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 2024, we donated an incredible 7,349 dresses, bringing joy and dignity to girls who may have never owned a new garment before.
This year we have no goal, just love. Let's see what we can do. Join sewists across the globe in making a difference. Search YouTube for #ProjectDressAGirl2025 to find inspiring videos from talented creators sharing their dresses, tips, and tricks.
How can I get involved?
- Sew a dress following the requirements below.
- Take photos of your creation.
- Share on Instagram using #ProjectDressAGirl2025 and tag @marisews_inspirestitches
- 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 4).
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:
- Sew Very Easy - https://youtu.be/z7JzsE5gG9k?si=CgJxwqv-1uqaLbqq
- Practical Stitches
- Sweet Breeze Sun Dress (Ultra beginner friendly) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qJJhU-yjNg
-
Beginner Friendly Sundress - https://youtu.be/nC-zjulauHw
Where do I get labels?
- Project Dress a Girl: https://inspiredleatherco.com/collections/inspiredstitches
- 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 8, 2025, when we'll wrap up the event with our finale video and dress roundup.
How can I donate my dresses?
- In-person at Capital Quilts :
- Mail to me Mari Sews for a chance to be featured in a live Saturday unboxing:
- Donate to regional ambassador
Name Location Email Shorts Theresa Arizona (Phoenix) dagphoenix@gmail.com Carol Arizona (Tucson) dressagirltucson@gmail.com Julie Australia julie.dodds60@hotmail.com Susie British Columbia susie.braun.wilson@gmail.com Pamela California (Central Coast) dressagirlagca@gmail.com Claudia California (Fresno) dressagirlfresno@gmail.com Barbara California (Santa Cruz) bestluv2u@aol.com Diana California (South Bay) sewgenerosity@gmail.com Shari Canada shari.dressagirl@gmail.com Valerie Colorado mishekconcerts@gmail.com Chris Florida (Lake Nona) christine.kraus21@gmail.com Cindy Florida (South Jax) dressagirlsouthjax@yahoo.com Yes Jordan Iowa (Forest City) jordan@hrwi.org Jane Maine/New England janenicholsbishop@gmail.com Marissa Maryland dagmd@yahoo.com Gail Massachusetts gmac2002s@yahoo.com Kitty Minnesota dagminnesota@gmail.com Sue Missouri (Southwest) suecavness@gmail.com Cindy Missouri (Springfield) cmsullins@yahoo.com Cam & Terri New Mexico dressagirl.sjc@gmail.com Peg New York (Upper) pmauer2004@yahoo.com Yes Connie North Carolina dressagirlnc@gmail.com Karen Ohio kheath98@gmail.com Judy Ohio (Cincinnati) judysjumpers@gmail.com Yes Pearl Oregon/Washington dressagirlpearl@gmail.com Cathy South Dakota (Black Hills) muttidahl@yahoo.com Valencia Tennessee (Nashville) DAGnashville@gmail.com Jacqui United Kingdom jacqui-dressagirl@outlook.com
