Bouncing Ballet Bonnet and Baby Dress

I have a dear customer in Australia, who likes to order special gifts for any friends who are having babies. The input from said customer is always interesting, and a starting point for what I am going to put as decorative motifs on the outfits. This time it was for the baby of a former ballerina, so the Swan Lake motifs seemed highly appropriate. 

Made from a delicate Cotton Lawn, with specially designed embroideries, 

hand appliqued into place, and with cotton lace insertions.

Bonnet with a fun scalloped brim.

Details of bonnet, & front yoke embroideries.

Detail of front hem Swans motif, 

and Insertion laces.

Detail of button back and appliqued embroideries.

 

First Holy Communion Dresses being worn in my Parish

This year I had the honour to make two dresses for two of the little girls in my parish who received Our Blessed Lord for the first time. Even though they were the nearest of all it has taken me rather a long time to get some pictures of them!

Miss H being chauffeur driven to the Church

(the family usually walk for 40 minutes to get there, that would have been a bit much in her finery!)

Anticipation!

The mantilla veil was a kind gift from a parishioner,

And her Godmother ordered a matching bag to go with the dress.

Miss E's dress was made from a beautiful cotton lace, with a cotton under layer.

It should last as she has (so far) two younger sisters to come after her!

A Happy Day!

It was lovely to be able to see my handiwork being worn for the first time ever!

Pussy Cats and Bunny Baby Vest and Bib!

In between making First Holy Communion dresses and mantillas, I've been having fun with the embroidery machine, making another tea cosy for a lady who likes cats, and a bib and vest for a new baby named Benjamin.  His mother is Spanish, so has not quite worked out the connection between his name and bunnies, but I am sure there is a translation of Beatrix Potter's story into Spanish so I shall attempt to find it for her.

What a hoot!

Aren't these chaps sweet?

Stuffed with polystyrene balls, so they are like bean bags, but fully washable.