Originally Posted by
Monroe
Love your dress! Little Dresses for Africa and Dress a Girl Around the world are two charitable organizations that distribute pillowcase dresses anywhere they are needed- including the US. I've made many donated through my sisters' church to LDFA, and made the pillowcase of quilting cotton to transform into the dress. Just be careful the fabric isn't too sheer. The pattern is so simple I've used it to teach women to sew. I make a slightly modified version of the free dress pattern in Nancy's Notions.com- Creative Kindness. I use a wider casing at the top for the elastic and 3/8" elastic, set the casing about 1/4" down from the top to make a ruffle when gathered, and added pockets. The armhole is cut 1/2" lower to adjust for the changes. Lengthening the armhole binding to 20" or more will give a prettier bow when tied. Keep sewing those pretty dresses!
I've definitely made adjustments for that reason. I also use material from the pillowcase before cutting in the armholes to make the armhole facing and ties. It looks more finished and it not as expensive as purchasing the bias tape and/or ribbons. I also use a wider casing for the elastic.