Years ago I was introduced to Case For Smiles at my local quilt shop in Texas. It really was a simple thing that I could do to help kids out who have Cancer and bring a smile to their face. You only have to be able to cut some fabric and sew a straight line to be able to do this project.
If you're like me, you have a fabric stash that you could never really work your way through on your own. My mom gave me a lot of her fabric, and some of it was stuff I wouldn't really use in quilts. I don't sew any clothing really, so I wanted to find something to do with the fabric. I was so happy to learn about Case For Smiles and the work they are doing at hospitals.
When a child goes to the hospital, they want something colorful and comforting. That is where Case For Smiles come into play. They receive pillowcases from volunteers who sew them up and then they deliver them to hospitals to help brighten a kids' day. If you are in the US or Canada, you can coordinate a drop off point at various locations. Just check their main page. If you aren't in the US or Canada, just ask your local hospital if you can donate and any requirements.
A very easy pattern to follow for making a pillowcase to donate is contained in the video above. It is sometimes called the burrito or hotdog method and it really is pretty easy. It creates a nice, closed end with no scraggly hems.
Here are some tips for sewing the pillowcase if you're interested:
- Prewash your fabric in detergent with no scent and do not use scented fabric softener if you use it.
- Fabric needs to be 100% cotton with no glitter prints.
- Be careful with red fabrics as they tend to bleed.
- Rewash and iron your pillowcase when finished and seal it in a Ziploc bag before delivery.
This is a great way to use up fabric in your stash and put a smile on a child's face. I can just imagine how happy a child would be to receive a fun pillowcase on an otherwise gloomy day! These pillowcases are easy enough that even a child could help sew them.
Here is the PDF File about sewing pillowcases for Case For Smiles. I hope that you'll make a few pillowcases and post about your experience!
Videos from YouTube, pillowcase photo mine.
#NeedleworkMonday by @crosheille
