Very Cherry Pillowcase Dresses

Now that my kids are back in school, I am finally getting around to my summer projects. Sad, but true...

I had bought this cheery cherry print fabric clear back in the spring in anticipation of a summer party Leslie and I had in mind. But when my cherry tree froze our party didn't happen...and there sat my fabric!

In the meantime my friend, Stephanie, went on vacation with her family to Orlando and posted this picture with her girls wearing their cute Minnie Mouse inspired dresses. (I am sure they were a hit in Minnie-land! Notice how Miss E's purse matches her dress perfectly!)

Stephanie's cute dresses inspired me to try out the pattern for my own girls. Stephanie shared her source with me, and Susan (the source) was kind enough to let me link back to her tutorial so I could share it with you! I tell you, the blog world is full of fabulous women who make beautiful things. So, thanks ladies!

Here are my girls' cherry version! I am quite happy with how they turned out. Susan's tutorial was easy to follow, and the dress was easy to make. Of course, now that I've made it once, I'll probably make a bunch more next summer.

The great thing about these dresses is that the little girls won't outgrow them very easily. When they are too short to wear as a dress, they are really cute as a top, also. In all I made 3 matching dresses, one for each of my girls and a baby-size one for Cousin L who lives close by.

Variations: If you are the least bit leery about making your own bias tape, you can buy matching double fold bias tape instead, and Stephanie used grosgrain ribbon for her ties. For the contrasting band I cut the dresses 2" shorter for each of the girls and then cut a band of fabric 6" wide for the older girls' and 5" for L's small size. I folded the fabric in half and then sewed it on the bottom after sewing up the side seems of the dress.