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.