Grace makes her own First Communion Dress

My daughter, Grace, makes her First Communion this year.  Custom dictates that she wear a white dress.  However, if you knew my daughter, you would

Beautiful!

  have a hard time imagining her in a dress and smiling at the same time. 

    My solution, let her design and make her own.  That did it!  She picked out her own pattern and made her own modifications and picked out her own fabrics.  We then called in Grandma Karen for help and girl-time. 

    Grace really did do her share of the pinning and cutting.  When we got to the sewing, she set the speed on the Janome to the slowest setting (usually she goes full throttle on the Singer).  I thought that she could bump it up to the medium speed, but she said she would prefer it on "super-granny-slo-mo".  I tell you what, that is a perfect 5/8" seam allowance.  I can't ask more than that. 



Grace wanted a butterflly on the front



     By the time the seams on the skirt were done, she was ready to go outside and play which was perfect timing.  We had her come in and try on the bodice and then the unhemmed dress.  Seh decided that it needed a butterfly on the bottom and the length should be just above the ankles (Surprise for me).  I finishe the dress with a secret message on the inside with room enough for the next wearer to put their information should it be used agian. 

    The end result was just what I hoped for.  My daughter in a white dress for her First Holy Communion.

 



When it was all done, she agreed that she liked this dress and it was so comfortable, that she wouldn't mind if I made her another in a different color. 



<>Now, on the viel and shoes, we have a different story.  No veil or circlet of any kind.  Only ribbon and flowers (and she didn't even  want that). 

My Mom and Grace cutting pieces



     And the shoes, this is where a parent picks their battles.  White Keds tennis shoes. 

     I know that what Mom or Dad says goes, but when it comes to something like this, I want her focus to be on Christ, not her itchy dress or her shoes that don't feel good or the piece of hardware on her head.  First Communion is a time to celebrate and nobody wants to smile and enjoy if they're uncomfortable.   She's a tomboy and I love her that way, the way God made her!