Winter Sewing Shuffle

I’m a little behind on my Christmas sewing–I still have to make my mother’s pajamas (she knows) and my Mother-in-law’s gift (she doesn’t know, yet).  And, I’m determined to finish my blouse from last summer and my high school reunion dress (that I obviously didn’t wear) that was kind of a disappointment.

I need to clear the decks ASAP, though, because I have been asked to make Alice’s dress for her dedication in March (when my minister sister will be out here in California).  Although my sister’s church doesn’t christen their babies, Jill still wanted something of the same heirloom quality as a christening gown.  Jill also gave me “free reign” to choose the dress.  I knew immediately the pattern I would use…it was just a matter of finding it in my stash: A Jessica McClintock pattern made by Simplicity in 1989.  I had bought it when we found out that my sister, Jan, was pregnant 18 years ago.  When I found out she was having twin boys, I opted for a Plan B (they looked adorable in the overalls I made for them, I might add).

We are guessing that Alice will weigh about six pounds by the time she is blessed and dedicated.  The smallest size starts at seven pounds but I plan on making the gown about 8-12″ shorter and use lace that is a little smaller in proportion so that Alice doesn’t look like she is drowning in all of that lace and fabric.

I bought that pattern a lonnnnnnnnng time ago and have purged my stash numerous times.  But I just couldn’t bring myself to get rid of this pattern.  Now I know why.