Sew Dresses for Girls
We sew dresses ranging in size from 6 months to 16. We start with a pillowcase, or in many cases cotton fabric. Armholes are cut using a template. A casing is sewn at the top for elastic, and the armholes are finished with bias binding, which extends into shoulder straps. We then add pockets, buttons, bows, ribbons, lace, appliques or other embellishments to make each one unique. You can use your own supplies, or use kits that are available, which contain everything necessary to make a dress. The links below contain directions for both ways.
Dress Resources:
Easy One-Step Method for Bias Application
Step by step Dress Making instructions with photos
Cutting / Size Chart
Armhole Templates
Other helpful links from
Sew Shorts for Boys
We sew shorts ranging in size from 6 months to 16. We use elastic waistbands and add pockets. You can use your own supplies or use kits that are available which contain everything necessary to make a pair of shorts. The links below contain directions.
Shorts Resources:
Attend a Workshop
We hold workshop days at senior centers, churches and people’s homes. On these days, some ladies are sewing, while others are cutting fabric and designing dresses to put into kits that can be sewn at home. Other ladies are doing quality control, sizing, packing the clothing for shipment, organizing materials, etc. Workshop days are also days of fellowship and sharing ideas.
Workshops are held at the North Carroll Senior Center from 9:00 to 2:00
Going forward our workshops will be on the 2nd Friday and 4th Wednesday of the month, with the exception of November and December when we will meet only on the second Friday.
Upcoming Workshops
Start a Group
If you would like to start a group in your area, we will do everything we can to help you get started. Please go to our Contact page and send us a message. Tell us a little about yourself and let us know how you'd like to get involved.
Donate Materials or Funds
We appreciate donations of cotton fabrics, pillowcases or sheets, laces, trims, appliques or other embellishments for the dresses. Also needed is 1/2 inch non roll elastic for the dresses and 3/4" non roll elastic for the shorts. Other sewing notions needed include cone thread for the serger and thread for the sewing machines in various colors. We also collect girls’ new panties sizes 3-16, as we like to send them along with the dresses whenever possible.
Amazon and Joann's gift certificates are always useful and appreciated. We also have an Amazon Wish List to make donations easy and fast.
Monetary donations are used for supplies, equipment, shipping and panties. If you wish to make a monetary donation or schedule a drop off, please contact us.
We are always looking and grateful for connections to help get our clothes delivered to where they are most needed. If your church or someone you know is going on a mission trip, please put us in touch.
Spread the Word
Prayers
Please pray for all of our supporters, seamstresses, missionaries, the children we serve and all the hands in between that help make this project successful.