Zoe's Dedication Gown

comments (16) December 15th, 2008 in design, garment construction, embellishments, embroidery, reader's closet

ashesdesign, member

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Dedication Day

Photo: Photo by Dad

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I have made dedication outfits for all five of our grandchildren, but Zoe is our first little "princess" after four boys, so her dress had to be something really special! I found matching pieces of lace in three sizes and used an ivory silk dupioni (left over from the construction of her cousins outfit) for the foundation of the dress. The dress can be worn without the little lace overblouse and I am making a short dress (from the scraps of the gown) that can be worn with the overblouse for less formal events. The sleeves are constructed with ribbon drawstrings and the back closure features machine embroidered buttonholes with tiny peal buttons. Her name and birthdate are machine embroidered on the underskirt. The bonnet features a border of tiny pleats of the silk under the lace ruffle. Doesn't she look like a little Victorian doll in her new dress? What a joy it was, as I stitched, to pray for our little girl and dream of the day her children will wear the gown.

Pattern or design used: My Own Design - Patricia E. Hudson

posted in: design, garment construction, embellishments, embroidery, reader's closet, embroidery, getting the look, sewing machine, embroidery machines, dupioni, purchased lace

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Comments (16)

Rabia writes: Gorgeous! You did an outstanding job!
Posted: 1:11 am on January 1st

Thimbellina writes: I cannot say enough about this gown. It is so beautiful and I can see it was made with love! This is something that will be cheruished for years to come. A pat on the back for you.
Posted: 9:12 pm on September 23rd

Avanthi writes: It's really beautiful. It's a joy to make these kind of frocks for kids. I have 2 daughters and enjoying this as a hobby.
Posted: 1:55 pm on May 5th

barbwire1970 writes: Totally lovely. Such pretty lace. And the baby too. Oh and the cap, I love to make those they always turn out so beautiful and you can embellish them to your heart's content.
Posted: 11:05 pm on March 25th

tscushing writes: We also have always called them Dedication Gowns. This one is beautiful. I have made a few. They are truly a labor of love.
Posted: 4:40 pm on January 26th

ashesdesign writes: In answer to your question, a "dedication gown" is sort of a Baptist version of a Christening gown. We believe that each person must make his or her own decision about becoming a Christian, so we don't do an actual baptism until the child is old enough to make that choice for themselves (age can vary with each child)...so instead of a "Christening", we have a service where the parents and family members "dedicate" themselves to raising the child in the love of God. Some parents go a step further and "dedicate" the child to God's service (meaning that they will accept and support the decision it the child feels called into full timne Christian service later in life...like becoming a pastor or a missionary).
Posted: 9:45 am on January 26th

qjill writes: Beautiful and lasting design. What is a "dedication" gown for those of us who are Christian? We would call it a Christening gown. Just want to be educated. Thanks.
Posted: 4:33 pm on January 10th

dressed2atee writes: Geogeous!
Posted: 9:12 am on December 18th

alotofstitches writes: It's absolutely adorable and baby too! It is fun to sew for our grandchildren!
Posted: 7:28 pm on December 6th

In_Stitches writes: Absolutely beautiful dedication gown. The lace is wonderful.
Posted: 2:34 pm on December 6th

SaltnPepper1947 writes: Breathtaking!
Posted: 1:17 am on December 5th

gailete writes: gorgeous, both the dress and baby!
Posted: 7:11 pm on December 2nd

MDesign7 writes: This gown is truly an exquisite piece of art. You need to have it placed into a display box and place it on some type of pedestal so people can walk around it and admire all the details. Thank you for sharing it.
Posted: 2:53 pm on December 2nd

NansiSews writes: The ensemble is exquisite! Love to make these kinds of outfits - you're right it's a joy. Where were you lucky enough to find those three matching laces? In RI, we are down only a handful (maybe 4) fabric shops and laces are dwindling as the emphasis here is mostly quilting or home dec. Anyhow, any resources are gladly appreciated.
Posted: 7:23 am on December 2nd

Josefly writes: What a beautiful dedication gown. The bonnet is just beautiful. I know it will be treasured always.
Posted: 10:59 pm on December 1st