All through her 90s, beautiful soul Lillian Weber sewed one-of-a-kind basic peasant dresses. She sent them to little girls through the Christian outreach Little Dresses For Africa (LDFA). You can read more of her personal story in Why 99-Year-Old Lillian Weber Is Not Retired. Lillian Weber died on the eve of her 101st birthday on May 5, 2016.
Lillian’s goal was to make her 1,000th dress by her 100th birthday. On Thursday, March 12, she accomplished that goal, well before her own birthday deadline in early May.
Basic Peasant Dress Patterns and Tutorials
In honor of Lillian’s 100th birthday, I found several easy tutorials for the basic peasant dress similar to the dresses Lillian made.
Over at Sew Much Ado there is the Infant Peasant Dress- Free Pattern and Tutorial -sized 0-3mo. (approx. 8-14lbs.) (minus ruffles and appliques and pockets with shorter sleeves).
And here’s a free girls’ downloadable summertime peasant dress pattern for sizes 18 mo. through size 6.
This Free Peasant Dress Pattern & Tutorial is a printable pattern with sizes 12 mo. through 14 years. It’s a perfect beginner pattern.
Most beginning sewers (age 8/9 and up) can do this simple pattern with minimal help.
I love Lillian’s heart in a million ways. You have to respect individuals who are purposeful and creative right into their latter years. I also love how focused and disciplined she was about her work. I hope I can work productively until I’m her age, too! I’m inspired!
It is reported in Africa that girls wearing a new little dress are much less likely to be abducted, abused, or molested because the new little dress shows that someone cares about them.
Because of the widespread AIDS pandemic, little girls are often left to be the primary caregivers of their young siblings.
It was hoped that in delivering dresses to these young girls, a seed would be planted in their hearts in the name of Jesus. Through their care, Little Dresses For Africa plants and waters the seeds, and God sends the harvest.
It’s more than just a dress! Although clothing is needed, these little dresses also give an opportunity to hold Bible classes, children’s camps, and informal teaching sessions to increase the understanding of nutrition, clean water, sanitation, and to promote good health and family skills. Many patients who suffer from AIDS are offered encouragement and hope.
Find Little Dresses For Africa’s Facebook Main Headquarters’ page here.
There are other similar, worthy projects happening globally. Here’s a list in case you’d like to help supply or spread the word!
You can learn to sew and teach your children, too! Here are some helpful links:
• Sew Mama Sew, “Seven Essential Sewing Skills”
• Martha Stewart, “Sewing Basics”
• Martha Stewart, “Easy Sewing Projects”
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