dress and jacket
close-up of the bodice
bibs and ballet slippers
leather ballet slippers purchased from Macy's
Statistics:
Pattern:
Simplicity 7488 - Out of print Baby Gowns
Fabric:
2 yards rayon/silk satin
1.5 yards lace
Notions:
2 yards pearl piping
2 yards 1" lace
Cotton batiste for lining
2 large snaps
Construction:
I ended up not sewing the pearls to the empire bodice of the dress.
I ended up adding snaps to the back of the dress instead of the buttons and buttonholes. I just couldn't take more small sewing.
I hand-stitched the sleeves into the jacket. Again I just couldn't take trying to sew one small circle into another. So I used small stitches and stitched them together. It held just fine. I mean people use to hand sew garments all the time right?!
I didn't make a bonnet. Her mother decided that she would use a lace headband instead and it actually worked out really well.
I spent at least 20 hours on this outfit and it was worth it but I won't be making another one of these any time soon. *LOL* The pressure of making "the perfect dress" for such an important event is not how I like to sew. To me sewing is about relaxation and exploring my creativity and pushing the boundaries. This was pressure. I'm just glad that I was up to the task!
Next up is some scarves for Christmas gift giving...eventually I will get back to sewing for me...eventually!
...as always, more later!
A gift of love and beauty--simply stunning, Carolyn!
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful, Carolyn! And I know what you mean about the pressure of making "the perfect dress." When I was making my niece's gown, I was in tears half of the time because of the little mistakes (that no one saw) I made while making it.
ReplyDeleteIt is bee-you-tee-ful!
The outfit is beautiful! I love the little ballet slippers.
ReplyDeleteI'm just starting Claire Schaeffer's Couture Sewing and she seems to recommend hand-sewing for almost everything. So this gown is totally haute couture. The little one will undoubtedly be the only baby in church in a a haute couture christening gown. ;)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous. Job well done.
ReplyDeleteThat is so beautiful! I'm sure it'll be an heirloom!
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful and it's done! Time to sew something festive for you. Seriously, it's a labor of love and it came out so nice.
ReplyDeleteAwww, it looks so cute!
ReplyDeleteIt's absolutely beautiful. You are a good friend to do this. g
ReplyDeleteBeautifully made and will be so treasured I am sure!
ReplyDeleteIt's stunning! You have made a new family heirloom. I hope the little one has a great day.
ReplyDeleteSo pretty! A beautiful gift.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty, Caroline and the love shows. I can just see this little angel with her headband.
ReplyDeleteFWIW, 95% of the time I sew these tiny sleeves in the flat, not the round. Then I bind them into the lining. Those little circles are difficult!
So so so so so precious, Carolyn! A very loving gesture!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful gown for a special little one
ReplyDeleteJust lovely.
ReplyDeleteYou did a beautiful job on this!
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMaybe pressure filled but it turned out lovely. The headband idea sounds perfect.
ReplyDeleteJust absolutely beautiful Carolyn!
ReplyDeletelovely, simpley lovely, good job
ReplyDeleteIt's stunning.
ReplyDelete~Sewjourner
Absolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteRe: those teeny sleeves. Not that I've done these in a while, but I do recall always putting in the sleeves before doing up the side seams - you're then not dealing with teeny round openings. Should you ever be repeating such sewing ...
you did a really nice job on it.
ReplyDeleteSo very beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Ms. Carolyn. A family heirloom.
ReplyDeleteIt's so pretty, Carolyn! I made my DD2's christening gown - my first attempt at smocking - from Vogue pattern. It was a lot of fun to make.
ReplyDeletewow - absolutely beautiful
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful and made with love,
ReplyDeletejust wonderful.
Absolutely Beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteSo lovely and those shoes are perfect!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely and well made outfit. It's perfect.
ReplyDeleteIt's too precious. I'm sure the baby look adorable in it.
ReplyDeleteIt turned out lovely. I'm sure the family will treasure it always. It's not like it's going to be worn every day... so yes... hand stitching works just great!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteIt's stunning!
ReplyDeleteThe christening outfit is absolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Gorgeous! This will surely be a family heirloom handed down for generations!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely dress for a special occasion, and to have as a keepsake. Your hours of work certainly show!
ReplyDelete