Spread love and dignity with your sewing skills and fabric stash! Join us in creating beautiful dresses for girls living in poverty around the world. Don't miss the kick-off video on Mari Sews YouTube September 1 to get started! Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss any of the fun.

What is Project Dress A Girl?

Project Dress A Girl is an annual sewing charity event founded by Mari de Jesus of Mari Sews, running throughout September. Our mission is to provide new, handmade dresses to girls living in extreme poverty worldwide. In 2023, we donated an incredible 5,043 dresses, bringing joy and dignity to girls who may have never owned a new garment before.

This year, we're aiming even higher! Can we dress 7,000 children? Join sewists across the globe in making a difference. Search YouTube for #ProjectDressAGirl2024 to find inspiring videos from talented creators sharing their dresses, tips, and tricks.

How can I get involved?

1. Sew a dress following the requirements below.
2. Take photos of your creation.
3. Share on Instagram using #ProjectDressAGirl2024 and tag @marisewsforcurves.
4. Not on Instagram? Email your final count to ProjectDressAGirl@gmail.com.

You have the entire month of September to sew. Mail your dresses to ambassadors during the first week of October (until October 5).

What are the dress requirements?

Follow these guidelines to ensure your dress meets the needs of the recipients:

• Slip-on style, at least knee-length
• Natural fiber fabrics (cotton, linen, or blends) that aren't sheer
• At least one pocket
• No fastenings except fabric or ties
• Visible label sewn to the front
• Sizes range from infant to 12
• Woven skirt with knit bodice, and elastic allowed

Please note: Dresses made of pillowcases will not be accepted.

What patterns can I use?

We recommend these beginner-friendly patterns:

1. Thoughtful Creativity 2024 - https://youtu.be/vzU5LzZRyak?si=M7ARadZSjsIp-6MC
2. Beginner Friendly Sundress - https://youtu.be/nC-zjulauHw
3. Oliver + S Popover Dress - https://oliverands.com/free-patterns/popover-sundress/

Where do I get labels?

• Inspired Leather Co.: https://inspiredleatherco.com/collections/pincushions/sewing
• Dress A Girl Around the World: www.dressagirlaroundtheworld.com

What events/videos are happening in September?

We'll kick off on September 1 with our launch video on Mari Sews and continue throughout the month with tutorials, sew-alongs, and live unboxings. Make sure to subscribe to my channel and turn on notifications so that you don't miss a thing!

Mark your calendars for October 7, 2024, when we'll wrap up the event with our finale video and dress roundup!

How can I donate my dresses?

1. In-person at Capital Quilts :

2. Mail to Mari Sews for a chance to be featured in a live Saturday unboxing:

3. Donate to regional ambassadors 

Join us in making a difference, one dress at a time. Together, we can bring smiles, dignity, and hope to girls around the world. Let's make Project Dress a Girl 2024 our most impactful year yet!

#ProjectDressAGirl2024