Christening Robe

HereIGo

Hi, looking for some help please. Our first grandchild has been born, and I would like to make a christening robe. I can do basic sewing on my hand singer sewing machine, inherited from my mother. I have the idea that the robe would be something to be kept in the family and so would need to use material that would hold its colour and stand the test of time. I think I would sew on some ribbons/borders for decoration. Could anyone recommend a very straighforward pattern and suitable material and also, if possible, where I would get them. I have been searching the internet, but haven't come up with anything so far. I would appreciate any help. Thanks.

PhoenixParker

Haven't done anything similar, but this is my go to for choosing patterns:

http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/topsearch.pl?search=christening&st=p&submit=Search

There are a few reviews there that'll give you pictures of how the patterns turn out and how difficult they are to sew.

looksee

I suggest you choose a pretty, cotton, broiderie anglais fabric. The cheaper versions of this are polycotton, if you can find pure cotton it will keep its colour better and can be washed at quite hot temperatures to keep it white. There is a tradition for using fine white linen, but that depends on your preference.

Broderie anglais often has a patterned and finished edge which looks lovely cut for the skirt.

If the fabric is very openwork you may need an underskirt of fine white cotton. It would look better too, trim the edge with narrow cotton lace. The bodice would be better made fully lined - you cut out a bodice and lining exactly the same, rather than using facings, again it looks much better. You can set sleeves in between the two layers. Its very fiddly but is worth the effort.

I would suggest doing a trial run with some cheaper material before cutting the expensive stuff, you will probably end up with a pretty little dress (make the skirt shorter than the Christening robe) but it will not be a disaster if it does not quite work!

A simple pattern, very well made in pretty fabric will look much better than a very complicated style.

Do not make the neckline too high - partly so it will not be too tight, and partly because the priest will need to anoint the chest/throat.

For a good, professional finish -

finish all inside seams - have them inside the bodice lining and do french seams on the skirt.

Use good quality trims, especially ribbon as it can wear out quickly and fray from the ends.

Do not use ribbons or trims that a baby can get tangled in (very open work lace, narrow ribbon loops) or scratch herself on (sequins, metallic threads)

Use very simple, easy fastenings at the top of the dress. The baby will be lying on them, so no fancy buttons, and they need to be easy to open.

HereIGo

Thanks very much for this information. I've had a look at the pattern website and there is enough to choose from there, thank you PhoenixParker. Thank you also Looksee, you have put plenty challenges my way! I will be at my very limit to accomplish the robe to that level, but I can see that it will tidy up the seams and give it a very good finish. What is the difference between working with the cotton broiderie anglais fabric and the soft white linen, would the linen hold just as well or is it just the more traditional fabric?

looksee

It would be harder to find very fine white linen, it would be plain, and it crumples and holds creases. It is very nice in appearance and comfortable to wear though. In terms of care there would not be any difference.

wmpdd3

I have made a few different gowns. I usually use Linen but I prefer to use a high thread count cotton. It looks better and is slightly more forgiving, if you pattern is a little off center. I dont really use a pattern but I have used the one below for 'pants' for a boys gown.



I always line them and make the lining seperate. This make is easier to iron.

I also do 'French seams' on the inside for comfort, but if you have to follow a pattern this might be a bit too hard to do.

If you are keeping the gown for a long time be prepared to replace the trims, The first one I made was 14 years ago and I had to replace all the ribbon as it had dis-coloured.

Also as above, flat buttons are much easier for the baby to lie down on, you'd for get at that age they are asleep for most of the day.

HereIGo

Thanks for that info Looksee, I will use the cotton, broiderie anglais fabric so as it will look much better. wmpdd3 thanks for the tip re replacing the ribbons etc, I would actually have expected them to last longer than 14 years seeing as the garment would only be used occasionally, you live and learn! One more question, could anyone suggest where I could get a good quality cotton, broiderie anglais fabric and trimmings?

looksee

It might be 'back to the drawing board' OP. I was surprised that I could only find one supplier of 100% cotton broderie anglaise, Threads of Green, in Kilkenny. I have dealt with them, they are very reliable and good quality, but not cheap!

http://www.threadsofgreenfabrics.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=71_117_167&products_id=6198

Poly cotton is much more available, and is considerably cheaper - around £5 a metre online.

Otherwise you could buy cotton lawn and trim it with this: http://www.harrington-fabric-and-lace.co.uk/prod/lace-net/broderie-anglaise.html

Cotton lawn or linen can be bought online, but it is very difficult to see the quality and you would be better to try and get it from a shop.

HereIGo

Very dear looksee, but very nice and the finished product would look very well. There wouldn't be any need to trim with ribbons, etc, as the material would provide all the decoration. It has a traditional look about it also which would really fit the bill. It's a very strong contender at this stage. I notice it says 100% cotton, does that mean it would wrinkle very easily? I could travel to Kilkenny, its about an hour and a half away, and have a look at the material myself if I decide to purchase, not that I would know what I was looking for, only that I could say, yes I liked it or not! You are great looksee, thank you very much for your help and time.

looksee

Good broiderie anglais tends to hold its appearance as the embroidery takes away from any creases, if you understand me. It would not be a problem. If you are into sewing at all you should take a look at TofG, lots of goodies! I completely agree it would not need decoration beyond the fabric itself.