Patriotic Flag Bunting

I have been so excited about this project. It is the first time I have actually sewn something I saw without the use of a pattern! (That should be a clue to how easy this really was after all the issues were sorted). I saw this beautiful bunting in the Victorian Trading Co. Catalog and fell in love only it was a bit out of our budget and besides that- totally sold out! I thought to myself, "That doesn't look too hard, I'll find the instructions on-line and go for it!" Yeah, only, I couldn't really find any instructions I was totally happy with online- even at Martha- so I had to figure it out myself- SCARY! I did find a photo somewhere that used a little half-circle shape in the middle and I thought that might look better- plus I had 4 fabrics I wanted to use anyway. Here are the instructions that finally worked for me (after a few extra trips to the store and a few ripped seams and re-thinks). First, collect your materials, threads, bobbins, tools, ironing board, etc. Then, measure the window or place where you will be hanging your bunting and add an inch. Then do some math. I did some weird Bethany math that only makes sense to me, but basically divide your finished length (the one you just measured minus the inch) by 8. That is the width of each fabric strip. That number will also be the radius of the half-circle- you will DOUBLE the number for the width (diameter). Cut out your half-circle. Whooo, I am already mathed out! I hope that makes SOME sense. Now, for the lengths of the 3 strips. You will want to double what you would need to go around the half-circle. I used this online calculator to find out the circumference, then halved it (then doubled it again, because I forgot I was going to gather). Save yourself a redundant step. Use the entire circumference number and that will be the length of your first 2 tiers. You may need to sew a couple strips together to make the length you need like I did. This did not affect the final project as I staggered the extra seams- plus they kind of hide in the pattern and gathers.Sew the first two strips together, gather one side, pin and sew the gathered side to your half circle. Cut the third strip (and the lace border) a length and a half of the first two. You can even go a little longer if you want a tighter gather. I did not do this and had to rip the entire thing out and re-think it as it did not lay right AT ALL. It was also about 2:00 in the morning and I had had it!So, gather the third strip and sew to the second. I did not gather the middle strip and it all finished well, but I'm sure that would look cute too.Fold the raw edge under twice, iron, pin the lace on and sew. To finish, I kept this really easy and bought quilt binding. I pinned it all across the top and just sewed it on making sure to leave room at the top for a dowel to help it hang straight. I also added 5 small grommets and finally added the dowel. Done! If that didn't make any sense, and are a more visual learner, here's a diagram (please, don't actually check my math... it is not right due to some "issues" and I had to make due with what I had and tweaked things a bit... but these did actually work!):And it actually fit the window!!! It was so worth the wiggles and setbacks and next time, there won't be any (well, fewer anyway). I am so excited to have a unique bunting to show my love, gratitude and patriotism for this wonderful country I live in and those who have sacrificed so much so that we may enjoy it.