Thursday, October 1, 2009

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!

17 comments:

Kristyn Knits said...

thanks for the tutorial kenzie and lisa! it's awesome! perfect project for the beginner sewer just like me.

oh the places you will go with all the skills your mother is teaching you.

Heather said...

Oh wow, what a great tutorial. How neat to spend the day with your daughter sewing some thing so pretty.

uncle mark said...

i was only a few sentences in, and i turned to kristyn and said, "i am going to make a pillow. i am going to buy some cool fabric this weekend and make a pillow." thanks z for the inspiration, and tutorial. i know mine will not be as expert as yours, but i know that you would be humble, and tell me that you were sure mine would look really nice. you have inspired me to do something i have never done before. i will let you know how it comes out. aunt kristyn and i love you. say hi to your mom, dad, sister and brother for me.

Journeying Five said...

how cool that you and mckenzie can inspire others together..those moments creating together are so special. my middle daughter has been bugging me to teach her to knit, i think i should pull out some needles and get her started too.

Tracy said...

What a great tutorial...and a great project! Custom pillow cases...I like that! So much fun you two are having. I'm a grown up now, but I miss crafting with my mom... Sometimes we do get to dig into a project together when we visit--such fun! Thanks for today's fun! Happy weekend to you all ((HUGS))

Green Acres in the City said...

Great ideas! Love this one for Christmas!

The WoodLand School said...

Fun tutorial! I'm almost scared to show it to my daughter because I can only imagine the frenzy it will feed ;-) Thanks for sharing!

Tonya Gunn said...

That is such a great idea. I know my girls would like to make my girls pillowcases for Christmas.
How nice to be working with your daughter.

Alison said...

Why didn't I think of pillowcases for first sewing projects?! That's the perfect idea!
I predict some new pillowcases in our home by this time next week!

larissa said...

Lisa I never thought of pillowcases as first projects either. last holiday season I taught ezra how to make pj's by tracing his pants - but it turned out to be too complicated & I had to finish it up all by myself. we are so making pillowcases this year! the small thomas pillow is sooo good - i know abby would love one to carry around. I cannot wait til i get to take a nap on a pillow my kiddos made - lucky you!

Liz said...

It looks like a great project. Thanks for the tutorial.

Unknown said...

what a cool and easy project! I have been longing to learn to sew and am getting really close to taking my first sewing lesson...I am guessing a pillow case will be one of my first projects!

Anonymous said...

It is lovely! I still like the shirt me,Sarah,and Maggie made better though!!! You are so talented in sewing!!! And you are a wonderful hostess. Thank you for the wonderful time at your house! I love you!!!
Emily

Ruth said...

What a great time to spend together. It seems like so much fun.

Ruth

Milk and Honey Mommy said...

Lisa Q,

Teaching my children to sew is on our list of projects for this school year. I just pulled my sewing machine out of its case and it was like calling up an old friend whom I've missed, but stopped talking to. I'm looking forward to making new items as well as giving them a taste of a great pleasure of mine.

Thanks for visiting my blog.

Mama Sewing said...

I just love to make pillowcases, they are so satisfying!

Mary said...

That's a great gift idea and I might try to do it too. It would be fun if I could find some matryoshka print material over here.