Monday, July 1, 2013

Raggie Star Garland

Happy July 4th week to all from the B Farm! I managed to get quite a bit done from my project list last week. I didn't finish everything but I got the major projects done that needed to be completed by the weekend so I feel good about that. And the mantel is finally decorated for the 4th/Summer. I added a few red flowers to the flower arrangements, the chippy star, a raggie star garland, Uncle Sam made from a piece of fence picket, and the lantern filled with starfish.




 Uncle Sam was made from a piece of fence picket with a strip of wood for hat band glued on then painted. Easy!



One of my projects from last week was making a raggie star garland for the fireplace mantel. I used the technique from raggie quilts - easy to do. I like the way it turned out too.

To begin with, I got 4 different cotton fabrics - 2 reds and 2 blues. I got 1/4 yard of each except for the stripe and I got 1/2 yard of it. You also need some osnaburg fabric - I had some left over from a raggie quilt I'd already made. You can find it with the muslin and other utility fabrics. It frays well.


Next, you cut your star shapes ( I made a template from a piece of cardboard ) - you will need a piece of osnaburg and a front and back of your cotton fabric for each star. I cut out 3 striped stars ( 9 pieces ), 2 dark blue (4 pieces), 2 red floral (4 pieces) , and 2 light blue (4 pieces) and 9 osnaburg stars. Then you layer the stars together - 2 cotton stars, right sides out, with one osnaburg star in the middle. Sew each star with a 1/2" seam allowance. You will then snip each seam allowance 1/4" to 1/2" apart, being careful not to snip the thread. You can see the stitching on the red star below:


Wash the stars then dry them. This causes the edges to fray and rag. Poke a hole in the arms of each star and tie together with twine. Hang and enjoy!





I hope you have a fantastic 4th! I'm off to cooler climates to visit some friends. Looking forward to under 100 degree weather!

:o)
Cecilia

linking up at these parties:
Coastal Charm Nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no170
Life On Lake Shore Drive bouquet-of-talent-linky-party-42
diyshowoff that-diy-party
A Stroll Thru Life 171st-inspire-me-tuesday

10 comments:

  1. Love your patriotic decor. The star garland is stunning, and your mantel vignette is gorgeous. Thanks tons for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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    Replies
    1. Hi Marty! Thank you for your encouraging words. Always glad to join your party!
      hugs back!

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  2. I love the raggedy star garland with the cute stars of patriotic colors. Your Uncle Sam is wonderful from the fence post an artistic tpuch! Have a great 4th!

    Pam

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Pam! Glad you liked it and thanks for visiting. I will pop over and visit you back!

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  3. Wow Cecilia! You are so lucky you can paint like that! The fence post of Uncle Sam is so cute and what a great repurposing idea!

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    Replies
    1. Actually Doreen, he was very easy to paint. You just draw out the design and fill in with red, white and blue. Or peach for his face. lol. I just noticed I didn't finish his mustache - it should have been outlined with a Sharpie. Oh well! Glad you like him. You should see my big one! I used a 4 ft picket for him...he actually has a body lol.

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  4. Greetings from Montreal, Canada, Cecilia. You are very talented, and this is a beautiful post.

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    1. Hi LInda! I'm so sorry I haven't replied before now ( how did I over look it? Yikes!) . Thank you for visiting all the way from Montreal! And thank you for the sweet comments.

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  5. Oh Cecilia - I'm in love with your raggedy garland - it looks so beautiful against the brick!!!
    XOXO

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Suzan! I am just now discovering I hadn't answered your comment. I'm so sorry!!

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