The Hope Chest Inspired Shower, Part 2: The Nightgown

An Heirloom Nightgown for Kelly

Goodnight Poem

 by Mykaela Maxino:

Touch your heart,

Close your eyes.

Make a wish,

Say goodnight.

Sky so wide,

Stars so bright,

Off the lights,

Sleep so tight.

Every bride needs a feminine, romantic nightgown, right?  

I made this gown as part of my niece, Kelly's 'hope chest' gifts (see previous post).  The nightie was made using a delicate pink Imperial batiste (a fine polycotton blended fabric) and pretty cotton lace from my stash.  I used a pattern from an old Sew Beautiful magazine and added a section of smocking below the high yoke.  I made it in the smallest size, but it was still very large on her petite frame.  I think that it would be perfect for mama/baby photos someday.  

The lace used on the front yoke was purchased from an estate sale along with a large box of other laces and trims.  What a find!  I did my best to match up the pattern and joined the strips of lace with a zig-zag stitch.  The lace around the neckline and armholes was from the same box of laces.  The cluny lace on the hem was purchased some time ago from Martha Pullen Co.

I apologize for the photos.  They were taken in the living room amidst all the commotion of the wood flooring being installed, and I didn't realize how out of focus they were until I had already given Kelly the gown.  The smocking was adapted from a smocked dress in another Sew Beautiful magazine.

Psalm 42:8:   But each day the Lord pours His unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing His songs, praying to God who gives me life.