Pillowcases are durable pouches that can be used for creative and practical projects around your home. They come in a variety of patterns, and chances are you have one or more without a mate. You can find them dirt-cheap at thrift stores and garage sales, too.

Here are a few ideas for putting pillowcases to new use:

Story bag: Make a cute pillow case drawstring bag, then fill it with a few secondhand books, stuffed or small toys, puzzles, workbook pages, craft activities and supplies or flashcards, etc., that follow the theme of the stories. For a tutorial, visit sewddelicious.blogspot.com/2012/02/pillowcase-to-drawstring-bag-tutorial.html. You can also use the drawstring bag as a sleepover bag, to hold laundry, unmated socks or beach gear, or as a reusable gift bag.