Pink and white striped pillowcase dress

This is the truest of all pillowcase dresses b/c in fact it was made from a pillowcase. Lily (Laura's F1 progeny) has a birthday coming up and I wanted to make her something special. I found this pretty pink and white striped pillowcase at the local thrift store.

I just absolutely fell for the colors and thought she would love it. She, like myself, loves pink!

First I cut off the seam to make the top of the dress. I made markings for where the arm holes needed to be. I cut about 6.5 inches down. Lily is a 4T and for some reason I got the number 6 inches. Really I am just winging it here people! And then I went in a few inches. Now I do not remember the number (grrrr....)

I cut out the armhole on a curve (using the help of a cup/jar of some sort) to make that J shape.

Next I added bias tape to the armholes to make it easier to finish. I did not want to attempt to sew it down. Bias tape is way easier!.

For the next parts I do not have pictures, since I lost my camera. (But it is now found). I folded over the top part to make a casing. I eyeballed it. Sew down. Next I used some leftover fabric scraps of mine to make a tie, the good-old-fashioned way. I pulled it through the casing. And we shall tie it at the shoulder.

I wound up hemming the bottom of the dress and added the pink bias trim again. It would have just been a smidge too long for her. I kept it simple. I just fell for this dress! It is just too cute! :)

Happy birthday Lily!

xoxoxo,

Lauren

Cosmic Pink Princess Skirt

It has been quite busy around here! Luckily birthdays and baby showers have ceased for the moment so I can play catch up! This is a refashion that I did for Lily's birthday. It all started when Sonja gave me some of this organza-like pink/blue/yellow trim that was her grandmother's. She said here, you will probably make something out of this before I do. Then it was decided that we would make something for our other resident princess (besides myself) in the troupe, Lily.

I started out with this skirt that I obtained from a thirft store. However, it was made more for me but it would not be something I would actually wear in public. No way! I did love the applique tho... I wanted it for myself.

I pulled it off with a seam ripper. I will save it for later!

Next I turned the skirt inside out and marked where with pins her waist would be. I cut away the rest of the skirt and sewed it together.

Next I began to sew on that ruffle! It started to get fun when I had several layers on and putting it under my sewing foot!

Now I ran out before I could complete the entire skirt. So I ran a gathering stitch on that little piece and pulled it through to make a "poof" or flower sort of shape.

Then I attached it to the skirt above the ruffle. And we are done!

Lily has not actually seen it yet. I just finished it after her birthday party. I hope it fits. making gifts for children esp since they are not my own I really hard b/c I don't have measurements nor can I make them try it on!

It is totally pink and cosmic. Perfect for any princess!

xoxoxo,
Lauren