I thought you might be interested in the history of the Daygown we are making from the pattern,
"Priscilla's Layette". This pattern was inspired by an antique Daygown. The original, View 1 - Classic Style was made for baby Priscilla, born in 1909, by her mother Maude. The hand worked stitches were fine, the hand made tatting was tiny and the love and care stitched into the little garment is apparent. It was, of course, styled for a boy or girl baby. This was a time before ultrasounds. The only way to find out if baby was a boy or girl was to have someone tie your wedding ring on to a string and let it swing over your tummy. Everyone would watch to see the direction it spun.
" If a wedding ring or needle suspended over your belly moves in a strong circular motion, you’re having a girl. If it moves to and fro like a pendulum, you’re having a boy" excerpt from an article on Amazon.com.
The drafted pattern and embroidery are my own but the inspiration came from the creation of Priscilla's Mother. The daygown was shared with me by Maude's Grandaughter (Priscilla's daughter), my friend, Ann.
Picture of Ann as a little girl. Sewing, of course!
When you make this little gown, think about Maude and baby Priscilla.
Jeannie, I have all of your patterns and your book. I am looking forward to making this sweet daygown. I have already embroidered the chick from your book on the front and would like to add the double featherstitch, but I am not happy with my feather stitch. Do you have any advice?
ReplyDeleteApril Showers
April, I know you are following the directions in my book so you are doing it correctly so my advice is practice, practice, practice. I will do a post in a couple of days to better answer your question.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog and really miss your store!! Which dress was your granddaughter wearing in the picture in your store? I have the baby Daydress pattern and hope the 6 months size will fit Parrish for her birthday by adding length. Love the blog on feather stitching and your lessons are great
ReplyDeleteI love to hear the history behind your patterns!!!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I would like to know about Ann's dress that she is wearing in the photo of her sewing!!! It is precious. I made a collar like that once at a class at children's corner in nashville, with Betty Rast as the instructor.
Sara