The Old Fashioned Baby Sewing Room

Sewing For a Great Grandson

2024-08-31T23:48:00.001-05:00

This will be a fall Baby!

I chose a luscious blue Swiss Flannel fabric to make this little boy Daygown. So soft and cuddly, it's perfect for a sweet baby.

I threaded floss through the entredeux holes on this narrow Swiss Edging and pulled the threads slightly to help curve the edging around the collar. I stitched it on by hand.

Charlotte will be an amazing Big Sister!!

I adapted the Cuffed Sleeve from my pattern "Baby's First Daygowns" pattern and stitched the Swiss Edging along the cuff as well.

💕💕💕

Happy Stitching....J

Baby's Ruffle Brim Smocked Bonnet

2023-04-03T15:47:00.009-05:00

This pattern is Baby's Ruffle Brimmed Smocked Bonnet"

It comes in the same pattern with a little Smocked Dress and is too sweet!

Baby Londyns sweet little face (from 5 years ago!)

Just a wee bit big but still so cute.

The Ruffle is folded back before it is pleated. So there is the fabric ruffle around her face, and the turned back fabric ruffle, edged in lace.

This is a great view of the Bonnet on a doll.

Just a bit of smocking.
You can't make just one!
You will be thinking about your next little dress before you even finish the first!

The dress that goes with this bonnet is one of my favorites.

The pattern "Baby's Smocked Layette" Pattern is in my Web Shop and 2 sizes are included.

Infant and 6 Months.

Have a happy stitching day!

Easter Bonnets - Miss Bufords Baby Bonnet

2023-03-31T14:43:00.002-05:00

This is one of my all-time favorite Bonnet Classes and Patterns!!

I was given the original Baby Bonnet by a generous friend several years ago.

My friend was given this bonnet by Miss Buford, who was still living at the time.

Her information about the origin of the bonnet was that it was made for her by a family member, perhaps an aunt. And she recollects that she and her Bonnet were over 100 years old.

Many of my designs are inspired by old baby garments.

This is one of the few that I tried to reproduce the style exactly.

I taught it for SAGA at one of the Nationals.

The fabric is fine Linen.

The Bonnet buttons down the back with tiny slip size buttons.

It has a casing to thread ribbon through and pull up to form the bonnet shape. A bonnet that pulls up in the back also makes it somewhat adjustable for size. A good thing!

In this photo you can see the bonnet is completely made but the buttons are not fastened and the ribbon not pulled up. It makes it easy to iron!

The lovely feature of Miss Bufords Bonnet is the Hemstitched Tucks and Embroidery. The pretty Maline Lace edging just makes it even more beautiful to me.

There are so many things to love about this bonnet!!

Close up of the Half Hemstitching and the embroidery. The leaves are Satin Stitched, the stems are the Trailing Stitch and the flowers are tiny Eyelets.

Here is a photo of the original bonnet. It was damaged but still beautiful.

The embroidery is perfect.

There is a pattern for Miss Bufords Bonnet in my Web Shop.

It is completely constructed and embellished by hand.

Happy Stitching, J

Baby Bonnets - Little French Bonnet

2023-03-29T08:47:00.002-05:00

Baby Londyn in her Bonnet
(taken 5 years ago!!)

Bonnets frame the sweet little face so nicely!

She is wearing a Bonnet from the first Bonnet Pattern I ever printed.

Old Fashioned Baby Bonnets

This Bonnet is "Little French Bonnet"

The fabric is a Pink Lawn.

The Laces - Exquisite!

And Silk Satin Ribbon for ties.

The sizes are Infant to 12 Months included in this pattern.

I call this Baby Bonnets 1, because it was the first Bonnet pattern I printed.

As you can see, the pattern includes 5 different Bonnets.

Old Fashioned Baby Bonnets is available in my Web Store.

This Bonnet has a Lacy Front Band and the fabric is slightly gathered to the band.

The back has a casing to pull up with a ribbon to make it easy to fit the bonnet to your baby!

I think every baby needs a Bonnet!

May you have a lovely day stitching your dreams.

Jeannie B

Anna's Circa 1920 Bonnet on Baby Londyn

2023-03-27T06:50:00.001-05:00

Baby Londyn

This is Londyn wearing Anna's bonnet. It is adorable on her...well, she is pretty adorable if I do say so my self. As her Grandmother, I would certainly know!!!

Did I mention that you must Bonnet Train a baby? This is important!

Baby Bonnet Training - Put a Bonnet on baby when you bring her/him home from the hospital. And every time you leave the house. And just for fun a couple times a day.

They will become used to having the bonnet on their head!

Happy Bonnet Stitching,

Jeannie B

Baby Bonnets - Anna Circa 1920

2023-03-24T12:01:00.001-05:00

Anna's Circa 1920s Baby Bonnet

My friend Jamie, shared her treasured baby clothes with me and allowed me to copy this sweet Bonnet! It was made for Anna Gordon Barrett Kelly in 1920 by her Mother, Virginia

I taught this Bonnet as a class for SAGA

I used a Maline Baby Beading as Lace Insertion

No Ribbon woven through.

This Bonnet has three overlapping triangles that make up the Brim. Each triangle is finished with a Lace Insertion and edged with gathered Lace.

They are embroidered before cutting out, which is much easier. You can see the Old Fashioned Double Featherstitch in the photo here, which I love! I used soft Green for the stems and leaves and pink for Featherstitching and Rosebuds. Each triangle is completed before attaching it to the Bonnet.

A look at the lower edge

The Ribbon Ties were attached on the inside of the Bonnet and a pretty Ball Baby Button was stitched on the outside. Entredeux was used to finish the neck.

Side View

This is a lacy little Bonnet, with gathered Lace Edging all around the Bonnet, included around the crown on the back. I used Maline Lace which is the Queen of Heirloom Sewing - so beautiful. The edging used is 5/8" wide.

You can find Anna's Circa 1920 Baby Bonnet Pattern in my Web Shop if you would like to make one.

Happy Stitching!

Jeannie B

Charlotte - She is the Face of Cystic Fibrosis

2023-02-15T21:30:00.001-06:00

Her hoodie reads "I'm a CF Warrior"!

Charlotte is my first Great Granddaughter!

She was born with Cystic Fibrosis.

We found out she had it when she was a few weeks old.

It is a genetic disease, that is progressive.

You would not know it by looking at her!

She is one of the happiest Babys I know.

For her, the life she is living is normal. She doesn't know anything else!

But it's not an easy life.

There is ongoing research on treatments and hopefully they will find a way to reverse it.

A lot of advancement has been made in the last few decades.

But there is a long way to go.

Her parents are CF Warriors too.

They have to be!

May the Lord Bless you and keep you;

May the Lord make his face to shine upon you

and be gracious to you;

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Happy Stitching!

Baby Charlotte in French Acadian Sundress

2022-12-11T20:22:00.000-06:00

Baby Charlotte (my one and only Great Grandchild!) is wearing my French Acadian Sundress.

I added a Swiss Edging to the hem, attached with entredeux.

I also wanted to Smock the Front.

I really like it!

I pleated a few rows using half space needles.

This is the back view.

I didn't smock the back.

The front of the Pattern has the lacy version, which is really my favorite.

I think I would like to smock this view!

She loves her little talking/singing Teapot.

But after awhile, we were glad it had an Off Button!!

Happy Stitching!

Christmas 2021

2022-12-05T21:12:00.002-06:00

This photo of Charlotte is from last Christmas.

She is wearing the dress featured in Classic Sewing Magazine for Christmas 2021.

I used my pattern Old Fashioned Baby Daydresses and the design is included in my article.

I like to add a touch of color by threading four strands of floss through entredeux.

Charlotte with her Mama :)

I was in Wales visiting her family last Christmas!

In this photo where I am holding her, she is wearing a Smocked Bishop that I made her Mama 27 years ago. The smocking plate is Silent Mice.

Amber & Charlotte, Nick (Ambers husband-Charlottes Daddy) and my Grandson who also traveled to Wales for Christmas!

I will miss them so much this year!

Happy Stitching!

Cute Maddie!

2022-12-03T19:58:00.003-06:00

This is a photo of my Granddaughter, Maddie. It was taken for an article I did for Sew Beautiful Magazine. She is wearing one of the dresses in my pattern Old Fashioned Baby Daydresses.

This beautiful baby graduated from College this year.

Is Engaged!

And has begun living her dreams!

The Pattern is Old Fashioned Baby Daydresses and there are three pretty little dress styles included.

This version is styled after some I've seen in South Louisiana.

Pretty and Sweet!

Happy Stitching!

Old Things Found!!

2022-12-01T19:45:00.000-06:00

This is an Embroidered Quilt Block I made many, many years ago.

I bought a set of 12 in 1970 and embroidered 7 of them. I had NO IDEA what I was doing.

But apparently I planned to finish them because I kept them all these years.

I was looking for my box of Interfacing and had to pull all this out of my closet before I found the box with the Blocks (long before I found the interfacing).

The block even has dots to follow for Hand Quilting.

These are the ones that have been waiting 52 years to be finished.

I have to say, I am impressed with the neat back, all things considered (my young age)!

I labeled the boxes that were put back into the closet and plan to make 2033 my Year of Organization!

I wasted all my sewing time looking for something I needed!

I hate that!

I also labeled the box with the Quilt Squares,

so I can find them when I know what I want to do with them.

Now I know how to quilt!!

Happy Stitching.

Toddler Summer Dress on Londyn

2022-07-09T15:42:00.002-05:00

Londyn is wearing a dress from my pattern "Toddlers Summer Dresses".

She is wearing a size 3 but she is a four year old on the small size.

It's actually just a tad small on her and would fit her 3 year old sister perfectly- but I need to make Londyn another one before she will be ready to pass this along!

"The Lord is merciful, compassionate, patient, and always ready to forgive."

Psalm 145:8

Happy Stitching,

Jeannie

Baby's Smocked Layette on Charlotte

2022-07-06T17:10:00.001-05:00

Little Charlotte is wearing her Easter Dress!

I made it using my Baby's Smocked Layette Pattern.

I just can't get enough of that pattern!

I just want to keep making them before she outgrows the pattern!

I made a Fancy Hem with embroidered Bullion Flowers along the front .

I like to use the baby Maline Beading as a lace, with no ribbon threaded through.

It is sweet and delicate.

With Gathered Lace edging to finish the Fancy Hem

The fancy entredeux is a favorite of mine for neck (and sleeve edges).

Just a bit of Smocking looks best on this baby dress.

A pretty Bullion Flower on the sleeve too.

I just love this pattern.

It fits like a dream because of the raglan style. Easy to make with only a bit of Smocking at the front.

And it is gorgeous on the baby.

You, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.

Psalm 3.3

Happy Sewing,

Jeannie B

Baby Charlotte in Smocked Dress

2022-06-25T10:27:00.005-05:00

Baby Charlotte is my precious Great Granddaughter!

She is the happiest Baby I have ever seen.

Charlotte is 10 Months old in this photo.

She is wearing a Smocked Dress I made for her, using my pattern "Baby's Smocked Layette"

I made the Large size - (to 20 lbs)

I adjusted the pattern to add a regular hem that can be turned under.

I did this by simply adding 3" to the bottom of the Front and Back of the pattern. I curved the lower edge to reflect the original pattern.

I used the Bias Binding option in View 1.

Then I gently gathered Lace Edging and whipped it under the Binding.

I also stitched Bullion Roses around the hem, which is a sweet touch!

You know how sometimes a garment surpasses your cuteness expectations?

Well, I am in LOVE with this little Blue dress on Charlotte!

The fabric is easy care poly/cotton Blue Microcheck. The French Lace Edging is the perfect baby size and the Pink Smocking/Embroidery really stands out on the Blue.

I have put together a kit in my Web Shop if you are interested. It has the same easy care fabric for the Dress, the same Baby Lace and Pearl Buttons and also includes a cotton Lawn for the Slip.

(slips just NEED to be cotton!).

Click Here for the Kit.

"By You I have been upheld from birth;

You are He who took me out of my mother's womb.

My praise shall

be continually of You."

Psalm 71:6

Happy Stitching, Jeannie

Redwork Romper Featured in Classic Sewing Magazine

2022-03-28T10:41:00.003-05:00

This is my Granddaughter, Londyn, wearing the little Redwork Romper.

(She is now four years old.)

I love looking back to her baby days!!

The fit of this Romper is super comfortable and the look is darling!

Sweet (and easy) embroidery stands out against the white fabric.

Buttons fasten the crotch for the look I like.

(you could use snaps instead)

Lace embellishes the sleeves with red embroidery floss (I used 4 strands) woven through the entredeux. A lace frill is stitched below the bias binding and a red Running Stitch accents the neck as well as the cute pockets.

This kit is available on my web site.

Instructions and the Embroidery Design are in the 2022 Spring Issue of Class Sewing Magazine.

The pattern is "wo"Best Embroidered Baby Clothes T.

"He fills my life with good things, so that I stay young and strong like an eagle.

Psalm 103:5

Baby Charlotte's Dress

2021-11-16T09:33:00.005-06:00

This is the Baby Dress that Charlotte is wearing in the last post,

I used my pattern Old Fashioned Baby Layette.

And a sheer white Swiss Fabric, like Nelo.

The yoke has Lace Insertion and Tucks.

The Lace Insertion was stitched onto the fabric, between the Tucks, using a Machine Pinstitch done on a Pfaff sewing machine. I did NOT cut the fabric from behind the lace. This gives it a more subtle look and it also is more stable for a Dress that you hope will be well worn by your little one.

The neck is finished with Baby Entredeux and embellished with Maline Lace Edging.

I used Swiss Beading at the sleeve because it enables you to adjust the size with a ribbon.

I made a slip to wear under the Dress.

A Dress always looks better with a slip!

I worked a Shell Hem by hand around the neck. It is a pretty and decorative stitch that is very soft way to finish the edge.

The hem is finished with a hand stitched Scalloped Hem. In the center of the Scallop I have stitched an old fashioned Rosebud.

She is a Newborn here so the Dress is a bit large but the short puff sleeves with ribbon ties make it manageable.

Charlotte Elizabeth 💗

Small flat Pearl button down the back.

Charlotte Elizabeth

2021-10-31T21:03:00.002-05:00

Meet my first Great Granddaughter ... Charlotte Elizabeth.

(She is the first daughter of my first daughters first daughter. hahaha! )

She is already 3 months old so I will be catching you up with photos :) She is adorable xxx.

In this photo she is wearing a Baby Dress using my pattern Old Fashioned Baby Layette.

The beading and ribbon at the sleeves edge are very helpful in fitting a newborn!

Snail Shirring Baby Gown

2021-02-16T22:55:00.000-06:00

French Handsewn Circa 1920 Dorothy's Baby Gown

This lovely Baby Gown features a Snail Shirring Ruffle at the hem, trimmed in Lace Edging.

This is my interpretation of a Baby Gown made in the early 1900's for Baby Dorothy by her Grandmother.

This pattern is available in The Old Fashioned Baby Web Shop

The Ruffle at the hem is gathered using the technique Snail Shirring.

The fabric is rolled and whipped by hand to the yoke.

I have threaded four strands of floss through the Fancy Entredeux.

The pattern includes instructions for stitching the Snail Shirring technique used to gather the ruffle. The pattern and instruction are for Handsewing only.

Next post: A little bit of Snail Shirring History.

Visitors in my Backyard

2021-01-04T20:07:00.001-06:00

My two little Granddaughters came to play on a Sunny Day.

Only outdoors!
I'm still keeping away from everyone.

Happy New Year!

Sew Along Snail Shirred Bonnet

2020-12-29T15:38:00.001-06:00

Snail Shirred Baby Bonnet in size Infant.

I will be doing a Sew Along using this Baby Bonnet with the Smocking Arts Guild of America. It is open to all Saga members.

This is the Bonnet Ruffle

I have named this technique "Snail Shirring" because of some instructions I found in a vintage sewing Books over 25 years ago.

You must be a Saga member to do the Sew Along. All the instructions will be on the Saga website and their Facebook page. It is a wonderful organization and you should join so you can stitch with me!

This Bonnet has a tie in the back which gives it a bit of adjustment for size.

Here is the Saga Link, where you can find out the materials you will need to Stitch Along with us.

SAGA

Praise the Lord!

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;

For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

Psalm 106:1

Baby Daygown - Sweet and Simple

2020-12-08T22:12:00.003-06:00

Lilly (as a newborn) is wearing Sweet and Simple Baby Daygown.

The pictured Daygown is made from a nice cotton Lawn.

It's soft and comfortable and irons up nicely.

I've Shadow Stitched a little Duck on the front.

This little Daygown features two Tucks stitched on either side of the front opening.

There is a reason I named this pattern "Sweet and Simple Daygown Collection".

It is so sweet and very simple to make.

I have hand stitched tiny tatting along the edge of the sweet collar.

Little cuffs are turned up at the edge of the sleeves.

And Lilly is happy and sleeping in her Grammy made Daygown!

(We didn't change the print onesie for a plain one or put a slip on her before putting the Daygown on Lilly.

Looking at these photos, I wish I had gone to the trouble to do that!!)

"Withhold not your tender mercies from me, O Lord:

let your loving kindness and your truth continually preserve me."

Psalm 40:11

Sister Star Block Challenge - Finished

2020-12-01T10:46:00.000-06:00

My Star Quilt top is totally done!!!

I am so impressed with myself!!

I am not a quilter but I love to sew and I have had fun with quilting because I am able to use fabrics in colors that I never use when stitching pretty Baby Clothes.

While making Baby clothes is my first love, I like to make quilts too.

And it was a way to be connected in this lonely time. My sister and I each did a different block each week. She lives in Ohio but if felt like she was stitching with me.

Hers is completely different from mine but still stars.

My Sisters finished Quilt Top.

Happy to be finished.....and on to another Sister Quilt Challenge!

"....and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands...

1 Thessalonians 4:11

Guess Who Just Turned 3!!

2020-11-16T09:23:00.001-06:00

Londyn Marie.

She had a party at a nearby park so we could all be outside.

Londyn is wearing her "Coming Home from Hospital " Gown in this photo in Creative Sewing magazine.

I made this dress from my French Acadian Christening Gown pattern.

A photo of Londyn getting her first real pair of Shoes.

Oh, that Baby grows so fast!

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord"

Psalm 127:3

My English BOM Block One Finished!

2020-11-14T09:17:00.000-06:00

This is Block one - Finished.

I have joined a Block of the Month Club that is from a shop in England.

If you have never hear of a BOM, it is a very clever way for a shop to sell a product (kit)over time. For the sewer, it is so encouraging because they send you ONE Block a month and you have a whole month to complete it before the next block arrives.

It is a great motivator.

I added to the original block by using Buttons and Embroidery to embellish around the little posies.

I found this shop on line and loved the pretty things the owner made. Pretty Fabrics and Trims. And since I now have much more time than I ever did before, I thought it was a good time to practice skills that are lacking. Such as hand appliqué. If you just stitch something you will get better.

I love this cute block.

Yesterday I worked on Block 2 while sitting in my Back Garden. It was such a beautiful day and my flowers love this weather.

It is Snapdragon Season.

I hope you are staying safe, wearing a mask and having fun sewing!!

" What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in it's time."

Ecclesiastes 3:11

How to make the Yoke on Londyns Nightgown

2020-09-20T12:43:00.003-05:00

Londyn in her new Nightgown!

I used my pattern "Sweet Summer Nightgown and Slip"

But you can use any yoke pattern to make this design.

I made Londyn a size 3 (she will be 3 in 2 months). She is smaller than average so it is a bit large but I want her to be able to wear it next spring. I shortened it so it would not be too long.

I worked a bear in Shadow Embroidery and stitched some surface embroidery.

I cut a block of fabric and traced the embroidery onto the yoke so I could embroider before the yoke was cut out.

The embroidery design of the Teddy Bear is on page 27 of my book

Jeannie B's Book of

Heirloom Embroidery

Designs and Stitches

I changed the eyes to sleeping eyes. And I had to re draw the ends of the vine to fit on the Yoke.

Be sure to mark the stitching lines of the yoke at neck and yoke Botton to line it up correctly.

DO NOT cut on the stitching lines.

I also reduced the bear to 90% size

You can use any design you want to embellish your yoke.

Then, I stitched Lace Insertion to either side of the Center Yoke.

And ran a fine Poly ribbon under the lace to give me a pretty touch of color.

I stitched Pink Bias Binding to the neck edge.

I drew each Lace Line 2 1/2" from the Center Front. I lined up the inside edge of the lace along that line. Depending on the size Nightgown and the Lace you use, you might need to move the lace closer to the Center Front....or farther away. I think this would also look very nice with Lace Insertion that is just a tad narrower, stitched between tucks.

I stitched the lace first, then ran the ribbon under the lace. Then I stitched top and bottom to keep the ribbon in place during construction.

This is Angel Lace Insertion. Isn't it lovely?

The lace is about 5/8" wide.

The gown is pink but the front yoke is white to allow me to stitch the pink Teddy Bear.

I used a narrow Swiss Edging (one of my favorites) along the lower edge of the gown to finish it. I rolled and whipped it.

The pink fabric I used is Imperial Batiste which is 60" wide, so I was able to use one piece of fabric for the front and back. That makes this sooooo easy peasy!!

My pattern has directions for 45" fabric or 60".

I stitched love into this little nightgown:)

Sweet Dreams, precious girl!

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."

Matther 11:28