March 26, 2014

Spring Dreams!

 
 
Welcome to my stop for the Flags on a Stick blog hop! As always, thanks to Mme Samm and our cheerleader Thearica for getting us started and keeping us in line. These hops are always so much fun.

I have named my flag Spring Dreams because we are still very much dreaming of flowers and grass and warm temperatures. In fact, that flag is planted in yet more fresh snow, and we have a blizzard warning in effect for Wednesday night/Thursday. I'm ready for flowers, so I made my own!











I started out by piecing the background, then fusing the flowers. Then it was time to fuse the flower centers. Unfortunately, this wasn't as simple as I thought it would be. The fabric I had planned to use was too dark, so I had to figure out a Plan B. This was the scene in my kitchen after I dumped out one of my scrap bags in search of the right fabrics.










Nothing really struck my fancy, so I taped the flag to a wall in the kitchen and played with different possibilities.

At this point I wasn't liking it much. It felt really flat, like there was no life in it at all. But I didn't have enough time, or inspiration, left to make anything else, so I moved on to stitching around the flowers.



 What a difference a little blanket stitching makes! I'm back to liking it again.


 A dark green binding and my flag was ready for display.

My husband made me a flag holder out of an old railing and a dowel, then I headed out in the backyard for a few pictures. I see more flags in our future as I'm quite pleased with both this flag and the holder Paul made. I think this will find a permanent home in the front of the house once the snow melts.









Everyone shares so much creativity during Mme. Samm's hops. If you've never taken part, head over to Sew we Quilt to get in on the fun.

Don't forget to check out the others who are sharing their flags today.

Thanks for stopping by! If you haven't entered my giveaway to win a Craftsy class, click here. Also, I'm hosting TGIFF this week, so come on back to check out my And Sew On finish and to link up your own finish. See you then.

66 comments:

  1. Love your flower flag, sew spring like despite the snow! Your hubby did a wonderful job on the flag stand. Thank you for sharing.

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  2. Your Spring Dreams flag is lovely. Hopefully Mother Nature will notice and actually send you Spring Flowers and Sunshine to accompany your flag. Nice holder hubby made. Thank you sew very much for Hopping and Flag Flying...

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  3. What a cute little flag! The stitching around the flowers definitely added the perfect touch. Thanks for sharing your little breathe of spring.

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  4. Oh, how cute this is! Very Spring-y! Really dresses up that pile of snow in your yard. I'm sure those flowers are ready to pop out the minute the snow melts.

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  5. Ooh, such a pretty flag. I'm with you...so in need of flowers. It is time for the snow to go away for a while! The blanket stitch really does add more pizazz, sew very pretty!

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  6. This is really pretty,, thanks for sharing. xx

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  7. That flag is so brave and cheery and optimistic waving there in the snow from the lovely flag holder your husband made! The green just glows in that setting, and the white background makes it look like the flowers are blooming right through the snow and just daring the weather to stop them. A beautiful job from start to finish.

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  8. I love the fun bright flowers! Maybe they will come through the snow soon...

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  9. It is beautiful!!! And I may be asking my husband to make a similar holder someday :) Thanks for the inspiration!!

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  10. I didn't realize I had scheduled so many snow birds on the same day! :)

    Your flag is gorgeous and is perfect for the coming Spring! It is coming... just around the corner... It has arrived here but we are having some cold temps today... But we have to have Dogwood winter so the dogwoods will bloom... and oh yes, there will be blackberry winter yet to come... But I do believe we are through with the ice and any chance of snow... I sure hope so.

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  11. Your flag is a lovely harbinger of Spring! The blanket stitching definitely adds dimension to it.

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  12. A lovely little flag, so bright and cheerful.

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  13. love your pole....and your flag ...how lovely that your flowers are still popping out with all this snow....lol I still feel the spring of it all....

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  14. Your flag certainly brings a touch of spring to your snowy garden! It is beautiful!

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  15. Surely this adorable flag will bring good vibes for spring and very soon! I think everyone is ready!

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  16. One of my favorite humors is IRONY, which you have with your lovely spring flag in the middle of the snow!. I love the cheery yellow flowers, and the pieced background is such a great idea to get a pop of color without making the background boring and all one color.

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  17. It is a lovely flag that hopefully will encourage Spring to arrive. The stitching around the flowers definitely made it stand out and it looks beautiful hanging on your post!

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  18. Looks like Spring with your flag. I like the piecing and the applique together. We are having Spring weather here..our windy season is the start of Spring, but the temps are warm too.

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  19. I really like your flag. The colors and fabrics and layout is just so nice. We are getting winds and a few more flakes today and your pretty banner is a breath of spring air. I like the wooden pole you and your hubby made. Well done! ... :) Pat

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  20. Very cute, but those poor flowers look a little out of place in all of that snow.

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  21. Your flowers brightened up the snow! I think many of us are screaming for spring.

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  22. Great job on your flag Leanne!! And your flag holder looks great flying your new flag....

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  23. Yep, there is that drated snow we are all about sick of! LOL What a great way to trick your mind into nicer days and flowers in the garden coming up!

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  24. Your spring flag is absolutely stunning. I love it.

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  25. Love your spring flag! I think spring is here at my house - daffodils are up, tulip trees are blooming and I'm hoping last night was the very last one we will have that is below freezing! blessings, marlene

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  26. Your flag is sweet Leanne...I hope we don't get hit hard with this blizzard, it's noon and nothing yet. Hubby did a great job on your flag holder :)

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  27. HI Leanne love your flag and it is set off really well by the snow!!!! Although it should be spring by now. Hope it all melts soon and the flowers for real appear. Susie x

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  28. Your Dreaming of Spring flag is very pretty, I like your name for it and your flag pole is super nice....you can't beat a handy man around the house ! I hope spring finds your house soon !

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  29. Spring WILL be here soon and your flag is a welcome announcement!!
    Blessings
    Gmama Jane

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  30. Hi Leanne! Nothing like creating your own "world"! While we dream of snow in Florida, I know the grass is always greener....! At least you have flowers blooming outside your window. Hope it doesn't get covered by the snow :)

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  31. So pretty...I love the name "Spring Dreams".

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  32. It's lovely Leanne, I hope it brings you some Spring sunshine soon too :)

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  33. I love your flag! Hopefully spring will get the hint, and you can enjoy the flag when you are outside!

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  34. Beautiful flag. It is so bright it should melt all that snow. I love flowers. Great job, thanks for sharing.

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  35. I like it, too, and the flowers are wonderful. We are sadly in need of flowers and Springy weather in our parts though we can see the ground - but it is brown and thankfully, not white!! At this point, it may turn white again before warmer temps return! What a handy husband you have; tell him it's a wonderful flag pole.

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  36. Very pretty and your flag holder is lovely, too. It's so nice to have a handy hubby. We are all dreaming of spring and hopefully it will arrive soon. In the meantime, your sweet flag will bring smiles.

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  37. Sometimes its the simple little details that make all the difference! Love the yellow flowers on your flag,they remind me of sunflowers(my favorite).

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  38. Wonderful flag, makes me think spring can't be to far behind.lol We had big snow storm on Tuesday. Thanks for sharing.

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  39. How wonderful that your husband was able to help you out with the flag pole. I don't blame you for making your own version of spring either with this long, long winter we have had this year. It sure turned out cute and adds a bright spot with all that white that is sticking around. More coming? Not fair!

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  40. Your flag is very nice, and it sure helps to add a little spring to that snow. Your hubby is so smart! Great idea!

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  41. Love your flag. If only Spring would get here and warm everything up....LOL
    Great job on the flag.

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  42. Still waiting for it to warm up here, but at least our snow is gone. Your flag is beautiful and how nice of your husband to make a flag pole so you can display it.

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  43. I love your Spring flag. So pretty. And that is a great flag pole your husband made.
    Great job.
    xo jan

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  44. Great flag I hope you took it in. I am watching the weather channel and feeling very sorry for all you down easter's.

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  45. That's so cute! I'm so sorry for all of the snow. Hopefully you'll melt out soon. :)

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  46. great flag ...I too love to see what the scrap bag will yield .... sew many possiblities. Thanks for sharing
    in stitches

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  47. It's a beautiful flag and yellow flowers are my favorite!! Love the flag pole your husband made for you!

    -Soma

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  48. Nice flag holder. Your flag is a bit of spring sitting in the snow. I bet you can't wait. :-)

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  49. Oh, my - more snow! I love snow and it can be overwhelming. I live in Oklahoma and we have been blessed with a very mild winter compared to many, many areas of the world. Many of the school districts have used more than their allotted weather days. I think most people are really ready for spring. Your flag is an ingenious may to have flowers in April. I was amazed at the difference the blanket stitch made. I think most of us wait until we are happy with applique before we start blanket stitching. Thank you for showing what you did - it sure made a huge difference. That encourages each of us to try something different. Your husband did a magnificent job on your flag holder. It certainly adds to the appeal of the flag. You two make a great team. Thanks for participating in the hop and giving us a breathe of spring admist your snowy backdrop.

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  50. Very cute flag! I would love to win a Craftsy class!

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  51. Looks like Spring...awwwhhhhh... you did a beautiful job on those flowers...and that stand is too cute...really good job!

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  52. Your pretty flag says spring to me! Looks like you'll have to wait a while to see flowers in your garden. We are having snow flurries in Calgary too but nothing like the weather in the east.

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  53. Wow, with all that snow you certainly needed some springy colors! Great job!

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  54. We here at Flags On A Stick can relate to getting a late spring, we still have snow too. What a wonderful way to bring spring to you with your lovely flag!

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  55. Lovely flag on a stick!

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  56. Wonderful and I love the colors :)

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  57. Wonderful flag and thanks for your kind words on mine! Beth @ Words & Stitches.

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  58. Very pretty and it looks ready for spring to come.

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  59. love it! I hope you get some spring weather soon!

    Thanks so much for showing this off at Needle and Thread Thursday!

    :) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

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  60. cute! i like when we can be creative and make our own flowers while waiting on mother nature.

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  61. Beautiful flag and looks so very lovely and spring-like out in the snow :) Thank you so much for sharing!!

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  62. Aw, I love your flowers! I wish I would see some outside for real!!!! Great flag!

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  63. Love your flag and the flowers. Sew pretty!

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