DIY Spring Yard Banner

       I have some wonderful neighbors who mow my front side yard.  It really helps me out since my arthritis can get the best of me sometimes.  The neighbors says its no big deal because since he's mowing his side yard, he only takes about 2 more rounds to get my little piece.  Regardless, he has to go around a tree, so I know it takes time.
       I decided to try to make a yard banner for my neighbors.  I found the hanger at Lowes.

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*A Tutorial Tuesday*

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First I used an old banner to get measurements.

 Folded over 20 inches and cut 15 inches wide.

Auditioned sizes of letters.

Made a mistake and cut fabric for letters,

before I ironed on interfacing.

This is my favorite way to do letter applique.

Once I decide from auditioning on paper, the sizes of my letters,

I cut rectangles to help me keep consistant size

as I free hand cut out the letters.

I used to make my letters for

 my classroom bulletin boards like this all the time. 

I free hand cut the flower petals as well.

Nature isn't perfect.

After all letters and the flower were cut and placed,

I put a dab of glue stick

 in the middle of each letter and flower part

where the machine needle would not be stitching. 

      The little dab of glue held everything in place as I zig-zag stitched around all pieces.  Sure beats having pins sticking me all the time.  The iron on interfacing has a surface that doesn't let the pieces slide around and also makes the fabric pieces a bit stiffer and more manageable.  I've been using this method for years, because I have a monster size roll of iron-on interfacting.

      NOTE: Unfold the banner fabric, and applique on one layer of fabric.

Mark 2 inches from the folded top.

At the 2 inch mark, cut in 1/2 inch.

Turn 1/4 inch between cut marks and iron,

 and stitch like I did if you want.

Then turn 1/4 inch again and iron, & top stitch.

With WRONG sides together, (to make a french seam)

stitch 1/4 inch seam down each side from the cut mark.

You can skip this step if you have fabric that doesn't ravel easy.

 Turn right sides together and stitch 1/4 inch down sides

being sure to enclose the previous seam.

Stitch across bottom leaving an opening 

which I've marked with double pins.

 Turn right side out.

Top stitch across the bottom

Stitch a line across the top

2 inches from the top.

Be sure to back stitch at the beginning and end.

This will be the casing to hang on the rod.

Now I'd like to make me one.

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Sharing at several Linky Parties.

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