
We have risen from trash talk to laundry. It's a small yet meaningful move, and I promise there's a point to it this time.
Summer has if nothing else, so far, been a refresher course on the mere maintaining of life. Lots and lots of lives. Little dripping wet from the pool, hungry, loud, fighting, bored, rambunctious lives. Did I say lots of them? The lack of a rigid school-schedule+homework does leave the days slightly more relaxed, but my brain is more crowded as I try to keep up with studio work and the rhythmic chaos of it all. I find myself daydreaming of doing nothing but taking care of the garden, and doing wash by hand, and sewing clothes for all, and home making bread and other things that feel all but impossible currently.
So while on the hunt for something entirely different that I never found at the flea market this morning , I instead came across a way to make one little daydream come true. Lovely vintage embroidered pillowcases which will become beach dresses for the little two. (We leave next week!) I was digging to find pairs for their beds, but all the single cases were my favorite. And way cheaper. Just 1 or 2$ for most of them. The cotton is sooooo soft, and slightly sheer with wear, hence the beach dress variety plans and not the Sunday-go-to-meeting variety. Though you could line them I suppose, but perhaps then they wouldn't be cool enough for the heat.
I take so much pleasure in making something from nearly nothing and also have a bit gratitude for whoever spent the time on these handmade lovelies, years ago. Thank you, whoever you are!
I'll get them done, and share the steps with you. Hope you're enjoying the weekend! xo,AM
I will love seeing the finished dresses, with tips. Ah, summer day dreaming and wishful thinking... I can totally relate.
ReplyDeleteI am packing getting ready for our big move , I sneaked away to check your blog , I can't wait to see the finished dresses!- enjoy the beach , Susie :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely perfect! I've been scouring the pillowcases at my favorite thrift store for dressmaking, too. I love using them this way.
ReplyDeleteThose embroidered pillowcases are beautiful. I don't believethey would be too hot if lined with a bleached cotton muslin, run through the washer-dryer cycle a few times to soften and pre-shrind them. The embroidery just seems too lovely and delicate to me to turn into a rough and tumble beach dress. I'm just sayin'....
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ReplyDeleteLovely finds, Anna. Couldn't wait to see the finished projects.
ReplyDeleteHave fun!
I make pillowcase dresses for nightgowns. Though, I never find good thrifted pillowcases so I just make them from yardage.
ReplyDeleteWhat what a terrific idea. Can't wait to see the result. From the looks of the pillowcases the dresses will be darling!!!
ReplyDeleteOooooh I wish I could fit into a pillowcase dress, and that it was summertime for the beach, for that matter. I always enjoy your posts and send my wishes from a cold, windy and wintry Tasmania.
ReplyDeleteI have some lovely hand emboidered floral kitchen curtains made from fine cotton waiting in my fabric collection to make a dress for my little girl when the weather finally turns warm for us. Everything old is new again with a little imagination! Thanks for reminding me of the things to look forward to. Jen
ReplyDeleteThat sounds so perfect--those beautiful pillowcases made into dresses worn at the beach--sounds like a perfect summer! Those pillowcases would probably be at least $10 here in the big apple--lucky you!
ReplyDeleteOh, I can't wait to see the actual finished dresses! I'm sure they'll be sweet!
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing pillow case dresses in a Martha Stewart Baby magazine. They were so beautiful! When I saw this picture I was impressed with how similar these look to ones my great grandmother made.
ReplyDeleteSuch pretty vintage pillowcases. Just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous, I can't wait to get a step-by-step of these dresses. I would love to make myself a beach dress - obviously I'm not tiny to fit into what you will be making.
ReplyDeletethe chaos that is our summer schedule is wearing on my creativity too. my husband is a teacher so everyone and i mean everyone is home during the summer. and they all seem to be in my way. lol.
ReplyDeletethe constant feeding is really the problem in that i work mainly on the kitchen table so you can imagine how pb&j and fabric dont really mix.
Oh it has been a lovely half hour catching up with all your summery goings on...here's to the rest of the summer...
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the steps for the dresses :0).
ReplyDeleteDresses made from vintage embroidered pillowcases are my favorite thing to make. Can't wait to see what you come up with!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is oh-so-beautiful. I love it!
ReplyDeleteThose are so lovely! Cannot wait to see the finished dresses!
ReplyDeleteYou must absolutely come back and give us the directions for making dresses for the girls out of pillow cases. I have a little girl who NEEDS one, too. I found a sweet embroidered case last week, too. It's a mini-size and is, according to my daughter, the perfect size for a dolly sleeping bag. Thanks so much for the great inspiration!
ReplyDeletelovely idea! can't wait to see how they turn out. they look perfect for beach dresses!
ReplyDeleteany chance you could also share the lampshade tutorial? my ugly brass ones are itching for an anna maria-inspired makeover...
sounds so comfy, can't wait to see them when you are done!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! The girls will be precious in those...heY! Maybe a bolster one would fit an adult????
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you do with these, and even better that you'll share the steps with us!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the finished products! the girls will look so precious in them! what a fabulous idea! Enjoy the beach and family!!
ReplyDeletexoxo Alicia K G
I have some of these from my grandmother and great grandmother. I used to just store them...but now I use them daily becasue like you said they arr just so soft with wear! I love...love...love the idea of summer dresses for my girls...hmmm maybe I'll scout the thrift stores for more!
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to make these...can't wait to see how it's done!
ReplyDeleteSo sweet. Prompted me to go to my linen closet and pull my grandmother's out, give them a fresh laundering and press and put them on the bed. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI hear ya, schweet-heart! The brain has trouble shifting rapidly from work to play to work mode with those chillins around the house! :)
ReplyDeleteI have some pillowcase doo-dads in work myself, but I think you'll beat me to it!
I love how you see new things in objects that I don't even think of!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! Would you be interested in sharing the actual pattern (or, if no actual pattern, then your general idea) for the frocks? I have a couple vintage pillowcases that would make darling dresses for my 3-year-old...
ReplyDeleteThanks! I love your site and your fabrics!
Awww I totally hear where you're coming from with the simple pleasures spiel. If only I had time to make bread and tend the garden...and I don't even have kids yet!!
ReplyDeleteMaking something from nearly nothing...I get that same satisfaction from felting. Very cool.
I can't wait to see your finished products. I'm sure the dresses will be so impressive!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great find and the idea of a beach dress is lovely. Looking forward to seeing the finished product!
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