Pillowcase dresses

While the weather here hovers in the 100s still, it makes for perfect sewing weather inside. I've finished a couple of projects and crossed them off my "to-do" list - not a chore list at all, but a fun "I can't wait to get to them" list! Most of the time, my mind moves faster than my hands so there will always be a list going on! This is the pillowcase that I found thrifting - a cute yellow gingham - that I brightened up with some ribbon and a pocket. The project that my friend is working on, "Little Dresses for Africa" is still in the works. She hopes to finish collecting the dresses by the end of September so there is still time to make some more! The girls particularly adore little embellishments like pockets. 

I had one more thrifted pillowcase, so I made a second dress for my Abbey. The white is so summery!

With this one I practiced using the embroidery function on my sewing machine. So pretty! Her favorite color is purple!

This next pillowcase dress I actually made last year for Allie, so it's more of a shirt this year. This is not a thrifted case, but rather a family pillowcase that was passed down to me many years ago. My mother always kept it in the linen closet and wouldn't let us use it. Then she gave it to me! Once I found a pillowcase pattern I liked, I knew this one would make the perfect dress. Just look at those details! I think this was made by a great-grandmother. Much better than sitting in a closet forever.

Up close of the details:

I do something similar to this pattern by just cutting out an armhole by making a gentle curve. You can finish the armhole with bias tape, ribbon or sometimes I serge the raw edges then just fold it inside by topstitching. I like to use a casing at the top with some elastic inside to make the fit just right. Add some pretty ribbon and embellishments of your choice and your done!

Happy Creating!

Comments

[Sheri]

You are a fantastic seamstress! So talented!

I wish we lived closer -- the kids could play while you taught me how to use my sewing machine and make little dresses :) You make exactly the types of things that I'd like to make. That family heirloom pillowcase is so lovely, the detail is just beautiful!

[kelli]

oh my goodness, these are ADORABLE!!!