craft by stealth

Other than my alphabet sampler, I've tried to keep crafting to a minimum this summer. I do this both to encourage myself to keep plodding along on the old dissertation AND to prevent myself from starting projects that in all likelihood I'll never finish. So, I look at Pinterest longingly, and then I move on with my life. This type of self-control, added to the fact that I'm starving myself, is making for some rather bleak moments. But I figure that in the end I'll be skinny and unfulfilled, and it seems that's what I'm going for at the moment.

Does this make sense to you?

Cuz it looks plumb crazy when I type it out like that.

So, yesterday afternoon around 4, I'd had enough of the computer and neo-Victorian texts and how Margaret Thatcher's call to Victorian values affected feminist concerns (if it did at all). I could think of nothing else to do, so I grabbed Madison and we headed out to Sonic happy hour. I'm telling you there is summer magic in that moment when you roll down your car window, feel the blast of summer heat, and say, "I'd like Route 44 Diet Coke with lime." Sweet relief.

Then, because it was staring me in the face from the drive-thru line at Sonic, we went to peruse the Hobby Lobby. Once at Hobby Lobby I threw all caution to the wind and bought some fabric and some yarn. I'm weak. I needed to DO something with my hands.

For almost two weeks now I've had this page open on my computer. I never could bring myself to close it, and every now and again I'd mosey over and read through the directions. I simply can't explain my fascination with the crochet-egdged pillowcase, but it's there. Maybe it started with this picture on Pinterest. Maybe it began when I bought this old pillowcase at the antique store in San Antonio.

(Excuse the blurry pic.) I just really like the idea of someone so carefully constructing their bed linens. Also, I'm enamoured with things made of string. Crochet...knit...bring it on. I can't necessarily do it...but I love it all the same.

Maddie and I arrived home sometime before five. I tidied up the kitchen, put baked potatoes in for supper, and called Sterling and planned a little OUT TO DINNER date for us. And then I thought I'd just cut out the pillowcase. Turns out it takes about 10 minutes to cut out and construct the entire thing. THAT is my kind of crafting. Then, after dinner, I thought I'd just try the blanket stitch. Then I watched a youtube video on single and double crochet. And BAM! By 9 this morning I had this baby all finished. Complete. Finito. Who's finishing projects now baby???

YouGoGirl! teaches you to make what she calls a "posh pillowcase." This simply means that there is a flap inside to tuck your pillow into nice and tight. Plus, it hides any unsightly naked pillows, which seemed like a might fine idea to me. I'm totally against nude pillows.

See the little pocket? Nice touch.

And voila! It's a PILLOWCASE. This one, while cool, is a little vibrant for my taste. I think next time I might try a soft, solid color and just do a polka dot on the inside flap itself. But I do have enough supplies to make one more just like the one in the picture. And since I'm all about finishing things and not wasting ... I might just crank out another one today.

And then I'm thinking about a pillowcase club. We could make tons of them. Who's in?

Comments

[Carmen]

It looks lovely! I know what you mean about leaving a webpage open on the computer for days and days... And darn it, thanks to you, now this one is open on my desktop! :)

[Anne Waddoups]

Fabulous. That is totally my kind of crafting. I'll join!
Also, jealous you have Sonic. There is only ONE in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I'm thirsty.

[Deb]

It turned out so cute. I totally want to make one! Can you stand to tutor me through it?

[Ellen Patton]

Ain't no Hobby Lobby around here but I love that fabric!

[MyHaven]

I love it!!