Pillowcase Instructions

[LLovesmysailor]

Pillowcases:

I always wash and iron my fabric. I don't like the sizing in it and more often then not, it softens up. I use vinegar and a lavender scent laundry bag for fabric softener. but I don't think that matters that much.

If someone donates 1 yard of fabric to this project, I cut 1 full one out of the fabric. 22 x 30", cut on the fold. I use a 1/4" seam and I do finish them with a zig zag. At the top, I press under 1/4" and then another 2" for the hem. I straight stitch, then zig zag. It just looks finished that way to me. The finished pillowcase will be 22" to 22.5" wide by 28" long.

With the other 6", I make a banded one. I measure out 24 1/4" on the bottom, with the band at the opening. Although, I did make one with the contrast band at the bottom, cause I wanted as much of the pattern to show as possible.
After I sew the 2 pieces together, I press the seam towards the band and I do topstitch it in place. You will have only 1 seam across the bottom and 1 side.
I like that look. My preference, plus I don't want them to fray apart. Same finish on the hem.

The other kind of banded one I make is this: I measure 22" lengthwise. Or I lay my "band" piece along the selvage edge and cut it to fit. This way you will have 2 seams to sew, with the fold at the bottom. I actually like to do it this way, casue I like the selvage edge. I still press and top stitch. Sometimes, it works better this way with the fabric pattern.

As I stated earlier, 22 x 30 matches the one that I brought home from the ship. I would prefer that you stick to those dimensions for uniformity. I have one friend who insists on making them bigger. Since she buys her own fabric, there's not much I can do about that. I just save hers for special requests, because I don’t want anyone to feel bad. Does this make sense?

As far as fabrics go, I am not locked into r,w,b stars and stripes. We have really opened our horizons and have found lots of great prints. When looking for fabrics, do a "face or back of the hand" test. If it feels rough to you, don't get it. I gave away some seersucker for that reason. Also, metallic threads or embroidered fabric probably wouldn't be good. too bumpy.

Stars are patriotic and spiritual for me. My favorite fabric has become white on white stars at Joanns. I buy the whole bolt everytime I see it. You can pair it with anything. I also shop thrift stores and have gotten some great prints.

There is cool patriotic looking fabrics in earth tones too. Joanns and Hancocks have good choices in their calico/cotton lines. If it looks like the USA, we use that too. A friend had a real cute print that had all sorts of regional type things on it.

Once the contact is announced, we will know how many male/females there are. I also plan to write to him/her to explain about the pillowcases so they have a heads up and can figure out how to disburse them once they arrive. I'll give you those details once I have them.

I have a standard letter that I include in each box of pillowcases.

I can't think of anything else, but feel free to ask questions.

[Sue-Pillowcase lady]

Yes, I figured they probably did know how. I would want you to hold them and mail direct as we need them. I keep lists on who will do what.

That has helped so much. Case in point. When I got home in early August from road trip, I was facing the Crommelin of 252. I had about 80 on hand and only a couple of Tucson helpers. And I honestly wasn't sure if we do it.
Then the Navy moms stepped up to the plate, plus the quilting group and store in CA. So out of 252, I only mailed 42! Isn't that awesome.

So if you would be that contact point, I would really appreciate it. Maybe you could do alittle fundraiser with them if the shipping becomes too great of a cost. $1.00 bills go along way. And I just mailed 35 in one box to Lyn for the sub group.

[LLovesmysailor]

I wish I could take credit for this idea, but Sue is our fearless leader. I just follow her lead. But it is really go to have another Navy Mom on the crew.

[carols_kitchen]

whew--thought I had lost my directions to take to church and try and recruit some sewers on TGIW night.

[Sue-Pillowcase lady]

great! hope you do! we could use a few more.

[Sue-Pillowcase lady]

Hey Carol, did you ever recruit some more sewers from your church?

[carols_kitchen]

I got material instead at this time. I've run an article in local paper and got a call, but holidays will probably be pre-occupying a lot of people at this time. I am going to the local quilt shop next week when I have a day off (yeah for parent-teacher days--the cook does not go to school!!!) I will keep you updated.

[Sue-Pillowcase lady]

thank you!

[A's step-mom]

I would love to make some pillow cases for our sailors. Let me know how to get them to you or a group of sailors. My e-mail is [e-mail] Sounds like alot of fun my family and friends can help too. I got the size and pattern you posted. Do they have to have bands on them? Just let me know. your friend Pam (A's step-mom)

[Sue-Pillowcase lady]

I will send you some information by email. thank you!

[DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor]

Here is a PDF file with some updates on instructions. Please make suggestions. Thanks.