The Power of a Pillowcase

Is yours white? Blue? Striped? Every night you lay your head on one, likely without giving it a second thought. Yep, we're talking pillowcases.

A pillowcase can mean so much to so many. This simple idea, combined with the opportunity for quilters to make a difference locally, is why we are proud to be involved with AP&Q's One Million Pillowcase Challenge, and also so excited to be part of this blog hop.

(If this is your first time visiting our blog, welcome! We're so glad you stopped by. 

If you've been here before, welcome back! Make yourself at home, stay awhile, and come back soon.

And now, back to the purpose of today's post, pillowcases...)

Quilters from the Kalamazoo Log Cabin Guild helped us transform 35 yards of our favorite prints into 25 cheery, brightly colored pillowcases to donate.

Guild members met at the local Saturday morning hang out, the Bernina Sewing Center & Quilt Shop of Kalamazoo, to get sewing. Shop owner Karen Kortman says, ''I thought making pillowcases was an easy thing people could do,'' and she's right! Using the roll-up pattern, guild members sewed each pillowcase in about 20 minutes—so quick!

After the Guild's October meeting, all accumulated pillowcases will be donated to Family & Children Services, an agency that offers behavioral health and child welfare programs and services in the area. Seeing the bright results of a day of sewing, it's easy to imagine the joy a child or parent will experience when they receive a fresh, new pillowcase, sewed with love. Thank you, ladies!

Sherri Tucker sews a pillowcase ''burrito'' on her featherweight.

An accent strip adds a little extra color to the basic roll-up pattern.

Roxanne Nigg creates the French seam on a Marblehead pillowcase.

Joanne Dubnicka loves the gorgeous swirls of this elegant case, 

made with the Dancing Cranes fabric.

Garden Whimsy makes a cheery pillowcase, shown off by Karen Kortman.

Continuing the Challenge

We want to continue helping American Patchwork & Quilting toward their goal of 1,000,000 pillowcases. Will you help too?

Leave a comment telling us why you want to make pillowcases and what charity you would donate them to. We will randomly choose one commenter and send him/her fabric to sew cases in the push for one million. Every pillowcase counts! Leave your comment by Wednesday, October 3^rd at 11:59 PM EST for a chance to receive fabric to make charity pillowcases. Check back on Thursday, October 4th to see if your comment was selected.

Missed the Blog Hop?

September has been a month filled with pillowcase love on the web! Check out the other what the other 30 participants have been up to!

1. Welcome from American Patchwork & Quilting (http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/blogs/apqstaff/)
2. Rashida Coleman-Hale (http://www.iheartlinen.typepad.com/)
3. Olivia and Alayna's Pillowcase Project (http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/blogs/apqstaff/)
4. Morgan’s Smile Factory (http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/blogs/apqstaff/)
5. Pat Sloan (http://blog.patsloan.com/)
6. Northcott (http://pattispatchwork.com/)
7. Betsy Chutchian (http://betsysbestquiltsandmore.blogspot.com/)
8. Vanessa Christenson (http://www.vanessachristenson.com/)
9. Andover Fabrics (http://blog.andoverfabrics.com/)
10. Laurie Simpson (http://minickandsimpson.blogspot.com/)
11. Oak Hill, Ohio (http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/blogs/apqstaff/)
12. Robert Kaufman Fabrics (http://www.swatchandstitch.com/)
13. Pam Buda (http://www.heartspunquilts.blogspot.com/)
14. Indygo Junction (http://www.indygojunction.com/blog/)
15. 4-H (http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/blogs/apqstaff/)
16. Katie Hennagir (http://baywindowquiltshop.wordpress.com/)
17. Anni Downs (http://hatchedandpatched.typepad.com/)
18. FreeSpirit Fabrics (http://www.freespiritfabric.blogspot.com/)
19. American Patchwork & Quilting Staff (http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/blogs/apqstaff/)
20. Patty Young (http://modkidboutique.blogspot.com/)
21. Moda Fabrics (http://modafabrics.blogspot.com/)
22. Monica Solorio-Snow (http://thehappyzombie.com/blog/)
23. Moda Bake Shop (http://www.modabakeshop.com/)
24. Andover Fabrics (http://blog.andoverfabrics.com/)
25. Roseann Kermes from Rosebud’s Cottage (http://rosebudscottage.typepad.com/)
26. Ann Kelle for Shannon Fabrics (http://www.annkelle.com/category/blog/)
27. Therm O Web (http://blog.thermoweb.com/)
28. Edyta Sitar (http://www.laundrybasketquilts.com/blog/)
29. Fabri-Quilt (http://inspiredbyfabric.blogspot.com/)
30. Cherri House (www.cherryhousequilts.com)

Winner!

Thanks to everyone who left a comment to enter our giveaway for the Harvest Home kit.

Courtesy of random number generator, our winner is:

Cat Lady, who commented: I am definitely a follower, both through Google and email. I love all of the Marblehead fabric lines, especially the latest one Marblehead Global Brights. I also love the Focus fabrics as I work with tone-on-tone fabrics a lot. Joan's quilt is truly inspirational.

Cat Lady, please email fabriquiltblog (at) gmail.com with your mailing address. 

Thank you!

Vintage-Style Apron

Today we're bringing you a free pattern for a double-sided Vintage-Style Apron, designed using the bright and cheery Peggy Sue collection.

Both the apron and the fabrics have such a 1950s look to them, don't they?! The front side of the apron is scrappy patchwork, embellished with topstitched detail. The back side is made up of four larger panels of fabric and accented with a cute rounded edge pocket.

YOU'LL NEED:

1/4 yard each of 10 bright floral prints

1/2 yard of a small print (for the apron tie)

Squares cut from the Peggy Sue fabrics

CUTTING:

From each of 3 bright floral prints:

(1) 8-1/2'' x 12-1/2'' pieces (for apron back)

(3) 4-1/2'' squares

From each of 5 different bright floral prints:

(3) 4-1/2'' squares

From the last bright floral print:

(1) 8-1/2'' x 12-1/2'' pieces (for apron back)

From one of the prints:

(2) 5'' x 6'' pieces (for pocket)

From the small print:

(2) 5'' x 42'' strips

(1) 5'' x 24-1/2'' strip

MAKING THE APRON FRONT

1. Lay out (24) 4-1/2'' bright floral squares in four rows of six squares each. (Extra squares are provided for layout options.) Sew the squares into rows and join the rows.

2. To create a vintage look, topstitch 1/4" on each side of the patchwork seams.

MAKING THE APRON BACK

1. Lay out the (4) 8-1/2'' x 12-1/2'' bright floral pieces in two rows of two. Sew the pieces into rows and join the rows.

2. To create a vintage look, topstitch 1/4" on each side of the patchwork seams.

3. Layer the (2) 5'' x 6'' pocket pieces right sides together. Using a round object, trace and cut curves on the two bottom corners. 

4. Sew around all four sides, leaving an opening for turning along the long side between curves. Clip seam allowance by curves.

5. Turn right side out and press raw edges in. Topstitch the top straight edge. Position the pocket on the pieced apron back, 6'' down from the top edge and centered on right panels. Pin in place. Topstitch the pocket in place along sides and bottom.

MAKING THE APRON TIE

1. Sew 5'' x 42'' small print strips to both short ends of the 5'' x 42'' small print strip to make a longer strip. Press in half lengthwise, right sides together.

2. Use the 60 degree line on the ruler to trim both ends of the strip, creating pointed ends.

3. Sew the raw edges of the strip from the pointed end in to 2'' from the center strip seam. Repeat on the opposite end.

4. Turn the apron tie right sides out. Press one long raw edge over 1/4'', wrong sides together.

ASSEMBLING THE APRON

1. Position the apron top and bottom right sides together, matching raw edges and lining up the patchwork seams. Using a bowl or plate, trace and cut curves along the two bottom corners.

2. Sew around all four sides, leaving an opening for turning along the long side opposite the curves. Clip seam allowance by curves. Turn right side out.

3. Position the unfolded side of the apron tie raw edge matching the top edge of the apron back as shown and pin in place. Stitch to secure the one side of the apron tie.

4. Press the tie up and position the second folded edge along the front side of the apron. Pin in place. Starting at the pointed end of the apron tie, topstitch along the bottom edge of the tie, closing the gap and securing the tie to the apron front.

 Enjoy your apron! 

What A Girl Needs

We talked to designer Kris Poor, who stitched up this trendy cosmetic bag and jewelry/make-up bag duo using our St. Croix collection for the fall issue of Simple Quilts & Sewing magazine.

The bags feature a mix of the pre-quilted fabric and coordinating prints in traditional cotton, making them quick to sew. 

Q. How did you come up with the idea for these cute bags?

Kris: Like all quilters these days, I am pressed for time! So I thought, how can

I get ahead before the holiday season? I need small gift ideas that can be

completed in one sitting...and these bags are quick to make.

Q. Who did you make this project for?

Kris: My sister-in-law has recently retired and is able to travel, so I think these would be perfect for her! She can tuck them into her weekender bag for short trips or into her suitcase for long trips.

Q. What attracted you to these fabrics?

Kris: I always love timeless paisleys, and the border stripes add versatility and polish to any project. I can definitely picture making a quick tote bag with the pre-quilted fabric and using the border stripes as an accent and for the pockets!

Q. Did the pre-quilted fabric make your project easier?

Kris: I was so excited to use this beautiful pre-quilted fabric! The fact that it is pre-quilted saves so much time and really adds to the durability of the finished piece. I look for products that don't scream "home-made"!

Q. What is your favorite part about these bags?

Kris: I love using the Iron On Vinyl [inside both bags]! It's quick and easy to use and provides a flexible, water resistant finish. Iron On Vinyl can be added to any project that requires some weather protection. The possibilities are endless: Add it to fabric that you are going to use for gift bags- they become picnic bags! Placemats become wipe-able, and aprons become art smocks!

Fun!

Thanks Kris!

Find Simple Quilts & Sewing here.

Purchase a kit to make the cosmetic bag here.

See the entire St. Croix collection here.

Find out more about Kris and her work here.

Meet Our Cover Girl! {and a giveaway!}

Joan Shay designed this fall-themed wall hanging for Quilt Trends magazine using her Appli-Bond© technique and our Marblehead fabrics.

Don't you love the dark brown marble fabric creates such a rich background for the quilt?

Harvest Home by Joan Shay, 36" square

About the quilt:

''Since the quilt was for a fall issue, I started thinking about what was representative of the season: leaves, corn husks, pumpkins," Joan says. "The pieces are all attached with some sort of embroidery stitch. For machine quilting, I basically outlined the sashing strips."

''My favorite part is the cornstalk—a real challenge. I wanted to make it look round and dimensional, and I think I was able to achieve that with layering."

About the fabric:

''The Marblehead fabric worked perfectly for it all. I never use solids, because the objects I'm making are not one solid color in nature. There were wonderful variations in the colors, from dulls to brights."

About the technique:

To create these 3-D results, Joan fuses two pieces of fabric together using HeatnBond® Ultra Hold Iron-On Adhesive. Then she traces and cuts out her shape, and stitches it to the background fabric. The adhesive prevents fraying because all the fibers will be glued together, and it also allows pieces to be curled and shaped. ''It's a great segue for people who are afraid of appliqué,'' Joan says. ''And you can shape the pieces so that they're very dimensional, by reheating them and holding in them in place until they cool."

About the designer:

Joan came up with this idea after a dream one night, back in 1997. Her first quilt using this technique was a Nantucket basket filled with blue hydrangeas. She just finished writing her fourth book with AQS, and the technique she developed for flowers and leaves has expanded to birds, dragonflies, fish, and even mermaids. Visit her website, Petal Play.

And…great news for fans of Joan's work. She'll have a winter-themed wall hanging made from Marblehead in the next issue of Quilt Trends!

Order the Fall 2012 issue of QuiltTrends here.

Order a kit for Joan's Harvest Home quilt here.

Giveaway!
The giveaway is now closed.

In celebration of our cover quilt, we are offering a kit to make Joan's project, including the issue of Quilt Trends containing the pattern. To enter to win this kit, leave a comment on this post telling us how you are a follower (Google Friend Connect or via email), and then tell us your favorite Fabri-Quilt fabric collection. The giveaway will be open through Thursday, September 27 at 11:59 pm EST. Check the blog on Friday to see if you won!

**NOTE: You must be a follower of our blog. (If you're not a follower yet, either join via Google Friend Connect or sign up to follow by email, both in the right sidebar.)

The Count to One Million...Are You In?

American Patchwork & Quilting is challenging quilters and sewers everywhere to help reach their goal of donating one million pillowcases to local charities. Fabri-Quilt is a sponsor of the One Million Pillowcase Challenge, and on September 29, we'll be posting about some pillowcase-making activities and the charities the cases are going to support. Sewing a pillowcase is so simple and can really make a difference in someone's life--just knowing that someone else cares.

 

If you have a pillowcase story or photo to share, please email us at fabriquiltblog@gmail.com or post it on our Facebook page. We'd love to see what you've made!

Don't miss our blog post on the 29th, but In the meantime, check out the blog links from the month-long hop below to read about others' efforts to help AP&Q get to 1,000,000. The counter currently reads 432,000+. Imagine if everyone who reads a pillowcase blog during the month of September makes just ONE pillowcase. We could help that number grow!

September 1: Welcome from American Patchwork & Quilting

September 2: Rashida Coleman-Hale

September 3: Olivia and Alayna’s Pillowcase Project

September 4: Morgan’s Smile Factory

September 5: Pat Sloan

September 6: Northcott

September 7: Betsy Chutchian

September 8: Vanessa Christenson

September 9: Andover Fabrics

September 10: Laurie Simpson

September 11: Oak Hill, Ohio

September 12: Robert Kaufman Fabrics

September 13: Pam Buda

September 14: Indygo Junction

September 15: 4-H

September 16: Katie Hennagir

September 17: Anni Downs

September 18: FreeSpirit Fabrics

September 19: American Patchwork & Quilting Staff

September 20: Patty Young

September 21: Moda Fabrics

September 22: Monica Solorio-Snow

September 23: Moda Bake Shop

September 24: Andover Fabrics 

September 25: Roseann Kermes from Rosebud’s Cottage

September 26: Ann Kelle for Shannon Fabrics

September 27: Therm O Web

September 28: Edyta Sitar

September 29: Fabri-Quilt 

September 30: Cherri House

Friends of Fabri-Quilt Gallery

Each week, we'll feature a quilt or sewing project made by one of our blog or Facebook followers. 

Today, Fabri-Quilt friend Jane Kenney shares her striking African animal quilt.

How did you come up with the design?
I just made the pattern up. There were 4 different animal panels so I started with them.  I also made up and pieced the block with the hut and the one with  the drum.

Tell us about the embroidery blocks.

I like to do a lot of machine embroidery, so I bought the companion fabrics [to the animal patterns] and chose some of my animal embroidery designs to augment the panel blocks.

What else can you tell us about the quilt?

As I made each block, I came up with another idea and went from there. It was so much fun to make—I just love making quilts. This one measures 86" x 75''

Tell us a bit about you.

I have been quilting for 7 years and have made about 140 quilts, including wall hangings.  I am 72 but think I am 55.

Take it from Jane. Quilting keeps you young at heart!

Thanks so much for sharing!

Can anyone name the fabric collection Jane used? We'll send a prize to the first person who correctly identifies it.