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! 

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.