Pillowcase dress

I seem to have fits and spurts with sewing, there will be weeks when I don't sew a thing (but always daydreaming about projects) and then when the project cannot wait any longer, and I have assembled all the necessary kit, I will dust off my machine, and let her whizz away.

This week after promising Louise at Sew scrumptious  for weeks (40 days and 40 nights), that I would make a pillowcase dress for her great 'Dressing a girl around the world' making dresses for girls living in poverty. I could not delay it any longer.

Sewing a dress, is a feat in itself, as I have never sewed a piece of clothing in my life (besides my old school skirt in sewing class in school 20 years ago). I have only ever sewed smaller items, peg bags, zipped purses, lavender hearts, PE bags, you get the picture.

My first task was to find a suitable pillowcase, I looked in my linen cupboard but none of them cut the mustard, they were either too plain, or too smart. A wander down to my local charity shop and I was in luck.
After explaining to the shop lady about my project, she kindly said I could go 'out the back' and choose one for myself! Well if you are a thrifter this is like bees to honey, I felt like the cat the had got the cream, my eyes were darting all over the place looking for the pink vintage teapot, which has alluded me so far in my thrifty searches - but no joy.

But I did find two 70's pillowcases with pretty flowers and patterns on them and the kind shop lady gave them to me for free!

Unfortunately (not surprisingly) I made a bit of a hash with the first pillowcase, in only cutting half a dress from the pattern provided, (scrap material is so useful!)

Second attempt and I was on my way, I followed the instructions as much I could (hate rules, and I like to sew with my heart, so I tend to do my own thing quite a lot) I persisted and persisted over a few days and a few nights

And voila, yesterday evening It was complete. I was really impressed with the bias binding you needed around the sleeves, as I have never sewed with them before and I loved the neat edges it makes. I added some Hazel and Blue ribbon around the bottom of the dress, which I think is a nice personal touch.

I hope the girl who received this pillowcase dress enjoys wearing it! I really enjoyed making it!
If you fancy joining in and making a pillowcase dress for charity go to sewscrumptious blog, where there is a great tutorial to follow.

Bxx