Pillowcases

Sometimes, I just need to sew for the thrill of combining fabrics with a simpler plan than most of my work. This past week, I made 7 pillowcases for Ryan's Case For Smiles (caseforsmiles.com). Formerly ConKerr Cancer, this organization gives pillowcases to children in hospitals to brighten their day. Of course, I found plenty of possible fabrics in my stash. I chose the fun pieces.

Some of the combinations may be a stretch, but I chose them with my youngest granddaughter in mind. She loves the crazier, the better. I also finished a Linus blanket, but forgot to take a photo. It always feels good to give to others, and even more so in this season of giving.

Hope your giving touches you as well. Karen

#41, 42 and 43 -- A scarf and a surprise

The second half of the ice dyeing with the socks was a rayon circular scarf using imperial purple, fuchsia and brilliant blue. I ran out of ice, so this piece has more white than I would prefer. Nice outcome. I will wear it during the holidays.

Surprise -- interesting patterns appeared on the piece of fabric that I placed between the plastic grid and the socks and scarf -- a nice grid effect.

Of course, I had to play with getting more of that pattern. I made a double decker sandwich of plastic grid pieces and fabric and topped that with ice, then grape and cobalt dyes. Cool. I plan to do some larger pieces using this grid effect later. This piece is 10" x 20". On the left, you can see a bit of the circular grid used in one layer.

Tomorrow I'll share the charity pieces I did while taking a break from dyeing. I wanted to use some fabrics sitting alone and to make things to give away to brighten others' lives. What do you do for others during your holidays?

Peace, Karen

Nos. 39 and 40 -- Fun Socks

I really love bamboo socks and I found two pair to ice dye last week using imperial purple, fuchsia and brilliant blue. Fun to wear on these chilly days and nights.

I also dyed a couple pieces of fabric using the same colors. Life was crazy for a week or so and kept me from pressing those pieces. I'll show them in a couple days.

Hope you have some quiet time in this busy season. 

Karen