THE Christening Gown

The christening gown was made for Theodore's baptism in 2008. Unfortunately I happened across a beautiful pattern for a Victorian gown put out by Vogue which I fell in love with. I said "unfortunately"  because I'm not an especially good dressmaker and don't really enjoy making clothes. My oldest grandson Felix had worn the family christening gown which had been sent out from England especially for him in 2005. It was a beautiful thing (see below) made by his great great grandmother in 1911. It was very sad that it was just too fragile for Theo or Jarvis to wear. I repaired holes and lined the bodice but the cotton voile was literally falling to pieces. That was when I decided to make the Vogue gown.

The top two piccys are of the gown made in 1911. The last picture is the one I made for Theo and Jarvis. I was so lucky to have friends who had skills to help me: Lucy did the delicate little grub roses on the smocking and the collar. Marie did the beautiful smocking. Noela did the buttonholes, leveled the hem and sewed the hem. The rest I did. So there are lovely memories of Bathurst friends who contributed towards it. Both Theo and Jarvis's names and the dates of their baptisms are embroidered on the inside hems of the petticoat. I think the beautiful collar absolutely makes the gown into something special. I didn't have time to crochet the lace myself but it's all cotton. The gown is a soft creamy silk which feels beautiful.