May 23, 2010

Sweet Liam's Christening Gown...

Sweet Liam's christening gown is nearly finished.
I only have to hem the little sleeves, sew buttonholes
and sew the buttons onto the back opening.
Sewing the components together is a joyful process.
For instance, sewing in the pleats requires multiple steps...
mark, pin in two places for each pleat to secure them, then, baste.
Nothing difficult, but concentration is required.
But the result is well worth the effort.
I also love the process of lining up elements,
as in the bodice with its brocade insert (and stitching)
matching up with the skirt brocade insert and stitching.
Those parts are sewn separately, and then
the bodice and skirt are sewn together.
It's such fun when everything lines up as it should!
You can see from this photo
that I made the front of Liam's gown mimic the
front of Mama's wedding gown.

The wedding gown had a brocade skirt, with a
silk overskirt. I didn't have the fabric to make a separate
overskirt for Liam's piece, so I did brocade inserts instead.
I'm very happy with the resulting effect.

I'll finish the gown today and then begin
work on the next piece of the ensemble.
The plan is to make the coat, bonnet and slip for the set.
I have to see if I have enough fabric to be able
to make everything on my list.
I promise an update tomorrow.
JoySignatureAcornGrey

26 comments:

  1. Shaking my head, BOY! you sure can sew fast.. then to create a masterpiece like this just takes my breath away. What a showing Liam will be wearing your creation and what an heirloom.

    Mercy, I am blown away.

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  2. Donna, I think both the christening and wedding gowns are stunners! You are a talent! I hope to learn to do something to that level one day... Still working on what exactly that something will be... It's a journey...

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  3. That is going to be one special keepsake, simply gorgeous!
    Tracey

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  4. Gorgeous!!! It's been years since I've sewn an heirloom piece like that :( Hmmmmm, I'm thinking I should make one just for fun! (When time permits that is :)

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  5. Donna,

    Your work is just exquisite.

    I spent the weekend at A Good Yarn taking a lace workshop. Lace and beaded knitting are going to be my next endeavor. We head back to Maine soon and I am organizing projects for the summer.

    Again, just exquisite work my friend.

    Carol

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  6. I agree you sew fast! But that is breath taking!

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  7. So pretty! What a lucky baby and I love how you tied this dress to the other heirloom dress you made for Mama!

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  8. Amazingly beautiful work, I wish I had your patience! I guess labors of love become effortless.

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  9. Oh My! I am in awe! That is so brautiful and you are so talented!

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  10. Gorgeous! I love the pleated skirt for a little boy!

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  11. Donna, I just knew it would be spectacular!!!! Wow, it is so beautiful!!! You are so fast too!
    I am off to a knitting class.......never can have too many lessons!
    Hugs,
    Margaret B

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  12. what an accomplished seamstress you are! amazing how beautiful it all is :)

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  13. Oh, Donna, this is exquisite. Liam will have a treasure in this gown for generations to come. You are soooo talented, my friend.

    Have a lovely week.
    TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

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  14. Donna, I just visited your etsy shop for the first time. MARVELOUS creations! I fell in love with that teacup pincushion ... how precious. I love LOVE everything you have ... I'll be back for sure.

    Have a lovely week.
    TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

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  15. Hi Donna!
    Nice to meet you...came by way of the Mockingbird Hill!

    crochet....! my blissful passtime...love your banner....I'm now following you!

    do stop in anytime...i'll leave my 'screen' door open for you!

    ciao bella!
    creative carmelina

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  16. WOW Donna..this is so lovely and done so nicely and with such thought..little Liam is a lucky little guy...so is his momma to have your beautiful work for her...

    cannot wait to see the rest..enjoy your day...

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  17. It's so beautiful it takes my breath away. You are such a great seamstress!

    Smiles~
    Marilyn

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  18. What a heirloom you have created. Such thought and time that have gone in to this will make it a treasure.
    Debbie

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  19. Your attention to detail is what makes you a seamstress and not just someone who sews. Your work is breathtaking. Happy creating...

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  20. Oh Donna, what a wonderful gift of love. Your hands are amazing. You have made the most beautiful gown and to mimic it after Mom's wedding gown is so touchingly beautiful. I know it will be treasured forever.

    hugs
    Sissie

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  21. Donna, this is the most gorgeous christening gown ever, so very special.
    Debby

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  22. That christening gown is just breathtaking and how wonderful to have it look like his mother's wedding dress. You do remarkable work Donna and these will be heirlooms passed down for years to come.

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  23. Oh wow!! I'm totally in awe. Girlfriend..I've said it before...you totally rock! This is so beautiful!

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  24. Absolutely beautiful. Such fine stitching, and what a wonderful idea to base the design on mum's wedding gown. An heirloom has been made. xx

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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