Recycled Dress Pillow

My daughter recently outgrew one of her favorite dresses. She actually outgrew it last summer, but loved it so much she wore it as much as she could until it became uncomfortable. She made me promise I wouldn’t throw it out or give it away. I didn’t have the heart to tell her that after so much wear and tear I would question using it as a dust rag.

The last time it came out of the wash I held the dress and thought about the endless summer days of her running around in her favorite strawberry dress. It is now covered in paint, ice cream and grass stains. Except for the strawberry. The strawberry that made it her very favorite dress, is still perfect. I realized I could make the strawberry into a pillow and then she really could keep it forever!

I grabbed my scissors and sewing box and got to work. I just hope when I give her this strawberry pillow to sleep with she doesn’t burst into tears that I cut up her dress. You never know which way the wind will blow with a four year old!

If your child has a special t-shirt with a smaller graphic or applique you can easily make it into a stuffed toy!

RECYCLED DRESS PILLOW

Materials:

• 1 very-old, much-loved, well-worn dress
• batting
• needle, thread, scissors

Directions:

Step 1: Cut the shape from both layers of the dress or shirt. Leave a 1/2 inch border around the shape you want.

Step 2: Turn the two pieces over so you can sew the shape together, inside out.

Step 3: Stitch around the shape until you have a 3 inch opening left. Turn the shape right side out.

Step 4: Stuff with cotton batting.

Step 5: Sew the opening closed. (Lucky for me, she loved it!)

 

Happy smiles,

Daniele

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