She Sews By The Seashore

Custom Christening Gown~ A Sweet Dress for a very Sweet Baby

     Among my favorite design projects are creating  Christening gowns for babies.  I have done a half dozen over the past year, and each one brought a great amount of satisfaction.  Like birthdays, communions, and weddings,  Baptisms bring great joy to families.  Parents plan the day, the ceremony, the outfit, the celebration.  So much goes into the process, and in the end, there are many wonderful memories to hold on to the moments.
     A mother and daughter, Laura (Mom) and LouAnn (Grandma), came to consult with me on making a Christening gown for Laura's infant daughter.  The baby's gown was going to be made out of LouAnn's wedding dress, which was almost 38 years old.  The dress had been preserved and boxed, and had been stored away in her attic.  Upon opening the box, this vintage dress was in amazing condition.  The fabric had aged only a tiny bit, and with the exceptions of the cloth buttons, not much had yellowed.  The dress was beautiful, it had been custom made for LouAnn's wedding day .  There was lots of lace and beading, a button down back, and a veil that was to die for with lace flowers, beading, and crystals.
      I love vintage fabrics and embellishments!

Bride and dress ~absolutely stunning..

     Laura was very laid back regarding the design of the dress.  She didn't want anything over the top, nothing too long. Just something simple, and elegant.  She gave me carte blanche over the design, and I was truly excited to begin.
     Here is my creation... 

Gown, bonnet, and lace handkerchief

Gown front and bonnet detail

                                             

Bonnet detail~ this lace was just gorgeous!

 

Tiny buttons down her back...beaded flowers too!

Back close up detail...

You can't have a gown without slippers!

LouAnn married Warren August 14, 1976 and now her granddaughter is Baptised almost 38 years later in her remade vintage gown... how sweet is this?

 Laura and LouAnn~ Thank you for trusting me to create her gown. I loved designing it for you.  You are such lovely women, and  I have been blessed to have worked with you both.  The baby is so precious, thank you for bringing her to meet me.  I hope you and your family have a beautiful day!

P.S. LouAnn~ I didn't have the heart to cut that veil.  Who knows, maybe she'll wear it one day....