pillow case skirts

[milkmansdaughter]

I sew like I do most things, impulsively and without a real plan, certainly without a pattern. But these are super easy so I thought I'd share.
There's a little girl in our church who just started school. She's 5, and tall for her age, but skinny. Her mom has had trouble finding dresses for her that are long enough without being too big around the waist. Sooo, I'm making some (to her mom's delight.)

I went to a thrift shop looking for ideas, and found some cute pillow cases. Since most of the hems are already done, it's way less work for me. We measured her waist size, and the length wanted. Then I lay a pillow case down, measure length from the open end. (Add about 1 1/2 inches for a hem.) Cut to length. Hem. Cut a piece of elastic to the size of her waist. Put inside hem and you now have a little girls skirt. Works probably up to age 6 or 7.
Embroidered pillow cases are cute, and colored cotton works great. Here are a few of the first ones I finished.

 

[milkmansdaughter]

So I've been working on these skirts, then starting finding other "material" for sale at the thrift stores. A little girls dress is over $3, but a 4'x8' lined curtain panel with very pretty green stripes was only $1, with enough material to make multiple skirts and little girls dresses. Scarves of all colors and widths and lengths and material all for $ .50 each. Pillow cases of all colors and designs and materials (some even embroidered) for $ .50 each. And another thrift store had adult skirts for $1 each, so i bought several for the material, (and the elastic and buttons) and made two or more skirts for the kids with the material.
Since I've started doing this, I've made several skirts for each of my grandkids, and for the little girl at church, and starting tomorrow, we're beginning a ladies sewing group at church to send skirts to some of the missionary families and to little girls at an orphanage in the Philippines.
Here are a few of the skirts done. Ill post the headbands when i get some made. I have to go pick up more elastic.

I really appreciate everyone's input. These have been easy and very very affordable. It's become fun and is now becoming beneficial for others.

 

[milkmansdaughter]

Oh, Bee. Those are really cute! And thanks for the ideas. The girls LOVE aprons. Here's one I just finished using an old scarf instead of elastic in the waistband.

 

[milkmansdaughter]

My first "pillowcase dress" (over a plain black t-shirt)

I loosely copied the design from here:
https://sewlikemymom.com/easiest-pillowcase-dress-ever/

I got this material for $1 at a thrift store yesterday, and the ribbon for $1 at Wal-Mart today.

 

[Britesea]

Another idea I had, similar to the scrunchie idea... Make a wide band, lets say 2" and sew a seam lengthwise. Now run your elastic down one side, leaving the other side to form soft ruffles.... might be cute?

 

[Lazy Gardener]

Adorable. An other idea for the scraps: Little matching draw string (or other style) pocket book. Matching skirt or jumper for a doll. What little girl wouldn't want to dress her doll or teddy bear in a matching outfit?

Save the scraps for a crazy or log cabin quilt.

 

[Mini Horses]

Cute skirts! And easy. I used to sew a LOT...after everyone grew up, did prom, did weddings, I got away from it. Now that I am serious about "retiring", would love to get back into sewing again. Have everything. Including fabrics. You know "the one who dies with the most fabric is the winner".

There was a time when I made my entire wardrobe & kids, too.
Now, I'd probably sew for self -- then do kids and donate to a church group, shelter, etc. It's a fun hobby. You seem to have found an outlet, kudos!

It's hard to find a GOOD fabric store now.

ETA: used to make doll clothes with extra cuts from the DGD dresses

 

[TexasLisa]

I had a feeling once you looked at the pictures, you could do it! Don't forget to post pictures!

 

[Mini Horses]

You are quite talented, good eye! Work on other things. It's really all about practice, learning a few tips as you go. It's a good winter hobby.

 

[baymule]

What a great idea! You are so smart to figure this out!