Carl's Baptism

In 2001, I made Carl's baptismal gown. Picture above shows my sister with Carl and myself.

Linda and Bill with Godparents - my sister and brother-in-law. Notice Gus stealing Carl's cap. It was from his baptism so I guess he wanted it back. I ran out of time to make Carl his own hat.


Carl's gown is from a pattern from one of Martha Pullen's books. I ordered the batiste, laces, and entredeux from Martha Pullen also.


Carl just not appreciating all the work that went into his gown.


Picture shows embroidery, lace and entredeux work. I used my Bernina 180 to embroider a rose in each godet.

Still not happy.
Gus walking around Carl's gown.

Gus' Baptism

In 2000, I made Gus' baptismal gown. As you can tell, he was unbearably cute! This is about the only picture of him where he is happy. He seemed to have understood that he was wearing a dress and that this was uncool. Bill must have been whispering things in his ear.

I used a pattern from Vogue that was copied from Theodore Roosevelt's baptismal gown. It included a cap, gown and slip.

I bought the cotton batiste, laces and entredeux from G Street Fabrics. Warning: the materials for heirloom sewing are VERY expensive. I probably spent a good $200. Sewing the batiste was like sewing air. I ended up heavily starching it and rinsing the starch out.

Heirloom sewing is actually relatively simple. The fabric, laces and entredeux are attached to each other with a simple zig zag stitch. It is however, very time consuming. You have to attach row after row of laces and entredeux. All of the seams are finished with french seams.

Gus, Bill and I with my parents. Bonnie also wore Gus's baptismal gown. Bill's brother was ordained a priest the day before, so I ran out of energy to sew Bonnie her own gown as well as a set of vestments. Here is a picture of my dad holding Bonnie in her sling at the baptism.