The Christening Gown

I was suprised and excited to be able to work with a client on a beautiful little heirloom Christening gown for her baby girl. This project was going to be a little different though, as we were making this little treasure out of her mother's bridal gown!!! The full-length gown complete with train had gorgeous irridecent beadwork across the bodice, down the front and along the bottom edges that she wanted incorporated into the baby's gown. We sketched out a design and decided on the following McCall's pattern. She didn't want any lace along the edge or bodice, just a straight hem using the existing beading as embellishment. We made fabric covered buttons for the back. Here is a picture of the final product minus the baby. Of course there was still alot of dress left, so I suggested making ring bearer pillows for her children so that when they married someday they could use those as heirlooms. This is how those turned out. The photo on the left is the front. Pillow has ribbons attached to a fabric covered button in center to tie the rings onto. The photo on the right is the back view. There is a tufted back button with fabric handle to slip hand under so pillow won't fall. Pictures of the baby girl wearing the dress are coming soon....!