Breathing

From "Daily Strengths" These simple words are so profound.

"I do not know when I have had happier times in my soul, than when I have been sitting at work, with nothing before me but a candle and a white cloth, and hearing no sound but that of my own breath, with God in my soul and heaven in my eye....I rejoice in being exactly what I am, - a creature capable of loving God, and who, as long as God lives, must be happy. I get up and look for a while out of the window, and gaze at the moon and stars, the work of the Almighty hand. I think of the grandeur of the universe, and then sit down, and think myself one of the happiest beings in it.
(A poor Methodist woman, 18th century)

How to Make a Pillowcase Dress

This is my first attempt in writing sewing instructions. If you have simple sewing experience this is super simple. I am a self-taught seamstress. My husband actually taught me how to sew in our early marriage. He had taken Home Economics in high school. I was not very domestic at that time.
I have collected several pillowcases through the years, picking them up at thrift stores. I prefer 100% cotton, but most are cotton/poly blends. Of course, it goes without saying that you don't want them to be faded or worn and pretty ginghams or pastel patterns work best for little girls.

I found this pretty yellow pillowcase at Goodwill. Someone

has lovingly cross-stitched the trim. This is perfect for a sewing project and

literally only costs pennies to make.

Some people prefer to use a pattern, especially if you are making a brand new dress. If you use a

pillowcase a pattern is not necessary. This pattern uses wide single-fold bias tape

for the arms and casing, but you can also make your own if you have enough fabric.

You can use 5/8 ribbons for the ties (approximately 2 1/2 yards) or make your own ties

from the same or contrasting fabric.

After deciding the length of your dress

fold over the top part of the pillowcase and

cut straight across.

Fold the pillowcase and cut out the arm holes, leaving room

at the top for the casing.

With the leftover fabric fold on the diagonal

and cut your bias strips. I am an impatient seamstress;

I don't like to pin or measure if I don't have to.

Afterall, this is not a formal dress.

Cut tiny notches in the curved arm holes to make

it easier to sew on the bias strips.

Fold down the top part of the dress 1/2 inch and press

and then fold over again approximately 1 1/4 inch to form

the casing. Cut your ribbons 1 yard each or shorter for a

smaller garment.

You can use a safety pin to pull the ribbon through the casing.

Adjust on both sides and tie into bows.

In less than an hour you will have a pretty little

dress to give away to a favorite little girl or donate

to a charity.