Heirloom Dabbling-Christening Gown

I did not get started in sewing because I had wild aspirations of sewing intricate heirloom gowns for my little girl. I started sewing to make practical items that my child would use and love. I get a different kind of pure joy when I am able to create for my children; be it a dinner Maria declares “yummy,” a simple appliquéd shirt she drags around the front yard because she doesn’t want to let it out of her sight, or an intricately smocked dress I spent weeks on that she twirls around in happily. I love making for my kids and I love challenging myself.

Heirloom sewing seemed like my obvious next challenge- an intimidating one. Thank heaven for good teachers right? My sewing mentor came quickly to my rescue, plying me with books, pattern options, required notions and fabric choices. If you want to get started with heirloom sewing I recommend that you find someone to help. A lot of sewing can be learned on the internet but I did not find this to be a self-teachable option.

Need help finding help? You have lots of options: google to find your local chapter of SAGA, visit your local fabric store and see if there’s a group that meets, participate in sit-n-sews, send me a message, or reach out to someone on social media who sews and lives in your area. Some of my best sewing friends live 3+ hours away but are available to help any time I text.

Interested in heirloom sewing? Here is the basic outline of the steps you need to take to get started. As seen from the eyes of a fellow beginner.

1. Find a sewing mentor, a shop worker, anyone who has done it before and ask for help.
2. Pick out a pattern. I ended up choosing Ginger Snap Designs Christening Gowns I because it gave me several options. I purchased mine from Chadwicks Heirlooms.
3. READ the pattern (not always my strong suit). Find out what kind of fabric and notions you need.
4. Draw your desired “fancy stuff” onto the pattern pieces (for example: in my gown I wanted to add beading and pin tucks to the bodice, I drew this on my pattern piece so that I could measure it and order the appropriate amount of beading)
5. Either go into the fabric store with your amounts needed and have a salesperson help you plan or spend hours on the internet like I did. If you go the internet route, when placing your order, make sure to specify that all of the trims need to match. In the comments section write something along the lines of, “all of the trims are for the same garment, a Christening gown, and need to coordinate. Please call if you feel they do not.”….Take it from someone who learned the hard way.
6. Cut out paper pattern pieces per usual, but when cutting out the fabric, instead of cutting out the pattern piece (like you normally would) cut out a box about 2-3 wider and 2-3 inches taller than the pattern piece it will ultimately become.
7. Insert your chosen pin tucks, insertions, etc. prior to cutting out the exact pattern out of the fabric. This is the part where having someone to help you with the techniques is invaluable.
8. Construct as usual.

The best advice I can give you for heirloom sewing is to be brave and give it a shot. You can totally do it. Just picture the little one your sewing for oohing and ahhing over the fact that you made a garment specifically for them when they’re older. Picture a 3-year-old….not a teenager…who knows what a teenager would say.