May 24, 2010

Liam's Ensemble, Part II...

Yesterday yielded a nearly completed coat for
the christening gown ensemble.
I put it on the hanger over the gown to show you.
I began the morning by cutting the beaded silk duppioni
for the overlay on the sleeves. I wanted to mimic the mutton
sleeves from Mama's wedding gown on Liam's coat, but
didn't think they needed to be "poufy" like Mama's.
(You can see what I'm talking about in the previous post.
Just look at the wedding gown photo to see the sleeves.
Oh, and a million thanks again to Shell May for my beautiful
pincushion/scissors keep and rabbit scissors. I love them both!)


I then proceeded to hand stitch the overlays onto the sleeve.
You can't do this with a sewing machine without removing
beads that might get in the way, and then sewing the beads back on.
Either way there's going to be hand stitching, so I prefer this way.
After I sewed the rest of the coat, I attached the finished sleeves.
I even put sweet pleats on the top of the sleeves for extra room.
I pleated the front and back of the coat to match the gown.
I tea-dyed the buttons that will go on the back of the gown
and on the front of the coat. My satin buttons are white-white,
but I need them to be champagne-colored,
so into my cuppa tea they went!
This is what they look like "before" and "after" the process.
They're sitting on a piece of the fabric they need to match.
I did this when I made the wedding gown, too!
I'll be hemming sleeves and hemlines while the buttons dry.
Today, I'll be making the monogrammed slip which
little Liam will be wearing under the ensemble.
I've chosen a soft, breathable, Egyptian cotton for the slip.
Baby needs to be comfortable when he's all dressed up!

Finally, thank you so much for your kind comments.
I really appreciate reading what you think!
JoySignatureAcornGrey
Don't forget to click on the images if you want to see them better!

12 comments:

  1. What a talent you have. Its beautiful!

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  2. As predicted, beautiful and perfect and every other superlative you wish to use. Well done great auntie. It's a stunner!! Liam will look fantastic and I'm sure Jennifer will be pleased.

    Minimiss

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  3. This is just out of this world beautiful. He'll be such a handsome little tyke in this! Be sure to make LOTS of pics to share!

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

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  4. Donna, this isn't simply a sewing project it is a work of art! It's extraordinary! Have a wonderful day! Twyla

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  5. This is simply stunning, Donna. A gorgeous heirloom - what a talented artist you are!

    xo
    Claudia

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  6. I am just amazed at the whole process of this christening gown. Such love you've put into it. Stunning!!!

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  7. Donna,
    Your beautiful gown takes my breath away. You are such an amazing artist. I want you to go on Project Runway, LOL. Seriously, you'd put those people to shame! I'll bet people tell you that all the time. The gown reminds me of my own wedding years ago. My colors were cream, chocolate brown & champagne. Lisa

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  8. You are so talented with a needle and thread! I love to see your pretties.
    Brenda

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  9. A beautiful ensemble! I just cannot believe how quickly you get it all done!

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  10. OH MY GOSH! This is fantastic. Liam is so lucky, and will be so handsome in this on his Christening day. The slip is.... more than words.
    Love you
    Niff

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  11. Another truly beautiful creation, Donna. You outdo yourself with each one! So lovely!

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  12. You even tea dyed the buttons!!!! Dag girl you are sooooooo good!!!
    Glad you liked the scissors and cushion. ;)
    hugs!

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment today. I'm using new settings on my comments so that I'll be able to respond to your messages to me. Be sure to come back to see my replies!

Blessings, Donna