Saturday, May 21, 2011

Mommy Chicken Prayer Flags

I have long admired the Tibetan Prayer Flags that homes around Boulder County dispaly, and although I do my best to practice mindfulness everyday, I just don't know all the Tibetan chants.  That's why when I was thinking of sewing a Bunting for my niece's graduation, I thought of Mommy Chicken Prayer Flags.  It's kind of a mish-mash of the two.  I would be making a Bunting, but not just with any old fabric purchased for this reason.  I was going to used leftover scraps from the bags, skirts, tops, and even a dress that I had made for loved ones, including my niece.  With this in mind, I would be sewing my prayers and love into each and every one.  Here's how!

I measured and found the smallest scrap that I would be working with.
Now I could come up with a template that would fit all the fabrics.  I used poster board to cut a triangle.
Then used said triangle and pencil to trace the "penants" on the wrong side of each fabric.
Before cutting, I starched and ironed each fabric. This made for easier cutting, and made the flags look a bit more proud! I used pinking shears so I wouldn't have to hassle with a hem or unravelling.
Now it was time to "do the shuffle!"  I moved the flags around and around until my eye, and my daughter Rachel's, liked what they saw.

The final step.  I used single-fold biasis tape in a pretty coordinating color to sew the flags on.  I started by unfolding, ironing flat, then refolding and ironing in half.  I'm sure there has got to be a better way, but I'm known to sometimes "take the long road."  Don't forget, slow and steady wins the race.  But I digress.  You could use a pretty ribbon, twine, whatever you have on hand or whatever fancies your heart.
I carefully spaced out the flags and pinned them in place.  Now that all the detail was taken care of, it was time for the fun part.  Zoom!  With foot to the pedal the Prayer Flags were created.
And hung with much back and forth of the ladder.  Bless my dear sister for putting up with me during this process.  But what can I say, we Mommy Chickens tend to be a bit fussy!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial, and I more than hope you will make and enjoy your own.

2 comments:

Janets House said...

I love the garlands. What fun to make them with the leftover fabrics. Reminds me of my grandmothers quilts made with remnents from our playclothes and dress fabrics. A lovely keepsake!

Melissa said...

Janet, I'm flattered! Your grandmother made some beautiful pieces, just right for keeping her family warm and brightened by color. So glad you visited and found me. The circle grows!

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