Americana Burlap Wreath

My sweet friend mentioned she wanted a wreath for her front door...ok she actually mentioned it several times. We had pinned a Patriotic Wreath we both really liked. After a bit of thought, the cogs started to turn....I wonder?! Yep, I've got a wreath. Ohh, and we can use this star. And finally something to redo this garland with. Here's just enough burlap left. This flag was losing some of it stick anyway, not to mention looking a bit weather worn- just perfect for our next project.

I LOVE it! We wrapped the burlap around then the garland. Now some way to keep the star in place....how about some jute twine. I soaked the flag in tea (black tea works better but I only had herbal) to turn it a bit yellow.

VOILA!
One amazing wreath made with supplies already on hand. 

Hmmmm, I wonder if I should have kept it for myself?

Looks wonderful huh!

Yep, Ms. Kaylyn loved it too. She didn't even put up too much of a fight when I told her to hang it on HER door. Yeah, it was a sure fire give away she was head over heels in love with this little project.

It looks perfect on her front door. Warm, inviting, and patriotic. You just can't get more American than a little boy in blue heading home.

Thanking our Heros!

 The news is filled with rememberings of 9/11. 

I realized 3 of my 4 boys were not even born. Do they understand what all the fuss is about?

I had been to the Towers just after the first bombing in 1994. 

I remember visiting DC and driving past the Pentegon.

I remember sprawling fields of Pennsylvania all on a history tour in high school. 

How different that tour would be now.

I remember being in my living room in our first house. I was just barely pregnant with our second.

Dear hubby was at school and I was off work cleaning house.

I don't remember why I turned the tv on, if my mom called or I already had it on but I remember sitting in stunned amazement as the first tower burned. Then watching the next planes crash as well. Like so many others that day remains vivid in my mind. Someone was quoted as stating "this is our Pearl Harbor". I can relate to that. Few events in the history of America have etched their way permanently into our minds as these have. What a tragic day. My heart goes out to all those touched personally by these events. 

May God watch over you and yours. 

America is STILL great! 

We have heroes everyday touching lives and never asking for anything in return. 

It is this type of behavior upon which this Land of Liberty has been built.
You are not forgotten. 

I will remember.

My children will remember.

My family will remember.

Generations will remember 

the sacrifice of so many to secure the freedom that defines 

America- the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.

Thank you! We love you!

Patriotic banner....

I love the half circle banners. I'm not sure what they are officially called. I tried searching for some homemade ones and couldn't find anything like I had in mind. So I set out to make my own. 

Now, I am a visually oriented person so not having something to look at was a bit of a challenge. I wouldn't say my project turned out perfect but it's enough to give me an idea of what to do better and change next time. Hopefully a true seamstress will come along and offer me some advice as well.....

 I think it is actually too small for this window but I'm gonna leave it up until I have something to replace it with.

 I also need another hook, dear hubby will rescue me when he gets home. I just used Christmas light hooks. I had found a couple of stragglers to use but need one more.....

 So here is how I did it. I wanted to use some scraps so I just sewed 4" strips together. I don't like to measure and with needing to gather it I wasn't sure how long to make it. I just winged it. I think these were 45" wide to begin with then I seamed two sections together....My next one will be longer and each strip will be a couple of inches longer than the previous. When I'm done I should have more of a triangle shape which will gather to a fan more easily, I hope. I think I will make it taller as well buy adding more strips of each color........

 After sewing my colors together I did a baste stitch so I could gather it. This would give me my fan shape...

Then I sewed the center strip in on itself. Now my rectangle of colors was starting to take shape. It took a lot of time to gather each strip but it worked....

I finished it with a solid backing and sewed along each strip to hold the gathers in place. I had to add a couple of tucks in the blue section, it is just so puffy. I think added a couple inches to each strip next time will help this as well. Plus the very center maybe try to make a half circle instead of folding it on itself.

I love this star pattern my machine has. Then I used grommets to hang the hooks.

 Voila! I am excited but now I wanna make another.

Not perfect but I'll take it.

If you have any tips that would help PLEASE let me know! I have another window to do!!
Linking up....