first communion dress

 

That's me and my three-days-older cousin Patty at our First Communion party...1971.  Of course, my mom sewed my dress.  I don't really remember it but, looking at it now, it looks cute with puffed sleeves and a satin bow that tied in the front.  

This is something that may or may not happen but I am thinking about sewing a dress for my daughter's First Communion this spring...which will be here before I know it.   I found this vintage size 8 pattern last week and it rekindled my idea to try it.   I know it would be a lot easier (and cheaper) to just go to T J Maxx and buy one but I'm trying to change my mindset about sewing and think my daughter will enjoy helping me make the dress.  

I will need help from my mom for sure but I could also use a little help from everybody here.  Do you know of a dress pattern that would be good for the occasion?  Something modern but simple and appropriate for a little girl that's 8 years old?  

Comments

[Heather]

oh, what a fantastic idea! I love that you found a vintage pattern to make the dress for her, it will be so special!~

[Heidi Woodruff]

Hi Julie,
What a darling picture of you and your cousin! How cool to sew your daughter's dress. I don't have any ideas for a pattern, but I'll keep an eye open for anything that might work for you!

Thanks for your comment on my new blog!

*Heidi*

PS I do hope your Sweet and Sinister Swap box arrives from me soon! (It was heavy so I sent it parcel post, on 9/29, but it SHOULD be there by now!!!)

[Tara]

I can remember my mom making my best friend's first communion dress and I was so jealous of her getting a beautiful white lace dress.

I just recently bought a McCalls pattern that might work well... M5742. I'm using it to make my daughter's Christmas dress.

[An]

I made my something special for both my son (a vest) and my daughter (dress - McCall's pattern M4763). It was just one more way of showing them how special and important their First Communion was - and they felt very special having something specially made just for them. On my daughter's dress, I used a wide white-on-white ribbon instead of making the tie band which cut out some of the work. I also stitched on some pearl beads along the top of the band which made it look more elegant, but kept it quite simple. Good luck and happy sewing!

[Patrice]

HI Julie ~ Ohhhh, I hope you make it, it's such a special day for them. I made both of my girls dresses, they're now 22 and 19 and have such wonderful memories of their beautiful communion dresses. Neither of them wore a veil, just a little wreath of flowers. . . . . wish I could give you some help on a pattern but it was a looooooooooong time ago :) Good Luck with it!

[Kel]

I'm no help with the sewing thing (I envy your attempt and wish that I could be brave enough!) but I'm sure it'll come out beautiful, and I pray that your daughter and your family have a First Communion day filled with blessings and the Lord's love!

[Jenny]

Hey! Love the idea of making it yourself, I would not be that brave! Check my blog for the cute apron pattern I found this weekend. I thought of your blog when I saw it!

[suzy]

Hi Julie, What a sweet post! That would be very memorable for your daughter if you worked on the dress together. I recommend picking out a modern pattern if you want something easier. Patterns today use much easier construction techniques. Vintage patterns like that would almost certainly have set in sleeves (difficult) and typically more pieces. My mom used to sew for myself and my two sisters all the time and I learned by watching her. Good memories! xo, suzy

[Mary Ellen]

I think your site is amazing! May I add you to my blogroll?

[charlotte]

Make it yourself, Julie! I made Erin's elegant, long white graduation dress (high school). It was so special to do that for and with her. When we looked at wedding dresses, it was the first thing she talked about. We still have it. xoC