02 January, 2011

On The Edge

Originally I intended for this post to be less about living on the edge and more about this shell stitch edge finish, (an alternative to applying lace) all done by hand. However, the more I think about it, I have been living on the edge by cutting this one so close to the wire. This slip, to be worn under Lucy Ann's Christening dress, is almost done. I only need to add a button closure to the lapped shoulder opening. When I started this whole Christening dress project, back last JUNE, it seemed like I had forever. Well, it may have taken what seems like forever but all of a sudden the time is upon us; she will be baptized next Sunday; whew! I knew nothing about smocking when I began and next to nothing about heirloom sewing, that's a sum total of zero. You probably wonder why in the world I began this journey with a christening dress of all things; so did I, at times! I plunged into the deep-end, head first, and it truly was a sink or swim experience; thanks to a marvelous instructor, I didn't drown! Next, I plan to create a smocked Easter dress for her, here's hoping my relative pace will pick up... Easter is less than four months away! However, the GOOD NEWS is, the 24th of April is as late as I can ever remember Easter occurring.
Life is Good!

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23 comments:

Anne Heidi said...

The Christening dress is just beautiful! You did such a wonderful job on it.
I wish you and your family a very Happy New Year!

Kathleen said...

Beautiful work of love.

Barb said...

I a so impressed, that dress is just wonderful.

Easter is the 24th of April?

*karendianne. said...

Oh my gosh look at that beautiful dress. A true heirloom my friend. Gosh, it'll need a storage cover with a zipper dontcha think? Maybe a little embroidery on the outside of the cover, too. Name, date of Christening or something like that. Hugs, *karendianne.

Mama Spark said...

Wow, what an accomplishment! The gown and the slip are beautiful! Thanks for sharing!!

quiltkeemosabe said...

Can't wait to see it. You've done good!

Pat said...

What a loving gift, and what a beautiful treasure. I think the newer generations have lost sight of the importance of heirlooms -- things handed down from one generation to the next, preserving family history and continuity. This dress is destined to be one of those heirlooms. Extraordinary work, m'dear. Extraordinary.

Nancy Near Philadelphia said...

Exquisite.

Bonnie K. Hunter said...

OH, sewing for little GIRLS! Oh how lovely! It's just breathtaking and so meaningful!

Of course, you are going to post a pic of the little model when she wears it, aren't you? :cD

Bonnie

Karen said...

The Christening dress is gorgeous and sure to be a family heirloom. Would love to see the baby wearing it on her special day. And, then on to Easter! Enjoy these special times.

AnnieO said...

What a cherished dress this will be. I hope you get to enjoy holding dear little Lucy in the beautiful gown you've created!

Jo Vandermey said...

The slip looks wonderful. This is usually how I do a project. Deadlines help me get things done. And for added stress I like to try something new that will make my husband role his eyes when I start to panic.lol My mom however .... made my kids Christening dress out of my leftover wedding dress material - even before I was pregnant! Enjoy the day!

LizA. said...

Just beautiful! A true heirloom. Good job Nana!

quiltmom anna said...

Truly a very special dress for her. I made Kevin's Christening gown out of the remnants of my wedding dress. I am sure it is now yellow with age but it was a beautiful gown when I made 23 years ago.
Happy New Year to you and yours.
Happy Christening Day to Miss Lucy Ann.

Witch Hazel said...

So pretty!

StitchinByTheLake said...

Oh my goodness it's gorgeous! A labor of love for sure. Blessings, Marlene

Barb said...

Oh how beautiful, and your stitching is gorgeous...thank you for sharing! Have a wonderful week!

Baby Steps said...

I can't wait to wear it, Nana. XOXO,
Lucy Ann

Baby Steps said...

The good news, she won't need a slip for Easter! ;)

leigh anna said...

Aren't you glad you didn't have two granddaughters! :)

Paula, the quilter said...

Lovely, lovely dress. It is truly an heirloom and will be treasured. I treasure the 'slip' portion that remains of my grandfather's Christening dress; he was born in 1876 so this heirloom is 135 years old. May your dress last as long.

Salem Stitcher said...

You amaze me!

lindsey said...

This is so pretty, well done. It will be treasured for years I am sure. Can you imagine all the future babies that will use it?