Craft Challenge: Dozens of Ways to Repurpose a Pillowcase

by Suzanne J.E. Tourtillott

Take the challenge! Craft challenges are all the rage among online crafting communities, and this new series—the first ever on the subject—marries the popularity of repurposing with the appeal of the “new pretty” aesthetic. This time, it’s the common pillowcase that’s undergoing uncommon transformations in 28 beguiling projects, ranging from patterned pinafores and aprons to decorative, embellished boxes and quilts. A friendly and informative basics chapter introduces the key techniques, delicate ink and watercolor illustrations show essential assembly details, and all necessary templates are included. There’s plenty of handholding for beginners plus a wealth of novel ideas for more advanced sewers.

 

Genres: Sewing, Crafts, Nonfiction

129 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2009

About the author

Suzanne Tourtillott was born in post-war Germany but lives and works, happily, in Asheville, North Carolina. After studying and then teaching fine art and commercial photography, she turned to writing arts journalism for periodicals and, ultimately, to writing and editing craft books. Suzanne has edited more than 50 titles in jewelry, ceramics, needle crafts--even poetry. Her business/Twitter is @editorious; see the site at http://editorious.org and tweets via #editorious. you can follow Suzanne's visual interests on Pinterest (pinning as username suzanne33).

Reviews

[Alexandria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many of these projects are very cute, though some of them are repetitions on a theme (three patterns for a child's pinafore, for example). I also think you have to be something more than a beginning sewer for some (roughly half) of these projects, which I am sadly not. I might revisit this book when I have more experience but for now it was just a quick flip-through.

[Molly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the "Pillowcase Memory" that are sprinkled throughout the margins of this book. A nice touch.

I like the photography. I like the concept of repurposing pillowcases.

I did not like all the plugs for Lark Crafts online (and at least one other website) sprinkled throughout the text of the book (I counted at least 4).

I did not like the fact that the project I liked the most, the Lavender Tote on p. 76 called for one "standard vintage cotton feedsack pillowcase - I do not know what that is, let alone where to find one - and one yard of coordinating fabric (I thought we were supposed to be repurposing old pillowcases here!).

There are some cute projects, but most of them I have seen in other craft books.

The project I am most likely to make is the baby quilt on page 116 because it uses all repurposed materials!

[Beverlyanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are one or two clever and attractive projects in this book, but most are lame and clunky looking. The sections cover wearables (tunics and sundresses for children made by threading ties through casings)objects like purses (pillowcases not good material for these), and home objects like coasters. The most creative project is an apron made in layers consisting of the decorative edgings from vintage cases mixed with vintage patterned slices of pillowcases. Now no one needs a fancy apron, but this is a good idea for a child's skirt.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

My main problem with this book are the patterns for kids. I don't have any or know any girls of the age these might work for.

On the other hand, patterns I liked for myself were: Morning Glory bathrobe, Simply Red skirt, Slip-On Luxe slippers, Reversible Sun Hat, Superhereo Cape, Decorative Box, Oh, Baby! Quilt (which could be adjusted?), & Tea Time Tea Cozy.
I've likely got access to plenty of pillow cases, it's just a matter of having the book and access to a machine and the cases.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a great concept: lots of diffrent designers created projects using pillowcases as the medium. Some of these are cute, but the lower rating comes from a lack of projects I want to make. The only one I'm really interested in is the kimono on page 48. The pillowcases in the photopraphs are also far nicer than the selection at my local thrift store, and I am a frequent thrifter.

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly simple projects. Not sure how the author got her hands on so many beautiful vintage pillowcases, though! Mine are all garish mustard yellow creations from the 70s.

Cutest project was the back-of-the-chair remote control cozy.

[Jodi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Limited amount of projects, most of which I have seen before (for free)on other craft sites. The majority were geared toward those who have children to make items for.

[Jessietaylortanner · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are a few things I want to make from this book. I like the overall feel and look of the book however.

[Lois · Rating 2 out of 5]

way fun to see designers rise to the challenge of how to sew something new with an old pillowcase. don't know if there is anything I'd make, but loved the inspiration.

[Candy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't think this book was great. The styling is beautiful but the patterns are pretty common and not necessarily ground breaking.

[Sherry Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many simple and great ideas... who knew a pillowcase could look so cute in so many ways. It also encourages using pillowcases that are vintage or from thrift stores like Goodwill.

[Ohia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some pretty cute ideas for pillowcases

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why would I use a pillowcase? I didn't figure that out.

[Theadra Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute stuff. made the lunchbox 2x. wll mke very thing at some point