Monday, January 14, 2008

A New Year's Project

Now that Ilse has arrived and is doing very well, although with a bit of jaundice right now, it's imperative that I begin The Christening Dress. I have chosen Gentle Dreams from Australian Smocking and Embroidery Issue 29 from 1994. It's a basic square yoke gown with some simple smocking and embroidery on the yoke, sleeves, and hem.

The fabric is a basic cotton batiste and the laces are all from my little stash. In fact, the lace around the hem will be some rayon venice-style lace leftover from all the projects I did for Mystie's wedding six years ago. The pattern includes a slip as the fabric is quite light. I'm planning to embroider Ilse's name and birthdate on the slip and will add the names of other children who may use the gown in the future.

Kirsten and I spent a couple of hours with Mystie, Ilse and the boys this morning, helping with a few household chores and holding baby. It's so hard to leave them to come home to my chores, but I can always go back tomorrow. :)

17 comments:

Deb said...

Oh, Von, I wish I could smock!! I can't wait to see what you do!
Hugs,
Deb

Mary said...

I know the gown will be beautiful! I haven't smocked in years...looking forward to grandbabies, though! Keep us posted with the progress!

Dani - tkdchick said...

What an hierloom!!!! Cant' wait to see this dress come together!

Sharon said...

Von, I can't wait to see this finished! Sounds divine, this will be one very special gown.

mainely stitching said...

Your smocking is divine!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

A true labor of love, Von. It is gorgeous. We have a baptismal gown in my mother's family that all of us have been baptized in. My Grandpa and all my aunts and uncles, myself, all my cousins and all my children have worn it. What is really great is that is nearly 100 years old now and it has an underskirt and the dress. The underskirt is as beautiful as the dress and we have many twins in our family. When the baptized are twins, one wears the underskirt and one wears the dress...so it was with my boys. My greatgrandmother made it from the finest linen she could afford and it is just gorgeous...I think about what a cost that was to her in those days newly here from Germany, newly married...and what a labor of love that was as she made the gown/underskirt swollen with her first baby...

Singular Stitches said...

Von, I can't wait to see the finished Christening Dress! It sounds like it's going to be just lovely, and how special to use the laces left over from her Mum's wedding gown!

And congratulations on the new addition to your family! She's adorable! *hug*

LOL! I just love the picture of Ilse giving raspberries! :o)

Lelia said...

ooooh ... sounds fabulous. Awww, must be special holding the baby!!

Enjoy the day : )

debijeanm said...

THANK you for visiting my blog and giving me such great advice about The Victoria Sampler assistance. I have thought about taking a cyberclass (maybe over summer break) and appreciate first-hand knowledge.

Of course, I had to come and visit your blog and what a lovely time I had! In my closet is a smocking pleater that I've used once (and not for smocking) because I WILL smock! Someday. You have inspired me to get to it, although life is such that practicality rears its ugly head and I know I won't - now. But I hope you don't mind if I come back and visit you and yours (and your smocking).

Jacque said...

Von,

I'm a long-time lurker and first time poster...the gown brought me out. Oh how I wish there was someone in my family that could have turned part of my wedding gown into a christening dress for my Gia last year. I hope your daughter knows how lucky she is! I know it will be gorgeous!

Kitty Couture said...

Sigh... This is going to be exquisite and unique. You have lucky children and grandchildren, Von!

Jinger said...

Congrats on your new grandbaby!

The gown is going to be beautiful. What a beautiful heirloom for them to pass down.

Stephanie said...

Congratulations on beautiful Ilse's arrival! What a lovely idea making a Christening dress! I'll look forward to seeing it completed!

Leeland said...

Wow! I can imagine it and it's going to be gorgeous... A wonderful heirloom to treasure...
I hope the jaundice is soon over.
And yes, I can tell that your presence will be very much appreciated as it's so difficult to deal with a baby's first weeks...
Take care, dear Von,
Lili

lena-lou said...

How exciting I am going to love seeing this come to life !! I think it is fantastic you can do smocking and can create a heirloom as it will surely become :-)) I thought you would find it hard to come back home from your DD's just now :-))
Have a lovely weekend xx

Wendy said...

What a fantastic project to start work on ~ and a true labour of love. I am looking forwards to seeing your progress on this ~ please take lots of pics of all the little details!

I think I would have a hard time leaving that sweet little one too.

Lynn said...

I've been behind in my blog reading. Congratulations Von on the birth of your granddaughter! She looks like a real sweetie.
I can't wait to see the dress you are planning. I just love smocking. My mom used to smock all our dresses when we were young.