Sunday, February 28, 2010

Sophia's baptism gown

When my friend Melissa asked me to make the gown for her newborn daughter's baptism this coming March, I was honored. I didn't know much about heirloom sewing back when my own girls were little, so I sadly did not make such precious things for them... therefore I consider it a truly special task to create these things for others close to me.

Melissa had a few special requests - box pleats, clean lines, and white silk. I took her desire for simplicity, and hopefully created a treasure for this special day for both the beautiful baby girl, Sophia, and her family.


christening/baptism gown


Designs for hand-embroidered crosses were practically non-existent on the internet and in my many back issues of Sew Beautiful magazine, so I designed this one myself.

bonnet and dress


Five rows of pintucks... three delicate hand embroidered arcs and french knot trios to symbolize the Trinity... I also added baby's initials & year of baptism...

dress skirt


I greatly modified the ideas behind an Ayrshire bonnet pattern from Sew Beautiful magazine Issue #79 for this bonnet - just a bit of flat lace, pintucks, and delicate crocheted edging...

bonnet


I decided on the use of pleats to gather the crown, which kept with the design of the dress... I found this was actually easier than gathering, and the results are, in my opinion, quite lovely.

bonnet back

7 comments:

angela said...

so absolutely beautiful

Joanne said...

Absolutely gorgeous! Fabulous job!!

Hana said...

This is gorgeous! I didn't have things like this for any of my children either but I'd love to be able to have an heirloom type dress made for my youngest for Easter (she'll be 2 in april). If not for anything but to take her photo in and wear to church. You did a fabulous job!! LOVE it!!

Hana
MomTog Diaries

FiberGeek said...

Really pretty. Your friend should be thrilled with it.

Deborah said...

That is just lovely!

Twisted in Texas said...

Rebekah, I love all the thoughtful detail. Beautiful keepsake.

Mel said...

Rebekah, the gown and bonnet are gorgeous! It literally took my breath away!!!!! I can't wait for Sophia to wear them. I love the symbolism. You captured the simplicity and beauty I had hoped for. You never cease to amaze me. Truly lovely.

A very lucky mom and friend,
Melissa