Pillowcase Dresses For Africa

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Have you met Kristen over at We Are That Family? She is the host of the weekly blog carnival, Works For Me Wednesday. You should stop by and say hello.

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At the end of last year, Kristin came up with the idea to refocus some of her time/effort to help others in need. The result was her brilliant Do It For Others Projects (DIFOP). To date, she has organized seven different projects including Fleece Blankets for Hospice, Gift Bags for NICU Families, and Care Packages for U.S. Soldiers.

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The DIFOP for June was to make 100 pillowcase dresses to donate to Little Dresses For Africa. As soon as I heard about this project, I knew I wanted to get involved. I immediately signed up to be one of the seamstresses.

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Like so many women today, I find myself busy doing things for my own family. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Taking care of my guys brings me immeasurable joy.

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That said, I think that it's important to look outside ourselves and do something for someone else... no matter how small the gesture. In addition to that delightful warm-and-fuzzy feeling I get from helping others, it provides me with the opportunity to teach kindness, generosity and the art of service to my boy. What could be better than that?

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At the beginning of July I received a package from Kristen. Inside were 10 pillowcases and all of the supplies that I would need to transform them into dresses. Everything in the box was donated (along with the money to pay for the postage) by the generous readers at We Are That Family.

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The dresses were a snap to make, even for someone with basic sewing skills like me. I found directions on the Little Dresses For Africa Website along with a pattern from Nancy's Notions.

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Some of the dresses were adorable without any embellishments. Isn't this one cute?

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Others needed a little something extra... things like ruffles, pockets or bands of complimentary fabric. I simply used scraps of fabric that I already had at home. I am really pleased with the results.

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If you are interested in helping with one of Kristen's DIFOPs, stop by her blog. A new project is announced every month. You can also check out Craft Hope which provides those in need with handmade crafts. It will do your heart good.