Monthly Project for February, 2005
Suggested Fabrics
Romantic Pillowcases
Happy Valentine's Day! This month's project is great for beginners and experienced sewers. Everyone uses pillowcases, so this is also a great idea for future birthdays and other occasions. This would make a wonderful gift for that special someone so they can dream of you when sleep time comes. Our project uses a silky smooth deep rose colored fabric with an over layer of Barcelona Rose lace in romantic pink.
Materials Needed
- 45" wide fabric - 1 yd. per pillowcase
- 45" wide lace - 1 yd. per pillowcase
- Thread to match
* Prewash ALL fabrics.
Cutting
- Fold fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together, matching selvage edges.
- Trim cut edges evenly to square.
- Repeat with lace.
Sewing
- Fabric: Measure 4-3/4" from open end of case; turn fabric down to form a hem; press. Turn under 1/4" of raw edge and stitch along edge of hem.
- Add Lace to Fabric: Place lace on top of right side of fabric. Lace layer can be even with edge of hem, or can overlap or under lap, which ever you think looks best. Trim excess lace (NOT finished edge, which should be with hemmed edge) to match fabric. Hand or machine baste lace to fabric. Refold fabric with lace with right (lace) sides together.
- Sew Seams: Stitch lengthwise along selvage edge using approximately 1/2" seam; stitch one seam widthwise.
- Finish: Finish seams by serging or zigzag edges. Turn right side out.
Slip case over your favorite pillow. And place on your bed. Turn down the lights, light some candles, slip into something silky....life is good!
Alternate Method
Sew fabric and lace layers separately. This way you can do the hem after you have done the side seams for a smoother finish. Lace layer will not need to be hemmed since the edge is already finish, usually with a nice scallop. If you make the two layers separately, you may want to give the over-layer, the lace a slightly size by reducing the side seam just a little. Take great care in placing lace layer over fabric layer so that you do not rip the lace. Some lace is rather delicate.