DD2 decided after Holly was born, that she would like the baby to baptised at the same church where both DD1 and her had been christened, way back in the early 1980s.
1981...family and friends who attended DD1's service...
A close up of 5 week old DD1 with her godmother...
The gown was originally worn by my younger brother in law 23 years before and the bonnet had been worn by my daughter's great grandmother, 98 years before. My mother in law was thrilled that these family heirlooms were used.
Then 3 years later, it was DD2's turn to wear them! The only photos I seem to have of this, are after the service and the bonnet has been taken off...
With her godparents with my mum in the background...
And a photo with me!
Holly's baptism is the weekend after next and I had borrowed the christening gown from my sister in law, who is the 'keeper of the family heirlooms', since my mother in law passed away in 2004. A bit of work was necessary to remove some stains and there were some tiny 'wear holes' in the bodice. Eventually I was satisfied that the dress was ready...
I didn't work on the bonnet as DD2 wants Holly to wear a more up to date style floral headband. Before I return the items, I may try cleaning the bonnet...
The one on the left is the one my girls wore...
It was crocheted 134 years ago using fine cotton...
When DD1 wore it 36 years ago, my mother in law sewed on new ribbon ties; I'm pretty sure these are the same ones.
The lining is all hand sewn with tiny stitches...
DD2 thought long and hard on who she and A would ask to be godparents and when the decision was made, these lovely friends were told/asked in a very 'sweet' way 😉.
Whatever will they think of next? Lol
So there will be a future post with photos of Holly's christening. Of course it's a perfect excuse for family and friends to gather.
1981...family and friends who attended DD1's service...
A close up of 5 week old DD1 with her godmother...
The gown was originally worn by my younger brother in law 23 years before and the bonnet had been worn by my daughter's great grandmother, 98 years before. My mother in law was thrilled that these family heirlooms were used.
Then 3 years later, it was DD2's turn to wear them! The only photos I seem to have of this, are after the service and the bonnet has been taken off...
With her godparents with my mum in the background...
And a photo with me!
Holly's baptism is the weekend after next and I had borrowed the christening gown from my sister in law, who is the 'keeper of the family heirlooms', since my mother in law passed away in 2004. A bit of work was necessary to remove some stains and there were some tiny 'wear holes' in the bodice. Eventually I was satisfied that the dress was ready...
I didn't work on the bonnet as DD2 wants Holly to wear a more up to date style floral headband. Before I return the items, I may try cleaning the bonnet...
The one on the left is the one my girls wore...
It was crocheted 134 years ago using fine cotton...
When DD1 wore it 36 years ago, my mother in law sewed on new ribbon ties; I'm pretty sure these are the same ones.
The lining is all hand sewn with tiny stitches...
DD2 thought long and hard on who she and A would ask to be godparents and when the decision was made, these lovely friends were told/asked in a very 'sweet' way 😉.
Whatever will they think of next? Lol
So there will be a future post with photos of Holly's christening. Of course it's a perfect excuse for family and friends to gather.
8 comments:
The dress is beautiful and the crocheted bonnet is such pretty work. I love the idea of using thIngs that have been handed down through the family. Our family baptism gown started with my children's great grandfather and is in great shape for being well over a hundred years old. I enjoyed your photos.
What a beautiful gown and bonnets. I so admire the fine cotton crocheting done all those years ago, incredible delicate work. It's good how you can record these lovely heirlooms digitally nowadays.
A lovely, sweet, way for the godparents' invitation most certainly!
Very sweet. In 100 years or so the new picstures will be beautiful and appreciated.
Oh Maria,
What lovely heirlooms and traditions!!
It always amazes me when families are about to share them. Things were passed on in my family but eventually lost. I appreciate that yours is still able to share them.
Such a beautiful little bonnet that!
What a beautiful family heirloom!
I have my Christening gown and that is what all my children wore when they were baptised. I might just have to pull it out and see if it needs a bit of cleaning and some repairs.
God bless.
I love your heirloom christening gown.
Amalia
xo
What a beautiful gown and that bonnet - so gorgeous. The photos from the 80's made me feel quite nostalgic.
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