Who can believe it’s mid-March?! I sure can’t! If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, then you know that March is Baby Month! She will be here around the 25th, and the nesting hustle is real right now. Any other mamas-to-be with me??
Also, there is major Spring Fever in my house! Grand Canyon’s winter has been snowy, cold, and overcast. Especially this last week. Therefore, I am MORE than ready for sunny skies, and warmer weather to explore the forest again. All the sunshine is one of my favorite parts of Arizona, and I miss it!
Due to Spring Fever and Nesting Fever, I decided to make one of my baby projects a pillow case. This project is quick and easy! Just what I needed to leave me with a sense of accomplishment, because Baby is coming and I MUST have something crocheted for her. Since my yarn stash holds one skein of Bernat Baby Blanket yarn in Lilac, and it’s new to me, I wanted to find a decor pattern for her room. Therefore, I landed on a pillowcase!
Here’s how I made this Marshmallow Pillowcase…
First, this project is inspired by Kristen Mangus’ (Good Knit Kisses) Marshmallow Crochet Baby Blanket. Her blanket pattern is beautiful, fun, and billowy! Absolutely perfect for my daughter’s whimsical, southwest inspired bedroom. Instead of tackling a blanket, I chose to crochet a pillowcase for a delightfully fun decor piece. It would made a great addition to any child’s room! You can purchase Kristen’s blanket pattern in her Etsy, or Ravelry shop.
Second, the pillowcase I chose to make is non-removable, because I ran out of yarn! Oops! As a result of a one skein wonder the finished piece is not exactly to my liking. But in all honestly, I didn’t want to drive the 80 miles to Flagstaff for one skein of yarn. Or wait until my next grocery run to buy another since that sense of accomplishment was calling my name too loudly!
Also, this pillowcase uses a 14″ pillow form with an L/11–8.00mm crochet hook. Originally, I planned to make this case removable with a few wooden buttons, because babies + fabric = potential for stains! Alas, spot treatment is what I’ll do if needed.
Third, the only changes I made to Kristen’s pattern was reducing the starting Chain to 35 to yield the correct width for the pillow form. Then, I followed her pattern for 42 Rows which made the case a little snug for a 14″ pillow form. Last, I squeezed the case around the pillow, slip stitched around the open ends, and secured any loose ends.
Viola! A fluffy, soft pillowcase is created!
An alternate way to make this pillow would be to crochet two individual squares. Then, slip stitch around the edges. Or leave the 4th edge open to secure with buttons to make the case removable.
Kristen’s blanket pattern and this pillow would make a beautiful addition to any nursery! Plus, these are quick projects; just right for a last minute baby gift.
Need more help with the pattern? Here is a great video tutorial from Kristen of the Marshmallow Crochet Baby Blanket pattern!
I hope this inspires you to try something new. Whether it be a new yarn, or a new pattern.
Happy Creating!
Joanna
