Tuesday, January 12, 2010

A Vintage Pillowcase Dress

Emma got invited to her first birthday party for a little girl in her Sunday School class, so I decided to make a pillowcase dress using a vintage pillowcase that I found at a flea market. It was in pristine condition and was a very bright white, so I felt comfortable using it as a gift. I hand embroidered the birthday girl's name onto the skirt.

Someone obviously spent many hours on the lovely embroidery. The case looked as though it had never even been used. Each stitch was a study in perfection. It made me wonder about the talented hands who made all those stitches. Who was she? What was her story? I loved the bright purples and cheerful pinks.

I googled "pillowcase dresses" and watched a few you tube videos to learn the technique. It is a very simple process. I ended up combining a few different ideas to come up with my own plan.

I'm tickled with how it turned out, and am now hooked on the concept of pillowcase dresses for Emma's summer wardrobe. I have one more flea market case ready to use, and I plan to keep my eyes open for more. I can see a toddler going barefoot in the grass in one of these sweet dresses on a hot summer day.

A nice thing to ponder for a moment in frozen January. :)

4 comments:

Christine said...

I love the dress! The embroidery (both yours and the pillow case maker) are so fun and girly. I'm sure Emma's friend (and her mom) will love it :) ~Christine

Tami said...

Oh so cute! I'll have to keep this one tucked away in the memory vault for anyone I can make cute girly things for.

I soooo enjoyed getting to know you over a cup of coffee this morning. Isn't it neat that we can connect over all these miles, and get to know each other so well through our life's journals? Stop by anytime and bring YOUR cup along. :0)

Kelli said...

Ooh...it's so pretty! You did a beautiful job on the name, it's a perfect match with the flowers!
~Kelli

Erin said...

How precious! You did a great job.