If your bed is covered with matching sheets, prepare to be shocked. Whether it’s for an extra set of pillows or to replace your current cases, we say ‘Spice it up’ this summer! Colorful, bold prints on pillowcases are a fast and frugal way to wake up your bedroom style. How to start? We can help.

Ok, your best buddy gives you this great orange jewelry box for your birthday. (stick with me here) But your bedroom is a sea of butter yellow. You wanna blend the box with your current color palette. And we’ve got one word for you: pillowcases!

No, no, no— do not search all over town or the internet for a set of orange pillowcases in exactly the right shade. That would be crazy. March yourself down to the nearest discount fabric store, bring that jewelry box and prepare to be thrilled. Our host city of Wilmington, NC has two enormous discount fabric shops where everything is $7.00 a yard. 2 -3 yards will be more than enough for some quick and easy pillowcase sewing.

Look for bold prints or unusual patterns to really create a focal point.

Once you find the perfect fabric, here’s what to do:
• Doing two pillows? Buy 2 yards (2.5 for queen and king size). Remember, even though these may not be your primary cases, you should still look for a light to medium weight cotton or cotton blend that mimics sheet fabric.
• Measure your current pillow cases, you know, the boring white ones? Measure the long dimension, from side to open end. Add 4.5”. Measure from top seam to bottom seam. Double that height and add 1”.
• Cut your gorgeous, new fabric. Take the longest dimension and fold in half, inside out. Sew (giving yourself a 1/2” seam allowance) the long side and ONE of the short sides. Press seams.
• You now have one open, unfinished end. Fold the unfinished end in 1/2”. Then fold in another 4”. Sew. Thread will show inside and outside the case so make sure you pick a matching thread color! (or purposefully contrasting color). Press.
• Shimmy your pillow into its new case, stand back and enjoy!

Summer style tip: Hey, it’s hot and we’d all love to be in the islands, right? Go with Hawaiian print and transform your bedroom instantly. Check out http://www.hawaiianfabricshop.com for some great tropical print fabric at great prices. Depending on the print you choose, you could get a sexy, quirky or even island-tranquil result.