Monday, February 11, 2008

Done On Time

Whew! It took some fudging and maneuvering and simplifying, but the gown was finished by midnight Saturday night. And while it did take some time, I took lots of little breaks to clear my mind and come back to the project with renewed energy. Another stress-busting tip: Watch "Band of Brothers" on the History Channel. All the yelling, gunfire, explosions going off in the background released some of the tension I felt while finessing the gathers and setting in the sleeves. :D

Mystie and I decided to make up the 3 month size, which was just a tiny bit larger than newborn, but those Australian patterns seems to be very "generous". So I did not put the buttons on the back yoke and took up some excess with a safety pin. When Ilse has grown a little, we'll have some pics taken.

Many of you left encouraging words on my last post and I so appreciate it. Just wanted you all to know that I struggle through projects, the seam ripper becoming one with my right hand, and yet with some deep breathing and prayer (and bursts of artillery in the air), it all comes out fine!

33 comments:

Annemarie said...

Oh, all the work and breaks and gunshots were so worth it! Congratulations on this huge and very special finish.

RMs at the Village said...

Isle was a vision yesterday in your beautiful creation. Very nice work!

Andrea

Heather said...

My gosh Von that is just beautiful! I have been enjoying seeing your progress on it. It will be treasured forever!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

What a delightful, beautiful gown....your daughter and grand-daughter shall cherish it forever. Well Done Von!

Jennifer said...

That is simply stunning! It will be one of those pieces that will get passed down through the generations.

Anonymous said...

You did a beautiful job!

Lynn said...

What a beautiful heirloom for your granddaughter! Some day when she is old enough to understand she will appreciate it.

Mary said...

Just beautiful!!! What a wonderful heirloom to pass along!

TeresaB said...

"..it all comes out fine..." indeed! It's more then fine, it's amazing and beautiful. What a wonderful gift and heirloom. Congratulations on finishing something so precious.

Unknown said...

Absolutely beautiful Von! What a treasured heirloom you have created!!!

Dawn T. said...

Stunning!! Von you did an amazing job:)

Dani - tkdchick said...

Wow Von that's a work of ART! Way to go girl!!!

tintocktap said...

Von, that is absolutely beautiful! I hope you think it was worth all the hard work.

Sharon said...

Von, it's absolutely gorgeous! You rock!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, it is marvellous!

Jacque said...

Stunning....can't wait for pictures of the little beauty in it!

Carol said...

WOW! Just gorgeous Von! You are amazing!

debijeanm said...

Oh, Von! It's magical!

Anonymous said...

It's absolutely gorgeous. Congratulations!

Stitchingranny said...

Congratulations on the most stunning Christening gown I have ever seen. I love to cross stitch and do some hardanger but I am no good at actual sewing so I am full of admiration.

Stephanie said...

Ilse's christening gown is simply stunning. You have done such a marvelous job with it! Congratulations - I'm sure the christening will be all the more beautiful because of it :)

Anonymous said...

You are so talented! It's a beautiful gown and heirloom!

Karoline said...

The gown is gorgeous Von, congratulations

Cathy B said...

Hi Von -- The Christening gown is gorgeous! How special and something to treasure forever!

Anonymous said...

It's really beautiful! Excellent work.

Leeland said...

This is the most precious gown I have ever seen! My! Ilse is very very lucky!
The embroidery is perfect, the whole gown is a work of art...
Congratulations, Von!
Take care,
Lili

Stitch Wizard said...

Oh Von that gown is just gorgeous!! Wow I so envy you being able to sew like that!! I never mastered the sewing maching but would like to learn how to do more finishing skills here in the blogs! Very very pretty indeed!!! You did a fantastic job!! Debby :)

Yuko said...

Oh my Von! This is amazingly beautiful finish!
What a talented lady you are!
I'm so surprised, nowhere we can buy such a special dress!
So stunning!

Deb said...

Dear Von, Jessica and I were just talking about your beautiful work the other day. What a gorgeous dress and a treasured gift for your grandchild. Hugs, Deb

Susimac said...

STUNNING!!!!!!

Carmen said...

beautiful!!congratulations for your finish,,look really lovely

lena-lou said...

Ooooh Von, what can I say !!

I'm a bit speechless at seeing this most stunning creation , really it is most beautiful. I love every single detail about it and your DD must be just so happy that her clever, talented Mum has made this gorgeous family heirloom WOW WOW WOW !! What a lucky baby Ilse is getting to wear this princess dress :-))) Loved the picture showing her in it ...what a treasure.

I also really like your notice board with the stitched things on, cool idea :) Nice Easter cards and oooh nice all the other cafty things LOL

Hope you all have a wonderful Easter time xx

Just going for another good look at this gorgeous dress that I wish I could see and have a feel of IRL !!

P.S. I enjoyed reading about how your name came about...it did make me laugh :D

lena-lou said...

Hmmm yep , AMAZING !! Now why don't you just live down the road from me so that I can learn smocking from you ;- D :D