I have a quick, cute, feel-good finish to share today. I know I am a bit late to the party but I (finally) made a little dress to donate to the Dress a Girl Around the World program. I have read lots of posts over the years about others making these sweet dresses. I am happy to finally have joined in and made one too!
Dress a Girl Around the World is a campaign under the non-profit called Hope 4 Women International. They hope to bring dignity to girls and women throughout the world. It is such a simple thing – wanting a girl to have a dress to wear. They are sent to many different third world countries. While this organization has many goals they are trying to fulfill with the program, it is their basic mission to make girls and women of all ages feel worthy that moves me the most. In so many of these countries, females are undervalued or even not valued at all. While one dress isn’t going to correct the problem, it will bring a smile to the sweet face of a girl who has never had her own dress. Also, many of the people working in these countries and delivering the dresses have said that dressing a girl in a clean dress with the Dress a Girl label attached on the outside, shows this child is being cared for. Sometimes this is enough to ward of predators (criminals involved in human trafficking.) If these little dresses can have this sort of impact even a couple of times over, that is enough reason for me to make one.
Finished seams are a requirement for making these dresses.
There are lots of guidelines for making these dresses. While they originally began by making the dressed with pillow cases, this is no longer the method. Quality cotton fabric is longer lasting and this is what they ask be used in the dresses. If you are interested, you can read about this requirement and others here. The biggest thing is coordinating with an ambassador in your area. There are many available and their contact info can be found here.
This label is sewn to the outside of each dress.
As for me, our local Soroptomist club held a drive to have dresses made by locals who enjoy sewing. I was referred to them and happily made a dress. It was a very simple project and took maybe a couple of hours at most. The little dress looks to be about a size three so for a little one. I hope she loves the fun pink and purple colors and the little heart on the pocket. As you likely already know, I love these sorts of projects – they just have satisfaction and purpose written all over them.
Linking up for the last time with Finish it Up Friday at Crazy Mom Quilts. Sniff, sniff. I will surely miss reading Amanda Jean’s blog posts and wish her well in her next adventure. Other links ups are found at the top of the page under Link Ups.
Did you happen to read about the series of Quilting Cozy mystery novels in yesterday’s post? If not, go and take a peek. You can enter to win the books in a giveaway too!
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Making some of these dresses sounds like a fun project!
For sure. The little dresses take very little fabric and a bit of seam binding. Quite simple and so satisfying!
After reading your post yesterday I went to Barnes and Nobles and bought the first four books in the series. Thank you for introducing me to what will be an enjoyable series to start reading after the holidays. I too help with our local dress a girl program.
Thank you for this post. A while ago I saw something about Dress a Girl Around the World and then could not remember/find it again.
Oh perfect then! Now you can figure out how to participate in your location – have fun. These are sweet little dresses and quite easy to make!
I’ve already contacted an ambassador! Quite exciting really.
I’ve made those dresses for another blogger to take with on a missions trip. They are such an easy project. Love your little dress, with those cute pockets! I’m sure some little girl will be delighted!
I was thinking you might have done this too. I couldn’t remember for sure. It was very fun and I suspect I will make more of them – after the holidays maybe. Have a great day Wendy.
The dress is adorable and bright. I also have been sewing these dresses for Dress A Girl Around the World, for a few years now. It is a very worthy cause. ‘Makes your heart smile, doesn’t it?
Thank you Danice. Yes, that is the perfect way to describe it – makes my heart smile. Have a wonderful weekend!!
I love Cozy Books. Just about the only books I download to my Nook.
Thanks for the giveaway.
It’s a fun print…sure to be loved. Many years ago, my quilt bee made dresses. I should check it out again.
Thank you Anja. I like mixing up my projects – a little quilting, some donation work, making clothes or bags. Keeps things interesting. 🙂
What a wonderful cause *applauds*
Dress A Girl Around the World is such a heartwarming initiative! I truly appreciate the thoughtfulness and generosity behind this cause. It’s inspiring to see how something as simple as a dress can bring joy and dignity to girls in need. Kudos to everyone involved in making a positive impact!