~ Pillowcases ~

I was visiting Lizzy Lane Farm blog and found a wonderful new use for those extra pillowcases you may have hanging around. I have several I've kept , the sheets always wear out before those pillowcases do. She was making jelly and was using an old pillowcase as a jelly bag to strain the juice. I don't have a jelly bag either and have always used cheesecloth , but I'm not a big fan of cheesecloth , it's hard to work with , folding it , trying to hold the corners and a pain to try to wash and reuse. I'm excited about using a pillowcase the next time I make jelly , I can't believe I never thought of this , such a simple concept. That's the great thing about blogging , there's always something to learn , someone sharing a tip or creative idea. You can blop over to http://lizzylanefarm.wordpress.com/2010/01/16/jam-and-jelly/ , to checkout her pillowcase jelly bag. After reading her post I was wondering what other people use their old pillowcases for , so I googled to find out.
I do use old pillowcases for other things , such as laundry bags. I've been washing the Grands stuffed toys in pillowcases , they work great for that. I also use a pillowcase (t-shirt style , pictured above) to dry my greens , just wash your lettuce , spinach or other greens and toss them in the pillowcase and shake , set aside and the pillowcase will absorb the water.

Here are some great ways to reuse pillowcases ............

~ Store your winter sweaters in a pillowcase or cut a hole in the top and slip over clothes to use as a garment bag . You can cover leather goods , such as purses , shoes or jackets to keep the dust off .

~ Fold your sheet sets and store inside one of the pillowcases.

~ Use a pillowcase to cover your sewing machine or other small appliances.

~ Use as cushion covers , I've used them to cover cushions for my rocking chairs on the front porch.

~ Use white pillowcases to cover baby's changing table , very frugal idea.

~ Cover small plants or herbs on those early/late season frosty nights. Another garden tip I love , use them to haul your harvest. I'll be using one come garden season , they'll work great for corn.

~ Use a pillowcase for dusting and cleaning ceiling fan blades. Just slip over blade and gather to pull dust into bag , then you can put the pillowcase over your broom and clean the cobwebs , protects your paint.

While you're cleaning , shine that silverware with a clean 100% cotton pillowcase.

~Pack a pillowcase like a hobo bag for your child's overnight sleepover.

~ Use a pillowcase for your dirty laundry when you're traveling.

~ Use pillowcases to wash delicates and stuffed animals. Use as a dryer bag for those stuffed animals too.

~ Use as wrapping paper for those odd shaped gifts , just put gift inside and tie with beautiful ribbon.

There are some wonderful ways to re purpose pillowcases too ....... Check-out the Farm Chicks blog to see her reusable bag made from a vintage sheet.
http://thefarmchicks.typepad.com/farmchicks/2009/01/vintage-pillowcase-bag.html

More ways to re purpose pillowcases ................

~ Make an Apron

~ Make cafe curtains

~ Make a child's dress

~ Make a child's art smock , just cut a hole for the head and arms , so

simple

~ Make napkins

~ Make reusable bags

What do you use your old pillowcases for , are there any ideas you would like to share ?

~ Greenest Blessings ~

JoyceAnn