Paula's Pillowcase Project

Last year, I participated for the first time in my friend Paula's Pillowcase Project. You can read more about it here .

Paula's son was diagnosed several years ago with a rare form of cancer called Sarcoma. While he was in the hospital getting treatment they realized how uncomfortable the pillowcases were on bald Chemo heads and Paula's Pillowcase Project was born.

For the past three years Paula has gathered her friends in the community to a two day event of cutting, ironing and sewing pillowcases to be hand delivered to kids with cancer at Children's hospital in Seattle. I was happy to be a part of it again this year.

Paula (the adorable red head) started our day off by explaining how to sew the pillowcase.

On the first day, helpers take pre-washed fabric and cut it down to size and lay the three pieces in a set to make the assembly line process of pillowcase making easier.

It's then taken to a group of pinners who pin the three pieces into place so that it's ready for sewing.

This group of teenage girls were awesome helpers. The adorable girl in the yellow headband is named Taylor. She was diagnosed with cancer just before her 16th birthday. Two failed bone marrow transplants later, she's 19 and in remission! It was exciting to talk with her about her plans for college in the fall.

These two lovely ladies were my "team". Debbie who is seated, did the pinning for me, and Brenda, Taylor's mom, (standing) did my ironing. Boy, I wish I had them at home to help me out with my sewing sometimes!

Lots of ironing...

lots of sewing...

and some more cutting happen

while the sewers stay busy sewing pillowcases at various stages of completion.

Once a pillowcase is done, someone rings the bell and makes a tally mark. It's such an awesome way to hear progress throughout the day. That little bell ring in the other room is music to our ears!

There is also a group of faithful women who make beautiful cards that are attached to each pillowcase. Not only are the cards beautiful, each is handwritten with a heartfelt sentiment.

It's always nice to take a break for lunch

and yummy desserts.

Sometimes having a conversation over the hum of the sewing machines is a bit difficult!

Then we head back to work putting bows and cards on each completed pillowcase.

Since there are many cancer parents and kids that participate each year, Paula is able to immediately hand off the pillowcases for delivery to Children's hospital.

We hope the kids that are the recipients of these pillowcases feel the love that went into making them on such a special weekend. Thanks Paula for all of the work you do!