On my trip to London two years ago I became obsessed with buntings, otherwise known as “banners” in the U.S. I became envious of all the charming and whimsical bunting designs that aren’t readily available here, and that’s when I started looking at my sewing machine in a different way. Long ago, I had received a sewing machine as a present and all the while it had been sitting around in my garage collecting dust. Motivated by the idea of being able to create something simple, artful, and unique, I finally took a sewing class after returning from the U.K. As a result, my sewing machine has officially become my bunting maker.
I decided to make a bunting for my incredibly talented friend Annie Vovan of Annie Vovan Photography as a part of the 31 Days of Kindness Project by Happy Joyful Day Blog. A few weeks ago I received a lovely tea themed care package as a random act of kindness from Yvonne King of DressThisNest.com, and it’s finally my turn to pay it forward.
Annie just gave birth to a baby boy in early October and I wanted to make her something that would be meaningful and one-of-a-kind, a memento to mark this very special moment in her and her husband’s life, and the life of their Baby Boy Max. I came up with the phrase “Love to the Max” for this bunting not only to honor her beautiful son but also to reflect he way Annie lives her life…a life of love, brilliance, and wholeheartedness.
I am not a skilled or experienced sewer by any means, so it’s a relief that this bunting project only requires that one know how to use a sewing machine to sew a basic, simple thread. Buntings are the perfect decorative finish to all kinds of events like birthday parties, showers, holidays, and of course, afternoon tea celebrations! A trip to a well-stocked fabric store should get you inspired and well on your way to creating your own charming celebration piece in no time.
DIY Fabric Bunting
What You’ll Need:
fabric (how much depends on length of bunting you are making)
1″ thick good-quality ribbon (how long depends on length of bunting you are making)
rotary cutting tool or pinking shears
ruler
self-healing cutting mat
sewing machine (with thread that matches the ribbon color)
a chopstick or long stick
an iron
glue gun and wood chip letters (optional)
Step-By-Step: