular topic was where and what to eat.
Hi Laura, The buntings and brooches are so sweet. What a great use for such special fabrics. Wishing you a wonderful week.
Oh, Laura! These are so precious and I know everyone you've made them for will treasure them. Love your vintage fabric and the rosette! Oh, you're good!
be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
thanks for the tip of adding my signature to my photos….never thought about it before and going to start doing it….loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee the banners and that flower u made!! just gorgeous!!! have a fun visit with your friend! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
What wonderful ideas, and they all look so good!
You are so creative! Have a super week! I am hoping to put the photos of my beautiful plate up on my blog tomorrow! Thank you again!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B
You are FABULOUS! Your bunting is so cute, and the idea for the fabric scraps is precious! You amaze me. 🙂
Hi Laura!!!
Oh my gosh, you sew fast!!!! Those are truly amazing!!!! I thought they were just called banners and I know now that they are buntings as well????The vintage fabric to so awesome, good job saving that!!!!
Your daughter will love hers!!!! And sweet boy will too!!!!
I will take a look at your shop!!!!
hugs,
jamie
Laura, these are so cute! laurie
Cute!! I love your vintage fabric.
Ohhhhhhh, all this yummy fabric is making me swoon!! I love these garlands!
We still have over 2 1/2 feet of snow here and it's not going anywhere. Our mail didn't even get delivered on Saturday!
Have a wonderful week!!
LuLu♥♥♥
What a fabulous idea!! And they are beautiful- such wonderful decoration and lovely gifts!
Wow! You were on a roll! Such pretty colors to all of them.
These are destined to become family treasures for sure! Beautiful work.
awesome! i'm gonna be living in laurie partridge's bedroom! 😉
Laura,
These buntings are such a sweet gesture and make a special occasion even more so. You've created an heirloom for both your children to use for all future celebrations; their mother's heart strings.
Deborah
Laura, Thanks for always leaving me such nice comments. The Maven also approaches her 21st so I understand your feelings very well. Your innovative and thoughtful mind are inspiring!
those are so sweet! i admire your patience for all that cutting and sewing and pressing–LOVE the decorative stitches, too!
oh, and what we DO in Louisiana is EAT(and drink, if you happen to be that type–but i digress!). that's probably why you got so many responses on FOOD! lol.
You have been busy! And what love has gone into all of your work! Your blog never ceases to delight!
WendyBee
What a beautiful way to use all those treasured fabrics!
I think I finally know what to do with my piles in boxes! 🙂
Best wishes for a great trip when you go to New Orleans!
How fun Laura! okies, so I need to ask the color on the walls there.. close to nosegay? I had a bedroom when I was younger done in a nosegay and creamy white stripes. Loved it. Matching fabric placed in the shutters and the carpet was a chartreuse shag. I just loved it.
Thanks for sharing this extensive project.. Sewing for years myself here, I know the amount of work involved.
with love,
Olivia
Love the buntings! They are so suitable to give as presents! I did too on more than one occasion, I always make a matching bag to keep them in, which makes it even more fun to give!
Have a lovely day!
Good for you! I need to “use up” some stuff. These are darling! I did some crafting this week to. I didn't spend a penny! Happy birthday to the Fashionista!
~Liz
Laura,
You (and your daughter) are just the COOLEST!!! Thank goodness for people like you, so I don't have to sew and can find these adorable items on Etsy. 🙂
Love the fun ideas for the buntings.
Linda
Oh Miss Beautiful Laura,
The words of inspiration you leave me…they make me stronger and go out into the world with a big smile on my face knowing I have such a wonderful friend!
I love all your garlands…they would look super-duper all over my store!!!! I need 10 or more of them…and some to sell for you….My fave is the scallop…
Thanks for all your goodies and beautiful comments! XOXO
Oh Laura, you inspire me use up my treasured fabric and make me some buntings! What a great idea to create a family heirloom for your daughter & other loved ones.
Have fun in New Orleans!
Hi Laura. Just popping over to let you know you won my giveaway of the Mrs. Meyer's products.Congrats!
Drop me a quick e-mail and leave me your address, so we can get your goodies in the mail.
By the way…cute, cute, cute stuff in your etsy shop! And I haven't forgotten about the New Orleans info…I will get it to you soon! What a fabulous time you're going to have!
~Amanda
ImperfectlyBeautifulMs@gmail.com
Love the bunting! What a great idea…
I'm envisioning my outdoor gazebo with some fun bunting for the summer now!
Love these!Wonderful blog! 🙂
What a wonderful way to use up fabric! They are adorable!
Those turned out AMAZING! I love your choice of fabrics, too. Boy, you could have a lot of fun with different fabric combos. Thank you so much for sharing!
Wow Laura, so sweet! The pictures were so colourful and fun!
And loving how you change your blog header monthly. Very cool idea! The Feb one is lovely. Nicely done!
Thanks for linking up to SNS!
FJ Donna
I just adore those buntings and the pins. So cute! I am going to check out your etsy shop!
Thanks for linking this up — love it!!!
XOXO
Jen