Church Banners, and Why They Are So Time Consuming

I have to admit that anything that starts from a sketch so simple should not end up using such a large portion of your life to produce. However, in my area, the problem has been finding supplies, as I have stated before, and after numerous (way too numerous) hours on the internet searching for background fabrics, and candle fabrics, everything is beginning to be a bit closer to coming together. And boy am I relieved!

While this does not show the wonderful shimmering quality of the flame fabric, trust me when I say it will be seen from afar! Trying to photograph the holographic pieces are hit and miss. I also plan to put a bit of angelina in the very center of the flames when everything is attached, as I will have to use fabric glue and don't want to reheat the fiber again. It's right where I want it color wise and one more hit with the iron and who knows???

And this is what appears to be a small amount of work, the candles cut, the *glow* of the flame and flame proper fused together......how deceiving. This was an amazing amount of time! Since it's almost all silk, it has to be handled with extreme care and everything has to be perfectly on-grain.

And the little *wax drips*? They can't be just fused, but zigzagged around all the way to make sure they stay on. After three backing support products, I finally discovered that tissue paper works the best.......grrrrrrrrr.......let's see, eight small candles, two large candles, and I am pretty sure that equals Anne losing her mind!
The next step is getting these onto felt, then a slow, broad zigzag all around the edges to secure everything so it doesn't ravel out!
And that's the Monday update on the monsters---stay tuned for more of my perils and adventures right here on El Milagro!!!
And I hope you have a wonderful, easy-going type week, and think of me slaaaaaaaving at the sewing machine! ;-) LOL!!!!!

Pax.