The long sewing drought is over, and I finished Bonnie's 1st Communion dress. I have been thinking about it for months and have not been able to sew anything for myself in the meantime. Of course I was sewing up until the last minute (I finished it at 9:00 and we left for the church at 10:00).
I made the pattern from a store bought Easter dress that Bonnie wore 2 years ago.
The dress is four layers - silk organza, 15 ply habotai silk, cotton batiste and 8 ply habotai silk (china silk). It is underlined in the cotton batiste and lined in the china silk. I tried to buy the fabric locally from G Streets. I tried both the Centerville and the Falls Church locations, but neither one had silk organza or any light weight silk white bridal fabric. It was all various shades of ecru or candlelight. I guess people don't go for true white weddings. I ordered the fabric from Thai Silks. I think their prices are reasonable, but the shipping costs will wipe out any savings you may get.
The veil is a piece from my wedding veil that I made. I also made my sister's veil from a piece of my wedding veil. It is the gift that keeps on giving. I bought the pearl and crystal headband from JoAnns.
Here is the family with my mother. My dress is from Nordstrom's. The boys were really miffed that they had to dress up.
My Aunt Diana is a very devout Catholic. She never had children and has always been very involved in my life. She loves the girls in their 1st Communion dresses and she was very excited about Bonnie's dress. She called me often about the exact specifications for the dress including the sleeves and skirt length. My aunt had been sick for awhile and she set a goal of getting well enough to come to Bonnie's 1st Communion to see her dress. Well, three weeks ago I got the early morning call that my Aunt had died. My heart is broken, but I certainly had to have the most perfect 1st Communion dress ever to please my Aunt. I have to believe she was smiling down from Heaven - though I certainly would have preferred to have her with us.
I made a mockup of the dress that fit perfect, however when I stitched up the dress it was about an inch too small. I guess all the layers added up. I ended up letting out the side seams. I tried it on her Thursday night and it was still a little tight. On Friday morning I said a prayer to my Aunt Diana "If you want Bonnie to wear the dress, it needs to fit." Guess what? It fit perfectly!
I love you Aunt Diana - Godspeed...
