Pillowcase Dresses....

Recently a friend of mine asked me to make some pillowcase dresses for her daughters. She showed me some examples of prints that she liked and gave me free reign to pick and choose what fabrics I wanted to use. How heavenly is that? (*Thanks "C"!!!*)

It was fun picking out the fabrics and seeing the dresses come together. However, in making them I did learn a few things.

1) Pillowcase dresses are not "one size fits all" as it seems to be. I had to do some tweaking to make them fit just right. Which makes me question how people can sell pillowcase dresses without knowing how wide to make them? While most of the sellers on Etsy provide some kind of sizing chart showing the length of the dresses I couldn't find one that provided the width. So I'm assuming that most of the dresses are being made according to the size of a standard pillowcase (21" x 32"). Easy enough, but again.....they DO NOT FIT EVERYONE! If you have any feedback (as a buyer or a seller) on this please let me know!

2) I now get why some sellers sell their pillowcase dresses for $25-$30. It's not so much the work that is put into but it's the cost of the fabric - especially if it's designer fabric. For me to purchase designer fabrics here locally I have to pay approximately $11.00-$12.00 a yard.
Which brings me to this question: "Where is your favorite place to purchase fabric online?" Leave me a comment telling me your favorite place! I love Etsy so if you have a favorite Etsy seller please tell me who it is! Thanks!

Little House on the Prarie.....

The other day when visiting a local quilting shop Kailani tried on a bonnet that was on display. Okay, I admit, bonnets are not my thing. However, I could not deny the fact that it was incredibly cute! Impulsively I bought the kit which included the pattern, instructions, fabric, elastic, etc. Could I have made it on my own? Probably. But the question is would I have taken the time to figure it out? Probably not.

While reading the instructions and thinking there were steps missing I decided to hop online and search the web for some clarification. I found a (FREE) tutorial with clear directions and pictures on how to make them. Pretty much the same way I made mine with the exception of the ruffles. Check it out here. Revive Sara's blog! Tell her I sent you!

The bonnets do tie under the chin but instead I tied them in the back. This makes it a bit easier to take on and off and prevents me from having to tie them again....and again....and again. If you are a parent I'm sure I don't need to explain!

In addition to the bonnets the girls are wearing pillowcase dresses that I made this morning. I got both pillowcases from Goodwill for a DOLLAR a piece! Talk about a bargain!