Peter Mitchell Baca

My friends Leigh Ellen and Mike Baca have a beautiful baby boy. He was born July 17, 2009 and is being christened today. He is truly a miracle. I had promised Leigh Ellen a christening gown as she was waiting for a pregnancy that would make it to term. Needless to say, everyone was thrilled when Peter was born healthy and adorable at 6 pounds 12 ounces 19-3/4 inches long.

As usual the christening gown was delivered Friday evening right before they left for Pennsylvania. With all of the christening gowns I have made…this is the first time I have documented the making of the gown.


The gown is made of white swiss nelona with French Val lace and Swiss Embroidery insets. I also made a slip out of Martha Pullen's Favorite Swiss Batiste edged in small French Val lace. Since all of my christening gown patterns/designs are packed up somewhere because of the fire, I used a pattern that Leigh Ellen had in Handmade Baby Gifts by Teresa Layman.

The front of the gown took the longest to put together--of course. I have never had the patience for pin tucks...but I think it turned out well. I really like the pin tucked panel that runs from neckline to hem through the front bodice of the dress.




The sleeves will have satin ribbon that runs through the beading between the lace edge and fabric of the sleeve.

I didn't take a picture of the back of the finished gown. It is very plain with only the lace band at the bottom. But in a southern tradition I used 'beauty pins' instead of buttons on the back of the gown. This makes the gown more sizeable as it is used for different children.



Here is a closer look of the band constructed of French Val lace and Swiss Embroidery that makes the hem of the gown.

The finished gown! The sleeves are missing their ribbons that will draw them up into a softly pouffed sleeve. I gave Leigh Ellen white, blue and pink ribbons ... that way she had a choice for this christening and hopefully future ones!