What I've been up to

Secret projects make for boring blogging weeks!  But since today is the event for which the projects were made, I can safely post these photos now.  First up, the gift bags, the raw materials of which I showed on my previous post.

I made 12 bags from one yard of fabric and then had to have the shower hostess get more, once all the RSVPs were in, to make an additional three bags.

I had fun being creative with my photo subject :)   At the same time as more gift bag fabric was delivered, another project came along with it--two banners.  Printed flags were all ready to be inserted into the yards and yards of "string" I made from various prints the hostess, Shasta, purchased. 

I cut the strips 2" wide and sewed them together with diagonal seams, a la binding, and pressed them in half.  Then I opened up the strip and brought one edge to  the center and the other to about 3/8".  I inserted the paper flag, using a ruler and spacing them as I went, and stitched.  I used a larger needle to help with this (size 14).  The flags were about 8" across at their tops.

It went pretty quickly once I started sewing--the prep took the longest amount of time, of course!

Turned out pretty cute!  The other banner is about four times as long as this and reads "Elaine Loves Chris".  I hope to get a photo of it at the shower. 

On Monday I picked up my fair entries and ribbons--plus a check for $4.00 for winning the two second place prizes.  My dad wanted me to put them on my sewing machine as "campaign ribbons".  This photo is for you, Dad!