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Why I Add Trim to the Hem of My Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Pillow Case Dresses

I like to keep things simple when packing my Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes or crafting items to tuck inside. The simpler I do things the quicker I can do them and the more I can make and thus the more I can pack.  But I love adding just a little touch of something special at the hem line of my pillow case dresses.  I imagine the little girl looking down at her dress while wearing it and the part she can see the easiest is the last several inches.  So I love to add a little extra fun for her to enjoy.  My favorite, and what might become my "signature" is the last one.

Decorative ribbon -- such a fun addition.

Ribbon and roses -- just a tiny touch of femininity.

An Added Pop of Color -- on busy prints adding a little addition of a plain fabric and some colorful
bias stands out well.

Narrow Eyelet & Ribbon -- added a little ways above the hemline.  I use eyelet because it is sturdier than lace.

Bias and Wide Eyelet -- edge meets edge of dress.  I try to have the eyelet edging have fabric behind it to make it sturdier.

Button & Bows -- a ribbon border with an added bow topped with a button.  This is my newest design and I have added it to the last several dresses I have made.  It happened by accident as I had a tiny piece of ribbon left and hated to throw it away, so I folded it into a bow.  Now  I'm thinking I will use this as my "signature" on each dress I make.


I picture the little girl reaching down during a time of stress and feeling the different textures at her hemline or playing with the button.  I hope she loves it!

You can see many of these dresses finished in this post:  Final Sewing for Shoeboxes.

Here are a couple of my favorites.

Birthday Celebration Dress

Tea for Two Inlaws


You can find instructions for making your own dresses for your Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes here:  Pillow Case Style Dress Pattern & Tutorial.   And you can find more of my dresses here:  Dresses Made by Cheryl.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love the additions you are adding to these dresses. I especially like the bow & button on the bottom. You inspire me! I see new ideas as to how to incorporate those small bits of bias tape that I have been saving up- leftovers from the armhole & shoulder ties. Thanks! Carla

Cheryl @ Simply Shoeboxes said...

Glad to be an inspiration! Yes, those little scraps need to be saved, but how frustrating they can become. lol We have been using some one tote bags for games, too. I'll need to do a post of scrap uses soon -- after packing week. Thanks for the comment on the button and bow -- trying to decide if I am going to do that on all of them. It is a little more time for sure, but I think they come out cute. Happy sewing!!

Anonymous said...

You are so thoughtful to those little ones! Thank you so much! From all of them!

Cheryl @ Simply Shoeboxes said...

Ahh, how sweet. Thank YOU for our kind comment.

Cheryl @ Simply Shoeboxes said...

That is supposed to say YOUR kind comment :-) .

Kristy said...

Love them all! Especially your "signature"!

Cheryl @ Simply Shoeboxes said...

Thanks, Kristy!

Anonymous said...

cute ideas just a suggestion, touching the threads on the button with clear nail polish will help it stay sturdy longer. saw this somewhere on pinterest. Another is sew the button on with dental floss.

Cheryl @ Simply Shoeboxes said...

Great ideas, thanks so much for sharing.

Pam @Threading My Way said...

What a difference a small trim makes, Cheryl. Featured today...

Cheryl @ Simply Shoeboxes said...

Thanks, Pm, for the feature!


             
Disclosure: Links on Simply Shoeboxes may be affiliate partners or referrals.
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