I recently had my sewing machine out for another project and had been digging through my huge chest of vintage fabric. I came across several things that I decided I would finally finish. The first project consisted of a vintage pillowcase material. In the past, you could purchase this material that came on a roll. It was somewhat like a tube and the shopkeeper would just cut off the desired length to suit the individual. I had a few of these cases. Pillowcase Parade.
Pillowcase Parade
One case had been stenciled with a design which I imagine a former housewife had plans to embroider. Wanting a matching set, I washed the case and it almost completely faded away.
Continuing my search through my treasure chest I found some crochet pillowcase edging. I wasn’t really loving the lime green edging, but the rest was divine.
Thinking of my guest room and remembering that I had been searching and searching for the perfect lavender sheets I decided to try and dye the cases. I first selected a pair that was heavily stained and no amount of oxy clean would remedy the problem. The fashionista wanted some yellow cases for her new home and they turned out beautifully.
A few of the cases I left white and just added the beautiful trim.
I had a bit of fun using the decorative stitch selection on my sewing machine.
So back to my quest for lavender pillow cases. I took the plain white tubes, sewed the bottoms closed and placed them in a lavender dye bath along with the lime green pillow case edging. The dye softened up the green edging and also completely covered the one case that had the faint stencil.
I then added another decorative stitch and fell in love. The cases reminded me of sheets you would find at Anthropologie or Pine Cone Hill. The best part was that the only cost was the dye.
Have you dyed anything lately? Hair doesn’t count. 🙂
Laura
Oh your pillow cases turned out so lovely! I've not dyed anything ever but my hair! Now my husband goes thru spells when he'll dye a lot of things, mostly the binding that looks like shoe laces for armour. But even he hasn't dyed anything in a long time.
Cute, cute, cute!!!! I love the touch of green left on the lavender…no, dyeing here…and that includes the hair! It needs to be done desperately!!
This all looks so good! I think the last thing I dyed was a duvet cover and a pillow for my daughters lilac room back then. And I dyed a flanel fabric (do you know the word flanel? It's a soft, thick but airy cotton that you use under the cover of your ironing board or as winter pajamas) to use as a linen for lilac tafetta (promise me never to use that!) curtains, which was a hit! Warm in winter, keeping the heat out in summer. Only the color didn't stay in the sun, but of course it was on the outside and upstairs.
The cases are wonderful. I love the pretty trims. I havn't dyed anything in years. What a fabulous idea. Love them all. Hugs, Marty
Oh, MY! I am learning to sew (finally!) and these are very inspiring projects. I was contemplating tea dying some muslin to give it an even more “aged” look, but truth told I have no idea what I’m doing, lol. So I haven’t given it a whirl yet. I have turned out some sewing projects, though – I’m still in the honeymoon stage with my Singer so I’m a bit addicted. 🙂
The pillow cases turned out beautifully, as all of your creations do! 🙂
so beautiful and delicate! i wish i could do something like that!
I love the way they turned out, Laura! Such a pretty color, and you're right, it does remind me of Pine Cone Hill. The edging turned out really nice, too, and I love your decorative stitches.
I have not dyed anything lately, including my hair! But those crocheted edgings are just gorgeous! I love the green one especially, and it looks beautiful on the lavender.
MGM
They are gorgeous!
I love the yellow ones. No I have not dyed anything in years. Since highschool maybe. And no I have not even dyed my hair, though I need to, as it's been a while.
Keep the projects coming, I love seeing them and reading about them.
You make me want to be all crafty.
I have never dyed anything, except my hair. I'll have to learn how to do it. Your pillowcases turned out beautifully.
I love the look of your dyed cases. Both the yellow and the lavender are so pretty. Mama and I often dyed items with tea to give it a vintage look. By the way, I love your decorative stitch.
Laura, you truly inspire me to decorate my half finished home, even if that means most of the decorating is temporary. All I want to do these days is not go to work, but stay home and sew, craft and decorate. Your pillowcases turned out beautifully!
Thanks for sharing! what an inspiration you are.
Julie
I just love those lavender pillow cases..so talented..must go dye..my hair..
So dainty and pretty!
I never knew they came in rolls. That was a great idea. Too bad they still don't do that. Your pillowcases look great.
It reminds me of My Mom and Aunt. When I was little we stayed with My Aunt during the summers at her farm. In the evening we would sit around and embroider different things. I loved those times. The sad thing is that when we moved one time we forgot some things in the attic and there was a box that had all of the things we embrodered.
Willow
You are so creative and talented. I love these.
How sweet! Love lavender! 🙂
All the best,
Allison
No dye, except covering the gray. I used to be the Princess of Rit. I drove my mom batty by staining her washing machine purple, on a regular basis. Everything I owned had to be a certain shade of purple. My own children have been a breeze compared to what I was like as a teen….shhh!!!!
Your creations are gorgeous. I have always been afraid to try the fancy stitches on my machine. You did such a nice job sewing straight designs.
Oh Laura, those are so pretty! I'm thinking of all of the times I see trim on sale because it's some horrible color nobody (including me) wants! Now why didn't I think of buying that bargain trim and dying it? So smart! laurie
I love the lavender ones. So pretty! Hmmm…I just got some pillowcases from my grandmother that won't bleach out, now you've got me pondering the things I could do with them. Thanks!
oh…they are just wonderfulll..
ok i am sleepy now..
Oh, so lovely!!! I am ashamed to say… I am itching to dye some things but… I am scared to. Am I a wimp or what? I am not sure how to start and don't want to destroy anything else as I am trying to fix one thing. Ya know??? Anyhow… I just might have to try, though. So many possibilities… Hmmmm…
very cute!!!! i love the green with the lavender!!!! the decorative stitch is the perfect addition, too.
hmm…hair doesn't count? well, then it was an old quaker lace beige tablecloth – tons of stains -and i gave it a good brown dye job. kind of hodge-podgey, but it is hippy cool now.
xx
becky
The pillowcase are so lovely.. Wanted to have some of those pillowcase that you made. Will you be selling them?