Eight-ish years ago, I began sewing for my unborn daughter. In the back of my mind, I knew that my ultimate goal was to get “good enough” to make her First Holy Communion dress. My mom let me help her design my First Communion dress and doing that with her is one of my core memories of childhood. I walked into our local JoAnne’s with her and saw a bridal gown that I loved, my mom created a similar version for me to wear. My goal when I set out to make this dress was to form similar memories with my daughter. Several months ago, Maria and I sat down…
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You mean it’s not all just called “lace?”
Heirloom sewing can be daunting. REALLY daunting. Not only is there no real pattern out there that shows you how to do it step by step, there are so many different components to purchase! If you’re fortunate enough to have a locally owned fabric shop near you, it may not be as scary a task, but shopping online for laces can be tricky if you’re not sure what exactly you need. In this post I am hoping to create a quick beginner’s reference of the different types of trims I have used in heirloom sewing. I will preface this by saying… I have made several heirloom garments but am, by…
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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…
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Coordinated Christmas
I want to sew outfits for everyone. All the time. Its a bit of a problem. I have to convince myself it is not entirely necessary (nor financially wise) to make every extended family member their own pajama pants, bishop dress, and matching bonnet. However; around Christmastime my self control dwindles. Christmas is an exception. Christmas is pretty. People should coordinate….making sure to conform to the image in my head….right? This year I have kept my sewing to one side of the family. I have even narrowed it down to children! Here’s what I came up with. I have a petite nine-year-old niece who delighted in choosing her own dress…
