I don't know about you guys but I am sooo over the whole superhero thing with the boys. It amazes me because they've never seen any movies of them yet they are still obsessed. And I'll be honest, it bothers me when I hear them pretending to be these make believe characters when they could be pretending to be saints who really did 'superhero' miracles, etc. I know that boys will be boys and that something about those guys flying through the air faster than a speeding bullet it pretty darn cool to a 5 year old but still...it gets annoying after awhile.

The other day I was discussing this with Ace and I told him that saints are the real superheroes. And he said "I know Mom but I don't have a saint cape!"

Well, I fixed that this weekend. :)

First, I googled byzantine eagle images. I found one that I liked and printed 2 of them out on printable fabric from Hobby Lobby. I thought about printing an icon of their patron saints but then changed my mind when I realized these capes would probably get thrown on the floor every now and then. So I went with the double headed eagle.

Next I took two different color fabrics and cut them to size (22" long and 20" wide).

Then I folded them in half lengthwise and drew a cape pattern with chalk and cut them out.

Next, I cut around the byzantine eagle designs, cut out a piece of fusible webbing and ironed it on the back of the fabric.

Then I zig-zag stitched them to the center of the cape (not the best looking stitching but I'm a rookie).

Then I pinned the two fabrics, right sides facing, together and ran a running stitch all the way around, leaving about a 6 in. opening to turn it rightside out.

Then I ironed the 6 in. opening and ran another running stitch all around the cape on the right side.

Finally, I sewed a size 4 snap on the ends of the cap and you're done!

Before I gave them their capes I read them the story of St. Constantine and told them a little bit about the Byzantine empire. They were so excited! Now, Ace pretends he's St. Constantine and he calls Lucky St. Eustathios! :)

My happy little heroes! When my nephew came to visit this weekend he begged for one too so I made him one for part of his birthday gift.

It's been a very busy but F-U-N summer so far!

BTW, don't forget to sign up for Operation Cookie Drop if you haven't already! Our troops are waiting for some homemade cookies!!