Followers

14 January 2013

You mean this old thing?


Someone Small was baptized last Sunday. I wanted to share because, as textile artists, I thought you might enjoy seeing her in her great-grandfather's christening gown. It is at least 106 years old, maybe older, and was worn by Left-brain's grandfather, his mother, him and all his siblings and cousins, and our niece and nephews. Think of all the beautiful ceremonies it has seen. It was sewn by my MIL's grandmother, out of beautiful batiste, embroidered (if it's not broiderie anglaise, it's something very close) and edged with hand-made lace, truly a work of art. She also wore her paternal great-grandmother's crucifix, tucked against her skin, and a crucifix her godmother gave her. My mom had a bib and slippers for her, so that she wouldn't ruin the pretty dress. I probably should have made something, but I made her, so maybe that was enough?

It was a beautiful service. I teared up, but managed not to start openly crying. Babygirl took it in stride, she had her pacifier in while she was being anointed with oil, and sucked quite contentedly on it as she was carried down the aisle by the same priest who married her father and I, to be introduced and the newest member of God's Church.

She did want to eat the food at her party, though. She was eyeballing everything, especially her baptism cake. Which had purple flowers on it, since purple is her signature color. It was a nice day, all in all.


7 comments:

Annie said...

What a gorgeous photo to add to the family legacy of this gown. Ms. K has definitely learned how to pose!

stitchersanon said...

A beautiful post: a beautiful babygirl and a beautiful dress. Amazing to have something like that in your family history. Real history, as it should be.

Honeybee said...

That is the sweetest picture. Love that happy little grin!

Kathy A. said...

I dont know which is more beautiful - little one or that gown.
She looks like a princess.
What a lovely heritage is her gown.

Siobhán said...

Congratulations to your beautiful baby girl on her baptism! I loved hearing the history of her gown. My older daughter wore the gown that was made for her uncle and all of my FIL's siblings (there are 6 plus him) and he wore. The family wasn't so forthcoming with the gown for the twins, so one wore the gown my brother wore and the other wore the gown that I wore on my baptism.

aprilmecheelesdulllife said...

She is just beautiful!!! I love that gown!

Carol said...

What a blessed day for your darling daughter and your whole family, Rachel. That christening gown is so very special--how wonderful to still have it in such wonderful condition after over 100 years... Thanks for sharing her special day with us :)

I do my thing and you do yours. I am not in this world to live up to your expectations, and you are not in this world to live up to mine. You are you and I am I, and if by chance we find each other, then it is beautiful. If not, it can’t be helped--Frederick Perls