Red, White and Blue

Independence Day Celebrations are coming up.  I have been insanely busy this week, and can't disclose too much at this point.  Not wanting to drop completely off the map, I thought I'd show my latest version for the banner wreath and seasonal pillow:

I went with simple-to-cut-out triangles in two sizes, with pinked edges, sewed into double folded white bias trim.

I have had red, white and blue fabric set aside for at least 6 years to make into something patriotic.  At first it was going to be a flag-themed wall quilt, and then everything was put away with moving to Idaho from Utah, having two more babies etc etc etc.  Since discovering blogging, banners, and adorable throw pillows, I think I like this result so much more.
Here's the pillow:

I have wanted to play with pinwheel designs for a long time.  I found Vanessa's Pinwheel Tutorial, and decided to try it while I was cutting out everything else.  I didn't pay attention to size, and ended up making the originals too big...these pinwheels were actually made with the scraps left over.  I also couldn't seem to remember NOT to sew down the middle, and so there is a definite learning curve!  I ended up making tiny pinwheels, with a 1 inch border between.  I also had to add a second border to make the pillow front big enough to fit the form.

The bottom red pinwheel faces the wrong direction, and got a little wonky.  This was really a "salvage my mistakes" project.  I tried using prairie points again, mostly so I could use some of my red, white, and blue scraps.  They are tiny...folded from 2.5 inch squares, and I caught the edges funny this time, so the corners are a bit buckled.    The finished pillow is 11 inches square.

The fabrics are a mix of  Moda, Aunt Grace, and other scraps I've picked up through the years.  I love the fun Uncle Sam hats especially.  I had to fancy cut this little kid with a flag for the banner.  Isn't he adorable?

We've had crazy weather this June, for which I am thankful.  I wilt when it gets above 82 degrees.  My flowers, however are starting to thrive.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend with your families.  We are planning on resting and recuperating.  Stay tuned next week.  My birthday is coming up, and I have a few giveaways in mind to celebrate.  It's either that or cry.  I didn't mind turning 30 at all.  Even 35 didn't phase me, but for some reason 36 is bothering me a bit.

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Itsy Bitsy Paper Red White and Blue Party