Quilted Prayer Flags

I have been working on a set of prayer flags.  I use this term based on the Buddhist prayer flags.  But, you can also find them among the Catholic religion, Native American rituals, and other spiritual practices.  I consider myself to be a Buddhist (even though I have grown up and studied many different religions). The red, blue, yellow, white and green Buddhist prayer flags represent the elements. White symbolizes air, red is fire. Green is water, yellow is earth, and blue is wind. They also represent directions – North, South, East, West and Center.

I have used scrap upholstery material for the fronts that I sewed together.  I then "crazy" quilted each piece using different hand stitching.  I never repeated the style of stitch.

 Here is the first one stitched!

 A close up

 Preparing binding.  A had some of this fabric from another project, but I did buy the starburst pattern because I didn't have enough to finish.

Front of the binding ready for stitching.

 Binding is stitched on the front, but has to be hand stitched on the backside.

Backside - handstitched

This is the finished project!  They hang up in my "meditation" loft.  It is where I meditate, work with my crystals and tarot readings.  I also just like to read and listen to music up there.  

Here they are hanging above my sacred space. This is on the third floor of the house and overlooks the backyard.  I open the window while I am meditating so I am more connected to the outside.

This is a poor picture, but here you can see the loft better.  On the bottom is a sleeping area. I have curtains over my shelves on top because of the Sun light that comes in.  This is where my books, crystals, religious items (from all religions) are kept.

I know this is not for everyone.  But, I wanted to share what I have been working on.  I don't often work on projects that are just for "me".  It felt good not to be pressured by time or having to be perfect (salable).  If you have any questions, please let me know!