Hard Times Require Furious Dancing

How could I forget?  I found this quote on Facebook then found someone to make a necklace for me!

Sharing the Craft of Pillowcase Making

A dear friend's daughters found themselves without home or possessions after a house fire.  Money, clothes, etc. poured in from friends and family.  But it wasn't just 2 daughters.  There were 7 grandchildren.  My first thought was their thoughts - not exactly scary monsters under the bed, but similar enough.  So, each one got a pillowcase.  I started with the 4 youngest, and procrastinated long enough until one mother asked to learn how to make them.  Some call it delegation by luck.  For me it was an opportunity to pass a skill along.  Hope you enjoy the photos as much as I did the day.

Did I Mention Green Therapy?

I love gardening, and unlike sewing, you can get as dirty as you want.  All you need is soap!  So I thought I'd share a few photos to brighten your day, hopefully.

Pillowcase Time Again

My History With the Hot Dog or Burrito Method for Pillowcases: 
I'm about to leave town to share with friends the craft of making pillowcases with French seams and no raw edges inside that would invariable ravel in the wash.  This I learned from a group of women in Lee County, Florida, who produce an incredible number of quilts for a national organization called Quilts for Kids.  The quilts are distributed to kids in the hospital and hospice, and at holidays throughout the year they get pillowcases - Christmas, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, etc.


As for me, I've made quite a few themed pillowcases for family & friends:  peacocks, Star Wars, college football teams, planets, historic maritime maps, etc.  In addition, I've made a special seven pillowcases for my dear friend's grandchildren after a house fire.  Photos???



Now the Method:  This method, sometimes called the "hot dog" or "burrito" method, is found on the Internet, but I want to add some "Lessons Learned" to help you make a better quality product.

From Anina @ www.twiddletails.blogspot.com

First, how much fabric do you need?  Generally, for a standard size pillow case, you'll need 27" (3/4 yd) for main, 9" (1/4 yd) for cuff, and 2.5" for trim.  (See St. Pat's examples above.)  Anina from www.twiddletails.blogspot.com uses different lengths:  she cuts 12" for the cuff and 1.5" for the trim.  I've noticed that the pillowcases are often a tad short.  So adding a few inches to the main or cuff sections is up to you.  What I like is the difference in the trim length - just a think strip/stripe for contrast.  

A table of fabric required for these versions, plus king-size pillowcases will be provided below.

This piece was cut at 12" and reduced to about 10.75".

Second, do I prewash?  If you have ever prewashed your fabric before, you know what to expect when you put a thin strip in the wash.  Therefore, I would recommend 4" for the trim strip and recommend washing by hand.  Plus, if it is cut off grain, you will loose even more when you align the weave.


Also, I recently read that some prewash in hot water.  Ever since most of us started washing in cold water, I prewash in cold.  But I'm finding that I'm washing linens in warm now.  With this in mind, you may want to alter the quantity.  Food for thought.    Do a test...


Third, what do I do about differing widths?  There's not much you can do unless you spend extra time choosing matching fabrics of same widths.  Usually it's not a problem.  The narrowest one determines the width.

In this case, the green end fabric is the narrowest.

In this case, the main fabric is the narrowest.

Fourth, which style of trim fabric is best?  I have been sewing all my pillowcases with the 2.5" strip, and what I have discovered is that after washing/drying, the trip is all over the place.  And since I mostly iron when sewing or going to a job interview, I have no plans of ironing pillowcases at this point in my life.  So, I use one of the decorative stitches on my machine and secure the trim.

On the other hand, and this I really like as it saves a step, is the 1.5" strip that Anina uses.  It gives the appearance of piping but without the need for ironing.

Fifth, what did I learn about French seams?  Once fabric has been cut, there will be loose threads.  Always.  So, when you sew your seams, be sure the first is smaller than the second.  Huh?  See what happens if not?  And believe me you really don't want to go around the perimeter of the pillowcase and trim these threads.  Try 1/4" for first seam, the 3/8-1/2" for second seam.

Finally, have you all been waiting for the steps to making your own pillowcase?  Sorry for the delay!  Here you go: 

What Have I Been Doing, 6 Weeks Later?

Good question.  Filling orders for holiday gifts.  Too busy to make holiday gifts?  Feeling guilty about NOT making holiday gifts?  Feeling anxious about all of the above?  YES!

The holidays aren't easy times for many of us.  As we grow older we find ourselves in the sandwich era - kids/grandkids to keep us young and parents to help through their final years.  Of course, from what my friends tell me, some kids can be more trouble than aging parents.  Then there is the loss of the latter, as I cannot speak about the loss of the former.  This holiday season was the second without my father, my (BF) friend's mother, and my (BFF) friend's father.  It was also the the first since my (BFF) friend's mother was almost late - in reading Alexander McCall Smith's Ladies' The No. 1 Detective Agency Series (a must read), the dead are referred to as "late."  I like that.  So last year, there was not Christmas dinner; this year there was.  And it was wonderful to see Mom so happy and pretty in red.  And dinner was served at my (BFF) friend's home for the very first time in family history!!!

Mma Ramotswe, The No. 1 Lady Detective in Botswana now in DVD!!!

(As with all series, start at the beginning)

Some good news is that my BFF, BF, and BFF's sister have been keeping me busy.  My BF had me $ew counter curtains for her new-and-improved kitchen.  And my BFF"s sister had me $ew 25 cloth bags for plastic bags for her boss to give to all employees for the holidays!  And another friend ordered 4 bag$ for her family.  Sure, I can share the photos.  

I started teaching sewing classes last week, which I really enjoy doing.  One student wants to make a new wardrobe, and the other wants to make items for her grandchildren.  And there's a second cousin who is expecting her first baby the end of May to think about.  Since she reads this blog, I'm not giving away the secret.  Ha Freckles, won't find a clue here!!!

Any comments???  Please share your pearls of wisdom.  Namaste.