Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Ghastlie Pillowcases

I've been making Ghastlie pillowcases for my children.
Yes, you read that right: truly ghastlie.
Halloween is one of my children's favorite holidays.

Have you seen this fabric line The Ghastlies by Alexander Henry?
Putting the fabric into a pillowcase was the brainchild of Kathy Smith, at Quilted Works here in St. George. Once she displayed her pillowcase, QW couldn't keep enough bolts in stock. Customers went crazy snapping up yardage. (me included).
"The Ghastlies are a frightening bunch. Mathilda Ghastlie, the matriarch rules with..a crooked finger."
The drawings reminded me quite a bit of Nightmare Before Christmas that is displayed each Halloween at the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland.
We have stood in line many times as a family to see the creative displays of the Haunted Mansion during the month of October.
Yes, my children like odd.
I had the opportunity one time to visit the headquarters of Alexander Henry in Burbank, CA . See blog post 8/3/2008
One of the highlights of my quilting experiences. Watching the artists design fabrics was absolutely fascinating.
Everything is hand drawn, without the use of computer graphics.

Ghastlie Manor

Pillowcases are so easy to make. I used the "tube method".
Layer the hem fabric, trim and main fabrics then sew along the raw edges.
There are many, many tutorials on the Internet right now that will show you step-by-step how to make a tube pillowcase.
This is a great time to support the Million Pillowcase Challenge.

Once the tube is sewn, pull the case out from inside of the hem fabric.
To keep the seams enclosed, it's nice to do a french/ or flat feld seam.
Put wrong sides together and sew a scant 1/4th inch.

Turn wrong side out and sew sides and bottom again with a little more than a 1/4th inch seam.

Sweet dreams kids!

Time to package these up and get them off in the mail, with plenty of time before Halloween.

20 comments:

Mary Grace McNamara said...

Nedra, those pillowcases are so darn cute! I think that fabric is a hoot, but my two little ones might not be too thrilled about sleeping with those kinds of pictures. Great idea to use holiday themed fabric for special pillowcases...I might try to find some friendly Halloween fabric for them!

MGM

Unknown said...

They are truly ghastly, but in a cute kind of way! What a great Halloween treat!

Carol said...

Nedra those pillowcases are just as cute as they can be..love the fabric!

Material Mary said...

So totally love the pillowcases. They are adorable and I think that I as well love holiday cases and any excuse to use great fabric!!
Mary

Sequana said...

I just LOVE the Ghastlies!! I've had the fabric here for ages already, trying to decide what to do with them.

Pillowcases for ME might be a good option.....*S*

I have the fabric in non-Halloween colors like you do. I've seen it in those colors, and it's not nearly as "ghastly."

Jana said...

Saw this fabric in Pine Needles and fell in love with it but decided not to buy it since I don't really need another Halloween quilt. Why didn't you post this sooner?! :) The pillowcases are darling!

Mel said...

I saw the Ghastlies in a quilt shop here in Denver a couple of weeks ago!! LOVE THEM!!

I've heard of the "Tube" method for pillow cases, but haven't tried it yet - thanks for reminding me!!

Carin said...

Nedra I LOVE your pillowcases isn't the tube method the greatest! I have got to find that fabric it's wonderful! Halloween is our favorite holiday as well.

badlandsquilts said...

Love those!

Martha said...

Love that fabric!! I have to get me some.

Lori Holt said...

Hi Nedra...
I agree that the fabric is PERFECT for Halloween pillowcases.
I love it!
The tube method is so slick...I can't tell you how many I've made that way!
I know your kids will love the pillowcases and have "sweet nightmares" while sleeping on them!
xx
lori

Nanette Merrill said...

They are wonderful. What a great idea. I've seen Christmas pillow cases of course but never Halloween. How great. Have you seen the new Alexander Henry Farmdale??? I had to order some.

Sara said...

Love them - what fun fabric!

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Nedra, those are just too too cute, boy would "I" love of those!! What fun!!

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Sorry to comment again but how much fabric did you need for each case? I am soooo going to make some!!

Nat Palaskas said...

These are truely Ghastlie in a nicest way. I love the combination in the prints. I must think of something to make pillowcases too! Great idea Nedra - Hugs Nat

Janet said...

How perfect, now I want to make some, lol.

SewCalGal said...

Spooktacular pillowcases. I'm sure your kids will love them...I do!

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Halloween pillowcases are a great idea. There are so many fun halloween fabrics, from spooky to fun. We did some with glow in the dark eyes by "Blank"? Our grandkids use pillowcases for trick or treat bags on halloween, so, now they can do double duty.

Cindy said...

O Nedra, these are so cute!! I think I just might make a few for my grandkiddos. I love your blog, it makes me happy!