Banner DIY

This weekend is my last wedding of 2014!

I'm heading to Pittsburgh for this one & it's one of my roommates from Mexico.  I'm so happy for her and excited to be there for their special day!

They opted for a relatively low key wedding.  No bridal showers or bachelorette parties.  Their invite didn't even have where they are registered.  When I reached out to her, I said something along the lines of: "Are you registered somewhere or are you encouraging creativity for gifts?"  She responded with something along the lines of: "We're registered at Bed, Bath, & Beyond (which was a strange experience walking around with the scanning gun), but if you feel inspired we would love creativity."

Boom.  Opening.  I'll take it!

I did send something off their registry to their new home in San Antonio, but I also got excited to make them something for their new home.

A banner with their last name initial!

Choose your fabric.  This project doesn't require a lot.  Just make sure the banner fabric is thick enough for your liking.  Cut it based on the size you desire.

Close off those sides (and bottom) we don't want any frayed edges.  I used a zigzag stitch for the sides so it would have a little character, although the ultimate goal is not to see the thread.

When you fold over the top for the dowel, double check to ensure there is enough space to slide your dowel through.

This is where your details come in.  (I am not a very detail oriented person so I had to take some breaks to get through these last steps.  Hey, I know myself.)

I printed out the letter because I love my handwriting, but not that much.

Pin your letter to the fabric.

Note:  I used a double layer of my letter fabric because I wanted it a bit darker and I thought it would add a bit more character.

I am terrible at using a sufficient number of pins (again, note my lack of detail).  Pin the letter to your letter fabric to your own standards and then cut around the paper to create your letter.

Pin the letter to your banner.  Again, use the number of pins sufficient for you.
Slowly sew around the letter.  After some thought, I ended up using the sewing machine with a very small stitch length.  I went very slowly and took a break in the middle.
You could also use fusible webbing, which you can buy per yard at a fabric store.  Personally, I liked the look of the stitching.
Why did my first banner have to be a S?

Iron.
Ironning should always be your finisher for any sewing project.  Generally, with my lack of details I sometime skip this step.  But not this time!

 There you have it!  

This is a super easy project and I think adorable.

I'm actually thinking about opening an etsy shop with these for a fun winter activity.  Not sure if anyone would buy one, but...it's a thought.

update: If you don't feel like making one yourself, I opened an etsy shop!