A Pillowcase Party!

Sewing pillowcases is ALWAYS a party! 

And when those pillowcases benefit a charity as part of AllPeopleQuilt.com's 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge, it's even better. 

Last week the lovely ladies of the Miriam Circle at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan transformed some of our favorite prints into 15 pillowcases to donate. 

For some of the group, this was their first experience with rotary cutters and rulers; others already knew how to sew. Regardless, they were all hooked on the simple burrito method of pillowcase making by the end of the evening! 

First, a demonstration of cutting fabric using a rotary cutter and ruler

Getting right to work!

One of the fabric groupings--from the Briarcliff collection.

Pressing the flange

Pinning the "burritos."
(If you aren't familiar with the burrito (or "roll it up" method of making pillowcases, check it out here--it's so quick and easy--just 2 seams!)

Time to stitch!

One seam done--flange and cuff added (with no exposed seams!) All that's left is to press it and sew it into the pillowcase shape.

Pressing the cuff

A finished pillowcase! Ta da!

The pillowcases will be donated to the Gospel Mission, serving the homeless in the Kalamazoo area.

Thank you, ladies, for using our fabric and for helping the Pillowcase Challenge get 15 cases closer to 1 million!

Have you sewn a pillowcase for the Challenge? Let us know!

Find out more about how you can get involved in the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge here.

See the fabric lines used in these pillowcases:

A Walk in the Park

Bear Hugs

Briarcliff

Morriston

Vera Cruz

Pre-Quilted Fabric Spotlight

We like to think that we're pretty well-known for our pre-quilted fabric--a great shortcut for sewing bags and other home dec items. And of course, when we hear about someone using this specialty fabric, we love to pass it along to you, our blog readers!

Judy Hansen, owner of Quilt Shop of Deland and one of our designers, recently shared this photo from a recent retreat. These ladies used the Sebago Tote pattern from Aunties Two and our pre-quilted fabric to make themselves brand-new colorful totes!

What a great looking group!

Want to see some of our pre-quilted fabric? Here's a sampling.

A New Leaf by Ro Gregg

Block Party by Ro Gregg

Calypso Goldfish by Ro Gregg

Hannah

Imagine This by Linda Carlson and Diana Henage

Marblehead Venetian Glass by Ro Gregg

Mesa Verde

Morriston

Rio

Topaz

Windsor Woods by Ro Gregg

Ask for both the Sebago Tote pattern and our pre-quilted fabrics at your local quilt shop! 

(And then send us a photo of your tote!)

Morriston: What's in a name?

We're sharing some classic prints today, from a new collection called Morriston. 

These prints use traditional motifs (paisley, scrolls, etc.) but add in a dramatic flair with refreshing color palettes: spring green, electric blue and black, and then coral, dusty lavender and black.

So, what do you think? Do these prints:

a) take their name and regal British feel from the Welsh town of Morriston;

b) draw inspiration from the work of influential 19th century designer William Morris;

c) offer a nod to a certain wildly popular PBS show featuring period English characters?

We'll let you decide...

But whichever answer you choose, we think you'll like these fabrics!

Also, if you're looking for a design idea, try the Diamond Delight pattern from Airborne Heirlooms. Such a unique center diamond motif, and great use of the large paisley and border print! You can find this pattern free on our website.

And one more thing...we're also offering double-sided pre-quilted fabric, perfect for a tote bag or e-reader cover. Beautiful, isn't it? Ask for it at your local quilt shop.