Pillowcase Dresses for Africa

Kristen from We Are That Family is collecting pillowcase dresses for an organization called Little Dresses for Africa. I was so inspired by her post, that I decided to make a couple to send.



I have always wanted to make a pillowcase dress and this was the perfect opportunity to do so. I decided to make two at a time and it worked out really well. I used the pattern the organization provides which is super easy.



I used fabric that I had been given by a friend rather than a pillowcase. I didn't have bias tape so I made my own using the same fabric. I had never made bias tape before and couldn't believe how easy it was to do so following this tutorial. The pockets are actually the sleeves from a woman's blouse that I got at the thrift store.



Lastly I used a decorative stitch for the hem as a way to give it a little extra touch.



I told Kristen that I would make ten of these, so I have eight more to go. I'm sure you'll see pictures along the way.

If you are interested in helping, please check Kristen's blog or the Little Dresses for Africa's blog. I just read that they are in need of boy shorts in sizes 8/10 and under. I think I'll start working on some of those too. Anyone want to join me in a boy short challenge???

Proudly linking to: Thrifty Thursday, Frugalicious Friday

Knockoff Pottery Barn Anywhere Chair

For years I have wanted to buy these Pottery Barn Anywhere chairs for my kids. Even though I knew they would love them, I just couldn't justify the price. A couple of months ago I was reading a blog and came across this pattern. I bought it instantly, even though I hadn't started my sewing class and wasn't sure if I would be able to complete it. Here's the end result... what do you think?

This was not an easy project and took me about 5 days to complete. I can only sew when my kids are sleeping, so basically I work a couple of hours a day between nap time and bedtime. My sewing teacher helped me get the pattern together during the last class and my husband helped me with the foam inserts.

I love the features of the chair like the handle and the top and the pocket in the back. The cover fits really well, although perhaps I should have ironed it a bit before taking these pictures.

I encountered a few things along the way that I didn't love and will probably modify when I make the next one. However, I highly recommend this pattern.



My daughter loved it and has named it her "reading chair". She picked the fabric for it, which matches her bedding and curtains, and it looks great in her room. I need to get working on one for my son soon!

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Barbie Doll Birthday Cake

My daughter REALLY wanted a pink Barbie cake for her birthday last year. This wouldn't have been a problem except none of the stores around us could make it in pink. After a lot of searching, I decided to just make it myself. I roughly followed this tutorial, with one main change. I borrowed this Wilton cake pan from a friend and highly recommend it as the shape is a thousand times better!

At this point I put it in the fridge and frosted it the next day. Knowing what I know now after taking two cake decorating classes, I should have put it in the freezer as it would have made the whole process easier. I also find that when I freeze cakes before I decorate them they turn out to be more moist, so it's a win-win situation.



The tutorial video from Betty Crocker is wonderful. My favorite part is a tip on using a strip of paper to smooth the butter cream frosting before doing the "ruffles". I definitely recommend watching it, even if you aren't planning on making this cake. This tip would be useful for any cake that requires smooth butter cream frosting.



Ta Da! My favorite part was seeing my daughter's face when she saw her cake, it was priceless and made it all worth it.

Here she is at the party with the candle all set to go:

We decided to make matching cupcakes to take to school. I let my daughter decorate them and she had a blast:



Proudly linking to:

Frugalicious Friday, Check Me Out Saturday,