The Big Reveal

I hinted last week of a surprise I've planned for Matushka Anna. And here it is.

Shown for length, I hope her Godmother didn't have trouble through the Baptism managing the 40 inch gown!

When Miss Moppet's godparents asked me to make the gown, I was so excited, I couldn't wait. I knew almost exactly what I wanted to make. The only thing that didn't work out was a scalloped hemline, with lace peeking out through the scallops. I think the final results worked out much better!

Hanging on my decorated mantle.

Several years ago, the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God was traveling through the United States on it's journey to Russia. We were blessed to visit it in Atlanta, at a last minute scheduling. We drove to St John the Wonderworker parish, and waited for the historic miracle-working icon to arrive. I had thought to bring a ribbon with me, not sure if they would have icon cards available for purchase. They had cards, so I grabbed a few for godchildren and family members.



Smocking details

We were able to venerate the icon, after completing the prayers to the Mother of God, and when I reached the Icon, +Fr Jacob Myer took the cards and the ribbon from me, and blessed them by laying them on the icon as I venerated.

Top detail

So back to the dress. I thought- what a wonderful idea to put a piece of the ribbon into the dress! I don't know that anyone's ever done that, but it's worth a try.

Bonnet

I told her godparents about the idea, and they loved it! So, in it went- just a tiny loop in the neckline of the gown, but enough to give Miss Moppet her first relic and icon card of the wonder-working icon.

Of course, when I told Matushka Anna about the relic, she was delighted. Godmother had already shared the secret, and I was told Fr was slightly anxious. Given the introduction of " Guess what Susanna's doing to the gown!" .. I don't blame him. Here's a short description of his first thought.. however, I think he was pleasantly surprised.

The lace peeks out perfectly!

So, my dear Miss Moppet, you have a great treasure in your gown that your godparents so lovingly chose for you. It was an honor for me to make it; I hope this is the first of many things I'm able to make you


God Grant you Many Years!

Opportunities and Possibilities

This week, there have been several changes in my life. Most obviously, a sharply decreased income; it is with great dismay that I could count myself among the masses, but at the same time, is this what I’m supposed to do?

Many of my dear friends know I make heirloom clothing for children, and many other specialized items for church.  Some of them have volunteered their knowledge and expertise to help me advertize and develop material with some of my designs. Here are some of my past work.

An Easter Dress

A Dedication Dress with mocha smocking

A pattern my mom designed, and I wore as a child. 

This was a special request.. it has another red cross centered on the back. 

I love making clothes for children. I especially love making Baptismal gowns, knowing these will be treasured heirlooms for, perhaps, generations. With every stitch, I find myself thinking about the precious little one and praying for them, and their family. Every garment I give to their owners has a piece of me… some more than others, since I’m still prone to pricking my fingers from time to time!

Recently, I’ve learned a technique called “Lace shaping”. I have fashioned a 3-bar cross, and I’m now working on a Celtic cross. Both those will soon be available in a gown with bonnets to match, on boys baptismal convertible suit (pictures of those to come!)  and on Pascha Basket Covers.  These match Matushka Anna’s “ Hand Crocheted Blessings” blankets and bonnets.

I’m also working on more specialized garments for St Symeon the New Theologian OrthodoxChurch. Recently, we have been blessed with many young men who are eager to serve God in church, and thus we have stretched our Sticharia (alter server robes) to their limit! As with the cassocks, I don’t have patterns, and must sacrifice one of the burned, waxed, frayed stichar. So, from the ashes rises a phoenix… maybe?

I’ll post more photos as I complete projects. If you or someone you know would like to have one of these creations, feel free to contact me.

And, any suggestions are always welcome!