Andy's Baptism Gown and Tabard

Alternate Post Titles I Considered: Ironing Torture, Fluffy Baby at Church, Grandma Calls Baby Sissy

Today was Andy's Baptism. It was a beautiful Fall day and the ceremony was really special. Andy was the only baby baptized at the Mass today. He slept for most of the service, until it was time for the water and oil, at which point he got a little scared and cried. After that, he did pretty well, except when he saw the priest. He was annointed with a lot of oil, so the gown is now being thoroughly washed.
I made this gown before Petey was born (15 years ago!). All of my children have worn it at their baptism. Petey was only 4 weeks old when we had him baptized and it was very memorable, as I ended up in the hospital having my gallbladder removed that night! The others were a bit older when we baptized them, but they have all looked beautiful in this gown.

The pattern was in a Creative Needle magazine sometime in 1992. It is made from Nelona Swiss Batiste and cotton French laces. I put blue ribbon in the beading when my boys wore it and pink when the girls wore it. Ironing this gown is awful! The ruffle around the yoke is very full and nearly impossible to iron. As you know, the minute you put it on the baby, it is a ball of wrinkles again!!

Keep reading, lots more pictures below:

 Here is a view of the gown in front of a window.

 This is the fancy band, with beading, lace, pintucks, and a ruffle.

Here is a close up of the yoke and sleeves.

I thought it would be special to make his little "white garment" or tabard myself. This is something the church usually provides, but now that I can do machine embroidery, I wanted to make it. The cross is from Linny's Heirloom by Artistic Designs at OPW. I was itching to buy this beautiful set and I thought the cross would be perfect for this project. A friend, Gillie, digitized the words for me. Thanks! The priest liked it, too. You can't tell from the picture, but the back is the same as the front (it's like a sandwich board). The fabric is Imperial Pique from Fine Stitchery. This is a really nice fabric to work with, soft and easy-care with a little texture for interest.
I hope you enjoy seeing these special Baptismal garments!
Linking to White Wednesday at Faded Charm.