Grandmother's Gift

Contacted early in the summer by a grandmother, excited by the idea of using her own wedding dress to make a christening outfit for her upcoming great grandchild!
We met, and she brought her gown, which had been stored in a box with only tissue paper to protect it.
 

Satin with lace overlay on the top, lace sleeves and a (kind of funky!) light and airy tulle skirt with appliques, over a satin skirt. No train.

Photos brought were of a romper (for a boy) and ideas of making a detachable skirt. Maybe using buttons to attach to the romper.

Being busy still with prom gowns and the wedding dresses beginning to come in for alterations, this project was put aside for over a month. Late August I finally got started, and in mid-September Betty was able to come see my progress. She was pleasantly surprised and loved the romper. We decided it would be better to have a separate dress, for a girl, given I had (just) enough fabric left to do so. Little cap sleeves and a bonnet to top it off!










  Christening was in November for a baby boy....the first to wear the romper!


Update October 26, 2015:
I used just about every inch of fabric and lace, and lots of the buttons and loops for accents. I also incorporated the cording from the waistline of the gown, around the bonnet and at the collar of the romper. See more photos here!
                                       

I never thought I'd get married!

That's what Diana said when she came to me for her bridal alterations. When she walked through my door, stunning lace gown in hand, with a separate satin underlining, she said "I never thought I'd get married." This she said a few times during  her fitting. Now, in front of me was this very pretty woman, long curly hair, great personality, telling me that she never thought she'd get married.

Of course the curiosity got to me and I asked  "So what happened?", knowing it could be a very personal question, but feeling that by saying that over and over, that there was something she wanted to share with me. She said "I met the most amazing person". So the excited bride-to-be then talked about how she was overwhelmed with all the planning - finding a dress, mailing invitations, etc,etc,etc...They were getting married only months after meeting.

Feeling her excitement and some anxiety, I assured her that her dress would be ready in plenty of time, and that I would help her with a special embellishment she wanted. I also said to her "just imagine all those brides that plan their wedding 2 years in advance and stress that entire time. Look at you! You are getting it done in a much shorter time!" She smiled, agreed and at the end of her fitting, was more relaxed, knowing her dress was in good hands.