Another Baby Project...

  Our newest great nephew is being Christened in July. His Momma and Daddy  planned the date to coincide with our visit to Wisconsin. We're looking forward to meeting the little guy for the first time, and being there for his special day.
When his older brother was born (nearly thirteen years ago), I made a complete ensemble for his baptism. I made a Christening gown, bonnet, booties and a blanket for the church service. A few weeks ago, my niece brought out the set to try on her second son to gauge the fit. Even though the ceremony is still three  weeks away - and babies grow like weeds - it was obvious that the six-month sized gown and bonnet would never fit the new baby. She sent me photos and we all giggled to see him nearly drowning in fabric. We needed a plan.
I told her that I'll put the gown on him (inside out) when I get there and baste it to fit him. I don't want to alter the original gown so, when the time comes,  the next child to wear it will have space if they were larger than our boy.
The bonnet was another matter, so yesterday I made one in a newborn size from the same fabric I used for the original ensemble. When we get to Wisconsin, I'll  try it on him. If it's still way too big, I have more of the fabric to adjust my  pattern one more time and make it even smaller. I'm hoping it's not necessary.
I've decided that I'll make another kimono in newborn size. If this little boy is as small as I'm told he is, it might take quite a while for him to be able to use the one I just finished. I'll see how big he is when I get there and then choose the best size to give to him so he can wear it through the summer.
It rained again all day yesterday, so sewing and knitting were the perfect  pastimes while Tag and I spent our days inside. I believe I'll knit again today.

Liam's Christening Bonnet...

Can't you almost see a baby wearing this?
I love making baby bonnets for just that reason.
Made to match Liam's christening gown and coat,
I also added the beaded duppioni and handmade
silk roses to the baby bonnet. All the handsewing
was done with vintage silk thread for an extra special touch.

Making baby clothes makes me smile, and
making heirloom baby clothes reminds me that what I'm
creating will be loved and worn again long after I'm gone.

Some great-great-great-great niece will look at this christening set
years from now, and wonder about the hands and heart of the woman
who created this for their baby to wear. Perhaps I should include a
current photograph of me, along with a short biography so
that she will know what I did in 2010 for the love of my family.
I think I will.

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if you'd like to be entered in my surprise drawing for the
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I'll be drawing the name of one lucky winner at 10 pm tonight
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Good luck everyone!

Please, Let Me Explain...

All photos used with the gracious permission of

Jan Moore, owner of Bessie Mary blog and shop

I feel the need to explain why you haven't seen the

baby bonnet for Liam's christening gown ensemble yet.
Really, I have a good reason.

I laid out all the fabric I had saved for this project before
I started cutting any of the garment pieces from it.
I was sure I'd be able to squeak a matching baby bonnet
from what I had. I was wwr...wwr...wrong.
There, I've said it.
I. Was. Wrong.

I contacted the Tampa shop (Couture Fabric and Designs)
where I purchased the original fabric in the champagne color,
and sweet Sandy asked me to send a sample to her to be sure
we matched it. I sent the sample off that day and she
called me back first thing Tuesday morning to tell me she'd
have the fabric in her shop by Wednesday
and would send it back out to me right away.

I'm still waiting for it.
Tick...Tock...
I have enough fabric from the original project to make
most of the bonnet from what I had, but I need
just a tad more to be able to finish it. I hope it arrives tomorrow.
I'd really like to make the bonnet by the end of the weekend
and share my finished ensemble with you.
I know that you're loving the sweet bonnets I've
shared with you today. They're quite sweet, aren't they?
Click on Jan's header image above to visit her
beautiful and inspirational blog.

This is one talented lady, and if you have a new baby
in your family or your future, please visit her shop,
Bessie Mary
to see more of her lovely offerings.

Thank you, Jan, for allowing me to use your images,
and to crow about your breathtaking talent, too!