Let Your Freak Flag Fly...

We heart pirates around here, and all things piratey. I also love flags and banners, so I had the idea the other day to make a family flag. Something to hang outside to let the neighbourhood know that pirates live right here on Main St. Orono.
Today's crafternoon activity is going to be an easy peasy one folks (and it is something that the kids could certainly help with). You could add fabric paint, or felt cut outs. Buttons, sparkles...go nuts. 
For the purpose of being hung outside (and subject to the elements) I kept ours simple.


You will need:

1 pillow case

Iron-on ink jet transfer paper

Scissors

Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
Ribbon or trim

Print skull onto transfer paper. I found our skull online, just google "skull clip art".  You could also paint your own right onto fabric with fabric paint. 

Trim paper close to skull edges, follow package instructions and iron picture onto a piece of fabric (we chose a contrasting pattern to the actual pillow case).

Cut out around skull, centre onto pillow case and stitch around edges to secure.

Run a seam around edges of the pillow case to join both sides (and eliminate billowing). I added a black ribbon to create a frame around our skull.

Fold under the right side and stitch along the edge - make sure to leave just enough space from fold to seam to allow a branch or doweling to slide in snugly and stay secure.

You can also get creative and make some pirate "accessories"...a vest.

A hat.

We re-hung the flag sideways so it will always be visible. 

Add one pirate and you've got yourself a party...Aaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrr! 

Later maties xo.