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). Β 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. Β My “goal” is to make three dresses a month but that might not happen. Β I’m not going to lie…I don’t think it’s going to happen this month. Β But that is why I chose Little Dresses for Africa. Β 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. Β 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. Β And the sweet fabrics just begged me to patchwork them together into little dresses. Β Dresses really need at least a yard of fabric just for a little one. Β But you can get away with 1/2 yard combos if you are clever enough. Β So I started combining fabrics and cutting away!
I used a couple of “easy” patterns from Simplicity and the like to make my dresses. Β 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?! Β They make me so happy. Β 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. Β I tried to explain that they were dresses for little girls who didn’t have ANY dresses. Β That was pretty mind boggling in her 1st world life. Β But I was tickled later to find her cutting out a paper “dress” for her doll who she said did not have ANY dresses. Β 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! π 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. π Hugs, H in Healdsburg
Some little girls are going to feel like princesses!
Those are beautiful! What a special blessing they will be! Inspired!