🎉 KICK OFF: Project Dress A Girl 2023 | Stitching for Charity🧵✨

[@CaliCreativeDJC]

I learned about Project Dress A Girl this February. I began sewing a few weeks later, and have donated several dresses via my local group, Sew Generosity, during the sew alongs held at a local Jo Anns here in Southern California. To date, I have made 106 dresses. I am sending 7 today. I am most excited that the Project Dress A Girl videos led to many others, and my You Tube "friendships" have multiplied. I am most excited to help little girls who truly appreciate having a new dress.

[@MariSews]

Wow! Let’s get those donated dresses added to our count! Woo hoo! I’m so happy to hear how you have found community! 😘

[@ChristineSewsALot]

That is so good of you ❤❤❤❤❤

[@VoxAtelier]

You are a little girls dress making hero 🥰

[@kristicitak3932]

Amazing job!!! Blessings to you all ❤️🥰🙏

[@peggyhayden2281]

Fantastic God Bless

[@Sherirose1]

There are so many good people here. Thank you. I first owned a new piece of clothing when I was 18, so thank you all for being so kind.

[@MariSews]

This community is the absolute best

[@dr.marybaylysaraceni6158]

Hi Mari, Brenda from Conquering Mt. Scrapmore recommended your KZbin Channel. I don't have an Instagram Account and currently dealing with a broken arm, so I cannot start sewing on dresses yet. Watch for my participation in 2024. Bless you for your global compassion ❤

[@MariSews]

I’ll be excited to have you join us next September! Woo hoo!

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

WooHoo! I just finished dress # 5 today. Three to go 😊💕

[@MariSews]

Wow! I can’t wait to see the cuties!

[@Ohio_Memory_Bears]

🎉🎉 nice!!

[@terriekicklighter3469]

Hello! First Timer here! I made two dresses and they are so cute!! Sending them your way!

[@MariSews]

Yay! Welcome to the do good squad

[@debbiew.7630]

I’ve been sewing one dress a month since January. I have quite a collection here and boy are they adorable. Thanks for all your encouragement and incentive. This is a wonderful cause. 😊

[@MariSews]

I’m so happy you’ve been sewing for the girls! Thank you

[@mariashattuck7117]

Yes, I’m in. Participated last year and had fun sewing girly dresses.

[@MariSews]

Aren’t they so fun to make?

[@sewterie]

So excited to be a part for the second year in a row. Wish I had known about it the first year. Been spreading the word.

[@MariSews]

Thank you so much Terie!!! I’m so happy you’re here to do some good!

[@ruthhill6841]

I'm in! Hoping to have 30 done by the end of the month.❤❤❤

[@MariSews]

Ruth!!!! That’s 30 girls! Amazing

[@ellymojet186]

I am in Norway and make christmasdresses for the church.I also buy toys,make dolls dresses,playcarpets for cars,etc.

[@MariSews]

That’s amazing. If your making Christmas dresses this month for donation, you should absolutely count it as part of the challenge! That’s essentially what we do!

[@sewlittletime]

Thanks Mari for such a clear video all about this amazing cause! I'm so excited and happy to be a part of it this year and looking forward to getting a dress made. Xx

[@MariSews]

I can’t wait to see your video! It’s going to be fun!

[@mariecastillo4407]

This is my first time sewing dresses for Project Dress A Girl and I'm delighted to participate. I don't usually sew for children so this is very different for me. Mari, you are definitely the absolute best person to lead this initiative. Your enthusiasm is infectious!

[@MariSews]

I just put your labels in the mail! I’m so happy you’re joining in. I don’t get to sew for little girls either so I cherish this moment.

[@Ohio_Memory_Bears]

This is my 1st year too ❤❤

[@DianesFM]

I'm so grateful to you for doing this, Mari. Sewing these dresses is a joy. So glad one of my daughters will be sewing some this year, too.

[@MariSews]

It’s so amazing that you got her involved

[@holysimian]

LOL! That's ME! I'm just finishing up the first one and have soooo many more planned!

[@MariSews]

Yay!!!!

[@Kakkydidit]

I enjoyed seeing Anmarie's ideas for your sundress made reversible.

[@MariSews]

She’s the queen of reversible!

[@user-wi6pr5yz7q]

I just finished my first dress. I altered an old McCalls to add shoulder strips for bows. Mari, you inspired me. Love your unboxing videos. Blessings

[@MariSews]

That’s awesome! This Saturday at 1 pm ET will be out let first unboxing. Hopefully you can make it

[@Peppermintmocha13]

I am sew excited for another season to do something for my community. May each of these dresses be a blessing. Happ sewing ❤

[@MariSews]

Yes!!! So happy you’re in again

[@bronwynmorrison]

I cant wait to see all the dresses. I love all different colours that come in.

[@MariSews]

Yes! That’s one of the best parts

[@blossomsandwich4232]

Excited to join in with Project Dress A Girl for the first time!

[@MariSews]

And I’m so happy you’re on board. Can’t wait to see your dress!

[@pamela5947]

Excited to sew for Project Dress a Girl again this year!!

[@MariSews]

Excited to have you back!

[@RobynsLoveofSewing]

Hi Mari, I’m in! Great kick off video! I’m back home now and ready to start my #ProjectDressAGirl2023 dresses and video! What a great charity to participate in. Thank you for all you do to make this happen! 😊💗🧵🪡🎉

[@MariSews]

Can’t wait to see what’s up your sleeve!

[@pamalalargent1036]

This is my first time ever doing this. I am having so much fun making these cute adorable dresses.❤ you are an amazing woman! Thank you!❤❤❤

[@MariSews]

Thank you for joining in on the fun. I love your dresses

[@MarciaEide-kr6uo]

I learned about project dress a girl too late last year to participate. I committed to making a dress a month starting in Dec. I just posted my 10 dresses. (I don’t post much on Instagram so I hope I tagged you correctly). I’ll be sending them to you this week. I loved making these dresses & have already bought fabric & more patterns to make more variety of styles & sizes for next year. This makes my heart happy 😊 Mari, you are a wonder!

[@MariSews]

Wow!!! Let me go and take a looky look

[@MariSews]

Ooops. Guess I’ll have to wait til I get them :)

[@Arleathia]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽yessss… it’s on again! Talking about something that gives you peace & joy sewing for these girls! I have been sewing all year… just waiting & anticipating it’s kick off! Thanks to Mardi it’s on again!!!😀

[@MariSews]

You’ve definitely been working hard on dresses! Thank you!

[@lisasobel7364]

Love love love the Art Gallery Prints, especially the moth print!!!

[@MariSews]

That moth was my favorite! Also, it’s such a great quality

[@alisonwilliams3806]

Many thanks for a great video, very inspiring. I’m in the UK & it will be my first time joining in this project & really looking forward to getting going. Cheers Ali 😊

[@MariSews]

I’m so happy your joining in!

[@alisonwilliams3806]

@@MariSews - just made three dresses & posted them on instagram. Posting them off to Jaqi Onslow in the Uk tomorrow.👍

[@MariSews]

@alisonwilliams3806 thanks! The count closed on September 30th but I’m sure Jacqui will love your dresses

[@joanweissenburger632]

Have some dresses made all ready.

[@MariSews]

That’s amazing! We’re going to have a great year!

[@quilter081]

I am going to sew 3 dresses . this well be my first time .

[@MariSews]

Hooray. You’re going to be so hooked and I love seeing the quilter’s dresses. They’re always so creatively color blocked

[@SewAndTellwithDori]

Mari: God bless you and your efforts again for the PDAG event!!! 🙏🏻🥰 I've got several dresses made earlier this year and just received my order of labels from Hope 4 Women International. (Misplaced my leftover labels from last year.) You'll be getting a box of dresses again from me this year. Fabulous charity!!!!!! Your enthusiasm is contagious. 💜

[@MariSews]

I just can’t wait to see them!!!

[@MA-mv8pw]

School starts tomorrow, but I am looking forward to find the time to participate! 💕

[@MariSews]

Yay!!! Even one dress makes a difference. Good luck in school 🍀

[@InAgatasCottage]

As always great intro Mari :) can't wait to make more dresses :)

[@MariSews]

How do you find the time?

[@InAgatasCottage]

@@MariSews sleep and cleaning are overrated + i did bunch of freezer meals so i don't have too cook every night :D

[@marilynk7491]

I'm in again this year! Have 5 dresses made already and several more planned. Thanks for doing this, Mari! It makes it easy and FUN for us to be charitable!

[@MariSews]

Yay!!! Isn’t it great when you can do good with your talent? 😘

[@creativelycolorberries2490]

Thoroughly enjoyed sewing for such a tremendously worthy cause again this year. Thanks Mari!!

[@MariSews]

Thank you for joining in!

[@cathlenesegovia278]

It's my first year participating in Project Dress a Girl! Can't wait to get started!

[@MariSews]

Yay!!! Welcome to the sewing family!!!

[@reneelang5714]

Are there suggestions/recommendations for patterns? Also what are the sizes and girls ages?

[@MariSews]

Please check the links in the description box. There’s a blog post with answers but you can sew up to a size 12

[@susanodell7224]

Mari, I just learned about this project today on Thoughtful Creativity channel. I’m not sure if I’d have the time to get my sewing area back together in time to stitch a few dresses this year, but I wonder if you make the same size dresses every year? I want to bring this up to my quilting guild as a project for next year. Thank you for your time. Fingers crossed for 4.5k + dresses this year!

[@MariSews]

That would be a wonderful idea. The requirements will be the same next year. Just hang on to whatever is made until September 😀

[@dlwrules]

I am sew excited!! It warms my heart to participate. I can’t wait to try Alyssa’s pattern. I also want to play with the pockets - thinking about doing some embroidery on them.

[@MariSews]

Oh, embroidery would look so cute!!!

[@TriBeccaDesigns]

Looking forward to participating again this year. Thanks SEW MUCH Mari!

[@MariSews]

Yay! I can’t wait to see your amazing makes

[@cydmoney12]

I’m in and really excited about the new Thoughtful Creativity dresses. Super cute! 🎉❤

[@MariSews]

Yay! And yes, she really knocked it out the park with her pattern this year

[@RebelBart67]

I have subscribed and will watch for next years. This year I do not have the time.

[@MariSews]

We will be happy to have you join in then!

[@catstitchstudio]

I'm in! Brand new to the project, and happy to be part of it. Thank you, Mari, for your enthusiastic promotion! I'm not on Instagram, so you'll be receiving an email or two from me. Love from Kansas City.

[@MariSews]

Sounds like a plan

[@linennis]

We're in, Mari! Dress a Girl -Sedona Chapter. We have pledged to sew 100 dresses this month.

[@MariSews]

Woot woot! Please don’t forget to tell me your final count! How exciting!

[@ShereeSchattenmann]

Hi Mari! I am excited to get started on my dresses this week. After accidentally buying 50 labels last year, I will be with your for years to come! lol. Great intro video. Love your fabric picks.

[@MariSews]

Lol. Glad for the accident!

[@ZeldaSews]

Hi Mari. I will not be able to participate this year, but I plan on being able to next year. 😊 I just started back sewing and I am struggling sewing for myself right now. You are doing a wonderful thing for the girls!

[@MariSews]

No problem! Thanks for the support and we’ll party again next year

[@lindavictor8250]

I'm in...looking forward to making dresses!!

[@MariSews]

Fantastic! We’re going to have so much fun!

[@loresews2480]

Oh my I been waiting all year ❤I love participating in such an amazing cause I enjoy making dresses and make them beautiful for a young girl I’m all in am at 16 dresses my goal is 20 . I’m excited 😊 ❤

[@MariSews]

Wow! 16 is a lot of girls!!! I just can’t wait to see them!

[@nylirama]

Is there a place with a playlist with all of the daily videos planned for this year's event? I have to search thru older videos in order to find the current daily video.

[@MariSews]

Yes, under my videos you can sort by playlist and there’s a PDAG 2023 list. I add the daily videos in there.

[@juliewright9016]

Is there anywhere we can donate dresses to in the UK as postage to the USA would be too costly?

[@MariSews]

Yes! Check my links in the description box

[@suemcbride1106]

We are just about to start this project at my Tuesday afternoon craft group in the Northeast of England.

[@MariSews]

Oh! Have lots of fun!!!!

[@kindredcreativecorner6927]

I am in year 3 for me. 4500 piece of cake 🎂. And we are off 😋. Thanks Mari

[@MariSews]

This is amazing! I’m so happy you’re back at it!

[@MariSews]

Also, I would like to apologize for my prior response to the pillowcases. It was tactless so I revised it.

[@kindredcreativecorner6927]

@MariSews no worries..I understood. I added a little bit because this was the person's first-time. We want EVERYONE who wants to participate to do just that in any capacity they wish. First timers may need some guidance ...as I did my first go round. All of this in love ❤️.

[@patriciaclark-ch4br]

Love this

[@MariSews]

Thanks! We’re doing some good in this world

[@mmonohon5297]

Ready to sew.🎉

[@MariSews]

Woo hoo!

[@jodieroundtree488]

Great job, Mari! I am looking forward to joining in the fun again this year!

[@MariSews]

Glad to have you back!

[@Fahm1da]

Hi Marie. Do you have any suggestions for dress patterns with sleeves for modesty?

[@MariSews]

Sorry I missed this. Many by people have been making dresses using a long sleeved tshirt for the bodice. You can also try adapting a long sleeved pattern by substituting out zippers for ties

[@kristicitak3932]

I have 40 made. (Started in June😂😂😂😂)

[@MariSews]

Wow! You are simply amazing!

[@cjhines726]

that's awesome!

[@vanessajones3508]

That is wonderful.

[@djjackson1965]

I have a Girl Scout Troop I'd love to participate in this. If not this year next.

[@MariSews]

That would be amazing!!!

[@cynthiaspencer4960]

How do you decide how big your pockets should be or where to place them?

[@MariSews]

For the sundress, I fold it in half and place the top of the pockets one inch higher than the line. I cut 6.5 x6.5 inch pockets.

[@CandaceSimonson1125]

I've sewn 15 dresses for the month of September. This now makes 23 dresses total since I started in August. These will go to my ambassador in SW Missouri. I got started after I watched the Sound of Freedom movie. Wondering what I could do to help these little girls, I "just so happened" upon the Dress a Girl project. I was all in. I can sew. And these little girls need dresses - how hard of a decision was that? (It was a "God-thing")

[@MariSews]

Love this! I’m adding your dresses to the count

[@Monga_Makes_Things]

Just learned about this project on Thoughtful Creativity. I’ve been looking for ways to “give” more with my sewing skills. Thank you for the great intro to the project!

[@MariSews]

So happy to add you to the sewing family! We’re going to have fun!

[@leahdavis3863]

Do the dresses have to be completed by September 30 or received by you by September 30? I’m very excited to be participating.

[@MariSews]

Completed and reported in. You can donate the first week of October

[@KnittyT]

Thank you Mari for the opportunity to make a dress for a sweet girl! This is my second year and I’m so excited to be able to participate again. And I’m looking forward to checking out the other YT channels I’m not familiar with. Blessings

[@MariSews]

Yay!!!! So happy you’re joining in on the fun again

[@TanyaDBryant]

So excited to participate again this year. I picked up some fabric a couple of months ago just for Project Dress A Girl. 😀

[@MariSews]

I can’t wait to see the cuties!

[@kimjohnson6115]

I'm looking forward to this! I enjoy your videos 🧵🪡

[@MariSews]

Thank you! I can’t wait to see what you make 🥰

[@karenmartin6091]

This is a wonderful project this is my first of many years. I was wondering what are the size ranges we are sewing dresses for.

[@MariSews]

Yay! Baby to 12

[@donnabrown0130]

I'm in! Shopping for fabrics today 🤗. Your hair looks amazing!

[@MariSews]

Thanks, and happy shopping!

[@SewTexas]

I am in this year.

[@MariSews]

Yay!!! Glad you’re back

[@Legacy3Enterprise]

I’m excited to be able to participate at the Creative Stitching Center ❤❤❤

[@MariSews]

Yes! I’ll see you soon!

[@vanessajones3508]

Mari, I will be donating two dresses this year. I have completed one dress already.

[@MariSews]

I can’t wait to see your beauties! 🥰

[@will_make_it_rose708]

Love this are any Australians contributing if so where can we donate them.

[@MariSews]

There are however, they are finding places to donate the dresses themselves.

[@VoxAtelier]

I am super excited to join! I already have my sewing pattern or choice

[@MariSews]

I can’t wait to see what you make!

[@SewAndTellwithDori]

Hey Mari! Thank you for again heading up this very worthy charity event!!! Your efforts are truly appreciated by those who join your efforts, and by those little girls who benefit from our donations. I started making dresses late last year and have 6 that are ready to ship. I had hoped to donate 12 for 2023, but that wasn't to be. My question: I may have missed it, but what's the size limit or size ranges for the PDAG dresses? I had thought that dresses up to a girls size 16 were accepted last year, but I heard on another video that size 12 was the limit this year. Some confusion about this. Please let me know. God bless you! 🥰🙏🏻

[@MariSews]

They use to go up to 16, but the size has been dialed down a bit since these girls tend to be a bit more petite. But no worries! Donate those dresses!!! We will find a home for them ❤️

[@SewAndTellwithDori]

Thanks for clarifying, Mari. I don't have any dresses in the larger sizes, but wanted to confirm. Was wondering about the petiteness of the girls, due to nutritional deficiencies in some countries. All good to know!@@MariSews

[@Silver_Threads_Sewing]

Thank you SO much for all the time and work you put into this wonderful project! I didn’t hear anything about using a lint fabric specifically. Is a cotton knit acceptable? As long as it meets the other requirements. Thanks again! ❤

[@MariSews]

You can have a knit bodice but the skirt must be woven.

[@Silver_Threads_Sewing]

@@MariSews that’s wonderful! Thanks for your help! ❤️

[@janesheridan5632]

Hello Mari. First I would like to thank you for all you do and sharing your community with me. I would like to join your 'Dress a Girl Around the World' community and add the required label. I did try to find a group near my residents with no success. Please advise me of the proper process to get started. AGAIN THANK YOU!!!

[@MariSews]

Hi Jane! Happy you’re joining in. The guidelines will be the same as last year so feel free to take a look at the last kick off video to get started.

[@janesheridan5632]

@@MariSewsI've been studing the guidelines, have them printed out and have the patterns. My next question is how do I get the labels? And can I send the completed dresses to you? THANK YOU Mari.

[@MariSews]

@janesheridan5632 you can get them here. inspiredleatherco.com/products/project-dress-a-girl-labels I’d be happy to take your dresses. Just hang on to them until September when I start collecting again.

[@janesheridan5632]

@@MariSewsJust ordered plenty of labels. THANK YOU!!!!!

[@karinyoung9436]

I’m in!

[@MariSews]

Great news!!! Happy to have you

[@ChristineSewsALot]

I love this project! I was working on a dress last night❤

[@MariSews]

Your dresses are the best

[@lindakrol5376]

Just ordered my labels!

[@MariSews]

Just put a stamp on them! Thanks!!!

[@TheGrannyGoat]

Found the link over on SewNaturalDane to this. What a cool project! Subscribed :)

[@MariSews]

Yay! Love Nateida! I hope you get the chance to join in with a dress.

[@cindywade9777]

I’m in for helping with this!!

[@MariSews]

Yay! So happy to have you join in on the fun!

[@phylliscroswell444]

I have been making dresses. For Christmas Shoeboxes this year. Can these count.?Either way I am having a fun time sewing😊

[@MariSews]

Absolutely! Many of the dresses we make will end up in shoe boxes too

[@susanbranchepoteet3175]

I'm in. Year 2 for me. I plan to make 10 this time, and will look for patterns for larger size girls. Poverty includes all sizes.

[@MariSews]

The big girls need love, too. Thank you

[@evelynhenry2976]

❤❤❤

[@MariSews]

🥰

[@cjhines726]

Yea!

[@MariSews]

Woot woot!

[@LorettaTerwilliger]

I would like to sew dresses for this project just need more information please.

[@barbarawhite438]

This is my 2nd year to participate. Can you use elastic in the neckline or on sleeves ?

[@MariSews]

You sure can!

[@barbarawhite438]

@@MariSews ♥thank you

[@marinaabad4995]

I;m in. Will decide where to donate.

[@MariSews]

Welcome to the do good group!

[@AmberHill-ix2jv]

I'm in for a few dresses

[@MariSews]

Yay! Music to my ears

[@joannestanton4492]

Your video came up in my recommendations. I’m going to do this for the first time! I love the mission. Is 100% double brushed cotton flannel acceptable?

[@MariSews]

Yay! Glad you’re joining in! Yes, that fabric is great to use

[@craftoncue]

My first time participating, and I want to be sure I’m doing everything correctly. I ordered the labels and have watched the dress pattern video. My question, which may be a crazy question, but I always wash and dry fabric prior to sewing it. Is that permitted or should I just cut it out and sew? This is a wonderful project and I’m excited to be a small part of this. Blessings, Linda

[@MariSews]

Washing and drying is a great way to start!

[@dianethomas1143]

I want to do this

[@MariSews]

Yay! We will be kicking off in September again. The same rules will apply but donation list may vary. Happy to have you on the team

[@lulusimple3223]

Can the dress have sleeves?

[@MariSews]

Sure can!

[@lulusimple3223]

What are the ages and sizes?

[@MariSews]

Baby to size 12

[@pammolling5034]

Went Joanne's yesterday again.

[@MariSews]

😂. Michelle Sews Again said they have a massive sale for $2.99/yd

[@sew.debbie]

Very excited to participate!

[@MariSews]

Yay! We’re going to have fun!

[@gehanghobrial2449]

Can we make dresses for young ladies too, or just for children❤?

[@MariSews]

Up to size 12.

[@gehanghobrial2449]

Great ❤ thank you 🙏 ❤

[@janstetler9888]

I am joining this year. I do have 1 question, wasn't sure what sizes are excepted?

[@MariSews]

Yay! Baby to size 12

[@pammolling5034]

Wow

[@louisetrepanier3966]

Will we have a Project dress a girl 2024. I am making some dresses in advance. I am from Québec, Canada so I would like to know who would be the ambassador.

[@MariSews]

Hi! Yes, we are definitely doing it this September. The Canada ambassador will be Shari from @practicalstitches

[@louisetrepanier3966]

@@MariSews Thank you I am so happy. !!!

[@tourant]

Can we make dresses with sleeves? I'd imagine the cute sundresses would be unsuitable for more religious sensibilities. Happy to make either style!

[@MariSews]

Sleeves are great. Both for that reason and cold weather. Thank you so much for this thoughtful question.

[@dovaillancourt]

Hi. I sew with used fabrics. Why can we not use pillowcases ? Thanks.

[@MariSews]

They’re too thin and don’t provide enough modesty. We want to give these girls the best

[@kindredcreativecorner6927]

@@MariSews the pillowcases can be lined just like any thin cotton would be

[@MariSews]

@kindredcreativecorner6927 editing this response. I’ve thrown away many donated pillow case dresses that were entirely sheer when worn and they’re often an inferior quality and will be destroyed too quickly. I really don’t want to have to justify the decision behind this request from Headquarters so it would be nice if everyone could adhere to the rules. This event has grown so large that making exceptions has become difficult.

[@fifinudl6512]

Hello ! When is the last day to send dresses?

[@MariSews]

Report them by September 30 or they won’t get added to the count and donate them by October 7

[@fifinudl6512]

@@MariSews Thank you!

[@gigiflame6454]

I just saw on Hoosier Handmade that she donated her dresses to a local to her charity. I typically make dresses for Operation Christmas Child that are collected locally, can those dresses be added in the dress a girl tally. I already purchased the labels to sew on the dresses, would it be ok to add the label to the dresses for Operation Christmas Child?

[@MariSews]

Yes, that’s a perfect way to donate the dresses. Add those labels and get your dresses counted 😀In fact, many of the ambassadors send dresses there for Christmas boxes.

[@gigiflame6454]

@@MariSews Thank you for all your hard work in spearheading this. Can't wait to see the numbers this year!❤