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.