Instant Gratification

I made this for Donna as part of her housewarming present:

I recommend making one as it is a quick and fun little project - a little instant gratification never hurt anyone! Tutorial can be found over here at in color order. I followed suit and used vintage sheets, but any combination of fabrics would look sweet, I'm sure of it.

I can't help but buy vintage sheets when I see them which means I have way more than I'll ever need ...and that's an understatement. Are you a vintage sheet stasher? Are you able to come by them easily in your area? Have you seen any creative projects around using vintage sheets?

~Sara

Pillowcase Compulsion

Remember when I bought this book? I think I shouldn't have bought it, because I have yet to sew anything from it, yet it has hugely fueled my compulsion for thrifting pillowcases.

Some recent finds:

Except for the cross hatched one, they all seem very girlie. I think they'd make great backing for a baby quilt, but that would require me waiting to see if girls are born rather than boys . . .and I'm so keen to make quilts right now that as soon as I hear someone is pregnant I am already scheming and laying out fabric. There are tons of cute projects in the book, I've just got to pick one!

- Donna

Repurposing Pillowcases

I went to a fundraiser booksale at a local daycare this weekend, and picked up an advance copy of this book for 10$10! One of the parents whose children attend the daycare owns a bookstore and had some great books that had been donated by her book reps. The idea of repurposing materials I can get at a thrift shop greatly appeals to me. There are tons of great prints to be found in the linen section of your local thrift shop, and I just love that you can get about a yard of fabric for 99cents! Can't beat the price.

I invaded the yellow section of the linen this past weekend and came up with four great pillowcases to have on hand for when I tackle a project in this new book. (My stash is also very low on yellows). I love what I got, for the grand total of $3.97. The one in the top right corner reminds me of some Amy Butler fabric - same colours - might be fun to get some of that and use them together. I also love the scallopy ricrac-like edging on the case on the bottom left.

Do any of you used repurposed materials in your creations?

Now I just need to tackle the hurdle that is using my sewing machine. I will write about my fear and problems I've been having very soon.

- Donna