Sunday, September 25, 2011

Dress a Girl Around The World

I've been wanting to contribute to a charity in a way that would allow me to use my crafting skills for something other than home decorating or personal gift giving. Several months ago during an email exchange with my sweet friend Sian from the UK, she mentioned a charity I might be interested in. Funny that someone from Ireland can find a charity for me that is right in my backyard!
The charity organization that Sian led me to is called Dress a Girl Around the World and it's based in Phoenix, Arizona. This organization collects handmade dresses and distributes them through Hope 4 Women International who in turn distributes the dresses to girls in need around the world.
The dresses are made from pillowcases, and when I saw how simple the pattern was I decided that as soon as my craft space was organized enough to accommodate a small sewing project, I'd like to contribute to this worthy cause.
I purchased three pillowcases from my local thrift store. How lovely that the universe provided half-off-day on the very day I chose to shop! The pillowcases cost me 75¢ each! And since I already had binding tape and elastic in my supplies this was a very inexpensive way for me to contribute.
And my time?
I spent about 2 hours making three dresses.
And it was 2 hours well spent!
So how about it, Blog-friends-who-can-sew?
Care to join me in a little charity sewing?

22 comments:

Unknown said...

I love these! Can you find a pillow case in my size? ;)

angelfish said...

Your dresses are gorgeous and a timely reminder to me! I came across this brilliant project (and featured it on my blog) back in the summer and it has been on the back burner ever since. Once the evenings start drawing in, my sewing machine will be put to work.
I hope you are feeling well again, after your recent hospital stay xx

traci said...

i wish i could sew. what a wonderful gift. those are just beautiful deb. i love how you found fun bright pillowcases. the owners of those dresses are going to be sew happy.

Sian said...

These are perfect deb! I love the way blogging is not only a pleasure, but it actually gets things done! Know what I mean? Now you have got me thinking about finding a bit of time to make some of these, just like I've been meaning to for ages. You have done a fine job :)

Ruth said...

These are really lovely and what a great idea for a charitable cause!

Gail said...

What a wonderful idea and they look really nice. Wish I could sew - I even have trouble doing a straight line.

scrappysue said...

How adorable and bright they are and how sweet of you to make them!

helena said...

Dev, they are so lovely and colourful. I'd heard about the pillowcase dresses but not followed it up - I will now. Funnily is was Sian who set me onto the charity that I knit square and kids jumpers for.

Anonymous said...

What a great idea, and yours are so bright and cheerful! Three little girls are going to be very happy.

Maria Ontiveros said...

Beautiful! I'm not a seamstress (as you know), but I will save this idea for the next time Clara goes to spend time with her seamstress aunt. It would be a perfect project for them.
Rinda

scrappyjacky said...

They look just lovely,Deb....and for such a great cause.

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

ooh deb these are so cute! what an awesome way to give back! wish I could sew ... you're AMAZING my friend!

Heather said...

So simple and yet so lovely! Well done Deb :) I'm afraid I have absolute zero ability in sewing so I am in awe of anyone who produces such wonderful stuff!! And the little girls who will wear these will look so sweet xx

Irene said...

I do not sew but I have to tell you these dresses are adorable and what a great cause.

Mom said...

Amazing! The dresses are so adorable and who would ever know they're pillowcases?!?!? Such pretty, bright designs! I may give it a go myself! When you first told me about these, I never pictured being able to find such pretty pillowcases--now I'm on a mission! Beautifully done, DD! xoxo

Alison said...

Unfortunately, sewing is not one of my talents...theses are wonderful and for a wonderful cause- well done you1
Alison xx

Valerie said...

Those are SOOOO cute....I have seen them made before and yours are the BEST! They don't look like pillow cases AT all! Love these!!!

debs14 said...

What a pretty project for such a worthy cause, there will be three very lucky girls out there wearing your creations. So pretty!

Pure Ella said...

Ahhh these are wonderful ;)
I've never sewn a dress before - but maybe just maybe I might try it.
This organization sounds really great and I would love to contribute too.
Great job Deb. xo.

MarleneMAZ said...

Wow! these look gorgeous! you found some great pillow cases Deb. I really wish I was good at sewing but alas I am not, sorry.

Suzanne said...

Love the dresses you made!!! Thanks for sharing about our cause!! My blog tells about what we are doing with Dress A Girl in Washington... incase any or your readers are from my state... http://sewdelightful.blogspot.com/

dianapena8 said...

Makes me want to learn to sew :) What a great charity, and you are so sweet to participate, I can tell you put your heart in this because those pillowcases you picked are very cute and the dresses you made out of them very Pretty =Di

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