turn-tube Christmas pillowcase for Cousin Mikey
Today was the official opening of our Little Santa Workshop. Newly empowered by success in the workshop and at the sewing machine and puffed up with confidence,  Robert and Laurel have composed a very long list of friends and family members for whom they intend to make gifts. Trying not to put a damper on their enthusiasm and generosity, I suggested that we prioritize the recipient list and begin right away. So we did.
There are so many quick and easy sewing projects that I think Laurel just might be able to check off most of the names on her list. Coming up with comparably simple projects for the 5 year old “shopper,” Robert’s title for his woodworking persona,  presents a greater challenge.
Today, Laurel made a Christmas pillowcase for one of her cousins.  The turn-tube decorative hem technique is detailed in an earlier post Even with her little Brother set at a very low speed, Laurel finished this pillowcase in less than an hour.Â
turn tube hem in progress
I was at her side most of the time, mostly pinning.   The only other assistance I gave was to serge the seams.
I’ve prepared a stack of neutral fabrics for the body of the pillowcase and a variety of novelty prints, rick rack and trims for the hem. Having these cut to size, pressed and at the ready will speed things up considerably.
When we got to the final step in the contrasting hem, I described it as wrapping a  bun around a hot dog. Laurel asked me to repeat that. When I showed her just what I meant, she had an aha moment. She then commented that all this talk about hot dogs made her hungry. Could she have one?
If a 6 year-old can make one of these up in 55 minutes, just think how quickly you could do it. Give it a try. Santa needs all the help he can get.
