Sew Along for Japan: Day 1

Here are my completed pieces for Day 1 of the Sew Along for Japan. I had so much fun getting everything together! My daughter helped me decide which parts looked best with each body and we can't wait to see what awaits us tomorrow. It's not too late to join... and look at all the goodies you could win: GIVEAWAY. Stay tuned for Day 2 tomorrow!

Completed Pillowcase Dresses for Africa

These are the last two pillowcase dresses for the batch that I am sending to Kristen @ We Are That Family for the Little Dresses for Africa organization. These were made from curtains that my mom bought for her laundry room and never used. I had a great time making these dresses, and I love thinking that they will help make a little girl happy somewhere in Africa.

Here is part of the batch that I'm sending, you can see more detailed pics here and here. I would have loved to make more but couldn't find any affordable pillowcases so ended up using things I had at home that required more work. One of my readers (Hi Kellie!!!) ordered some pillowcases from http://www.pillowcase.net/ and has promised to tell me what she thought of them.



I have been corresponding via e-mail with Rachel O'Neill from Little Dresses for Africa and she confirmed the need for shorts for boys. As soon as I have more information I will post about it since I would really like to help them.

Proudly linking to: Frugalicious Friday, Sunday Scoop,

More Pillowcase Dresses

Remember these pillowcase dresses? I can't stop making them! The fact that they are for a good cause is only increasing my motivation.



I made this last batch from a vintage sheet my friend brought us from India when my son was born.



It was perfect because once I cut the needed length, I had enough width for the dress and the straps.



Better yet, I didn't even have to hem the bottom because it was already done.



I'm going to make a couple more and ship them off so that I can get started on some boy shorts. Please let me know if you'd like to help out by making some shorts for boys. So far I have only heard back from Mandi @ Common Threads.

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