SAY "YES" TO THE DRESS: THE PILLOWCASE DRESS

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By Rebecca J. Williamson

August 13, 2012 (Santee) -- Around the world and here in East County, people are saying “yes” to the dress---a pillowcase dress. Sashay, spin, or strut in it! This dress is made out of a pillowcase (new or gently used).

Sewing the dresses is part of the “Church Ladies Projects” at the Santee United Methodist Church. These dresses are made for a variety of areas in the world to provide a quick and yet “funky cool” piece of clothing to the needy. Haiti is the destination for this particular project.

Deena Stuhmer has been helping to coordinate the project which has produced around 60 so far.

“Pretty yet serviceable” is how Deena describes the dresses that typically are the 5-6-7 size for little girls. Lengthwise they are 18”-25”.

How do you make them?

• Cut sewn end (closed side) off of case-leave top for the hem.
• Fold case in half cut armholes – 4”down & 2” in.
• Fold down top 3/8” and slide a 6” piece of elastic in.
• Stitch hems or use bias tape to hem. Decorate with appliques, ribbons, buttons, and/or ric rac if you like.

September 9th is the deadline to turn in any you could contribute to the church for the Haiti shipment. But Stuhmer pointed out that making pillowcase dresses will be an “on-going project.”

Other churches and groups are also working on this same project and a quick “Google” on the computer can show a number of groups to contribute to. Or you can start your own.

Saying “yes” to this dress does not involve a TV crew to film it or thousands of dollars for one dress. It WILL say “yes” to contribute to a great cause.
 


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