Crocheted Pillowcase Edgings

Yes, I spent a couple of months learning to crochet, even though I really didn't need another hobby.  Now I have been bitten by the crochet bug and I see MANY things I want to make.  YIKES!  But the whole reason I learned to crochet in the first place was because I saw THESE on Beata's blog -- SO BEAUTIFUL -- and I was overpowered with a desire to make them.  Imagine my surprise when I discovered that Cassie of YouGoGirl has a wonderful, clear tutorial on how to do this very thing!  If you haven't tried this yet, get over there and get started!  (Well, if you are like me and don't know how to crochet, do this first, THEN go to Cassie's tutorial.)

 Anyway, these pillows are my first attempt.

A close-up of the edge, where you can also see the contrasting pocket (which hides your actual pillow):

I made the back out of the contrasting fabric:

This is my second set, which I made for my daughter as a birthday gift.  I love those red roses on the yellow.

Here's her edging:

I took the pillows outside to try to get better lighting, but I'm not sure I did any better.  The top pillow shows the contrasting fabric:

The yarn I used on the edging was Sinfonia, a 100 percent mercerized cotton sports weight.  On the green pillowcases I used a size F crochet hook, but I thought the edging was a bit bulky, so on the yellow pillowcases I went down to a size E hook.  I also have some crochet thread size 3 that I may try next time. (And yes, there will be a next time -- I've already got the fabric.)

I have to tell you that these are very fun to make.  (And very fun to shop for.  Local quilt shops should be pushing pillowcase making.)

It is a pleasure to lay your head on these lovelies at the end of the day.  It is a distinct possibility that even your dreams will be sweeter ;)