If you’ve been with me for a bit, then you might recall that last year I expressed a desire to do more charitable sewing. There are a lot of options for this out there and I get asked about quilting for charity pretty often (in fact I’m planning a pretty big quilt for my daughter’s school fundraiser – more on that later). But I wanted to do something that I didn’t organize…that was pressure free for me in terms of deadlines and something that let me use the fabric that is sent my way or fabric from my stash. (I have A LOT in my stash)
So last month I got started…January. My “goal” is to make three dresses a month but that might not happen. I’m not going to lie…I don’t think it’s going to happen this month. But that is why I chose Little Dresses for Africa. I get to make darling cute dresses on my own time.
So I wanted to share with you the three dresses that I made last month. Amanda Herring aka The Quilted Fish had sent me a 1/2 yard bundle of her line Magnolia from Riley Blake fabrics to play with. And the sweet fabrics just begged me to patchwork them together into little dresses. Dresses really need at least a yard of fabric just for a little one. But you can get away with 1/2 yard combos if you are clever enough. So I started combining fabrics and cutting away!
I used a couple of “easy” patterns from Simplicity and the like to make my dresses. Little Dresses for Africa actually gives examples of MUCH simpler patterns from pillow cases which I think I’ll tackle next in some larger sizes.
Aren’t they ADORABLE?! They make me so happy. What is sweeter than pretty dresses?My 5 year old daughter is used to me making little dresses for her so she didn’t quite understand why these dresses were NOT for her. I tried to explain that they were dresses for little girls who didn’t have ANY dresses. That was pretty mind boggling in her 1st world life. But I was tickled later to find her cutting out a paper “dress” for her doll who she said did not have ANY dresses. She needed to make clothes for her.One of those happy mom moments I’ll hold on to.
How wonderful! Beautiful dresses, I can already see very happy girls twirling in these dresses. Lovely!
-Soma
I love your makes, Angela! Those moments when life opens up to important tidbit conversations – those are priceless. That's how they really become people.
It would be lovely if your daughter could send a card along with the dresses. Whether or not it actually goes to a little girl, it would help her make a connection to the recipient.
They are beautiful. I think the recipients will be thrilled with their new dresses.
Those are sweet dresses! I've made the one with the sleeves: I like it because there are no zippers or buttons! 🙂 And what a wonderful moment to see that your example is picked right up by your daughter! Definitely one of the paybacks of being a Mom. 🙂 Hugs, H in Healdsburg
Some little girls are going to feel like princesses!
Those are beautiful! What a special blessing they will be! Inspired!