Fun day making pillowcase dresses

Friend: Have you ever made a pillowcase dress?

Me: I've got a pattern and have been wanting to make one.

Friend: Wanna get together?

Me: Yeah, Thursday (July 29th) at 11:00 my house.

********************************************

Me: Hey, I'm making pillowcase dresses today... wanna come?

Other Friend: Sure!!!


So three of us girls got together and it was BLISS!! Our little girls were happy playing, the big girls were happy sewing.

I purchased this pattern/fabric kit from Lazy Daisy Cottage when I was up in St. George, Utah in May. The whole thing came in a kit with fabric cut precisely for your project and pattern. You basically are paying for the fabric and only a buck or two on the pattern. Totally worth it in my opinion. I am a pattern girl. I love exact measurements, pictures (on their blog), and directions. There are a few pillowcase dresses that I will link you to however, I REALLY like this one and my friends did too. I don't believe Lazy Daisy Cottage has them listed for sale on their website but if you call, I am sure they will ship you one.








You could try this tute or this other tute.

Give it a go!! This is such a fun instant gratification project.

Tutorial 2: Diaper/wipee holder & WINNER!!!

As promised, a tutorial. However, I have a confession. I postponed the tutorial because a friend asked if I could show her how to make a pillowcase dress. Myself having a pattern and fabric set aside for this project, I just had to take the opportunity to make them. Next post you will see why it was a priority.

Now, most of you have come across this great baby accessory and now you can make one yourself. These make great gifts for baby showers and it's so fun to shop for fabric since it only takes 1/2 a yard! I received one of these for my first child and loved it!! My sewing friend Amy helped me recreate it and with her permission I am writing this tutorial so you too can make one for yourself or friend.

Materials:
1/4 yard print fabric
1/4 yard solid or contrasting fabric
1/4 yard interfacing

All sewing is 1/4 seam allowance except where noted

Step 1

Make sure fabric is washed and ironed. Then cut both the print and solid fabric 7 1/2 inches wide by 24 inches long.



Step 2

Cut a piece of interfacing the same size (7 1/2 inches by 24 inches) and iron it on the wrong side of the solid or contrasting fabric.


Step 3

Put the two fabrics right sides together and sew down 1/4 inch each side.



Step 4

Cut off 8 1/2 inches from your large rectangle and reinforce the ends by sewing back and forth on all four sides of your rectangle.

Then sew across on of the top. Cut the corners and turn inside out. Iron flat.

Step 5

With the rest of your rectangle, place the TOP of the diaper/wipee template 1/2 inch down the small side of the rectangle. Trace and then sew ON the traced line (there is no seam allowance here). Trim 1/4 inch away from what you have sewn and clip the corners. Turn inside out and press.


Step 6

Cut a 3 inches by 7 1/2 inches rectangle of the solid or contrasting. Sew long ways right sides together. Turn inside out.
*Sewing Tip* Take a safety pin and pin it to one end and push the safety pin through the hole out the other end and voila! It's inside out!!

Cut 3/4 inch of the interfacing and insert inside the holder piece and iron with the seam in the back.



Step 7

Take this holder piece and place it 2 inches below the top of the sewn part from your small rectangle (seam needs to not be showing). Place both of these pieces on top of the main fabric of your big rectangle that has been sewn on.



Step 8

Sew on each side 1/4 inch. Then 1/4 inch on the bottom and zig zag stitch it too for reinforcement and to keep from fraying. Now turn inside out and you are ready to take your baby out on the town! :)

WOW! You made it to the end! So the winner?

MICHELLE
Michelle said... those are really cute...I would use a boy one if I were to get one...and my summer is FUN!!!!!

Thanks for reading. Send questions or comments to strictlysewing@yahoo.com

NOTE: For the time being, if you would like the template please e-mail me at strictlysewing@yahoo.com and I will e-mail it to you. I need to figure out how to attach a word document to this blog. Do any of you know how to?

Want one?

I'm going to be doing this backwards then planned. I'm starting my giveaway now and will post my tutorial after a winner is selected. I'm giving away one baby diaper/wipee holder. This is a nifty, fast project that is great for moms everywhere!! If you're babies are grown, these make great baby shower gifts and are an instant gratification project.

They hold two diapers and a Huggies wipe holder. It's just a nice way to keep those diapers and wipes together in that big bag of baby stuff and a discreet way to sneak out anyplace for a diaper change.


Want one? Leave a comment letting me know whether you want one for a boy or girl and ONE word that describes your summer. The giveaway will close Monday night (August 2nd).

My one word that describes my summer: FAST

MADE IT!!!

What a trek it was but I did it! Learned a lot and I'm grateful for all that I have. We are so blessed. I also recognize that many of you have trials today that make you modern-day pioneers. Hats off to you.






Will have a tutorial next week along with a giveaway. Trek on!!!

You don't have to push a handcart, leave your family dear...

Well I do!



Leavin' for trek soon and thankfully finished my outfits. When I get back, hopefully I be back on my machine finishing those quilts and other projects that are on my list. I have another pattern that I will give away in a month or so but first I want to do a tutorial and giveaway an item that can go for boy or girl (as promised). Thanks for all of your comments, I REALLY appreciate them. If you go on trek and want an easy outfit, this is the pattern. Simple, NO zippers. I recommend it.

McCalls Pattern 9423

I'm shur to be plum tuckered out when Isa getta back! Take care ya hear!

Winners!!!

What a cool drawing!! Since only 3 entered and there are 3 patterns to give away, everyone is a winner!!! Mande, Christy, and Amy please e-mail me your mailing address to strictlysewing@yahoo.com and I will send you your pattern.

All that has been on my mind lately is Trek, Trek and Trek. My sewing projects have been set aside until I return from Trek. Though, I am still at the sewing machine working on pioneer dresses. Will hopefully post them soon.

Much love,
Dolores

Finally...A GIVEAWAY!!!

I got my hands on these cute patterns designed by Chelsea Anderson. Read more about her secret that isn't a secret anymore. Not only does she have her own boutique shop of patterns but she designed a pattern for McCall's. Pretty cool! I purchased a set for me and I'm giving away 3!


I have 2 of these patterns for size 2-5(toddler) and 1 pattern for 6-8 (Little Girl). You can enter by doing one or more of the following.

1) Leave a comment that you are or became a follower to this blog.

2) Leave a comment on what size pattern you would like and who you would make these cute outfits for.

3) Mention this giveaway on your blog and leave a comment saying you've done so.

You have up to three chances to enter by Tuesday, June 29th.

Take care and good luck!