My DIL bought a McCalls christening gown pattern and the linen and eylet overlay fabric for me to make a gown for my 4 month old GS. I am a little intimidated as I have never made anything so important. Does anyone have any tips before I begin. I have to have it finished by June 1st. Thanks with hugs, Barba

Wash all the fabric first and spray starch it if necessary. If you have an overlocker (Serger) do all the edges before you start sewing. I always do this especially on fabrics that will fray. Once you start you will relax and enjoy your special creation.

1 comment

by barba 22 May 2013

Thank you. I do not have a serger. I have started and am actually having fun. Hugs, Barba

You asked this at the right time for me. I have been asked to put names on a gown that has been worn by 4 previous babies. This gives me a good idea for my project. I haven't embroidered on anything so precious and fragile before. Good luck. You will do great. Hugs *

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by barba 22 May 2013

Thank you and good luck to you also. I am going to embroider on the hemline, I am just unsure of what font or how large. Hugs, Barba

if you are concerned about losing the crispness after washing, spray starch will make it crisp again. Wish you well in your project

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by barba 22 May 2013

Thank you. Hugs, Barba

Hi Barba, great comments below. I wanted to add what I did for my daughter's Baptism dress. I appliqued part of my Chantilly lace fabric from my wedding gown onto the dress and then I've embroidered all the names of the girls who have worn the dress on the hemline. I'll go and take a picture to show you. I still have to add Aqualina and Ophelie (although Ophelie was not baptised in a church, she had a naming day)

Love Chris.

P.S. So mine is only 32 years old, but has been worn by 5 girls now.

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2 comments

by barba 21 May 2013

WOW, that is beautiful! I love the names and dates on the hemline. I only hope my gown is half that beautiful and my DIL and son will be thrilled! Thanks with hugs, Barba

by KCowden 23 May 2013

What a wonderful treasure!!!

Wash & dry the fabrics before you start. Linen will draw up more than eyelet, I suspect. Looking forward to seeing the finished gown!
Be sure & embroidery the name & date on the slip so it can be used & added to. I put ribbon ties on the back of my grand daughters so it was a little bit adjustable. YEARS ago they used fancy little pins (you can see some on the Martha Pullen website) but the ribbons are a lot cheaper!

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by barba 21 May 2013

Thank you, I was kind of scared to wash the fabric for fear it would loose that great new look. Ribbon is a nice touch and would look okay on a boy. Thanks, Hugs, Barba

hayleymax has put it well. Take some pictures too that can be saved with the dress for when the dress is being worn in 50 years time it will be part of the history of the dress. You could even embroider when it was made, who for and your name as the maker somewhere inside it. Enjoy making it and let us see a picture of the finished dress. Good Luck

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by barba 21 May 2013

The name embroidery and date is a great suggestion. Thank you with hugs, Barba

Only you will see imperfections, everyone else will see love. Enjoy the time it takes to make it for it will be a heirloom for your great-grandchildren and great-great-children, etc. If you are really worried about making it, try making a muslin copy first. That way if any part of it causes you a problem, you can get help with it before you cut the linen and eyelet. This saves time and energy. Please upload a picture when you get finished. I know it is going to be beautiful.
Hugs, Max

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by barba 21 May 2013

Thank you for the suggestions and confidence boost, which I lack right now. LOL Hugs, Barba