sewing with zz

Mckenzie (otherwise known as zz), my middle child, has a knack for crafting. I know right where she gets that gene. For a couple of years, she took a weekly sewing class in our area. She made some wonderful projects. The first project that her teacher, Miss Jennifer, had them make was a pillowcase. Simple, quick and very satisfying. Mckenzie brought the directions home and the rest is history. It's been such a great project that I can't even count the number of pillowcases Mckenzie, Maggie and I have made. We've given them as Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, party favors and when we're wanting to buy some fun fabric but don't really have a project in mind...we've made a new pillowcase for our collection. If you ever see us traveling, you'll notice our colorful pillowcases. So, here's how to make your own pillow case....(all techniques shown by Mckenzie)

You'll need: one yard of 42" or 45" wide fabric (pre-washed). It can be cotton or flannel....whichever you like.

thread, pins, scissors, a sewing machine and an iron.

First fold your fabric right sides together with the selvages lined up and pin one short side and one long side. The other long side will be your fold and the second short side will become the opening. Next, sew along the short side and the long side. Back stitch as you start and stop. Your seams should be 5/8". (make sure you sew wide enough that you sew beyond your selvage edge)Next, press all your seams open. Then, fold the top of the pillowcase under 1/2" and iron it flat. You'll be folding wrong sides together. Sew around this edge.Then fold the same edge over 3" and press. This makes the top hem of your pillowcase. Sew along the edge. Now, all you have to do is clip your corners, being careful not to cut your stitching, turn right side out...press and enjoy! I've put the directions in a pdf on my side bar so you can print them and get sewing.

On another bed head note.... A friend at church wanted a small pillow covered in Thomas fabric for her son...he's a big pillow carrier...he's 3. She brought me the fabric and pillow, and I knew right away I wanted to try Larissa's tutorial for making an envelope backed pillow. The tutorial was terrific, and I'm so happy with how the cover can come off and be washed when needed. It was just a 12X16 inch pillow form and 1/2 yard of flannel. Here I go again...but wouldn't these be a great gift for some little people in your life?...you could make them several covers in a variety of prints and they could change them out as they wanted to! So have fun...I'm off to take a nap...on my Mckenzie's new pillowcase. Have a great day!