Mommy and Me Set

I was privileged to get an order from an old friend of ours. She had seen online many Mommy and Me skirt and matching pillowcase dress sets, she couldn't help but get one. However, she either didn't like the length, print or price that made it hard to find one to buy. Fortunately, she knew that I love to sew modest wear and had a good selection of fabric to choose from.
All via Facebook, she messaged me sizes and ideas, including this tutorial for the skirt. When it was done, I thought - I hope she likes it…. I hope it fits…. I hope the price was fair…. I hope she doesn't see the flaws! (I'm not the best at zippers)

Then we meet up and  - she's giddy! So of course my spirits are lifted, and I confirm in my heart that I love to sew for other people. But I still hesitate, will she like it when she tries it on? Then I get a pic texted to my phone, immediately when they arrive home they tried them on!

She didn't stop there. Facebook friends saw this and they loved it too! I also later saw that they really DID wear it to a wedding the following weekend!

That's a good feeling. To know you're thought of for your talent, appreciated for it, utilized for it, did well and they like it enough to wear it in public! Let me just bask in this moment awhile…

Side note: Seriously, this has my mind working. I got to use my new sewing machine for the first time with this project (another good post), and I can't wait to sew some stuff for me and my 3 girls! This would also make a good "Big Sister & Me" project/set

Baptism Gowns

Our children have worn a variety of baptismal (christening) gowns. All beautiful and sentimental in their own way. Our children have traditionally been baptized by my dad, Deacon Papa. Our fifth child will be Baptized in April, and I really want to witness to our family how special this sacrament is.

The gown is worn to represent their newly clean soul and clean start with life in Christ. This event is just as amazingly special as a First Communion or Marriage, but often seems downplayed in the faith communities we've been a part of. We finally found a parish that takes the ceremony up a notch with song and old tradition. Hence my reasoning to sew a new heirloom gown for our son.

Here are the gowns in our family...

Baby 1: Girl
Gown: 50 year old fraternal grandfather's gown, crocheted and cotton underdress with sheer embroidered overlay.
Cost: Free



Baby 2: Boy
Gown: New jersey cotton romper set from JC Penny, a tux look with bow tie.
Cost: about $25


Baby 3: Girl
Gown: My baptism dress (28yo), white cotton with pink rosebuds and matching bonnet
Cost: Free


Baby 4: Boy
Gown: Maternal grandfather's satin gown (about 60 yo) sewn by my grandmother (worn by 3 generations), and the cotton romper of baby 2
Cost: Free



My daughter saw some fabric and thought I should make one, so I did!
JUST FINISHED SEWING TODAY…

Baby 5: Boy
Gown: Homemade by me, Mommy! Bridal heavy satin, sheer with embroidered crosses, and crocheted lace trim. Added pearl buttons.
Cost: $25 in materials, 4 hours time





just praying it still fits him this nice in a month :)

Why didn't I do this earlier? Mostly because I was lacking in experience back then. So happy to gift this to my son and future grandchildren! Now I realize I NEED to get a serger sewing machine. It would really clean up the inside seams, especially the sleeves. I was so happy that the cost was only $25, considering the gowns I've seen online can cost upwards of $150-$400! I got the same heirloom look for so much less.

Simplicity Pattern #5813 with my own modifications.
http://www.simplicity.com/p-2270-babies-christening-gowns.aspx

Got the pattern on sale at JoAnn Etc for $1! This is a great start, then look online for more ideas how others use wedding gowns for fabric. When it comes to unisex gowns... To make it for boy or girl, have a frilly bonnet for girl and a cap for the boy. I chose to not add a collar and to add darting to the front for more texture. You might also make a satin coat or a add a clip bowtie for a boy, and have a lacey sweater for a girl.



UPDATE: It was just lovely...
http://stbrigidsacademy.blogspot.com/2012/04/edward-baptism.html





Do you have a family baptism gown that is passed on? What does it look like?

**BAPTISM PREP IDEAS HERE**

For my sister

Hopefully she won’t look at this just yet, but I wanted to share what I made for her upcoming bridal shower. I will always remember the plaque she made for me when I was a bride-to-be, and how much it touched me to tears. My sister and I are close, but sometimes as with any siblings we can feel miles apart in thought. I wanted to make her some things, since I’m a crafty person, that she knew I put my heart into just for her.

 

The first item on my list was the invitation to the bridal shower our aunt was hosting. Here are a few side that don’t show private info. I used my favorite Creative Memories program Storybook Creator.

 

Then of course she needed a custom made sundress featuring material of her favorite flower, the cherry blossom – to wear to the shower.

 

A modified version of Simplicity pattern #2886, completely lined with taffeta for a softer, semi-formal feel for the special occasion. Only took 3 sittings and one fitting to complete, with moderate experience in dressmaking.

The pleating wasn’t too hard to accomplish, just tedious. In the pocket is a special something to say “I put my heart into this.”

I am so proud of my invisible zipper, that I hesitated for days to complete.

I am certain she’ll look stunning in it, as she does in just about anything!

 

For her hair, I found this Conair barrette in red (at Cub Foods of all places):

I spent around 10 or so hours on embroidery, because I wanted something to give her at the shower that she’ll have for many years (at least the first 10 from my experience.) My favorite homemade gift from my wedding was dishtowels with embroidery. Here are some of hers (which she hasn’t seen yet, shhh.)

These were so fun to design and create. I made them while in our van and in the quietness just before bedtime. It’s quite therapeutic mentally, but harder on the hands than I expected.

 

Found this fun link on another blog, for wedding reception guest books. Fun for weddings or any other big celebration such as family reunions, birthday parties, etc!

 

Happy crafting!