Fabric Bunting at It's Finest *swoon*

I'm sure you have all seen the precious handmade fabric buntings all over Etsy, Pinterest, and the blogosphere.  I myself have been swooning over fabric buntings for quite some time.  They are number one on my long list of sewing projects (a list that grows each time I open Pintrest!)

Sadly, I have NEVER sewn an entire project...

Truth is: I'm so scared of failure.
 {but that's a topic for another post}

 And while failure may can keep me from starting a project, it has NEVER kept me from finding a new project. Like buying a new book, the coming of a new year, or starting a new workout, finding a new, potential sewing project is so exciting!! I love searching Etsy (seriously... I love it) for those ladies who know EXACTLY what they are doing. 

That's why when I came across the shop Betty and Barclay, I knew that the shop owner, Carole James was 

An EXPERT in fabric bunting.

Just take a look for yourself...

A Valentine's Day Bunting

Mini Buntings  

Party Buntings

St. Patrick's Day Buntings

Carole is a retired Brit, who currently lives in France.
When Carole isn't busy sewing buntings, she is out perusing the French countryside for vintage treasures to sell in her other Etsy shops,
Le Moulin Bleu and Château D'Aulnay.

Here are a few questions answered by the expert herself. 

Carole, can you explain what a bunting is and how they are used?

CJ)  Buntings originated in Suffolk, England in the mid 1800s and were traditionally used by the navy for signalling purposes and even today the ship's officer in charge of communications uses flags known as a "bunt".   As time went by the flags then moved on to being a decoration for boats and yachts with colors being red, yellow, blue and green. Buntings then became popular with patriotic celebrations, moving on to home party decorations and now today to being home decorations for use all year...celebrating or not!

 How did you become interested in making and selling your signature line of buntings?

CJ) My niece was getting married and commented that she would like to have bunting but it is so expensive....I like sewing so thought I would make her some as a surprise. I looked on the Internet and was surprised at just how expensive buntings can be so thought I'd have a go at trying to sell some. 
One of my first buntings was my Nautical Navy and White Stripe Bunting.   I thought as bunting has its origins with a naval theme this would be a good one to start with and it has become my most popular bunting...I don't know exactly how many I have sold but I have used about 50 yards of fabric now so it is quite a lot!  Three orders have been for "nautical themed" weddings and my nautical buntings have been featured in over 100 Etsy Treasurys. 

Do you have any tips on how to decorate with buntings?

CJ)  In my experience, I always think that buntings look better when hung in a space as opposed to being flat against a wall...say from one wall to another across a corner, not flat against the wall.  The uses for buntings are endless but I always say that "less is more" if you choose colors correctly.   You don't need loads of bunting to make an impact in rooms where you might need a lot of buntings.  For example, say if you were going to fill a marquee for a party, decorate a shop, a tent stall, across a street, etc.  then certainly bunting with spaces in between the flags is so much better...not so much like shark teeth!  Also, fewer flags are needed and the cost of the banner should be less expensive.  I've made all sorts of buntings from a New York fashion show with 300 yards down to a string of five little flags for a baby's  room.  I make many customized buntings which is always a pleasant challenge!

Betty & Barclay

Who are Betty and Barclay?

CJ)  Betty and Barclay are the names of my vintage Teddy Bears!

Barclay was found at an antique fair in England.  He was under a stall with his head in a polythene bag...we had to rescue him!  A year later we found Betty with a broken neck and torn ear...another rescue and a mate for Barclay!

Make sure to go check out this sweet Etsy shop and learn more about Carole, and see her other beautiful buntings.  Perfect for nurserys, holidays, or adding color to any room! 

Oh!  Don't forget to enter this month's GIVEAWAY :)