A homemade patchwork flag

The tall wall in the stairwell of this foursquare farmhouse needed something special.

It was dingy and empty. It needed color and something long to fill the space. I had been inspired by a patchwork fabric flag art piece in an antique store a long time ago. I realized that we could make our own, which would be personal to our family and fit the story of the farmhouse.

The sad stairwell, before

Vintage fabric details ❤️

First, I re-visited my inspiration photo and decided how I wanted our flag to look. Then, I measured the wall space and drew up a mockup on my computer. I planned out the best length and how much fabric i would need for the stripes.

Next, I started sourcing fabric. I used some handkerchiefs that were my Dad’s, and some of my husband’s old plaid shirts. I sourced more vintage fabric, hankies, tablecloths and grain sacks from marketplace, thrift stores and Amazon.

Finally, I casually asked my mom to sew everything together. I prayed she would do it. I have a sewing machine, but her attention to detail is unrivaled.

My mom somewhat reluctantly agreed. Then, she attacked the project like a professional. She did an amazing job sewing the pieces together and figuring out the design for the blue block.

Visual representation of the official DIY flag making process.

Nanny’s personal touch

She did go rogue in a few places and add in her own fabric that was special to her. These cartoon elephants are from a pillowcase that she made my daughter. 🥹 And I think she just liked the reindeer.

Hanging the flag

View from the upstairs bedroom

It means so so much to me to have this piece in the house. I love that it was a collaboration with my Mom. I love that the fabric we used has personal meaning to it. I love that it fits the vintage farmhouse vibe, and celebrates quilting, a craft that is historically femaie. And, I simply love that it’s big and colorful. It brightens up the space so much!

A new family heirloom