A New Start...

I started the bridal brooch for our granddaughter yesterday. I chose all the components, set up the ground fabric in my special hoop - the one that belonged to Handsome's mom, and started work on it already.

This is how far I got before I stopped for the evening. I'll work on it more over the next few days, as I embroider toward the finish. 

Although I haven't heard a date yet, I'm sure there'll be a bridal shower pretty soon, and this is one of the gifts I'd like to give her. So I'll keep stitching until this is finished.

Brides and Babies...

In the spring of 2008, my eldest niece and goddaughter, Jennifer asked me to make her wedding gown. Twenty seven years prior, I made her christening gown, and that spring, so many years later, I was honored that she asked me to create her wedding gown.
Those of you who know me well, know the health crisis that temporarily interrupted the creation of that wedding gown, but after a three-week-long delay, and over three hundred fifty hours of joyful work, the gown was complete. I also made the attendants' dresses and a few other accessories which, when finished, were driven by Handsome and me to my niece in Minnesota. She wore the gown in October, 2008.

She was a beautiful bride and the wedding was beautiful, too.

My niece and her husband are now expecting their first child together this spring. I planned ahead, purchasing extra fabric when I made her wedding gown, so I have enough of the same fabric to make the christening gown for their child. Duppioni silk, beaded duppioni and an Oscar de la Renta brocade fabric that still makes my eyes water.
This is one of my favorite styles - with a beautiful coat. I'm going to use this as the basis for the christening gown set I'll be creating next. I'm envisioning ribbonwork, beadwork and elegant. I think it will be perfect for their little prince. Don't you?

Baby's due March 15th. Guess I'll be cutting fabric soon!
(I can't wait to tell you about my newest adventure as a Wedding Planner.
I'm saving that for another day!)

Love Letters...

Do you save your love letters? I've saved sweet thoughts and messages from Handsome since before we were married. I even have a special photo or two in there. They're more reminders of why I love this man.

I came across this beautiful fabric envelope while shopping a while ago and wanted to share it with my talented friends. Perhaps some of you seamstresses or needleworkers would like to try your hand at making one of your own.

This one is slightly larger than a business-size envelope (taller and less wide), and features a beaded flap with the word "Love Letters", surrounded by bead embellishments and silk ribbon embroidery. It opens to reveal a pocket inside to collect your special memories. A silk ribbon ties into a bow to keep the contents safe.

I think I'd like to make my own in the future. Don't you think one would make a beautiful gift for a bride-to-be or a newlywed?