My Craft It Forward Project 2015

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I decided to begin the tradition of setting a "Craft It Forward" resolution every New Year. The purpose is to bring together family, friends, and my community with a project that helps someone else in our beautiful, hurting world. 

This year I have dedicated my time to making and instructing others to make pillowcase dresses for one of my favorite organizations, Little Dresses for Africa. Being that I plan to get others involved, I have set a personal goal of one hundred and a community goal of five hundred dresses by New Year's Eve. Go bold or go home, right? You are invited to join me in your circle of friends to create dresses for this sweet cause.

I am working on a pillowcase dress pattern inspired by Craftiness is not Optional's adorable pattern I came across on Pinterest. My pattern - unlike the standard pillowcase dress that is tied at each shoulder and hangs loose - has an elastic bust and butterfly sleeves. It is also incredibly easy to make if you know how to sew a straight line. Best of all, it's a sort of one-size-fits-all. Yes, the same dress that fits a two year old fits a seven year old as a tunic and a small adult as a peasant shirt! Seriously. I will share a tutorial as soon as possible!

For now, here is a photo. 

Sharing my project at a local family owned restaurant;
They have offered to help collect pillowcases.

If you would like to get involved in Little Dresses for Africa's program, you can start by collecting pillowcase dresses in your community and getting your friends together (or make new friends!) for a craft night! 

Happy crafting!

Quick Crafty Tip: Use Sheets for Fabric

I've moved! Come see my newest ideas at meetthemeindles.com!

Sheets bought at the thrift store can be a great way to get your hands on fabric on the cheap. Consider everything that a sheet is: Sheets are generally cotton or cotton blends, and can be found in any color or print. They are sturdy enough to withstand DECADES of nightly use, but are made of soft, breathable fabric with simple care instructions. What could be better for the comfiest clothes around?

I bought this coral and polka dot twin sheet at my local Goodwill for $3. It's brand new as far as I can tell. To see just how far three dollars will go, I am challenging myself to use all of it! I am already planning on making a dress - Simplicity pattern 2262 - and a matching bow tie for my husband; how I use the rest will be a surprise to both of us (will update with pictures). Happy crafting!

$2.99 twin sheet from Goodwill

NOTE: If you are planning on trying this at home here are some buying, washing, and SAFETY rules to follow:
1.) Only buy sheets that are in good condition. Unfold them and check for set-in stains and threadbare areas. People get rid of like-new items all the time, so keep looking!
2.) Buy sheets that you actually plan to use. It can be hard to resist when presented with a great price, but $2.99 is NOT a bargain when you spend it on something you'll never want to wear. Hold out for the color you want to save your money and to save room in your fabric stash.
3.) Don't forget that Goodwill now has a 20% off coupon when you sign up for their email, and Savers gives you one when you donate your unused stuff. Use the coupon!
4.) When you get home, put the sheet from the shopping bag into the wash with HOT water, detergent, and a colorsafe amount of bleach. Dry it on the high setting, or medium for cotton-poly blends.
***Side note: This ESPECIALLY holds true for retail store fabrics (like Jo-Schmoe Fabrics), which are treated with starch and harsh chemicals for longer shelf life. Wash your fabric first thing to remove whatever may be on it and to save time pre-shrinking!***
5.) Iron if needed, then store folded on a hanger until you're feeling some crafty inspiration!

UPDATE: My first creation and less than one third of the sheet used so far: 

Simplicity Pattern 2262