Jennifer, thank you for your kinds words about the blessing gown. It does have a story. I may run out of space... All of my brothers and sister and all of our children and several of our grandchildren were all blessed in a dress made by my mother's mother, Grace Head. She put lace on everything! Pillowcases, tea towels, aprons, nightgowns, tablecloths, dresses, etc. My uncle wore the dress that we were all blessed in as a child. He was born in about 1921 or so. The dress was a soft cotton and very simple. The lace, however, was about 4" long and very elaborate! My mother's sister made a brocade coat to go with the gown. However, after 5 children, 26 grandchildren and several great grandchildren wore the gown, you can imagine that it was very fragile and worn in 2000 when my mother died. At that time we "retired" it. (My son Joe, split the back open because he was a large baby!)
I wanted the same tradition for my own grandchildren... and hopefully beyond. I inherited some of Grandma Grace's lace (mostly from nightgowns and pillowcases). I took a few pieces of the lace and cutwork from some pillowcases to "The Stitching Post" before our oldest grandchild was born (he is 11). They helped me to choose lace and fabric so that the transition between the pillowcase lace and the 21st century fabric is nearly seamless. I made a slip and a dress. I am also embroidering the names of the babies blessed in the dress on the slip. (I am quite behind... Lucy, 3, is only in pencil!)
When I was sewing the dress and slip I literally felt the presence of my Grandmother and Mother encouraging me and inspiring me. One on each side as I stitched. It was a very spiritual and loving experience. It also is my best sewing!
One of the critical questions that we ask potential sons-in-law is whether they are willing to bless their sons in a dress! So far, they have all agreed.
Thank you for asking. I need to make sure this is in my journal.
Love your square! I have to admit that I'm struggling with this black and white block. Between being in charge of costuming 50+ actors for our High School Musical Fiddler on the Roof and taking a trip to Rexburg ID to see our 1st grandchild I haven't had a lot of time to think about it. Your block does give me a couple of ideas that might work.
8 comments:
Mardie, I love the square. You are so very creative.
that looks great, Mardie!!
Thank you, both!
Mardie, it looks great! Also, I got a closer look at Eden's blessing outfit. It is a work of art. Can you tell me more about that?
Jennifer, thank you for your kinds words about the blessing gown. It does have a story. I may run out of space...
All of my brothers and sister and all of our children and several of our grandchildren were all blessed in a dress made by my mother's mother, Grace Head. She put lace on everything! Pillowcases, tea towels, aprons, nightgowns, tablecloths, dresses, etc. My uncle wore the dress that we were all blessed in as a child. He was born in about 1921 or so. The dress was a soft cotton and very simple. The lace, however, was about 4" long and very elaborate! My mother's sister made a brocade coat to go with the gown. However, after 5 children, 26 grandchildren and several great grandchildren wore the gown, you can imagine that it was very fragile and worn in 2000 when my mother died. At that time we "retired" it. (My son Joe, split the back open because he was a large baby!)
I wanted the same tradition for my own grandchildren... and hopefully beyond. I inherited some of Grandma Grace's lace (mostly from nightgowns and pillowcases). I took a few pieces of the lace and cutwork from some pillowcases to "The Stitching Post" before our oldest grandchild was born (he is 11). They helped me to choose lace and fabric so that the transition between the pillowcase lace and the 21st century fabric is nearly seamless. I made a slip and a dress. I am also embroidering the names of the babies blessed in the dress on the slip. (I am quite behind... Lucy, 3, is only in pencil!)
When I was sewing the dress and slip I literally felt the presence of my Grandmother and Mother encouraging me and inspiring me. One on each side as I stitched. It was a very spiritual and loving experience. It also is my best sewing!
One of the critical questions that we ask potential sons-in-law is whether they are willing to bless their sons in a dress! So far, they have all agreed.
Thank you for asking. I need to make sure this is in my journal.
Mardie
What a lovely story. I really enjoyed reading it as well as Jennifer.
What a great tradition for you and your family. I love your quilt block design.
Love your square! I have to admit that I'm struggling with this black and white block. Between being in charge of costuming 50+ actors for our High School Musical Fiddler on the Roof and taking a trip to Rexburg ID to see our 1st grandchild I haven't had a lot of time to think about it. Your block does give me a couple of ideas that might work.
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