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!

Ribbons, laces, bows, and crosses

Lately, I've found myself making quite a few Baptismal gowns. I've used several skills combined to make them special for the recipients, and their godparents. Many of my gowns have been smocked with rayon thread and delicate glass beads. Here and there have been a few red crosses, pin tucks and cuffed sleeves. 

While these are all wonderful techniques, I've always felt there was something more I could add; and maybe even something more masculine. Today I found the right supplies to try my hand at a new technique. Lace shaping. The results are so dramatic it looks like it took forever to place the lace and make it stay. The best part? This allows me to integrate another color or texture, whether with the lace, or behind. I'm a little excited, honestly. Here are a few pictures as an idea. 

 How sweet would it be for a boy, instead of the pin pleats in the center, to have a cross?  Or even have this lace shaping as the hem, of course with the cross in the center front. 

I've recently seen a blanket that I wish I'd designed. 

Matushka Anna Crawford is so creative! She has inspired me since we met. at one point, we contemplated finishing other people's projects they started, with a business " The Best of Intentions". That idea still has potential, since I'm still finishing other projects. 

Back to task. The bow looks very difficult, but with the right pins and a good surface, its done in a heartbeat. the only difficult problem is trimming out the bow without ruining the lace! 

so precious for a little girl! 

So, with all that in mind, I'm open for suggestions on crosses. I have a piece of pink batiste I intend to work on as a sample.  Who knows what that will become, but as my skill progresses, I'm sure this will find it's way into my gowns. I hope the owners enjoy the new designs as much as they have in the past.