Sewing Paper and Cloth Banners

How are you doing? I've made a couple of new things lately and didn't make the connection until I started writing this post that they are both banners that were made with my sewing machine. 

Actually, the first one is a garland. I've seen die cuts sewn together and have been wanting to experience making one myself. I haven't sewn paper very much with my sewing machine so I was a bit skeptical about the results of this project. I started with two different shades of pink card stock, then punched the butterfly shapes and finally stitched them together at a 3 inch interval. I was pleasantly surprised and happy with my butterfly garland! Here they are strung on an old lamp base for you to see. 

One trick I learned is to keep the string pulled tight while sewing the stitches. You can space the shapes as far apart as you like. I used 12 of the light pink and 12 dark pink butterflies and it made a 72 inch garland. Also, THE GARLAND CAN GET TANGLED VERY EASILY! Be sure to wind it on a piece of cardboard as you sew or it will become a tangled mess (like it did the first time I tried it).

I've also been wanting to make doily banners. We've been in our home for nine years now and our laundry room window needed a little dressing up. I thought I'd add a little something to give the illusion of a valance: a small doily garland.

It took me such a long time to try this because of my unwillingness to  cut my precious doilies in half. I knew that once I cut them, I couldn't put them back together again just like Humpty Dumpty. But once I got started, I found it to be very easy to make as it takes but simple sewing skills. I attached the doilies with an old piece of linen.

I left 12 inch ends to tie it to the window blinds.

I really love to sew, but getting myself to the machine to do it is tough. Once I get going though, I love the results! My mother was a sewing teacher while I was growing up, so I learned all of the fundamentals of sewing at an early age. I am always grateful to my mom for that! 

I have collected many doilies on my antiquing trips last year and I'll probably make some for my Etsy shop. 

Try making these bannerss. I think you will find them to be fun and easy to make. Maybe you won't have as much difficulty cutting up your doilies and getting to your sewing machine!