Interestingly, the tricolors of red, white and blue are associated with 36 different countries' flags. The colors indicate - white for purity and innocence, red for valor and bravery, and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice. For those countries with only red, white and blue and no other color, the number is 20. The 50 white stars in the American flag represent each state of the United States.

With the vibrant primary colors of red, white and blue to consider, make a few easy to sew or even no sew items to brighten the kitchen or summer picnic table.

A few accent pillows for deck chairs, fabric wreath for the front door or tablecloth and napkins are easy to do projects.

Bandana pillow covers are easy no sew projects. Just two large sized bandanas are needed to tie together at each corner and slip in a small size pillow. Mix or match inexpensive red and blue bandanas for a quick pillow cover change.

Another no sew project is to fashion a fabric wreath to dress up a front door that can be made out of strips of blue printed cloth, a few red scrap fabric flowers then add a star shaped button or two. Use a wire wreath form for sturdy support to tie on the fabric strips or a Styrofoam wreath base to push in the fabric strips.

Sew a quick to make patriotic themed table runner. Use two coordinating or contrasting prints of 45-inch-wide fabric, 1/2-yard for back and outside border and 1/3 yard for the top. Place right sides together and sew a 1/2-inch seam on both long edges. Turn right sides out, adjust the borders evenly, press, and then hand stitch or machine stitch both end openings closed for straight ends. For traditional points at the ends, just fold the runner long side to long side and machine or hand stitch each short end in a 1/4-inch seam, then turn. The backing and border side will reveal itself as the point on each end.

Cloth napkins are quick to sew. Cut material into desired square size, turn and press in 1/4-inch inch on all sides, then turn in again enclosing the seam and top stitch all edges. A no sew version would be to cut the material into the square size desired for the napkins using pinking shears. The pinked edges for the napkins are charming when added to a picnic basket for example, with a similarly cut basket lining.

Sew happy, sew inspired.