Don't you just love simple, pretty things? Like the prettiest, softest, pink pillowcases ever? Me too ~
I stitched up these lovelies this afternoon.
I had help, of course. Prrrrrr........
The fabric I chose for the cases was the softest ivory with little pink rose bouquets, and several yards of a very girly and pretty (sorry sweetie) embroidered trim. The fabric looked as though it had been faded by years of line drying in the sun.
Remember just how good sheets smell when they're hung out to dry?
I began making my own pillow cases a few years ago. Mostly out of desperation. I was having trouble finding just cases, and even then, there weren't many really pretty prints. Turned out, it was cheaper too. I generally buy three yards of fabric (I like my cases extra long) and three yards of trim, both on sale this time, about $25 all total. It takes about an hour to make a set.
A good nester knows that how her bed is "dressed" is pretty important. How it must invite you in, tempt you with silky sheets (thank you Costco, for those $40 a set, 600 thread count, creamy white sheets that just last forever), to have just enough pillows of the right plumpness, a warm coverlet on top, an extra blanket at the foot for those chilly nights, and a perfect reading lamp on the bedstand. Some sense of serenity to inspire a good night's rest.
Then there's always the extra pillows. These have no purpose other than decoration. I recovered them too, adding a sleeve on one, a ruffly cover on the other, and a vintage velvet cover for another. Notice the pink flower?
Star, consulting from her vantage point at the head of the bed, offered advice on trims. She liked this one, so much that it took me a while to get it away from her. Binx wanted to lay on top of everything and eat the trim, because, you know, it just seemed like it needed biting....
Sweet dreams ~ Zzzzzz.......
Eileen
Wow, I just found your blog. I love your beautiful things! Soo romantic
Posted by: Leann | Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 05:42 PM
Oh, I am loving the soft pinks and pretty things you have! So soothing and romantic!
Thanks for sharing your project, I love the idea of making your own custom beautiful pillowcases...you are right, they are hard (impossible sometimes) to find in a store!
Posted by: melissa @ the inspired room | Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 02:28 PM
Aw, sweet kitties and beautiful fabrics :)
Posted by: Felicia | Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 07:48 AM
You do beautiful work! The bedding is gorgeous and so inviting. Beautiful kitties too! Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | Monday, February 09, 2009 at 02:22 PM
How lovely and charming! Love the romantic look of the pillows. You are very creative. The lace is gorgeous!...Christine
Posted by: Christine | Monday, February 09, 2009 at 09:09 AM
Lovely blog, and wow you do excellent work! I love the idea of sewing pillowcases, and getting just exactly what you want. Thanks! -- Cass
Posted by: Cass | Monday, February 09, 2009 at 06:13 AM
Very lovely. Thank you so much for sharing. I love that light pink lace you are sewing on the pillow. Beautiful.
Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth | Saturday, February 07, 2009 at 06:24 PM
What a lovely blog you have here! Your photos are gorgeous and I just love the elegant quality of your work. And your beautiful kitties--what sweet companions! All the best to you~~
Posted by: kslaughter | Saturday, February 07, 2009 at 09:13 AM
Eileen, these pillow cases are so elegant and feminine. Much prettier than packaged ones!
Diane
Posted by: Diane Knott | Saturday, February 07, 2009 at 08:39 AM
BEAUTIFUL work and soooooo nice that the kitties like it too!
ENJOY your day!
Fifi
Posted by: Fifi Flowers | Friday, February 06, 2009 at 08:16 AM
This is a gorgeous post Eileen! Beautiful work!
Posted by: Pat@Back Porch Musings | Friday, February 06, 2009 at 05:48 AM
Eileen: I love your eye for color and the artistic. Thank you for your comments on my blog. Do you have an Etsy store?
Posted by: Shirley | Friday, February 06, 2009 at 02:03 AM