Friday, January 22, 2010

Sew & Tell Friday: A Case for Smiles

Just when I've finally seen all of last week's Sew & Tell posts, it's time for another round. I can't get over how fast the weeks fly by, yet I did get in some sewing, somehow...

My friend, Connie, recently told our quilting group about a charity I'd never heard of before, and challenged us to support the cause by making a couple of pillowcases. The organization is called ConKerr Cancer. Their mission: "A Case for Smiles - Helping children feel special while battling life changing illnesses."

"I could manage a couple of pillowcases," I thought...

But I tell ya what, these things are addicting, not to mention a great stash-buster! I had a blast matching up fabrics from my stash, then couldn't resist a little embellishing with all those ribbon trims I mentioned in my last post. I ended up with enough for five pillowcases and had them all sewn together in no time. I'll definitely be watching those remnant bins now for cute kid's prints to make more of these:


I used the "Hot Dog" method (instructions for which can be downloaded here at the site) and French seams for no raw edges , but you can also sew a simple 1/2" seam and zig-zag or serge the raw edges. Either way, it's a quick and easy way to brighten a child's day. Gotta love that! ;o)

Now I'm off to Amylouwho's to see what everyone else has done this week...

17 comments:

Carla said...

Those are just too cute! Very bright and cheery too.
Thanks for posting the download.

SueWis said...

So cute! How sweet of you to make these!

Leslie said...

these are great. i love a fun pillowcase. and you did it for such a great reason. great finish

pinksuedeshoe said...

Such a fantastic idea! I am going to check out that organization and then add thesea to my to do list. (Good idea with the french seams, they always look so much better!)

Andrea @ The Train to Crazy said...

What a great idea! The french seams are a fantastic idea as well!

Catherine said...

Lovely bright pillowcases. I can see why they were so much fun to make.

Diane said...

Those are so fun! Nice job!

Karen said...

Great work! Last year here in Australia we had just horriffic fires. I donated pillowcases made out of novelty fabric. Its a great way to contribute something special.

Sara said...

I love to make pillowcases! I don't think I will ever use a store bought one again...

Actually, I have a friend who makes the bed linens, too...

Me, not yet!

Chris H said...

What lovely pillowcases! I should pull my finger out and make some too!

Rene' said...

Great cause. I love your pillowcases. Thanks for sharing!

Suzanne said...

They are wonderful! So bright and cheerful!

Anonymous said...

Cute pillowcases - you have such a compassionate heart! Thanks for sharing with us the picture and telling us about the mission.

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

These pillow cases are great. Great fabric selection. I made one for my daughter, but need to make a couple more for our bigger pillows. I only have FQs, so I'll have to figure out if I want to piece them or break down and buy some more fabric.

amylouwhosews said...

Thanks for this! I keep thinking I need to make some pillowcases and I heard about some charity trying to collect them, I can't remember what it was though.... Anyway, these look great - thanks for sharing!

Fresh Poppy Design said...

Pillowcases are such a great use of some leftover fabrics, I recently did one for my sons friend and appliqued his name on it, he loves it. Yours turned out soo cute!

Fresh Poppy Design said...

Super cute!