Swing Flags DIY

Spotted some swing flags at the Women on the Frontlines Conference in Chicago earlier this year and knew that I MUST have a pair. . . which means making them myself.

After researching quite a bit, I found a site that had instructions for making a pair of these fab flags. These are not exactly like what I saw at the conference, but are close enough.

http://dyed4you.com/blog/2011/03/how-to-make-swing-flags/

The instructions at this site were extremely helpful and a fantastic guide for my sewing adventure.  If you have sewn before, you should have no problem tackling this project.  It took me approximately 2 hours from setting up to tearing down.  This web site is jam packed with helpful information, flags and fabric for purchase AND even videos for how to use the flags.  I highly reccommend it!

I chose a green SilkEssence fabric from my local JoAnn's Fabric store.  I love the color and the way it floats! Because I was not going to have someone shoot a photo of me with the flags in action, you will have to imagine that part!

If you have never sewn before or are a beginner, I want to offer you a few tips to go along with her instructions.

1) With regard to "Step 1":  do cut the fabric to the size she suggests (36 x 49"); I left my length at 54" because that's how much was there when I cut the 3 yds. in half.  It does work, but in hindsight I would prefer a bit shorter flag. (Because you will cut the weighted cord to the size of the flag, adjusting this after the fact is more work than it's worth for me.)

2) With regard to "Step 2":  yes, do the ironing as she tells you to do; you will be incredibly thankful. Silk and polyester fabrics should be ironed on a cool or fabric specific setting, which varies from iron to iron.

3) With regard to "Step 4":  Make sure to wait to cut your weighted string to the size you need, rather than whack it in half before you start the project, and then cut it again for each flag.  (I had enough pieces left over to use in another swing flag, which I hope to make soon; I would have preferred to have it all in one piece, though.)  Also, for the next set I make, I will try to make the flags mirror images of each other in regard to the weighting placement; this will not bother most people, but I want each hand to hold the "right side" of the fabric when I am waving these flags.  It's one of my many "Monk"-like things.

4) With regard to "Step 5": When you fold the fabric to make the pockets for the weighted string, keep in mind that the presser foot of your machine will need to fit alongside of the weighted string with enough fabric coming out on the side opposite to the string to actually sew a seam.  Measure the width of your presser foot, add to that at least 1/4" and then be sure to turn down at least that much more than the width of the weighted string.  The selvage side of the fabric is easiest to deal with because you are only making one fold.  The cut sides of the fabric require two folds, which is a bit trickier, but not overly hard.
   Also I pinned the weighted string into place and the fabric for the pocket, both separately.  I am usually not a fan of lots of pinning, but found this to be optimal for me.  The weighted string won't stay in place otherwise, and the slippery fabric needed pinning, too.  As I sewed the pocket, I removed the pins that were holding the fabric, but only adjusted the ones holding the string.
  As for the zigzagging over the weighted string part, I set my zigzag to it's highest width, 11.   I re-positioned the string into the center of the pocket, which meant removing the pins a few at a time as I was sewing toward them.  Then I sewed slowly over the string, carefully guiding and adjusting the string to keep it feeding into the center of my presser foot.  It is a bit tricky to do, but it did work.  I didn't even break a needle, amazingly.

Can't wait to buy some more fabric and make another set!


Enjoy this article? Receive email alerts when new articles are available! Just click on the Follow button or subscribe above.

Tech Week 2015, Wednesday

 Peacefulness and order seem to be reigning so far this week.  The costume crew has worked hard to be prepared and has found themselves ahead of the plan.  Tonight is the first dress rehearsal, which will birth new projects.  It will continue to be a GREAT week.

 While labeling and sorting through my thread spools in preparation for their appearance at the theater today, I found myself reflecting upon the various projects associated with those thread colors.  I felt warm, happy and comfortable as I pondered, despite my knowledge that none of those projects were accomplished without mistakes and frustration.  Is it maturity and wisdom that empowers us to remember the entirety of the experience, including the messy and painful bits, and yet still find it a satisfying and even comforting memory?  Perhaps the added bit of knowledge that everyone struggles, makes mistakes and gets frustrated in the process is the "vitamin" that keeps this kind of jumbled rumination healthy?

 And then mix in the wonderful revelation that though now we see dimly, one day we will SEE clearly because we are face-to-face with KINGDOM REALITY.

 When dim seeing is this satisfying, how much more incredibly is what lies ahead?!

  What threads, colors, revelations are you seeing these days?


Enjoy this article? Receive email alerts when new articles are available! Just click on the Follow button or subscribe above.

Merry Christmas Advent Season #1

Snow globe. +
Packed away in Christmas Crates with fabric items to cushion. +
Christmas Crates stored in attic.+
Bitterly cold winter.  Decently warm spring and summer.
= Molded handmade, quilt-as-you go stockings.

12 hours one day + a few more hours = handmade quilt-as-you-go stockings version 2.0

Enjoy this article? Receive email alerts when new articles are available! Just click on the Follow button or subscribe above.

The Promised Pictures; Sewing for CHDT, part 2

 Here are the 3 pattern pieces that will become the bonnet.

Two pieces of the brim are sewn together, seam trimmed and turned right sides out.

This picture and the next two are of the long rectangular crown piece pinned and sewn onto the half oval back piece; this was a mind-bender when the instructions were first read and pondered.

The brim is now attached to the crown/back piece.  Top stitching the front of the brim is the final step before:

The bonnet is sewn!  Ribbon ties which coordinate with each schoolgirl's dress will be attached at the next rehearsal.  Seven bonnets completed, with an assist by my #4 daughter on the sewing of one.  By the way, the bonnets are black, although it looks blue in some of the photos.

Enjoy this article? Receive email alerts when new articles are available! Just click on the Follow button or subscribe above.

Sewing for CHDT

It's that time of year again; I am making hats for the 2nd Stage CHDT.  The play we will be performing is "The Little Princess."  Stay tuned for pictures of the process. . .

I also helped with costumes for the Main Stage production, but sadly, have no pictures of that

Good Vibrations

Starting to "feel" like summer and like I am in a new groove -- one which is more flexible and less scheduled.  The vague sense of discombobulation is dissipating.

 Driving hither and yon is another theme of this week, alongside overnight guests.  Many steps closer to readiness for summer camp, we are as a result of some of the taxiing.
 
 To get back to sewing the "practice" Jane Austen style dress, I must.  Appointments, shopping, taxiing and Pre-Calc have robbed time from this neglected project.

 Down to only one library book, I feel lonely.  This one demands more attention than most, so it is as it should be.

 Check it out; the author has keen insight into much that is happening at present.

 Something I have discovered which is helping me to be more mindful of God throughout the day, is Praying the Divine Hours.

What good things are happening in your sphere today?


Enjoy this article? Receive email alerts when new articles are available! Just click on the Follow button or subscribe above.