Sunday, January 11, 2015

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.

12 comments:

  1. The nightgown is gorgeous, Karen! I love the bullion roses and lace. The entire theme for the shower was neat. I really enjoyed the pictures and the descriptions. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Thank you for your sweet comment, Cindy! I loved making the gown and all the other things for her. I used to sew for her when she was a really little girl. I even made her christening gown and bonnet and thought I did such a great job. (LOL) I've learned so much about fine sewing, smocking, and embroidering since then! I hope that I can make things for her future children.

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  2. Oh my goodness, Karen...what a BEAUTIFUL gift! A true heirloom treasure, for sure. You did a wonderful job on all the details. I bet she was thrilled when she opened this present. I know I would be!

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    2. Thank you, Rett! I remember making Kelly a fancy ankle nightgown when she was little that she loved and wore for years.

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  3. What a gorgeous heirloom, Karen. A treasure forever, for sure!! Lucky bride!

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    1. Thank you, Carol! I really do love making heirloom things!

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  4. That is lovely! the smocking is a perfect addition.

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    1. Thank you, Charity. I really love to smock and geometric smocking with embroidery is my favorite handwork.

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  5. Yes, I agree every hopechest needs a romantic nightgown and this one is really lovely! I especially like the vintage yoke - I have seen these in the antique store. Now I will know what to do with one. I also love the bullion roses. Your niece must be thrilled. Can't wait to see what else is coming.

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    1. I found one of those crocheted yokes in an antique store many years ago and made a blue nightgown for my mother. Funny, I don't know what happened to it and hadn't thought of it until you mentioned finding the vintage yokes. This one looks a lot like those yokes but I pieced the laces together to make a rectangle and then cut the front bodice from the created 'fabric'. I am looking forward to posting the next set of things because it was your blog that got me started on that set!

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  6. That is sew pretty. Lucky girl to have such a thoughtful and talented Auntie.

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