Pillowcase with NiteLite Thread

NiteLite Extra Glow is a 40-weight polyester glow-in-the-dark thread from Superior Threads. The phosphorus used in the manufacturing process stores energy when exposed to light, then slowly releases that energy by emitting a small amount of light and appearing to glow. Once NiteLite Extra Glow thread has been charged in natural or artificial light for 30 to 60 seconds, it will glow for up to 6 hours night after night. It is machine washable and dryer safe and may be ironed using low to medium heat. It should not be bleached.

Our assignment in Lesson #109 from Superior University was to make a pillowcase using NiteLite Extra Glow to stitch a decorative element on the cuff. The instructions suggested using letters to spell out a secret message and recommended using a heavier stitch such as a satin stitch to make the glow-in-the-dark thread easier to see. My fabrics – “Day Z Love” and “Polka Dotz” by Lakehouse Fabrics – didn’t lend themselves to this idea since the polka dots would interfere with the letters. I decided to stitch petals around some of the circles and turn them into NiteLite flowers.

The kit included two colors of NiteLite Extra Glow: white and pastel green. I decided to use the white since it glows longer and brighter than the dyed colors and so that it would blend into the background during the day. Here is the cuff in the light…

… and here it is in the dark!

How fun is that? If only I had a little girl to give it to. As it happened, a dear friend was coming to visit for a few days – along with her 7-year old daughter. I put the “magic” pillow on her bed and we were all delighted when we turned out the lights. What a great way to add some fun to pillows, pajamas or quilts! Next week, I’ll give you an easy tutorial on how to use a built-in decorative stitch on your sewing machine to create these polka-dot flowers.